‘Rich Man, Poor Man’

Press, 4 August 1981, Page 15

‘Rich Man, Poor Man’

Sir,—Douglas McKenzie presented a remarkably confused analysis of American television in his review on July 29.1 was particularly irritated by his derogatory assessment of the programme, “Rich Man. Poor Man,” which I consider excellent in conception and production. I agree, of course, that violence and sexuality are indeed persistent themes in American television, as they are in all human existence. But 1 cannot accept that Mr McKenzie really needs a “finely tuned computer” to allow him to distinguish this programme from “Soap,” which is so obviously from an entirely different genre. The reviewer’s terminology (“high

life.” “plastic") is poorly chosen and his conception ot the programme’s theme unclear. How, for instance, can he legitimately complain about its inclusion of “the obligatory fist fight” when a very important part of the story consists of the adventure of a man who becomes a professional fighter? “Rich Man. Poor Man” is a fine novel and the television version has in its first two episodes achieved a similar quality. I hope that the novel’s sequel will be televised. I also hope that Mr McKenzie will continue to follow the story and perhaps begin to enjoy Irwin Shaw's great story and Mick Nolte's powerful acting.—Yours, etc.. TIM WALLACE.