The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 25

MARK LAWRENCE looks at the best new programmes and personalities we: saw on television in 1978. 1 fSlaudFiif winriiffrels in look at 78's best offerings insensitivity, was arguably the best single drama of the year. Commercial station viewers suffering "dial paralysis" would be well advised to seek out the Playhouse timespot next year. Among local productions. Run From The Morning and The Truckles were two series deserving praise (both ABC productions).

Other overseas programmes included Who Pays The Ferryman (ABV-2), Nicholas TOokIeJy. (ABV-2). The Quest (GTV-9), Raffles (ABV-2) and one of the years most under-rated series. The Secret Army (ABV-2). There were also local disasters.

ATV-0's Chopper Squad boasted a classic case of plot indigestion and cast stereotyping, while ABV-2's Catspaw was a lesson in dramatic overkill. Rich viewing SIS Sien Phillips. She portrayed to perfection the asp-like Liwia in Claudius. Claudius, Holocaust, Against The Wind. These three programmes alone made owning a television in 1978 worthwhile.

Each series predictably attracted its share or critics. Claudius, while not enjoying a large audience (as did the other two) still wins my nomination as the most memorable programme in 1978 memorable not for its infamy but for its fine dramatic qualities. The BBC's dramatisation of Robert Graves' book attracted historical criticism and some expressions of horror in its more bloody moments. But nothing could overshadow the superlative performances of Derek Jacobi, John Hurt and Sian Phillips as Claudius. Caligula and Livia.

It was their acting acute characterisations full of subtle nuance which lifted the series so far above the ordinary. Holocaust (HSV-7) deservedly attracted a massive audience. Some felt the producers had created something too black and white all the Jews were good, all the Gentile Germans were bad. But allowing for the inherent limitations of dramatically presenting such, a monstrous story, Holocaust provided all that could be expected fine acting and a vivid reminder of one of history's blackest eras. Against The Wind (HSV-7) is still fresh in most people's minds and much has been said recently.

Suffice to say. here at last was a major Australian production of world standard. Academic nit-pickers aside, the scries left little room for criticism. It was a triumph for the creative minds of Bronwyn Binns and Ian Jones and for the artistry of the technical crew. And the cast contributed to the series' success with fine performances all round.

Stuart Wagstaff's World Playhouse provided a string of excellent one-up dramas (ABV-2, Fridays). Choice of Evils and The Spongers were just two of 10 outstanding plays shown in this spot. The Spongers, a draining, tragic tale of a deserted mother's fight against bureaucratic DOCUMENTARIES always provide a rich source of viewing for those, not content to thrive on escapist pap. 1978 was no exception. Australian documentaries of note included Edge of the Cold (ABV-2).

Woodchipping Can We Afford It? (HSV-7). The Last Tasmanian (ATV-0) and, on a lighter note. Australian Music to the World (HSV-7). Ian Meldrum's On a Slide Going Down was by no means a brilliant effort, but did show the value of well-known personalities putting their efforts into socially beneficial programmes. Mention should again be made of the consistently excellent presentation of the A Bis Country team.

Two of their efforts The Bergin and McHugh Expedition and Spirit of Olegas stand out. Fine overseas contributions included The Christians (ABV-2), Sailor (ABV-2). The Long Search (ABV-2). Though not strictly a documentary, David Frost and the Bangkok Connection (GTV-9) also made informative viewing. Fritt Weaver.

His portrayal of Dr Wales was one great strengths of Holocaust. Michael Aitkens as Chris and John Wood as Stokey in The Truckies. Their antics riled a few drivers but the series was an overall success. Both men acted extremely well. Wood yimm 1978 WAS not an outstanding year for new comedy.

In the comedy variety field Paul Hogan's -routines took on a very tired appearance but Norman Gunston, boosted by a huge budget and top production, continued to shine. v- Bobby Dazzler (HSV-7) a complete failure (another example of the exceptional talents of Johnny Farnham being misplaced) as was the cheaply produced Tea Ladies (ATV-0). ABC-TV's Tickled Pink series provided several, Bleasant surprises but lacked consistency while arryl and Ossie (ATV-0) ran out of suitable one-liners in about a week. New overseas comedy was also fairly thin. Soap (ABV-2) arrived on a wave of controversy but quickly lapsed on an ebb tide of apathy.

A steady stream of British comedies arrived via the ABC but none really gripped the public's imagination. Instead HSV-7 managed to attract very large audiences with re-runs of Are You Being Served? and Some Mothers Do Have 'Em bought from ABV-2 where they enjoyed only moderate success. Also at time of writing HSV-7 was about to show the second of three programmes of The Norman Conquests. From public reaction this trilogy could well prove to be the comedy highlight of '78. c6nt.

PAQE 7 mm I YEAR END SPECIALS at NATSOUND offer has been extended to January 12th. following the ekciiing success of ins Yamaha purchase back in cash Barrel Game at Natsound we have decided to extend our offer to January 1 2th. Your name goes in the barrel ust for coming in to see us. But if you buy some of our Yamaha equipment, your name goes in for each component you buy. On January 12th if your name is drawn, we'll refund the full cost of the Yamaha component you've bought.

Cheapskates who didn't buy anything will still win SI 00. And you can't be fairer than that There's never been better time to invest in Yamaha. Because, with any luck you may not have to pay for it. An executive of "The Age" newspaper will draw the lucky winner. THE EXCITING RANGE OF YAMAHA INCLUDES $199 $249 817 TOPICS AMPLIFIERS KENWOOD 90 RMS MARANTZ 1070 SH YAMAHA CA 500 SO RMS SH TUNERAMPS MARANTZ 2230B 60 RMS YAMAHA CR200E SPEAKERS BOSE 301501601901 in Stock.

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The world of stereo has had it's ups and downs recently. The recent rapid changes in currency values has slowed down and we should have more stability for the future. The recent removal of duty on cassette decks has meant reductions of around 20 or more. The speakers I like best are still the Stax electrostatics but for a price range which most audio buyers can afford the Magnaplanar speakers are superb But I have to respect the opinions of many people who select to satisfy other needs and tastes. In the speaker world it comes back to.

your own personal preferences. The new year promises to bring exciting new products. At last Lux are starting to manufacture stereo cassette decks of a standard to match the quality they have achieved in amplifier performance. These should be available early next year The B.I.C. 2 speed cassette decks which were the sensation of the 1978 Chicago Audio Show should also be here in the new year.

Bertagni have bought out 2 new speaker models the D190 and the D280. The D280 would not be out of place in Star Wars. Our present rapidly diminishing stock of DCM Time Windows and QED's will be increased. They have incredible front-backdepth. It is a case where all the underground magazines' reviewers praise of them as the best-value speaker has a lot of merit.

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raw happy end safe New Year. Treat it and vour records nd tapes kindly especially at this time when they so and ti II IV Xftej orien get even more man normally neglected. I I. ney gg appreciate 111..