Clothes, And A Point Of View (Press, 24 February 1977)

On 24 February 1977, A.K. Grant shared reflections on the Queen's recent public appearance in Auckland, where she wore a sleeveless dress made of crepe de chine. Grant noted the fascination some may have with the Queen's attire, questioning why such detailed descriptions are often reserved for her alone. He inquired why similar attention is not given to Prime Minister Muldoon or the subjects of his controversial statements regarding police actions against homosexual activities. Grant pondered the significance of the Queen's clothing choices, suggesting that her sleeveless dress could symbolise Britain's stance on the inclusion of New Zealand dairy products in the European Economic Community. In a lighter vein, Grant discussed the debut of South Pacific Television's new series, “The New Original Wonder Woman.” He characterised the show as reminiscent of the “Batman” series, aimed at humour through the clichés of comic book storytelling. Although he acknowledged that comic strips had their appeal, he expressed doubt about their effective adaptation to television, arguing that such a transition ends up lacking the necessary sincerity. He likened the effort of creating a television series from a comic strip to building a skyscraper on a trampoline, suggesting it is an unstable foundation that undermines the narrative's integrity. Grant reflected on his fondness for comics, recalling elements of Captain Marvel and critiquing the approach of parodying these stories as fundamentally flawed. He contended that comics effectively resonate when treated with seriousness; a dismissive attitude leads to a loss of engaging content, instead fostering tedious performances. Additionally, Grant praised the television show “Van der Valk,” despite acknowledging a recurring plot device that he found tiresome. He cited the frequent scenario where the main character, Van der Valk, is interrupted during personal moments by work-related calls, leaving his partner, Arlette, feeling neglected. Grant argued that the audience has already grasped this narrative element, suggesting it applies to many professions and lives, not just those in law enforcement. He remarked that many can relate to the disruptions in personal time due to work commitments, likening it to his own experiences in his marriage. Through this commentary, Grant combined observations on royal sartorial choices, critiques of media adaptations, and reflections on personal experiences, all wrapped in a humorous and observational narrative style.

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