Has anyone been watching the re-run Miss Marple on ITV3? I was just wondering whether I was in the Royal Albert Hall listening to some overture, but no, after pinching myself I was in front of my TV watching Agatha Christie’s adaptation of Miss Marple doing her stuff of resolving a murder mystery but nevertheless these gems from one of the greatest authors of the century shouldn’t be drowned in music and so much so that you can’t hear what the cast are saying. It seems to be the same in every programme that all the channels put on for the viewer supposedly to enjoy. I want to know where the orchestra is in these masterpieces of drama, in another room may be?
Advertising is another bane and now there are more slots in an hour of drama and they have done this by shortening the drama so that the advertisers can get another three minutes of adverts.
It wouldn’t be so bad if the same repetition of advertisements weren’t shown with the same products over and over again. It is obvious to me, but not to the advertisers that they are wasting their money about which I’m pleased as the saturation of their product doesn’t mean they will get more customers and as I have often said, many times before – if I want to buy something, I would make the decision to purchase something and I wouldn’t be swayed or pressurised by any advertisement to do so.
However there are some advertisements that can be very amusing and can attract one’s attention, but even those can become boring after awhile and it is another excuse for me to go for a walk, which I do and also another reason why it is a good idea to record the programme and look at it later and fast forward over the adverts.
I just hope that the radio doesn’t go down that avenue of loud music in a play so you can’t hear what the players are saying.
Are there any advertisers, producers and directors reading this column? If so take heed – you’re doing the public a disservice by your insistence in producing a play that can’t be heard because of the loud music and shortening plays to advertise products four times in an hour’s drama.
Many years ago television programmes were enjoyable to watch and that was when music stuck to a Music Hall. But now if this is the way that progress is going – I shall go back to listening to my radio.
The above is just my opinion and anyone who wants to write to me care of the newspaper regarding the content – please do so! Swear words are not accepted.
