THE CHAMELEONS

by David Levy ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 21, 1964

At some point in this long novel about television by a man who knows a lot more about the industry than about entertainment, and in its discussion of programming with which it is chiefly concerned, one learns to make the distinction between shows which are commercial vs. public service. It might apply to some extent to this book which is a commercial handling of a public service theme--- i.e. video's pandering to the (low) taste of the people to give them what they like best (sex, violence, etc.) Here at FBC, president Joe Cratton ""thinks dirty."" Opposing him is young Steven Lane who represents the Newton R. Minow stance and before he's through, IS through. He is expeditiously bounced. And as the book closes after a long hearing in Washington, it has managed to tape lots of intramural infighting, talk about what's up and down (ratings), what's in or out (shows and people), as well as a minimal extra-marital side trip..... ""It's a goddam lousy system."" ""It's television."" You don't need a tube to get the image.

Pub Date: Sept. 21, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dodd, Mead

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1964

Categories: FICTION