Behind the Screen

Pitchman, by Robin Moore. 352 pp. New York: Coward-McCann. $3.95

Robin Moore, who “went into television” in 1949 and “still retains an active interest” in it, is the latest businessman-turned-author to expose to public view the conditions existing in the business in which he has prospered. As a novel it is a sorry, monotonous performance. But as a picture of the television industry, painted by a man who has lived with his subject, Pitchman will repay examination. It shows us the face behind the screen; and as we gaze at that countenance, with all its revolting features, we marvel—not that TV is no better than it is, but that it manages, against desperate odds, to be no worse.

BR

About the Author

Ben Ray Redman

Featured Tags

Pitchman, by Robin Moore. 352 pp. New York: Coward-McCann. $3.95

Robin Moore, who “went into television” in 1949 and “still retains an active interest” in it, is the latest businessman-turned-author to expose to public view the conditions existing in the business in which he has prospered. As a novel it is a sorry, monotonous performance. But as a picture of the television industry, painted by a man who has lived with his subject, Pitchman will repay examination. It shows us the face behind the screen; and as we gaze at that countenance, with all its revolting features, we marvel—not that TV is no better than it is, but that it manages, against desperate odds, to be no worse.