University of Virginia Library

Late Nite Pablum

Frank Pierson's style of direction
would be best suited for the
pablum we are served every night
on television. To be more precise,
one may ask whether Mr. Pierson
does indeed have a style. He
invariably takes the easy way out in
whatever he is shooting. The film
may be considered another cutting
room special, in fact. Compared
with a movie such as "Topaz"
which deals with the same subject,
"The Looking Glass War" clearly
shows the difference between a true
director and one who only goes
through the motions. Hitchcock
cares how he shoots a scene; Mr.
Pierson is already editing it.

As for you culturally snobbish
critics, thank Columbia's fair lady
for sparing you. Money is not the
cause of all of filmdom's woes.

(Now at the University.)

Christopher Jones, Pia Degermark

Stars Of "The Looking Glass War"