A television series on anti-Semitism considered too controversial for that medium has been re-written for the stage by its two authors who claim that several theatrical companies in Holland and other countries are interested in it. The writers, Johnny Speight. a British humorist, and Dutch quizmaster Berend Boudewijn, were commissioned two years ago by the Dutch Roman Catholic broadcasting service, KRO, to write a humorous series for television on any subject.
They selected social anti-Semitism which they said was widespread in Holland though rarely admitted in public, The authors treated the subject along the lines of the successful American TV series ” All in the Family” whose chief character, “Archie Bunker” is an object of ridicule because of his racial bigotry.
When the first six episodes of the proposed Dutch series were previewed by selected groups. including representatives of the Jewish community. the consensus was that the series might foster anti-Semitism rather than denigrate it. KRO postponed the opening several times and finally cancelled the series.
The Catholic organization paid full production expenses for the pilot episodes, amounting to 170,000 guilders but refused the authors the right to re-sell the series to other Dutch broadcasters. Thereupon, Speight and Boudewijn re-wrote it for theatrical production.
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