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The 1975 Leaders Debate
Television (Full Length) – 1975
This 1975 general election leaders' debate sees Prime Minister Bill Rowling (Labour) square off against contender Robert Muldoon (National) in front of a panel (Bruce Slane, Gordon Dryden, David Beatson). Rowling had been in the job a year, after the death of Norm Kirk, and Muldoon paints him as a drifter in the face of the first oil shock. It was one of three pre-election specials made for NZ TV’s new second channel. This is filmed in black and white, but during this campaign National exploited newly-arrived colour TV via the infamous ‘Dancing Cossacks’ ads.
Do you think the public mind might have been shaped by the fact that you appear to be a reluctant Prime Minister. You’re not exactly a dominant leader in government?– Interview chair David Beatson to Rowling
Key Cast & Crew
Produced by
Television Two (TV2)
Categories
More Information
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