LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

Leading Johannesburg clergymen, psychiatrists and social workers who attended a screening of the controversial film Valley of the Dolls agree that the film, which deals with drug addiction, should be seen by “everybody who has a social conscience”. The Rev. Clifford Welch, of the Central Congregational Church, said the film “was educational and showed the effects of drug addiction”.

The Rev. H. J. C. Snijders, of the Dutch Reformed Church, said he had nothing against showing the film to people over the age of 18. “I cannot really see the use, though, in banning the book and allowing the film to be released.”

Rabbi Norman M. Bernhard, of the Oxford Synagogue, said the film was “not particularly worth seeing”. — December 17 1967

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

President De Klerk yesterday cut short his Christmas holiday to purge rebel South African Defence Force officers involved in possible murder plots and attempts to sabotage his reforms. “I am shocked and disappointed, but resolute,” said the president at a hastily convened press conference in Cape Town. Twenty-three officers, including at least two generals and four brigadiers, were immediately retired or suspended. The action has stunned the military. — December 20 1992