NT-6108

Countdown on Slate.

Animated WNET 13 graphic.

Bill Moyers reporting from studio opens show, introduces himself and the topic of today's program, "the issues of 1972".

Bill Moyers still reporting from the studio, gives a summary of the program - a year end review of the news - politics, sports and war. He states sports is a good diversion, but has joined war as a political distraction. However, sports reaches conclusions and the war went nowhere. He cuts to several vignettes by the ordinary people who are affected by the news but who's opinions usually aren't heard.

Bill Moyers and prisoner standing behind prison bars discussing the political campaign and Watergate. Prisoner speaking frankly with Moyers about how they blundered everything and should not have gotten caught. He states that if they (prisoners) had done something like that they would have gotten 15-20 years but because they were politicians they won't wind up with any sentence or not much of one.

Spanish American male talking head with long black sideburns speaking about Nixon and politics of the day to unseen interviewer Close ups of var others in the room looking on with interest.

Bill Moyers casually tossing football back and forth with New York Jets quarterback, Joe Namath in an empty football stadium.

Another shot of Moyers (from behind) tossing football back and forth with Joe Namath as he's speaking with him about football being the #1 sport in the country with its emphasis on contact and violence.

Wide shot Bill Moyers wearing a #28 football jacket standing in New York Jets stadium.

Great var shots Joe Namath, laughing, smiling tossing football back and forth.

Moyers back in the studio introducing next segment on the women's movement and women's rights.

Hand moving iron across ironing board.

Hands moving and adjusting fabric on ironing board and ironing.

wide shot talking head woman shot from behind speaking with Bill Moyers sitting on chair in her apartment. Moyers asks her that if she doesn't get mad about the prejudices will they ever change.

Back in the studio with Moyers he introduces the next segment - inflation. He gives some stats - 1/3 of the country lives in poverty, and 1/2 lives on the margins of modest comfort.

Close up on African American woman speaking to Moyers (unseen) - she states she doesn't feel we are "one nation". She feels the white folk still look at the Blacks the same way as when they got off the ship from Africa. that they are only good as servants and that's all.

Thomas wearing a red bandana around his head and speaking with Moyers (unseen) speaks about the destruction by he American Government of their (Indians) spiritual centers and the natural beauty of the country.

Talking head older former Mexican American farm worker in cowboy hat speaking with Bill Moyers (unseen). He talks about working for 10 cents an hour back in the 30's, but inflation makes things very hard now, prices on everything have gone up. Life is difficult for him and his people, young and old.

B&W montage of Vietnam War themed still photos starting with newspaper headline: "North Viets Push On, Peril Big U.S. Base; soldier in Vietnam carrying two babies; close up on soldier's face; soldier talking with a crying injured Vietnam woman; soldier's helmet reads "Christmas? Never Happen Here"; Daily News headline reads: 'Viet Peace is at Hand'; Henry Kissinger; Daily News same headline reads: 'Kissinger Reports Viet Pease is at hand; Soldiers helmet reads "Goodbye VietNam"; Soldiers boarding vessel; returning soldier kissings hugings family; Soldier's field with dozens of white headstones.

Wide shot Moyers in studio in front of large TV screen he talks about and introduces the people depicted on the screen behind him; Reverend Raymond Pontier from Clifton, New Jersey; his son Glen Pontier in prison in Connecticut for refusing to be inducted; James Davis, retired druggist from Tennessee and his son Tom who died in Vietnam -the first soldier to be killed in combat in Vietnam in 1961.

Rev. Pontier speaking outdoors with Bill Moyers about his son Glen being arrested and going to jail in protest of the Vietnam War.

Graveyard with large engraved stone memorial "DAVIS".

A cannon war memorial in small town, retail shops, cars parked.

Two story brick home with two chimneys, most likely early 1800's, some cars and a pickup truck parked out front. Dreary cloudy day.

Back with Reverend Pontier, close up, on the contrary to how Davis feels, he states how angry and mad he is that 2,000 American boys have been killed

Western Union telegram Mr. Davis received announcing his son was killed on December 22, 1961 in Vietnam.

Moyers leafing through pages of documents in a binder .

Moyers and Davis continued interview. Bottom line is Mr Davis does not think his son Tom died in vain.

Tilt down on two young boys walking along the beach. Bill Moyers narrating introduces himself and says goodnight. Show end.

Credits scrolling through show graphics,

End reel,