Let's start with the title: there is NOTHING simple about parliamentary procedure. The very anal Gen. Henry Robert who originally devised these arcane rules of governing meetings must have been the life of the party and I'm sure he wowed the crowd with his extensive knowledge of ‘questions of privilege,' ‘taking from the table,' and ‘fixing the time to adjourn.' Today, even though the rules are still excruciatingly dull, they are the only means by which many business meetings can be conducted. However, I warn viewers that they are in for two hours and twenty minutes of absolute torture. Here, the ‘typical meeting' used to explain all of the rules is poorly presented: a stiff-looking bunch debate whether to spend excess club funds on a trip to Paris or to Disneyland (thankfully for the French, these wild and crazy guys decide to give Mickey Mouse the headache). The graphics that introduce each segment are poorly done (having everything spelled in capitals in a flowery font can really become tiresome to the eyes), and there are long pauses during the exchange of dialogue between the leader of the group and his minions. The producers could have done everyone a favor by injecting a bit of irreverent humor in their presentation of valuable information. Instead, they chose to compete with Nytol--and succeeded. An optional purchase. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)
Parliamentary Procedure Made Simple: All About Motions
(1996) 2 videocassettes. 140 min. $119.50. Robert McConnell Productions. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 12, Issue 2
Parliamentary Procedure Made Simple: All About Motions
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