Pudding Forced To Turn Down TV Bid for 'Buddha'

Nicholas Benton '51, chairman of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, last night turned down a television offer for "Buddha Knows Best," the 1950 show.

Benton explained that the offer, made by Ed Sullivan, Broadway columnist and television master of ceremonies, would conflict with University regulations prohibiting the inclusion of Harvard and Harvard institutions in commercial radio and television programs.

Sullivan appeared at the Hasty Pudding clubhouse last night to assist in the final casting of "Buddha Knows Best." He is planning a revue including Princeton's Triangle Show and Pennsylvania's Mask and, Wig as well as the Pudding Informed of the ruling, Sullivan expressed the hope that something could yet be worked out.

Benton's refusal marked the fourth television offer rejected by the Pudding. Three previous offers were made for the last two shows, "Tomorrow Is Manana" and "Heart of Gold."

The un-televised "Buddha Knows Best" opens in December for a run in Cambridge, with tentative plans for providence and New York.