BIG BROTHER COMPUTES

Kirk Douglas’ maiden voyage into TV spokesmanship is for the $6-billion Sperry Corp., but he’s not hustling home computers. He’s part of an image-building campaign by the nation’s fourth-largest computer company.

In one of two ads running, old Spartacus descends the solid stone steps of a capitol rotunda while detailing how Sperry’s giant mainframe computers are helping 31 countries to govern more effectively.

Hmmmmm.

Of Sperry’s 31 satisfied customers, as listed by a company spokesman, there are lots of the world’s most-democratic guys--like grand old us, Switzerland, Canada, etc. But there’s also the People’s Republic of China and Iraq, where personal and/or economic freedoms aren’t exactly thriving--and where many folks may be less than thrilled with increased government “efficiency.”

Is Sperry a little uncomfortable selling to such countries? A spokesman said the company follows U.S. government guidelines on international computer sales.