ENTERTAINMENT : ‘Roe Vs. Wade’ Wins in TV Ratings

The NBC movie “Roe Vs. Wade” surprised the industry and easily won the ratings battle Monday night, according to A. C. Nielsen Co. figures released today from the nation’s 20 largest television markets.

The movie about “Jane Roe’s” battle to obtain a legal abortion that led to the Supreme Court’s landmark 1973 decision had a rating of 16.8 and a 26 share. ABC’s “B. L. Stryker,” a crime drama starring Burt Reynolds, and CBS’ lineup of comedies had about an 18 share.

Makers of a denture cleanser and a wood soap risked the wrath of abortion critics and advertised on the show along with a perfume, spring water, wine, anti-itch medicine, fast cars and first-run movies.

A spot check of network affiliates reported only a modest number of telephone calls, and the majority of those favored the broadcast.