The organisers confess modestly that the Miss World contest is 4 one of the biggest publicity gimmicks in the world.' The BBC cheerfully brings the pulchritudinous finals to 27 million viewers. Fifty-four sets of vital statistics. Fifty-four national hopes burning beneath swimming costumes, carefully inspected for artificial devices. It all adds up to eight days of near hysteria; rows, tears, chaperones and a babel of interpreters. Big girls, small girls, olive girls. Girls who care, and girls who don't. Girls who cheat, and girls who won't. The contest is planned with military precision. The result is a crown, £ 2,500, and a handful of golden ' perks.'