Harry H. Corbett

[Hackett]

Great scene stealer was Roy, not just in the funny fat bloke parts, he was a very fine actor.

[David Brent]

More information I've learn't of the great Harry.
He was born in Rangoon, Burma on the 28th February 1925, the son of a British Army officer. After his mother died in 1928 Harry was raised by an aunt in Manchester.
The voice he used in the Steptoe series was his very own (with traces of a Mancurian accent from his upbringing).Apparantly he rarely tried to change the way he talked, even when performing classics on stage.
After leaving the Royal Marines after WW2 he became an understudy at Chorlton Repertory Company.His very first part was as the front legs of a cow in 'Dick Whittington'.
Harry was known to close friends including Wilfrid Brambell simply as H.
During the 13 years of performing in Steptoe apparantly there were only ever minor irritations or disagreements between Harry and Wilfrid. Although they rarely socialised together they were always good friends.
Harry suffered his first heart attack in 1979.He died after suffering his second heart attack on the 21st. March 1982.He was aged only 57.
Those in the trade called Harry a "generous" actor.A brilliant professional whose performances were highly acclaimed way before Steptoe started.
Without Steptoe he probably would have become one of Britain's finest serious actors.After Steptoe he was only offered parts in comedy films and series.
A great actor non the less.

For all those Steptoe fans that may be interested, the actual film location for the junk yard (Oil Drum Lane in the television series) was at 25 Norwood Lane, Shepherd's Bush.
Anyone know what that area is like today?

Dave.

[Steve Crook]

Originally posted by David Brent@Jul 24 2005, 05:42 AM For all those Steptoe fans that may be interested, the actual film location for the junk yard (Oil Drum Lane in the television series) was at 25 Norwood Lane, Shepherd's Bush. Anyone know what that area is like today? Dave.

There isn't a Norwood Lane anywhere near Shepherd's Bush any more, not in any A-Z or streetmap that I can find.

But if you go from Shepherd's Bush up to the Westway, as you go up the ramp you're going over/past a scrap yard. That's not too far from Television Centre and I'd often wondered if that was the one.

Steve

[David Brent]

Originally posted by Steve Crook@Jul 24 2005, 07:36 AM There isn't a Norwood Lane anywhere near Shepherd's Bush any more, not in any A-Z or streetmap that I can find. But if you go from Shepherd's Bush up to the Westway, as you go up the ramp you're going over/past a scrap yard. That's not too far from Television Centre and I'd often wondered if that was the one. Steve

Very interesting Steve.
The owner's of the junkyard at the time of filming were T. & E. Watts.
If that surname still has anything to do with the property you've seen then it's probably the same junkyard.
T.& E. Watts also owned a junkyard at 147 St.Anne's Road, London w.12 and that was used for filming the origional Steptoe episode "The Offer" that appeared in television's Comedy Playhouse in 1962 before the series was commissioned.

Dave.

[harryfielder]

This is a screen grab from Porn Yesterday that someone sent to me from another site...(That's me telling them where to go) see year 1973 on my web page..



Aitch,

[David Brent]

We have a star in our midst.
Welcome Harry! Must say I'm very impressed with your long list of film and television appearances.
Bet you could share a few stories
By the way Harry did you add the Aitch as a tribute to Harry H.Corbett or is it in reference to something else?
Cheers!

Dave.

[harryfielder]

Hello Dave,
Being a London ''Cockney'' I was always called H as a kid but I thought Aitch looked better..(posher )
I enjoyed my days on Steptoe and got on well with both cast and crew, but today we don't seem to get good comedy shows, (or is it me just getting old)

Aitch,

[Aenima]

Originally posted by harryfielder@Jul 28 2005, 05:20 AM but today we don't seem to get good comedy shows, (or is it me just getting old ) Aitch,

I would have to disagree with you there Aitch. I'm an old git but I think there has been some good comedy over the last 10years on BBC2 and ch4. I would say in my humble opinion the following were pretty good:

Alan Partridge
Laegue Of Gentlemen (well series 1 and 2 were excellent. 3 was not so good)
Nighty Night
Peter Kay Phoenix nights
Spaced
Peep Show
The Office
Jam
The Day today
Brass Eye
Early Doors
Big Train
Fast Show

Cheers,
A

[harryfielder]

A,

I looked at the list...(and I rest my case )

S W A D - Fielder, Harry

Aitch,

[Aenima]

Originally posted by harryfielder@Jul 29 2005, 12:36 PM A, I looked at the list...(and I rest my case) S W A D - Fielder, Harry Aitch,

Not impressed with any of these then Aitch. I always new I had bad taste!!

Cheers,
A

P.S.
Do you have any plans to speak at conventions etc. You must get loads of invites

[Steve Crook]

Originally posted by Aenima@Jul 29 2005, 12:35 PM I would have to disagree with you there Aitch. I'm an old git but I think there has been some good comedy over the last 10years on BBC2 and ch4. I would say in my humble opinion the following were pretty good: Alan Partridge Laegue Of Gentlemen (well series 1 and 2 were excellent. 3 was not so good) Nighty Night Peter Kay Phoenix nights Spaced Peep Show The Office Jam The Day today Brass Eye Early Doors Big Train Fast Show Cheers, A

Add to those...
Coupling
Grass
Dinnerladies
The Keith Barret Show
Little Britain
The Mighty Boosh
Posh Nosh
QI
Absolute Power

and anything that doesn't have "Celebrity" in the title

Steve

[mysteriesofedgarwallace]

Originally posted by Steve Crook@Jul 29 2005, 03:07 PM Add to those... Coupling Grass Dinnerladies The Keith Barret Show Little Britain The Mighty Boosh Posh Nosh QI Absolute Power and anything that doesn't have "Celebrity" in the title Steve

I'm with Aitch on this one, most modern comedy I find extremely unfunny.
I find Ricky Gervais un-watchable.

However........with Absolute Power, there is one exception. A gem.

[Steve Crook]

Originally posted by harryfielder@Jul 29 2005, 01:36 PM A, I looked at the list...(and I rest my case) Aitch,

And this from the man who was in All in Good Faith and Hope It Rains (but was also in the brilliant Citizen Smith)

They made bad comedies "back then" as well.

Steve

[harryfielder]

Steve,
Only the ones I was in...

Aitch.

[mixxxxer99]

(Diane Blackwell @ Jul 1 2005, 10:07 AM) I've got reasonable quality copies of Sparrows Can't Sing, The Bargee and Rattle of a Simple Man - but although I can't make copies of them, I'm more than happy to lend the tapes out .... unless, of course, I send copies to people who want them and they make copies themselves!

I would be most interested in borrowing your copy of "Sparrows can't sing"

MM