Arthur English

[tinman]

I am enjoying all of AYBS? on dvd (Sadley - I am too young to have seen them on their original release!)
... And one of my favorite characters is Mr Harmon. He seems to me to often have a very warm reception from the studio audience.
Why was this? . Was Arthur English a household name at that time? or am I just reading too much into the audience reaction?


Appologies if this has already been covered!

[Very Young Mr Grace]

I heard that he used to do stage shows back in the 50's and was here-and-there around the U.K. doing different types of entertainment from then on. It's possible that plenty of people either saw him acting or singing at some point. I always liked his character. Seemed like a cool guy to have a pint with and watch the football game!

[Tiddles]

He seems to me to often have a very warm reception from the studio audience.
Why was this? .


As well as what English brought to the role, I think his popularity was due somewhat to the fact that Harman represented the "lower working class". And he was never afraid to stand up in a cheeky manner to authority. Another plus! :harman01: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0257583/bio

[tinman]

thanks for that info everyone :)

[tiffsboys4]

Mr Harmon was my favorite character on the show. He always seemed to get the best of Captain Peacock. Funny character who was good for laughs every time he entered a scene.

[madeinengland]

I agree - he always makes me laugh. I think part of it is that he'd done most of his previous work in theatre and similar live situations, so he's got that rapport with the audience and a facility for quickwitted recovery from mistakes (e.g. "or life back in to the body, whichever way you blows down it" in 'Fire Practice'). His own personality comes accross very clearly, and that's one reason I think the audience responded so well to Mr Harman's antics.

[Diana Yarswick]

Just received his autobiography, can't wait to read it.

[minki]

Just received his autobiography, can't wait to read it.

Ordering mine when I get back home :)

[froggie]

i always found him more funny than Mash. Mr mash had the goofy attitude but Harman brang some thought-provoking humour into it

[John Inman Fan]

I like Harmon too; seems like a cool guy! Trying to catch him on Magnum P.I. which I *still* can't believe he appeared in!

Marlies

[Tiddles]

i always found him more funny than Mash. Mr mash had the goofy attitude but Harman brang some thought-provoking humour into it

Welcome to the board. Your post caught my eye because you spelled Harman's name correctly. :lol: :wave:

[froggie]

my favourite quote of his was on Slocombe's bday. when Peacock put his arm around his shoulder asking for the donation for a present, his facial looks and qoute "i'm not allowed on the floor when the store's open" is a classic


also when Granger was going to retire, "do you want the good news or the bad news?"

the good news is i heard every word they said

the bad news is every word they said

they all wanted to get you sacked

except for Mr Lucas

"oh bless the young lad"

yeah, he wanted to send you to the knackers yard!

[John Inman Fan]

Another thing about Mr. Harmon is that he is so "matter of fact" about everything. I think that quality helped him with the role as well.

[Lady Stableforth]

i loved how he stood up to captain peacock, everything he said was true

[Queen Pudding]

i loved how he stood up to captain peacock, everything he said was true


I agree!!!

[Scott T]

He was a good actor and he was good at giving snips back to Capt. Peacock,