Review for Thirty Minutes Worth - Series One

Anyone who lived in the UK in the 1960's, and was old enough to notice, will remember Harry Worth. For me, the residing memory will always be the set piece on the title series to one of his series which seemed to sum him up - where he stands aside a mirror in a shop and lifts one leg and arm up giving the impression that he is floating in air. I find it difficult to resist doing this myself whenever there is a strategically placed mirror in a store. Cheeky but hardly anti-social or revolutionary. That was our Harry.


Harry Worth comes from an era of comedy where normality was perfectly acceptable. There was nothing particularly hilarious about Harry. Just a bit of gentle dithering, a few cringey gags and misunderstandings, and never a hint of malice. In short, he seemed like a nice chap and his shows a divertingly pleasant and undemanding way to spend thirty minutes or so. Which leads us neatly to this set.


Sadly much of Harry' s output is wiped presumed dead. Nearly all of the shows from his heyday are lost. So this set, gathering together the episodes from a series at the very twilight of his career, are a very welcome arrival for his legions of fans and admirers. It may not be Harry at the very height of his game (he appears to be coasting here even more than usual) but they are enjoyable enough to bring back the memories and raise a warm smile and the occasional groan.


Moving to ITV after years with the BBC, this show took a variety format (rather than situation comedy) giving a mix of stand-up and sketches and including an array of guests like John Arnatt, Sam Kydd, Philip Madoc, and Glyn Edwards.


Like all variety, it's very hit and miss, though there are some standout moments that help remind us why Harry was such a popular comedian.


Standout sketches for me include one where harry is nursing neighbour Sam Kydd when he's ill and decides he will read him some poetry. His recitation of one is very theatrical and, despite annoying the ill neighbour, shows Harry at his blistering best. There's alos an amusing period piece that would delight Trekkie's with a parody of 'Star Trek' who, when landing on earth, bring 'normal earthling' Harry aboard...with disastrous consequences!


The picture throughout is very fair given the vintage and audio is adequate too. Extras were a bit light, though seemed to promise much. The 'biography' is just a text based piece though interesting enough. Having grumbled about this, it's worth mentioning by way of balance that he disc rather generously includes no less than eight 25 minute episodes, so actually rather good value.


Not for everyone, but I hope there will be enough fans out there who will buy this and make such a marginal release for Revelation worthwhile. Series 2 is imminent (mine on pre-order now) and there may be some other gems in the archives that will depend on the success of this to make them happen.

If it were not for Revelation (occasionally), Optimum (frequently) and Network (abundantly!), many of these archival TV gems would be lost for all time and never see the light of day, and for that they should be commended and (where possible) supported in their endeavours by by those of us who love this stuff!