When Things Get a Little Harry
Most people know Harry Anderson from his starring role in the series Night Court – or perhaps even before that in a recurring role on Cheers as the con man Harry “The Hat” Gittes. (Or even before, from a few appearances on Saturday Night Live.)
To those who know his early work, you know that he actually got his start as a magician. And he not only was wonderful as a magician, but his act was extremely funny.
If you’ve never seen his act – or haven’t for a long time but remember it fondly – this is as good as it gets. It’s a wonderful 1986 TV special he did for Showtime, Hello, Sucker! That was his on-stage persona, which was reasonably close to his Cheers character, a fast-talking street magician, out to scam you, often in as "geek" a way as he could.
Though this shows you his work at its roots, it came from after he hit the big time with Night Court, that premiered in 1984. And in a nod to that, one of his guests is the show's co-star, John Larroquette. (It also features one of my favorite, if lesser-known comedians, the low-key, odd and wonderful Rich Hall, who doesn't do any comedy here but just has a brief appearance as a bartender.)
This runs about 50 minutes, blending stage work and sketches and it's a joy.
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