The end of the '80's saw Harry Enfield finally an established name thanks to his appearances on 'Saturday Live'. This one off comedy special - 'Norbert Smith - A Life' - was written by Enfield in collaboration with Geoffrey Perkins and was a mockumentary piece following the career of Norbert Smith, a 'luvvie' type film actor who in his twilight years lives in unhappy retirement following the decline of his successful film career.
Interviewing the doddery old ham is Melvyn Bragg whilst playing his wife is Renee Asherton. The British film industry is sent up something rotten, spoofs of films such as 'Cool Hand Luke' and 'Brief Encounter' are seen here, though the best item of all is a film segment entitled 'It's Grim Up North!', set in the run down Nothern areas of Yorkshire ( ''I'll take me bloody belt to you!'' ).
Seen alongside Enfield in the film spoofs are Josie Lawrence, Felicity Montagu, Susan Field, Joe McGann, Peter Goodwright and Moray Watson among others.
It was not outstanding but it was very funny, apart from a 'Carry On' spoof featuring Barbara Windsor leading a feminist protest outside Greenham Common, and it paved the way for Enfield's weekly comedy series which would soon make his name and fortune - 'Harry Enfield's Television Programme'.
'Norbert Smith - A Life' is not one of Enfield's best remembered efforts, which is a pity as it is far more deserving of an accolade than his most recent 'The Windsors'.
Interviewing the doddery old ham is Melvyn Bragg whilst playing his wife is Renee Asherton. The British film industry is sent up something rotten, spoofs of films such as 'Cool Hand Luke' and 'Brief Encounter' are seen here, though the best item of all is a film segment entitled 'It's Grim Up North!', set in the run down Nothern areas of Yorkshire ( ''I'll take me bloody belt to you!'' ).
Seen alongside Enfield in the film spoofs are Josie Lawrence, Felicity Montagu, Susan Field, Joe McGann, Peter Goodwright and Moray Watson among others.
It was not outstanding but it was very funny, apart from a 'Carry On' spoof featuring Barbara Windsor leading a feminist protest outside Greenham Common, and it paved the way for Enfield's weekly comedy series which would soon make his name and fortune - 'Harry Enfield's Television Programme'.
'Norbert Smith - A Life' is not one of Enfield's best remembered efforts, which is a pity as it is far more deserving of an accolade than his most recent 'The Windsors'.