Sir, – About 70 years ago I was involved in the running of a gym owned by “Young Atlas”, Ireland’s strongest man, he who went on to become world wrestling champion.
Among those who trained there were the Casey brothers, the golden gloves boxers and visiting fighters. I loved especially the all-in wrestling and instructed in Judo and holds. One evening a tiny skinny man joined the gym, we wondered where to place him, as most of us were at least welter-weight. Nobody would agree to enter the ring with such a puny young man. Eventually he made an offer, he would stand with his hands by his sides and ask us to punch him. Eventually he coaxed one of us who threw a light punch, but the little man wasn’t there. Again and again, getting more frustrated, he tried to hit him. He never did.
I took my turn, but never once did I land a blow on a man who was merely defending and not attacking. No matter where he was, he was never there. It turned out that little Hal Roach was one of the finest potential world champions this country ever produced. What finished his career was his eyesight. Hal became nearly blind.
With that career out of the question, he made use of his extraordinary hands. He turned to magic and became Mysto the Magician, playing the theatres, and I feel sure there are many elderly people who remember his patter: he was on the way to becoming the great comedy artist he was.
I mentioned his hands. Hal had fingers of extraordinary sensitivity. He became a masseur because his fingers could trace every tissue, strain or injury on your body. He treated many boxers, footballers and others who had injuries.
Hal Roach wasn’t just a comedy genius. He was the man you could never hit. No matter where he was, he was never there.