Paul Hogan's England - The Memorable TV DVD Review

After wowing the Brits with compilations of his 1970's shows Paul Hogan gets himself invited to make a show for Channel 4 in the UK, this compilation pulls together the many highlights...

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

Growing up in England one of my first exposures to Aussie culture was Paul Hogan, the Channel 4 network had put together compilations and episodes of his seventies shows, they turned out to be the biggest hits the channel had ever had so for years (until Neighbours and Home and Away at least) the average Brit was convinced that everyone down under wore footy shorts and drank fosters and that all the women looked like sexy Delvene, well it is certainly true that Australia is home to the most beautiful woman in the world (my wife) I've still yet to see anyone drinking Fosters.

The character of Hoges (he is a truly

legendary creation too taps into all those stereotypical overseas views of the Australian male and cleverly subverts them. The material on this disc dates back to 1983 when Channel 4 invited Hoges over to perform his material first hand (with the double bonus for Hoges of having it shown back home on 9) Sketch wise the standard remains high, favourites like Hoges and Strop, Luigi the Unbelievable and Leo Wanker are present and correct, Delvene's on hand in a succession of skimpy outfits and to show that we are in England we have jokes about the Queen and a guest appearance from Goodie Tim Brooke-Taylor.

With it's high laugh quotient there is plenty to enjoy in this 2 hour plus release and with the dearth of archive Australian TV material out there this disc is decidedly essential for your collection.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

Extras feature more sketches involving key characters Hoges and Strop, Luigi the Unbelievable and Leo Wanker.