We were surprised to find Harry Roth wrestling on independent programmes at the start of the 1960s. We were equally surprised when ex wrestler Lou Ravelle told us that Harry was the man behind Rothschild Promotions
Yet it as a dapper Master of Ceremonies that Harry is mostly celebrated.
Harry was a slight figure of a man whom we never recall seeing on television, though he did appear in various photos in the sixties and seventies showing him clearly active in the Dale Martin offices in Brixton. What we especially appreciated about Harry’s work was the way he remained ringside throughout each bout. This may seem a peculiar compliment, but so many of his peers fled the scene whenever they could, clearly aware of the match outcome ahead. So we value his clear enthusiasm for the game in that respect, and also from the serious and informed choice of words he used in his introductions.
Outside the ring, Harry Roth’s chats with the fans were telling: he wanted our opinions, he wanted feedback. In so many respects television work was the stamp of a professionals acceptance. In the case of Harry Roth, its absence makes only a positive impact as those of us who saw him in action can feel we have a special privilege. We have no record of his ever having refereed.
Many will be surprised to learn that before he worked for Dale Martin Promotions Harry promoted his own shows in the London area.
In 2014, Lou Ravelle reminisced:
“Harry Roth of Wimbledon ran Rothschild Promotions with his associate Syd Finlay. In Dorchester they had an arrangement to hire the ring and ring crew from the local army base. One evening they arrived at the venue, the seating was all laid out, but there was no ring. The show had to be cancelled and Rothchild Promotions was ruined. Dale Martins had got to the soldiers. Nevertheless, Harry went on to work as a trusted employee of Dale Martins for many years thereafter.”
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Wrestling Heritage 