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There could well be a tenuous link - established via Raising Steam - between Sir Harry King and northern English comedian and club impresario Bernard Manning. Like Harry, Bernard was a plain speaker who made a career out of muck - in his case, filthy and ill-taste jokes. He ran nightclubs in the Manchester area, and also had a direct way with those who would seek to take advantage of his good nature. Like Harry, he loved his old Duchess - in this case, his mum - was generous to those who were loyal to him, and supported good causes and charities with large amounts of cash. He was also not a man to cross or get on the wrong side of. Pictures of Bernard in his glory days have a very Harry King feel to them.