The Troubled Audio of 'Pocketed It': Stephen Fry's Struggle with Harry Potter Audiobooks

The audio universe of the Harry Potter series has been filled with its fair share of intrigue and challenges, especially when it comes to the voice of its beloved narrator, Stephen Fry. Among the most famous incidents in the audiobook lore of the series is the difficulty Fry experienced with uttering the phrase 'he pocketed it.' This article explores the challenges faced by the popular narrator and examines the myths and facts surrounding this humorous anecdote.

The Challenges

It is well-documented that Stephen Fry had significant trouble recording the phrase 'he pocketed it' during the audiobook narrations of the Harry Potter series. The words came out as a stumbling block for the narrator, causing him to pause and laugh in frustration before successfully pronouncing them. This incident has become a cherished memory in the fan community, highlighting the humorous and unexpected obstacles faced by audiobook narrators.

First-hand Confirmation

A quick search reveals that Stephen Fry himself has confirmed the difficulties he encountered during the recording of the audiobooks. In an interview, Fry directly acknowledged the challenge, affirming that he found it amusingly challenging to pronounce the phrase. His admission has added to the anecdote's status as a humorous tale in the Harry Potter universe.

The Exact Cause of the Anomaly

The reason behind Fry's struggle with 'he pocketed it' is something of a mystery. The intonation, diction, or perhaps the combination of these elements posed a significant challenge to the narrator. Fry's unexpected chuckle in trying to pronounce these words only added to the allure of the story, turning it into a beloved piece of audiobook lore.

The Backstory: A Brush with Harry Potter

Years before he tackled the audiobooks, Stephen Fry had a brush with the Harry Potter series. In a notable incident, Fry had expressed his opinion that Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was 'just another children's book,' not recognizing its potential or significance. This statement was seen as disrespectful, and it set a tone of conflict. Later, some time after this initial statement, Fry approached J.K. Rowling for help, suggesting that he change the line to say 'put it in his pocket' instead of 'pocketed it,' which would have made it easier to pronounce. Rowling, playful in response, rejected his suggestion and hung up on him.

The Phrase's Popularity

Little did Fry realize that his difficulty with the phrase 'he pocketed it' was to become a point of contention in the audiobooks of the series. The phrase appears multiple times in subsequent books, further cementing its place in the audiobook's lexicon. This repeated appearance ensures that the challenge and ensuing laughter are not overshadowed by the content, creating a memorable audio experience for listeners.

The Legacy of the Phrase

The phrase 'he pocketed it' has not only become a humorous oddity in the audiobooks but also a subject of speculation. Whether it was a deliberate attempt by Rowling to create a unique audio experience or simply an incredibly challenging phrase, the legacy of 'he pocketed it' remains an intriguing aspect of the audiobook series.

The Conclusion

The struggle faced by Stephen Fry with the phrase 'he pocketed it' is a testament to the human element in audiobook narration. Despite the challenges, Fry succeeded in delivering an audiobook series that is cherished by fans worldwide. This anecdote, while humorous, also serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in vocal performance and the inspiration it can lend to fans of the series.