Andre Previn: Playing All the Right Notes! A tribute from the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show 1971

What do you think of it so far? Rubbish!
Andre Previn, who died today aged 89.
The multi Academy Award winning composer and conductor was certainly no stranger to the most famous stages in the world; it's perhaps unfortunate arguably is greatest moment was on stage with Eric and Ernie in the 1971 Christmas Show.
After three:
I'm playing all the right notes ....
Compiled, edited and narrated this evening by Yours Truly.

[@AB-gn8oh]

No, it isn’t “unfortunate “ that this was one of Previn’s most memorable TV moments. His appearance in the show made enjoyment of his talent so much more accessible to everyday people.

[@HappyCynic]

@King Royal You do not have a sense of humour.

[@alegendamongmen]

What a loser. (A B I mean)

[@michaelchaplin2248]

so sad that you don’t understand comedy.

[@matthewclark7841]

How dare you describe this as "unfortunate" - with Andre Previn's full involvement and willingness, one of the funniest sketches ever.

[@colincarroll7954]

Despite the humiliation the whole thing was rehearsed beforehand

[@matthewclark7841]

@@colincarroll7954 no it wasn't. Andre Previn notoriously couldn't make it to rehearsals, so what you see is their first attempt. Genius sketch!! :-)

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

damn you sound easily upset my friend.

[@nickslick75]

LOL. 'Funniest sketches ever'. You don't watch much comedy do you, Einstein?

[@mr8ball1st]

​@@matthewclark7841Indeed in interviews after they've said that Eric was stressed about it but they wanted him on so much. The joke about the baton is when Eric finally relaxed and thought "Yes, he's got this spot on".

[@audspod1]

One of the most wonderful moments on TV. I just love how the members of the orchestra loved it too! Such a pity we don't seem to have those moments any more.

[@RichardQuadling]

In terms of mixing 2 musical genres, Metallica and The San Francisco Symphony - S&M is the album. Skill on both sides of it all. But that line about all the right notes ... I'm a computer programmer and will often say "I press buttons all day, mostly in the right order" ... because M&W were brilliant.

[@robertedmondson9757]

When the World lost Eric Morecambe, it lost a bright shining diamond. God bless.

[@janetthomson7886]

Even after 52 years that sketch still makes me laugh out loud.

[@runrig2011]

Probably the funniest sketch of all time, it still makes me laugh so much I cry, decades later. I don't know why? The humour was so innocent, it was perfectly choreographed, harmless fun. Perhaps that's why.

[@nickslick75]

LOL. You 'cry'? What a douche lol

[@keeley-jasminemaxinecavend9780]

Quite so. Innocent fun and quite hilarious.

[@alfamark10]

Every time he came to London every taxi driver still called him "Mr Preview". R.I.P. in peace sir, and thank you.

[@stephenharfield781]

My wife and myself were there in the audience, hilarious!

[@bodsnvimto]

Jammy sods! How long did it take them in real time to get through it?

[@pauldashwood2897]

Wow you were lucky .wish I was.

[@mikeowen7526]

I envy you and your wife for being in the audience of those legends 😋😋😋😇

[@davidnarbett]

Wow! - what an event to witness !! 😎

[@stephenharfield781]

@@bodsnvimto Only just noticed you’re reply! It took them the same as we saw on tv, all done very professionally in one take.

[@richardcochrane1966]

"I'll go get my baton....it's in Chicago!"

[@johnhastings7841]

Everyone mentions the Breakfast Stripper routine or the Singin In The Rain parody - but as far as I'm concerned this is THE ultimate Morecambe & Wise sketch.

[@joannecooke33]

This is unique, no one could have done this nowhere as good

[@lawrencefoster3808]

50 years and this is still up there with 4 Candles. Lovingly crafted Quality.

[@Billyg215]

I love watching the 4 candles with the 2 Ronnies

[@MrAronRobinson]

Up there with 4 candles and Basil Fawlty taking the menu order from the Germans.

[@joegawne1601]

Totally agree this and the candles the best we have had, Shame we are now down to realiuty t.v.……...……………...but hey its cheep.

[@joegawne1601]

Sorry my spelling is poor, have had a beer so the keyboard looks a bit wonky, but l do agree,

[@martinputt6421]

@@joegawne1601 The main reason I barely watch live tv now. I have Netflix and my DVDs and also watch a lot on KZbin. Much better.

[@TiddleIX]

I think Eric and Ernie realised they had been part of something brilliant. Of all the guests they had on their show, Mr. Preview is the ONLY ONE Eric applauds, and gets the whole orchestra to stand for. He knew they had done something special. And we will always applaud this incredible piece of comedy for as long as people want to laugh. God rest all three of these geniuses in peace. Heaven must be laughing tonight.

[@wbertie2604]

Preview kept coming back, and he seemed to be very much a part of the comedy in the sense of having a comic persona for those sketches, really living the role. I do wonder if the 'its in Chicago' was actually scripted as Eric seems surprised.

[@claresherman2278]

W Bertie I believe it was in the script, but it was Previn’s timing in delivering the line that impressed Eric.

[@fizzygurple]

Having seen an M&W documentary Eddie Braybon said that because they had had no time to rehearse Eric was really worried that it wasn't going to work and when the "'l'll get my baton..." line was delivered he realised it was going to be fine and that was a genuine reaction of relief.

[@hughcdavies]

@@claresherman2278 Well timing, in music is equally important, so it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone really. Eric did later say he was worried up until that point. Always been my favourite M&W sketch, the idea that a piece of music is a yard short, always cracks me up.

[@franl155]

@@wbertie2604 - I've read that Eric was nervous as Previn wasn't really a performer, actor or comedian - when Previn hit that line spot on, Eric's reaction was sheer relief that here was someone who could deliver as needed.

[@XKXOUzy5E9]

I remember Eric saying something like...in the third movement....not too heavy on the Banjos. I was convulsed with laughter, could hardly breathe . God bless all three, and thank you so so much

[@MarkAshleyG]

When I saw there was no public tribute to Mr Preview on KZbin I hurriedly compiled, edited and narrated a quick obituary for him!

[@shaftsbury94]

there was one got took off though.

[@roywiddowson9337]

Thank you for this

[@lucym5163]

Well done! Absolute classic!

[@cockneygeezer5944]

Good work

[@michaelsterling4960]

Thank you. Classic!!

[@ArtisanSmithy61]

A wonderful Composer, Conductor & Pianist....but he will always in our hearts & minds for this wonderful, hilarious sketch. xx RIP xx

[@kerry5586]

I bet everyone of my generation says the words along with Eric. Such wonderful family entertainment.

[@gingerladyaubern]

Along with The Two Ronnies 'Four Candles' sketch, this is another timeless sketch, still funny now and never beaten since. The Golden era of British comedy at its best. Great to see this.

[@kerry5586]

@King Royal So why are you watching it King Royal?

[@kerry5586]

@King Royal So why are you wasting your time watching it now if that is what you consider it to be?

[@kerry5586]

@King Royal You must have an extremely sad life if you feel the need to keep commenting on programs you don't like and aren't watching.

[@catlee8064]

*fork handles.....

[@daweshorizon]

An absolute classic from Eric and Ernie! I just love how the orchestra were cracking up in the background, but the legendary Andre Previn was totally stone-faced! Andre should have been given an Oscar for this performance! Brilliant, thanks for sharing this. Love and peace.

[@gillwilkinsongw]

This was totally excellent. We will remember Andre Previn (Preview) for the gifted musician, conductor and all round lovely man that he was. But this clip is classic. how he manages to keep a straight face throughout this sketch, especially when Eric Morecambe grabs his shirt collar, I shall never know! Well Done Mark Ashley for this excellent obituary!

[@wrmty56413]

He actually comes across as a better actor than a lot of the actors who appeared with M&W

[@tonyhaluradiv1445]

That is a great skit. Previn was hugely talented but not so much a nice man to the women. 1st wife he left (as he was having an affair)....walking out on her 2 months before she delivered her second baby. His second wife had a nervous breakdown in 1968 as she found out he was having an affair (and had made pregnant) with Mia Farrow. He had his 2nd wife committed to a mental institution. He lasted 10 years with Farrow but then went off and had an affair with her best friend. Wife no.4 lasted 20 years until she discovered he was having an affair with world famous violinist Anne Sophie Mutter....that marriage ended after 2 years. Temperamental artiste? Perhaps....also imbued with a smatrering of narcissistic personality disorder

[@Tahkaullus01]

The benefit of having parents who saw this when they were kids is that we youngsters are inevitably shown what really good TV looks like.

[@johng1420]

I remember it so well, shocks me to think it was 53 years ago, they were superb...

[@danw1374]

This will never stop being hilarious. Love it lol

[@Mediumal]

This is pure comedy gold. Absolutely brilliant.

[@blackpoolbarmpot]

Christmas wasn't Christmas without the Morecombe & Wise Spectacular !

[@matthew-Williams]

Its not often you get stars willing to be made fun of but Mr Andre Previn was the star in this.

[@anotherblonde]

There's a whole series of these irreverent shows with Shirley Bassey, Des O'Conner, Angela Ripon and others

[@matthewballard6399]

There is a morecambe and wise xmas box set available..its got all the classic episodes from Peter cushing ,hannah gordon,Penelope Keith,shirley bassey,Elton,many..many more stars including a reoccurring des o'connor ..and of course in my opinion the late great andre preview..timeless brilliance.

[@duncanmacpherson2013]

Back in the 70's you were not a celebrity until you had been on the Morecombe and Wise show and been thoroughly ridiculed

[@bryanleigh6497]

With M+W it was very often actually

[@simongleaden2864]

He's a really good sport - and he does so well keeping a straight face through all the nonsense.

[@MrAronRobinson]

So wonderful that he had enough good humour to be on this show in the first place. It crossed a cultural divide which at that time he didn’t even have to acknowledge if he’d chosen to take the easy route and be aloof. A great conductor and a great man. R.I.P.

[@nevillemason6791]

I heard Lawrence Olivier was invited onto the show but was such an intellectual snob that he refused. He needed people around him to polish his ego.

[@PNEKarl]

I was 11 years old and remember watching this Christmas special with my Mum. The timing from Eric is perfect.

[@nigelw512]

Still remember this as a kid with all the family sat around the TV all in tears of laughter. Sheer class.

[@PNEKarl]

I was lucky to be there too. 11 years old. I still remember this to this day.

[@tsrgoinc]

My sides are still split from the laughter that Christmas!

[@Mff48]

@@PNEKarl me too makes me cry to watch now,partly sad partly cos its so bloody funny.happy memories of a 70s childhood! somebody pass the milktray!!!

[@Charlieb82]

Love the reaction of the orchestra behind them - they obviously weren't involved in any of the sketch rehearsals 😂

[@OldiesAl]

There were no rehearsals, Andre learned the script in a taxi from the airport to record the show. His straight face throughout makes this, how he never cracked I don't know.

[@dunebasher1971]

It's a myth that there were no rehearsals at all. There were 5 days' worth, but Previn was only able to make one or two of them. Eric was nervous as a result, as M&W were always thoroughly rehearsed.

[@OldiesAl]

@@dunebasher1971 thanks for that info, I stand corrected 😀

[@jollyboatman]

This was actually a rewritten M&W sketch from the early 60`s where they performed it themselves without `Mr Preview` & he himself has said in interview that there were no rehearsals. Sadly I guess we will never know now.

[@OldiesAl]

The original sketch is on KZbin

[@iainholmes2735]

I knew an elderly couple who lived in Harpenden, and used to see Eric when they went to the newsagents in the morning. They said he was just as nice and naturally funny as he appeared on screen. A credit to him. Great sketch. 👍

[@pauldashwood2897]

My dad would have been 96 today we all loved this .😢

[@philfedora495]

RIP Mr Preview

[@joegawne1601]

Did not he had died.

[@TheBaldmeister]

Absolute classic! When I was growing up, the Morecambe & Wise Christmas show was the highlight of the Christmas TV schedule, and the whole family would watch it.

[@RickTransit]

The whole nation would watch it! We were all connected by it in a way that will never happen again and I miss that sense of community.

[@JJ-nn3xi]

“You are playing all the wrong notes. “ “I am playing the right notes...but not necessarily in the right order”

[@boblordylordyhowie]

I can play like that too.

[@littlefishbigmountain]

ｓｐｏｉｌｅｒｓ

[@annakingdon2007]

One of Morecambe and Wise’s best sketches absolutely hilarious I still have fits of laughter watching this.

[@stevethompson1421]

Classic. I feel privileged to have seen and remember seeing this, first time round. This sketch and the way in which he mastered it alongside Eric and Ern, made him suddenly relevant to a younger, more mainstream audience. Comedy, hitting "all the right notes". Nice tribute.

[@lizrigby-jones3700]

Of all of the sketches, this is my all time favourite. Andre Previn was such a good sport. Love and miss the good old British humour, in such woke and disturbing times. RIP Eric, Ernie and Andre Previn. ❤

[@user-po2qb6cm9q]

There's a very good reason why "Woke" is so prevalent today. People are sick sore and tired of hate and prejudicial behaviour like racism, xenophobia and homophobia. It's an angry world we now live in. No one spoke out then because no one was willing to listen

[@itsmephil2255]

Now this is comedy.... No swearing.....just genuinely funny

[@paperchain1239]

The best M and W sketch ever. RIP Mr Preview

[@bikermanx1]

Absolutely brilliant

[@chrislogan2557]

The public love performers who can laugh at themselves, Previn is the classic example of this.

[@fionahiggins6682]

Awesome! It has always amazed me how André Preview managed to keep a straight face! Sorely missed ....this wonderful generation. Thank you for all the sunshine ! Especially in the second Lockdown.

[@joycedixon8746]

I love this xxxx

[@scorpiochris3635]

Who could forget that classic comedy sketch with M and W tearing Andre Previn apart but it was very well done seems even funnier all these years later RIP all three of them 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Chris-pv2ht]

Just brilliant comedy genius and masters of timing. Rip in peace these 3 guys

[@crazydavec3861]

Peace Rest In.... Mr Andre Previn! A legend of music who dipped a toe into comedy and became a legend there as well!

[@raybede]

And from there he went on to open up classical music to a much wider audience.Thank You to him he certainly fulfilled his destiny.

[@bogjohansson3295]

The music world has lost a very omnipotent musician, composer and baton. The life of André Previn is a formidable saga. Going from an accomplished poetic executor of jazz piano in Hollywood to an interpreter of classical and contemporary music as director of LPO and LAP. What an achievement. The first time I got in contact with Mr Previn was with a quartet on a LP from 1963 “4 to Go”. I took an immediate liking to his flowing and swinging jazz style. Since then I have followed Andre’s success to become one of the finest interpreters of later romantic and modernistic music (Rachmaninoff - Vaughan Williams etc). As everything comes to an end, the legacy of André Previn will forever prevail. Thank you for making life worthwhile. RIP.

[@jonathangair8031]

What a wonderful memory for you. Of a wonderful man who forgot his importance just to let us enjoy him more.

[@ilovefacebookandebay]

I think he said once that after the M+W show, people would call out "Hello Mr. Preview" to him for the rest of his life.

[@frankhogan7541]

Yeah I read He got Picked Up by A Taxi Driver Who Called Him Mr Preview So Yes.

[@neusbarrera6401]

Andre Previn will always be missed! Thank you Sir for all the joy you brought to people all over the world!!

[@tonyhaynes9080]

This had me in hysterics when I was in Darwin hospital in 2000.

[@dlamiss]

The GREATEST sketch in the history of comedy NOTHING comes anywhere near it

[@markfox1545]

diamiss wow bit of a fan, are you?!

[@dlamiss]

Just think Previn was amazing in this

[@dlamiss]

four candles wasn't even the Ronnies best sketch

[@bryanleigh6497]

Grown-up says great. Child says greatest ever in history.

[@dlamiss]

Seeing my first reply has been removed, and arse-holes like your good self are pedantic Bryan.

[@juliamcintyre5012]

Thank you! How the wonderful Mr Preview kept a straight face is totally beyond me!

[@Thursdaym2]

He was a great jazz pianist too, that's how I first came to know him in the 60's

[@neil7137]

Yes, it seems to me that his works as a jazz pianist is criminally underrated.

[@markmcpherson7054]

Brilliant simply brilliant.

[@harrybuik9763]

Absolute brilliant my whole family were in stitches with laughter 😃 😀 😄 one of the best comedy ever made we don't seem to get an now so sad 😢 😞

[@bodsnvimto]

One of the funniest sketches ever. I return to it every Xmas. Thumbs up if you're an American who never knew of this abridged version or any other prior to KZbin.

[@sugarbertie1143]

What a great tribute. He was game for this, one of M&Ws best sketches. Don't we miss em all ? Weren't they fabulous family entertainment ? So pleased I grew up watching Eric and Ernie , God rest em, they were national treasures.

[@carbon1740]

Oh there was no public tribute here on the day he died?! Thank you for doing this in his honour on his day of departure. He was truly unique and irreplaceable.

[@mozart736]

Great sketch. If only today's younger generation could appreciate the effort into making sketches like this become comedy gold. Nothing wrong with some of today's comedy but you simply can't beat the oldies.

[@simontaylor2319]

Perfect timing, their very best ever

[@jackiecampbell7903]

There will never be a golden era such as this ever again.

[@jonvalbonne]

Thank you for putting this together. Fond memories - one of the best M&W sketches, brilliantly abetted by Mr Preview...

[@josparkes9381]

Wonderful love this !!!

[@TheTmny876able]

It was an event to watch Morecambe and Wise, early to mid 1970's british t v amazing, how luck we were at xmas ! Andre a fantastic musician.

[@joycedixon8746]

I absolutely love this xx

[@MOGGS1942]

The wonderful Mr. Previn showing his class.

[@johnroots5920]

I was only 16 when I watched this on Christmas Day with my Mum and Dad. Eric and Ernie were a religion in our house. We sat glued to the TV, my Mum had tears streaming down her cheeks. Little did we know then that the following summer, whilst on holiday in Malta, we would find them both staying at our hotel with their wives. My Mum's pleasure in meeting them was immense. Many laughs were had!

[@MarkHarrison733]

People watched any unfunny crap when there were only 2 or 3 channels.

[@johnroots5920]

@@MarkHarrison733 idiot

[@maxwellfan55]

The Glory Days of family television. Many will miss these times with loved relatives. Was it really nearly half a century ago?

[@wiltshire5897]

Sketch is still one of the greatest comedy sketches ever. All 3 of them geniuses

[@MegaDeansy]

Mr 'Preview' worked wonders for the previously thought 'stuffed-shirt' World of classical music - and boy, did he do great !. One of the greatest EVER comedy-sketches in history !

[@garymcpheat1139]

Thank you for posting. This is my favourite sketch of all time.

[@JamesSmith-lq1se]

One of the finest performances ever from this legendary conductor! One of the funniest sketches of all time. R i p andre preview sorry i ment previn!

[@joannecooke33]

What wonder gentlemen he was. For someone with outstanding experience, knowledge and talent to go through all that with m&w has great character. This will always be my ultimate favourite of all time m&w shows

[@jcm9356]

Well done Mark! Almost 50 years since this first aired and it still brings out a smile.

[@TheRichardSpearman]

Almost 5 decades old, and as you say, as funny as the day it was recorded. No swearing, just amusing entertainment.

[@Bondek1996]

Just never fails. Seen it so much since I was little. You know how it goes but still funny.

[@alanwitton5039]

Fabulous stuff! All three of these great people are very sadly missed

[@jayzacharias88]

I was 23 days old when this was aired on tv. One of the best pieces of comedy from an era never to be seen again. Love Christmas time just to watch Morecambe & Wise

[@js00065]

I'm watching this in march, was i supposed to wait 'til christmas 🤦🤷‍♂️

[@teresavasey1041]

I never tire of this sketch, just thinking about it sends me into giggles.

[@franl155]

I saw this on TV when it first aired. Oh, the sheer joy of seeing it for the first time … it's still wonderful now, of course, but he first time, when you didn't know what was going to happen …

[@johnhastings7841]

Andre was living in Surrey at the time & about a week later after the show aired he went to his local pub, whereupon he was presented with his own pint glass engraved with "Mr Andrew Preview".

[@NigelThompson-hb5jg]

People forget exactly how famous and 'elite' Andre Previn was. This was just not expected.

[@diptastik5651]

You can't get any better than that .

[@ClassicWorld19]

If you ever need cheering up, this is the one!

[@mrsmchistory]

I absolutely love this, never ages!

[@lindapadley5806]

Andre Previn was a brilliant musician, the fact that he agreed to appear with Eric and Ernie shows how clever he was. This sketch can still make me laugh years after it was produced. Unfortunatelty you can't say the same for comedy nowadays.

[@billybank2012]

A happy moment for the world to enjoy…truly remarkable and a one off never to be repeated

[@MG3-Hybrid]

How lucky to live in such a great era of British comedy..the comedy timing in this sketch is immaculate.

[@alfiekelly5914]

Absolute genius

[@Sjmby95]

Absolutely classic comedy

[@normanscouler3736]

How can anyone give that a thumbs down?!? It's a classic!

[@Sjmby95]

The way Previn looks at him

[@PaleyDaley]

"Right notes, wrong order" has to be one of the most classic, funniest lines in all comedy, right?

[@alunbaxter5912]

I See there is 8 humourless people have visited this. One of the funniest sketches by M & W. thanks Mr. Preview

[@michellehiggs60]

Simply brilliant. ❤️❤️💜💜❤️❤️💜💜

[@andyoncam1]

Apparently Previn was unable to get to rehearsals and Eric was worried about how he, Previn, would perform. The timing Previn gave to his 'Its in Chicago' line reassured Morcambe that there was nothing to worry about.

[@johnbarrett9673]

BRILLIANT ....🇬🇧

[@scotttracy9333]

That part when Andre says to Eric "You wasted some time", as if to say it was Eric's fault he wasn't ready, to which Eric says "I wasted time, yes", that was when I totally lost it. Laughed so hard I couldn't breathe and was crying with laughter.

[@ianstewartorr8455]

Bloody brilliance by the three of them