Morecambe and Wise - Andre Previn (The full sketch)

From the 1971 Christmas Show, this is possibly the most popular Morecambe and Wise sketch of all. But too often it is shown incomplete, starting from the moment that the curtains open to reveal the orchestra. But that's like turning up to a play just in time to see the second act. It lacks context, and also misses some of the best moments in the sketch.
Included here as part of an educational article on writers and timing.
www.jonathancrossfield.com/blo...

[@djbobhoskins]

Not a single swear word, nothing malicious.... just a brilliant script, perfect acting and perfect timing in every way. That's why it's still loved nearly 50 years later. Pure joy from beginning to end.

[@HueyRocks23]

4:00 - Eric Morecambe says the "N" word: Arthur Negus.

[@dw69ful]

Imo, possibly one of the funniest/cleverest things ever on British Television. It must be remembered that at the time Andre Previn was probably the most respected and accomplished musical gentlemen in the World I honestly do not believe we will ever see anything like this again. All the praise for it is a complete understatement.

[@A-R-17]

For me one of the best things about this sketch is watching the band in the background cracking up throughout

[@iancurtis1152]

Agreed, legend has it that Previn had just stepped off a plane from America and had little time to rehearse or get the gist of the sketch. But my question is how much or little of rehearsal time involved ‘the band’? Their reactions to the boss being totally destroyed by two great comics (the likes of we’ll never see again) is priceless, “so therefore I won’t put a price on it”

[@runbambirun]

can't guess how many times I've watched this. And now, it's the reactions of the boys in the "band" that I always watch for. What a great British comedy moment, and not a hint of smut anywhere.

[@Feareireann]

Watch Eric at the very end break character and applaud. He NEVER did that in any other sketch but he was so blown away with Previn's performance he had to applaud. Eric had been very worried. He and Ernie and utter professionals and rehearsed, rehearsed, rehearsed. For the only time, I think, a guest couldn't rehearse as he was flying in on the day of the show, and Eric was really worried that it would not work. You can see him visibly relax when Previn delivered the line "it's in Chicago" with perfect comic timing. Eric realised Previn was going to be good and understood how to do comedy. By the end Eric and Ernie knew they had just had their best sketch and Previn had been brilliant - hence breaking character to applaud. The fact we're watching it nearly half a century later shows just how brilliant the three of them were in it.

[@azizhachimi8744]

Brilliant comment, thanks for it!

[@DieFlabbergast]

There was no "breaking character," as the sketch had already ended. There was no longer any "character" to break.

[@mfjdv2020]

Mr. Preview's performance is indeed absolutely brilliant. He has a natural genius for comedy and he's a really nice person with a huge sense of humour as well. Did you see the little sequel to this sketch where they have several top stars including Eric Porter, Dame Flora Robson and of course André Previn saying 'I was on the Morecambe & Wise show and look what happened to me'. André had ended up as a bus conductor. Hilarious.

[@mfjdv2020]

@@DieFlabbergast Perhaps it'd be better to say that this was the first time Eric had ever applauded a guest star at the end of a sketch.

[@Zerbey]

The bit where he says "Pow! I like him!" wasn't scripted and it was a genuine reaction, they had no idea he would be so good and Eric knew they were about to make comedy history.

[@reetpeet]

'Andrew Preview' has superb comic timing and is such a good sport he complements Eric & Ernie beautifully. I never tire of watching this!

[@payres48]

My dad loved Morecambe and Wise. I remember watching this with him way back then and I can still see him crying with laughter. He used to play piano himself so he could appreciate this very much. God bless you dad.

[@impCaesarAvg]

Who knew Andre Previn could do comedy? What a talented guy!

[@ryanbrownnew]

Its great that Previn added a few extra lines most notably the "You wasted some time there" and also his response to wearing high heels "what again?". You can tell from the reaction that this was off script.

[@jennyjones744]

How many people out there watching this, with more tears than laughter, thinking back to Christmas night at 8, seems like yesterday and a million years ago at the same time

[@mfjdv2020]

How right you are. Christmas night watching Eric and Ernie was always so special, a real family entertainment with all the generations laughing together (instead of keeping their noses in their phones!) And weren't we lucky growing up with Morecambe and Wise.

[@milesclery-fox3036]

Perfectly put.

[@ianwaudby7737]

I remember this so well. Probably the best comedy sketch EVER.

[@mfjdv2020]

Definitely one of the best.

[@davidhardiman9603]

2023. Still the best comedy sketch in history. Mind you, Previn was a major part. His participation and timing was outstanding. He clearly enjoyed and understood the comic side.

[@JonathanRoadley]

I love how the band are just crying with laughter... Pure class.

[@NPA1001]

The greatest celebrity guest spot in any comedy show ever.

[@carolineg1872]

The only time I've seen Eric Morecombe really clap in admiration for another guest. RIP Andre Preview. ❤🎶🎹

[@Bobbnoxious]

When Morecambe shouted "POW! I like him!", he was expressing enthusiasm for Previn's perfect comic timing.

[@neiltappenden1008]

When did he die ?

[@carolineg1872]

@@neiltappenden1008 2019. Easy to google.👍

[@slapmyfunkybass]

if i remember rightly andre previn learnt the script to this on the flight from the us to the uk... it was all done in one take... i have no idea how previn didnt laugh during most of it, which is credit to his professionism

[@hoofie2002]

You watch this many decades later and you realise really just how good Eric and Ernie were and how their famous guests were happy to be part of it.

[@paulinecolraine4726]

I never tire of this awesome sketch, Andre Previn(Preview) was brilliant 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@platosays3721]

Andre Previn was the most wonderful sport given his professional status - what a guy!

[@patrickpaganini]

True

[@Zerbey]

RIP André Previn. A musical genius who also had impeccable comedic timing.

[@quizmaster85]

RIP Andrew Preview, 1929-2019 Now playing up there with Morecambe and Wise.

[@madiantin]

Absolute classic! I had no idea how well it would age. Mr. Preview was perfect!

[@pauldawson582]

Eric's sense of timing was perfect. I can't imagine many comedians would have risked a pause anywhere near as long as that, before "Rubbish!"

[@EUROSISChannel]

Andre Previn was just phenomenal in the sketch

[@efnissien]

Just absolute magic!

[@johnniethepom2905]

His patience is to be much admired .

[@gordon16663]

i love that even the orchestra is laughing at their jokes :D

[@yeovil50]

And now all three of them have passed on, talented in all their own ways and made life so much better with them in it. Rest in peace all three, and thank you.

[@ysgol3]

I love Eric's applause too. Such warmth and generosity.

[@lorenzonotarianni1667]

Watching from Rome Italy here. This is a masterpiece and Previn mastered the role !! Awesome!

[@Martinio567]

Very very funny, And alot of credit to Andre Privitt for playing it so straight. Just adds to the humour

[@moonbasealpha9788]

My father was a sound man on their show, and when this was filmed with little or no rehersal time, my dad nearly died with laughter. Andre was a great man and after the take, Eric&Ernie and Andre knew comedy history had been made and Andre was delighted to have taken part my father said years later. Thank you Eric and Ernie growing up with you was magical.

[@efnissien]

You can see it in the look on Eric's face after the "I'll just get my baton....it's in Chicago" line, the realization that something special was happening.... I can watch this over and over and still it cracks me up. Christmas shows were like your favourite uncles turning up on Christmas day and keeping you in stitches.... Thanks for the Laughter boys.

[@Zerbey]

@@efnissien His reaction is genuine, he was legitimately impressed by Previn's comedic abilities.

[@stephenedds9264]

Moonbase Alpha Nice words ☺️

[@markjohnston6118]

wow what a story

[@naly202]

Some people have all the luck...lol.

[@mohanicus]

"is this the band"!!????... absolute comedy gold.

[@DieFlabbergast]

"...seen better bands on a cigar!"

[@thesauce179]

Probably one of the most iconic bits of the show

[@G2648875]

To fully understand how great this sketch was, you have to appreciate what a huge star André Previn was at that time. That was the magic of the show. You had these incredible stars of the day like Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Des O'Connor, Glenda Jackson etc, literally queuing up to get onto the show to be sent up.

[@derykbarker9634]

And Glenda Jackson, who I believe appeared more times than any other guest, said that she had never worked so hard. M&W were perfectionists, most of the "ad libs" were thoroughly rehearsed.

[@D66DuCane]

"Now I do hope Sir, that you understand all these squiggly lines"..Andre Previt, err, Preview, err..PREVIN is for me the real star of this piece!!

[@liverpoolsurrporter]

The First person ever to go on the show and not laugh during the sketch. Spectacular!

[@gordeaux2006]

If you were married to Mia Farrow you probably wouldn't be laughing either!😅

[@70banksia]

To those of you have watched and commented I say thank you. To those who have not seen this what a great shame as you have missed one of the great comic skits of all time. No foul language, no toilet jokes just very very funny. God bless all the team and again thank you for this classic.

[@TheUnnaturalBeing]

I was born the year before Ernie Wise passed away, but luckily I had parents who had quite an attachment to great shows like the Morecambe & Wise Show, Dad's Army, Porridge, Steptoe & Son etc. So I am very grateful to have been introduced to these comedic geniuses :)

[@theaussiebackflipboy]

I love how in any Morcombe & Wise sketch that involves some major celebrity, they just play along for the laughs.

[@beatlebazza]

The greatest sketch ever written and performed. RIP Eddie Shakespeare Braben

[@mysterioussquirrel4456]

Previn was at the top of his game at the time. A very revered and highly paid member of a respected profession. What a great sport he was to do this. Mind you, M&W were at the top of their game too and top stars were queuing up to get a spot on this show.

[@frazzleface753]

At the end Eric says 'Knockout!'. How right he was. This is just pure class from start to finish.

[@spectrum99122]

All these years have passed and this still makes me cry with laughter. Eric and Ernie, what an incredible act.

[@suevenables5562]

Me too, it never dates, best ever

[@RockRedGenesis]

one of my all time favorate morecombe and wise shetches, despite the fact it was broadcast a decade before i was even born. Has me in stitches every time

[@Goodyfan17]

Great job by all 3 men... amazingly, the only time Previn had to learn his part was during a transatlantic flight, but he looks like a comedy natural!

[@andrewdaws7275]

It never gets old! Pure genius

[@mulderandscully]

"I'll got get my baton ..... It's in Chicago' One of THE funniest lines ever! lol

[@TheBorzoilover]

Andre Previn, what a great sport, wonderful sketch,hard to beat.

[@efnissien]

Endlessly amazing - You can see the moment Andre clicks with the lads - he'd not rehearsed and Morecambe & Wise were worried it wouldn't work... then he did the "I'll get my baton...it's in Chicago" line and you can see the boys eyes light up as they realise this is going to be dynamite! Every Christmas it was like a pair of favourite uncles popping into the house and larking around. Great guys and you could feel the genuine warmth and love between them.

[@christophertalbot7432]

I dare say that the devotees of Andre Previn (Preview) will not think that this is how they wish people to remember him; but all great performers have a sense of humour; a great man!

[@quadturbo4]

Previn is a gifted comedic actor in his own right, I never knew that.

[@SpursFanCanada]

One of the greatest comedy sketches ever.

[@gazza0634]

I grew up with Morecambe and Wise. This sketch stands out as one of the pinnacles of comedy genius. We will never see their like again and the world is diminished now they've gone.

[@neurofire]

How wonderful to see this - Andre Previn was a musical giant with an equally gigantic sense of humor. Great upload. Thank you.

[@Pudentame]

The look on Previn's face when Morecambe finally starts playing.

[@TheFatman71]

classic,watched this so many times over the years and it never gets old

[@sophrapsune]

Previn carries it all so well!

[@RHP9898]

The FULL 10 second of silent tension before Eric says 'rubbish' at 11:35 Timing is everything. And the audience loved it!

[@clivemiguel1]

Brilliant, what a true comedy genius Eric Morecambe was.

[@BritishAlienCompany]

The most perfect sketch in the history of everything!

[@Ali74]

Eric Morecambe is up there with Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Peter Sellars, Monty Python and co. as one of the greatest British comedians ever. His timing is perfect.

[@efnissien]

Yeah, but Eric and Ern are were a unit - true Eric was a great comic who liked to lark about on the stands when watching football (apparently he always carried a Styrofoam cup to do his Jimmy Durante impression) but Ern was the best straight man you could have (and he apparently did all the talking when it came to negotiating contracts & fees).

[@mfjdv2020]

I reckon André Preview is up there with the great comedians as well as with the musicians.

[@MidnightCarp]

Just love watching Ernie Wise during this sketch - brilliantly played on his part.

[@tamjacobite4758]

So so funny even after all these years. I only hope generations that follow after all of us who grew up with Eric and Ernie see these videos of these talented men

[@stewarttiley9683]

RIP Mr.Previn; surely one of the greatest sketches of all time! I saw it as a kid upon its airing. Apparently Andre looked at the script only once, in the taxi on the way to the studio! Genius brain and a great life!

[@josparkes1]

Wonderful sketch, I play this over and over again, it's so brilliant, Eric's family must be so proud of their world famous so talented Dad !

[@ahoythespoonsareawake4617]

It stands up to repeated viewings. You just find more funny things you missed. I adore Eric's look to the camera at about 3.44 when Andre calls him a great comic. Everything is perfect. You can tell by Eric's clapping at the end - you know he knows that he's done well. And that's a lovely thing. He was a perfectionist and clearly a dear man. The more I read about these two the more I love them. Their industry, their talent, their integrity and just how bloody funny they are. They just make life brighter!

[@quizmaster85]

11:05 - "I'm playing all the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order." Best. Line. Ever.

[@mustafabeer1791]

I'll give you that sunshine!

[@DalleDayul]

Morcambe and Wise, the Two Ronnies, Monty Python... the list goes on. Not only were these two probably the best comedy duo of all time, but this is one of the best sketches I've ever seen. It's up there with the Dead Parrot.

[@Sou1defiler]

Whenever I watch modern TV and especially comedy, I go to youtube and pull up something like this. Utter genius. perfect timing with no need whatsoever for a crude punch line involving a profanity or a piece of genitalia. And no matter how many times I watch it.. slapping the cheeks of Previn still ranks as the funniest thing I have ever seen. "I'll give you that.. I'll give you that sunshine.."

[@nancestef]

"not too heavy on the banjos"...LOL!

[@robintyson591]

And I love the reaction of the band - having their boss mocked - priceless!

[@teebee1984]

Possibly the greatest sketch ever performed on television. Pure genius.

[@Biggles27]

Never fails to make me laugh. Simply the best comic genius's this country had ever had.

[@MM-id8tl]

I just watched a special on Morcambe and Wise on UK tv's channel 5. It was brilliant!! It made me realize we may never see comedy or tv show's like theirs ever again. Their comedy holds up as still so funny in 2022. God gave these 2 the best comic chemistry. We're so Blessed to be able to watch their shows and Christmas specials over and over.

[@fenech97]

One of morecambe and wise 's great comedy acts, with well known Andre Previn, I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for sharing.

[@richardgreene5145]

Today's comedians watch and learn genius at work. Price less. Miss them big time

[@AtheistBrit]

30 years ago today we lost Eric Morecambe. RIP you beautiful genius!

[@mfjdv2020]

Unfortunately we've meanwhile lost Ernie and Mr. Preview as well :-(

[@100Kintbury]

Here's a fun fact, The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special 1977 was viewed by 28 million people all together. That makes it one of the most viewed television specials of all time.

[@laffineur15]

This sketch never loses its appeal - one of their absolute best. I knew a couple of the orchestra members and it's great to watch them corpsing in the background. Never tire of watching this......... One of TVs best.

[@philmixer]

This could well be the best comedy sketch of all time, just magnificent comedy!!

[@lordzhuge]

Previn more than held his own against 2 comedic legends, now that's an achievement.

[@verilyheld]

The look on Previn's face when Eric starts playing! Priceless!

[@Scottie_S]

Privet!!

[@mfjdv2020]

Preview!

[@ianmedium]

R.I.P. Mr Preview, hope your having fun with the boys up there now.

[@user-gq1sh4kf4w]

His having fun?

[@Saucyakld]

Hopefully hahaha, maybe down below!

[@fitzdiggers-562]

I always liked Mr. Privet.

[@soeffingwhat]

Greig, with him and him.

[@naly202]

and with Grieg

[@vanillaorchid]

Perfection. Mr Preview is a natural comic too.

[@bodsnvimto]

39 people give thumbs down? Sense of humour bypass? Much of the stuff from my childhood doesn't work nowadays but IMO this still stands up as being as funny as funny ever gets. Timeless, hilarious stuff!

[@jeepjockey9219]

It's their loss- not ours!

[@wardropper]

Those are the people who don't understand a Shakespeare play and to whom Beethoven's 9th Symphony means nothing. Basic ignorance, along with unwillingness to experience anything new in life (not even the old things which are new to them). Give them a pint and a football match to watch, and they think they're fulfilling mankind's potential to the hilt.

[@bruffie1]

I never fail to be in awe of the fact that Previn did this. I suspect Eric was an accomplished Pianist. A true lesson in comedy timing.....perfection :)

[@thomascroft5076]

Morecambe & Wise hit their peak at the BBC when scriptwriter Eddie Braben came on board, where, as part of his innovations, he reworked the duo's performance dynamic to bring out the best in Ernie Wise - often overshadowed by the indisputable genius of Eric Morecambe, but equally hilarious in his own right. Braben once said that he felt his scripts were just words that, to him at least, sometimes lay lifeless on the page, but that once 'the boys' got to work on them, the magic happened. You can see that in evidence here. A miracle of comic performance from all involved.

[@debbieann921]

How wonderful was that!!!

[@Bondek1996]

It never gets old, you know what's coming and still a joy. Always will be.

[@1999Baz]

This is one of the greatest comic sketch in the history of television. Morecambe and Wise is absolutely fantastic

[@johnstirman1797]

A tribute to the stature of Morecambe and Wise that they could attract such a figure as Andre Previn to the show. Also a tribute to the character of Andre Previn that he would join in with the comedy and often upstage Eric in some of the dialogues.

[@mfjdv2020]

In those days it was a great honour to be a guest on the M&W Show. If you were invited it meant you were not only a top-ranking star, but also a very decent person with a great sense of humour.

[@elfheimakbar2540]

Total genius. Brilliant. Watched so many times, still so brilliant. RIP Mr Preview.

[@FuckFeminists]

I never really got into Morcambe and Wise, just looked this up in the vain hope of finding one of the funniest things Ive seen on TV - when Eric struts to the piano and ends up helplessly far from the keys. Magnificent!

[@AtheistBrit]

"Don't forget, for another four pound we could've got Edward Heath!" Classic sketch!

[@joufijou]

I'm British and remember this being broadcast live in the 1970's. It's just so funny on many levels - and timeless. Have a look at all the other Morecombe and Wise sketches... I think you'll enjoy them!

[@IanMadBrit]

Andre Previn's facepalm is worthy of an award all on its own

[@garyprescott2493]

Just brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it! Tears of joy and lost nostalgia. Truly wonderful. Now for Katia playing it! More tears during the second movement.

[@ModelBoatMayhemPhotos]

Still one of the funniest sketches of ALL time. Thanks for posting.

[@34hedgehog]

Sheer, timeless joy. Comic genius from all 3 of them! Total respect to Andre Previn; one of the highest-profile figures in the classical world at the time, understanding the brilliance of Morecambe and Wise, and the whole thing works because they LIKE each other. No-one's trying to out-smart anyone else. They just love what they're creating. Just a beautiful thing to watch.

[@waltontony1]

Andrew Privit!

[@Zerbey]

People forget that being invited on their show was considered the highest honour in entertainment at the time. It meant you were considered one of the best in the World.

[@mfjdv2020]

@@Zerbey Very true! I hadn't forgotten. But all the guests they invited had to be good sports with a great sense of humour.

[@errcoche]

I find these two funnier now than I did back in the day but I was only seven when this was on. Previn was excellent, no stumbling with his timing. Sad to learn that Eric was racked with nerves and doubt for most of his life. Would have been nice for him to have enjoyed his gift as much as the rest of us did.

[@davidcronan8698]

Just take a look at Eric's reaction to the "baton in Chicago" gag. It's been reported that as soon as Andre had delivered that line with perfect timing then Eric knew they were onto a winner and everything would be OK. This was in spite of the limited rehearsal time they had had because of Previn's work commitments.

[@justrecentlyi5444]

I heard that line was improvised. You can see Morecambe burst out laughing and turn away before containing himself quickly.

[@timdunn2344]

Mr Preview was so sharp in this - to hang with M&W like this - so impressive.

[@beahawa]

RIP Andre Previn - the man who 'played all the right notes in the right order...'