Morecambe and Wise First 1978 Special

Morecambe and Wise 18th October 1978

[@meirwise1107]

The greatest double act in British history and doesn't look like they will be equalled any time soon....

[@arthursteven5601]

True

[@pauldashwood2897]

Not in our lifetime ..

[@ks-eq3yx]

Yes and who have we got now ? Ant and Dec .....oh dear!

[@scarlettsinn5833]

They were the tops

[@johndenney6524]

Got close with the two ronnies and Smith and Jones

[@denoneil1134]

I would much rather sit down and watch repeats of Morecombe and Wise at Christmas rather than the crap they always show.

[@HalStargazer]

me too. in fact i watched this eating my turkey & chips christmas dinner. just like old times.

[@flybobbie1449]

Almost all xmas programmes are 1978 is on youtube.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@@HalStargazer Morecombe and wise is absolute rubbish.

[@anitalennon1909]

@@HalStargazer p

[@MrDiggityaus]

I agree. But A Father Ted marathon during Christmas is also pretty good!

[@אילייןלוי]

There never was,nor will there ever be,two more funniest " comedy duo" Englands ever produced!..gone,but never ever ever forgotten!😥😥💕💕💕💕💕💕💕😥😥😥💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@johnmarshall5266]

My partner as a gift got me the full box set of Morecambe and Wise, I constantly watch them, there is no one comes close to them both, if ever their was a posthumous award for a knighthood if should be for these two men. Absolute legends.

[@petermcleannyc]

Still bringing sunshine after all these years! RIP dear Eric and Ern 💜💜

[@petersutton2182]

Memories of my Dad and me watching Morcambe and Wise on tv when I was a kid. Wish dad was still here to watch all this on KZbin

[@grahamking5439]

Love them. so miss them unforgettable

[@melakaman]

Still so funny. Watching them was the only time I heard my Father laugh aloud. Morcambe and Wise have the same effect on me.

[@geoffhardwicke2522]

Peter Sutton 0

[@Hassan-pe2mu]

Peter Sutton i feel u mate

[@Emsie76]

😘 hugs.

[@debrawhitney6587]

How wonderful they entertain my parents and us kids. Couldn’t wait for the Xmas shows ever year. They had talent not matched these days.

[@zaygezunt]

Just when I thought it couldn't get better, Judi Dench appeared. God bless Eric and Ernie for the joy and laughter they gave us.

[@pingpong5000]

I watched every one of their shows when they were first broadcast and find them as fresh and funny as they were 60 years ago, I have not laughed so much at a TV show for such a long time, where did all the comedy go?

[@smithpm81]

i agree completley

[@kittykatja5961]

This was the time when television was worth watching, entertainment for all age groups.

[@bboorideau5253]

Ernie Wise- there was just something so lovable about that man...I miss him.

[@johnking5174]

Anyone who ever met him said he was a true gentleman. He was so much easier to talk to than Eric, even though Eric too was a true gentleman, he nearly always went for the joke when you spoke with him, trying to make you laugh, whereas Ernie could relax and chat easily with anyone.

[@GBR4ME]

Judi Dench, pure talent in everything she does. Morcambe and Wise, sheer brilliance.

[@imbatman2868]

The era of the best comedy has ever given us Morecombe and Wise The Two Ronnie's Benny Hill Absolute geniuses in comedy... Especially benny hill

[@EnglishMike]

Benny Hill might have been a comic genius but his shows were eminently forgettable for the most part.

[@rambleon3698]

Are you really English, Mike?​@@EnglishMike

[@johncaldwell-wq1hp]

Nearly 50 years on and I"m still roaring with Laughter !!--thanks fellows,--

[@takata98]

I always laugh when I watch the Elton John special, "No one will work with us, they all tumbled us!, other than Elephant John"... "How much does he want? fifty quid and 2 Luton Players".

[@stevencosgrove5934]

When there was only three channels......the quality was so much better!!......

[@johnking5174]

Three channels meant the BBC and ITV had to spend the time to ensure they produced very good material, as they would have a captive audience. Now in 2020 that luxury is long gone.

[@petergoddard262]

Endless comedy from two of the greats. Gone but never to be forgotten.

[@efrac1265]

I remember watching these as a child with my parents too; wonderful memories! They still make me laugh even after watching them so many times and I especially love the Dr Jekyll and Mr Where - I - Can! Thanks for the upload and many thanks Eric and Ernie for bringing sunshine into dark places over the years and especially now.

[@maudeboggins9834]

Just like Benny Hill & Fawlty Towers, you know what is coming next but laugh anyway. Good clean clever fun.

[@stutube3409]

In these sad and uncertain times i have three words for you Morecambe and Wise comfort tv at its best

[@brigitauna4764]

This brings back such nostalgia, it makes me Sad & Happy at the same time. I very much remember watching it with my Mom and Dad, Who are no longer here😢. Such talented fellows, never to see the like again 😢Sadly Missed. Thank you for uploading this classic Comedy.

[@isabelserrano6018]

So true, I did the same. These great acts are timeless and will never have competition in today's tv.

[@averilholgate4986]

They are my very favorite comedy team of all time. Thankyou

[@michaelasquith]

I love the Christmas Specials of Morecambe, and Wise. My best friend's mum calls my best friend, who is her son, Eric, and I get called Ernie. They are legendary. RIP Eric, and Ernie. 😥

[@justinepullen4579]

It wasn’t Xmas without Eric and Ernie on the telly

[@derekhorne8076]

IT still isn't imo. Thank goodness for KZbin, DVDs and repeats!

[@CaminoAir]

Looking back all these years later, it's the quieter scenes that I enjoy the most. Eric and Ernie in bed, or in their flat just exchanging lines in character. Great chemistry and very good writing.

[@briankelly5740]

Numinous20111 a

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

In bed? Were they homosexuals?

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

@@PreservationEnthusiast Oh dear. There would be at least one buffoon who would make a comment like this.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@@Offshoreorganbuilder No, they were actually shirtlifters. They just did this scene to pretend it was comedy, so they could continue their sordid practices, and people would think they were just rehearsing for another show.

[@Trev359]

@@PreservationEnthusiast That's totatlly untrue. Don't spread untrue rumours..

[@garethsavin4464]

Still watching these fantastic entertainers in 2023. So glad I got to enjoy them back in the day on tv. These two really did bring you sunshine. Thank you gentlemen for all the laughs and enjoyment you both gave. And yes I still do the police car ice cream van joke on my kids!

[@reklaw3]

absolutely brilliant great clean family entertainment bring it back

[@thefurrybastard1964]

Peter Cushing was an absolute Gentleman!

[@DEATHSxNEMASIS]

I didnt realise that was him the first time I watched....the only other time I've seen him was as tarken in the first star wars movie

[@johnhastings7841]

He finally got paid in the Christmas Day 1980 show.

[@buskingkarma2503]

I've just watched the movie of their lives story! Absolutely gem of a film 🎥with great actors,definitely worth watching 👀👌👍

[@takata98]

Eric and Ernie, 2011. I watch it when I feel nostalgic!. It's a whole other lifetime of them 50 years later and a different country for me, yet remember like yesterday.

[@Beautiful_Sacred_Land]

Love these men. They brought such happiness. Happy memories. And here we get to see them again ! Thanks so much for uploading. I bet their guests just had such a hoot performing with them. x

[@tgpok4r]

Absolutely fantastic family comedy at its very best, remember it all so well

[@whatonearth9809]

And this time, chiefly, yourselves! Morecambe & Wise, Good Old Days crossover....love it!

[@JoMulhollandisOzcloggie]

I keep on being surprised by 'bits and pieces' I had not seen before. Such GOOD fun!!

[@nicksmith4361]

Thank you for that. Probably saw it originally but still excellent. Many moments of spontaneous laughter. Best quality comedy.

[@kenlane6655]

Magic of my youth

[@162sam]

Still make me laugh even after all these years!

[@jeremyhaines3847]

Excellent from Morecambe and wise They were excellent and very Good

[@philipsteel5024]

Comedy at its best from the best

[@carrtrek]

great, thanks for the upload. Eric Morecambe and tommy Cooper two of the best, and best loved, comedians ever. But don't forget, Eric needed Ernie to be the fallguy for his humour.

[@jeremyhaines4481]

This is excellent 👌👏from Morecambe and wise

[@johnking5174]

It was their first ever edition for Thames Television, so a lot of effort went into it. Such a shame they got lazy from 1980 onwards.

[@hugebartlett1884]

Reminds me I was watching that show fortytwo years ago,with a young Judi Dench,and what a career she built! Dame Judi,and starring,and eventually dying,in the Bond films!

[@keithnaylor1981]

Wonderful. One I’ve never seen before.

[@pauldg837]

Eric Morecambe was my all time favourite. Although, his very best was brought out with his partner, Ernie Wise. It was a magical partnership, that left us all in stitches of laughter.

[@johnking5174]

Eric and Ernie suffered badly with not having their writer Eddie Braben and their producer John Ammonds not working with them at Thames. They also had to encounter a complete new production team at Thames who they never worked with before. There is a special relationship between the production team and the duo, which they had at the BBC, and couldn't initially replicate at Thames. They drafted in John Junkin and Barry Cryer to write for them, and it fell flat on the floor. Sadly when Eddie did join in 1980, he encountered more problems, as he found it hard coming up with seven new half hour episodes and a one hour Christmas show per year. He had gone through a tonne of material at the BBC and there was very little left new in the pot to use. This meant he had to rehash BBC routines, which Eric, Ernie, Eddie and John hated to do, but there was no choice. This is where the Two Ronnies had the edge. They never relied on just one writer. Two Ronnies had a team of writers creating routines for them, helped by Ronnie Barker's own great writing skills. People like the Monty Python team, David Renwick, David Nobbs, Spike Milligan, Ray Alan all contributed to their shows, which took the pressure off them. Eric and Ernie never had that, and come 1980 suffered from

[@BruceDanton-xw6eg]

You are of course so right there too alas. They lost their edge and way when they left the bbc for Thames itv really which was a shame too.

[@zetetick395]

At risk of sounding entirely cliched - They _really_ do not make 'em like this any more!

[@petergoddard262]

Comedy was ruined by Ben Elton and the alternative comedy comedians.

[@mattissotrendy]

That’s a good thing. They’re awful.

[@SueDunMc-]

Peter Goddard I've never heard of Ben Elton but then I've lived in Canada since 1969. I do however love Morecambe and Wise, they are, were, so so funny! 😂😂😂

[@davidcampbell2032]

@@mattissotrendy you have no taste

[@mattissotrendy]

david campbell I do, it’s just different to yours.

[@suehancey8355]

Years ago, I worked for a designer called Lesley Sandra. I might be mistaken, but I think the beautiful dress Dame Judy was wearing, was one of ours. Can’t be sure obviously, but it certainly looks like it. That was an added bonus. Thank you ❤

[@kneesy1]

Great British comedy, sad this will never be again, ohhhh the stars we had, love these and cannon & ball💗💗👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣

[@lisashelley9439]

so enjoyable and loved the pair of them .... amd Judi Dench

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Eric dancing in that Baloo costume with the short legs has to be one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

[@johnking5174]

Eric and Ernie felt it very hard producing these first shows for Thames - Gary Morecambe said that his dad especially found it hard, as they had left a production staff at the BBC who knew them for 9 years and knew how to produce their shows, and came to Thames with a different staff who never knew them at all and a different studio - Studio 1 at Teddington which was smaller than the studios they had been used to at BBC TV Centre. Hard transition for them. It wasn't until their first full series in 1980 when they got their old producer Johnny Ammonds back, along with some ex BBC team who left to join them along with Eddie Braben that they started to feel settled in.

[@stevenjohnson7442]

Brilliant rendition of the 'Jungle Book'

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thank you for sharing.

[@leslietarkin5705]

Just discovered these two. The Jungle Book sketch is so funny.

[@johnking5174]

You have a lot of catching up to do on these two. Have you watched much?

[@leslietarkin5705]

@@johnking5174 no

[@johnking5174]

Excellent work from Eric and Ernie on their first Thames show. Just a shame they could not keep it up for the remaining five years they worked for ITV.

[@אילייןלוי]

" this film was shot on location,and so was the producer!!"🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣!

[@helendunn9905]

The incomparable Dame Judy Dench!

[@carolcasey5441]

So beautiful, Judy and Eric and Ern. X♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@indieshack4476]

Watching Peter cushing do an impression of Tommy Cooper is priceless! Appreciate seeing this again. At the time there was a huge fuss about the boys jumping ship at the Beeb. The show wasn't terrible (how could it be with Morecambe and Wise starring in it!) but the sketches are a bit labored and the writing wasn't great - if I remember correctly, Eddie Braben their longtime writer stayed at the Beeb for contractual reasons. I always thought Eric was very funny, but I've grown to appreciate just how good Ernie was too. By the early 1980's they'd essentially petered out, even with Eddie Braben returning to write for them; it was a new era and a number of new comedic talents had surfaced.

[@brianmorrison9168]

I have to agree .. their BBC shows were better, or maybe everybody is just so used to watching repeats of some of their famous sketches, most from their BBC days... Shirley Bassey in the boot, Penelope Keith on the broken stairs, Andrew Previn in all the wrong notes sketch and Angela Rippons legs to name a few ... What is everyone's favourite ??

[@arthursteven5601]

Great comment sir

[@paulberry2884]

Such a shame it ended like this. At the time people couldn't believe what they were watching.

[@willalwaystelehandler8450]

Great performance , great show, worth a watch ,

[@bruceforeman4809]

Love these guys..

[@Victor-DOOM]

I remember them being so much better . BBC best years I think .still love em.

[@MrHeavensoverrated]

Without these two there would be none of the other great pair of stand-ups like Vic and Bob Mortimer Ant n Deck.. rick mail and adrian edmondson a many many more the world has a lot to thank for for these two comic geniuses

[@Steve-gc5nt]

Ant and Dec? Stand up comedians? Nah.

[@purdy9311]

excellent .... the best yet. the sunshine song at the end was terrific and Judy Dench also. so enjoyable

[@sbgoldma]

I remember watching this as a kid 😂😂😄😄 Absolutely classic 👍👍 the best dressed audience coming in 12th 😄😄😄

[@johnhanson5943]

I remember as a child the big ordeal of them leaving the BBC. That is when we mistakenly considered the BBC a national Institution. Morecambe and Wise were the real national institution. Wonderful to see them again!

[@EnglishMike]

But the truth is that the ITV years were rather forgettable.

[@johnhastings7841]

I discovered Morecambe & Wise in 1980 when I was 7 years ago & they always made me laugh - but only when Eric sadly passed away in 1984 did I know about their BBC work.

[@EnglishMike]

At least you saved the best till last!

[@ange9663]

Fabulous Eric and Ernie will always be the best, Donald Sinden just brilliant ❤️❤️

[@johnking5174]

Eric and Ernie's first two specials for Thames Television were very strong performances. This comes as a surprise to many, as many consider their Thames Television era to be one of rehashed material and poor quality programmes. These two specials were very good, great production values and it is just a shame they could not keep this up from 1980 onwards, as their first full series in 1980 was the start of the rehashed material from their BBC days.

[@97channel]

It's baffling why Thames let the standard of Britain's biggest show slip. Like you say, the first outings on Thames were surprisingly rather good, on par with the BBC shows. Poor old Eric was really struggling in those final shows though, his fading health really affected his performance. In the opening part of their last ever show, it's absolutely painful to watch him stumble over his lines and get the timing way off. The audience just didn't know where a joke started and ended, they were respectful and laughed but more out of sympathy. If I remember rightly, I think Ernie even makes a little joke about them not getting the laughs anymore, to try and ease the tension of their opening spot going rather badly. It's a shame they went downhill during their final three years or so, but I think they earned more than enough respect for it to be overlooked.

[@johnking5174]

Thames bought the brand name Morecambe and Wise, as long as they had the brand name, they didn't really care about the quality. Gary Morecambe, Eric's son said that Thames had invested millions in the duo and wanted just the BBC shows but now made at Thames. By their final year in 1983 they were still attracting 11-14 million viewers each week, not bad. The alternative comedy scene was really hitting the ground running then too, so the duo were seen as a relic from a different era, treasures who were respected, but this was done by ignoring the quality of material. Eric had suggested to Gary that they restrict themselves from 1984 to just Easter and Christmas specials, would that have helped you think?

[@97channel]

I suppose the important thing for Thames was that they had mediocre Moracambe and Wise shows against the BBC's none. And even though ITV as a whole couldn't offer their last 3 Christmas outings on the 25th, neither could the BBC. A thorn in their side removed, at any cost. I don't think it would have actually helped much to cull the shows right back to just the two specials. Having Eddie Braben back on board would surely have been a big plus, but I think the reality is that the problem with Eric's health affecting his performance could not be compensated for. Even if they managed to put on good shows, the heyday had passed. They weren't going to reach the heights of the BBC years again. In fact, I think if anything, there was so much pressure and scrutiny put upon the Christmas shows that perhaps it might actually have been for the best not to battle on with them and just stick to a regular series instead. Would have eased the pressure on Eric no end.

[@dlamiss]

They suffered a slow decline which was very sad considering from 1971-77 they were by far the biggest thing EVER seen on British Television. Morecambes second heart attack in all honesty finished them although In the Biography of Ernie Wise published a few years ago neither were happy with the 78 Christmas show which aired just before his second heart attack

[@johno4521]

Thames' studio based productions always seemed to be characterised by harsh lighting, giving a cheap overall feel...

[@brenkelly1474]

So naturally funny 😂... brilliant stuff from 2 of the best there ever was....may they rest in peace.

[@davidtomlinson6138]

Brilliant . Good proper entertainment .them days are gone ,great laugh ,good fun .

[@johnnygreenshirt6215]

What joy watching this eating my fish and chips. Thank u for the up load.

[@shaunhartley2270]

Best comedy duo ever

[@anniemay4547]

2 very talented entertainers..

[@denisebell8422]

There will never be another Eric & Ernie R.I.P ❤❤

[@rubovia]

Donald Sinden realy looks as if he is enjoying himself in the dance routine

[@emiliafernandez5099]

Eric was the genius, brilliant!!!

[@ianrobinson7916]

Best double act ever

[@jakubwidlarz]

Imagine the amount of time and money ITV would put into promoting this debut episode in 2021.

[@johnhastings7841]

I love the opening credits with Eric & Ernie getting slung out of the BBC van - in those days there was a big hoo-hah if anyone moved from the BBC to ITV and Morecambe & Wise were no exception.

[@duncanholding7636]

The BBC got it's revenge in three years later when the corporation did a similar skit after Kenny Everett joined them from Thames

[@EnglishMike]

The Beeb forced their most successful writer to stay behind (he was under contract) which was pretty spiteful, but it worked -- the show was never the same again.

[@johnking5174]

BBC felt betrayed by Eric and Ernie, in fact they betrayed the BBC in the same fashion their former writers Sid Green and Dick Hills betrayed Eric and Ernie in 1968. Eric and Ernie never told the BBC they were considering leaving. Kept it quiet until Jan 1978 when they had a press conference at Thames Television. BBC were stunned. Just as Sid and Dick left Eric and Ernie after Eric had his heart attack in 1968 and the two never told Eric and Ernie. In fact Ernie found out the news from a steward on a plane journey from his holiday in the USA. So it seems Eric and Ernie never learnt a lesson from 1968.

[@johnking5174]

@@EnglishMike BBC felt betrayed by Eric and Ernie, in fact they betrayed the BBC in the same fashion their former writers Sid Green and Dick Hills betrayed Eric and Ernie in 1968. Eric and Ernie never told the BBC they were considering leaving. Kept it quiet until Jan 1978 when they had a press conference at Thames Television. BBC were stunned. Just as Sid and Dick left Eric and Ernie after Eric had his heart attack in 1968 and the two never told Eric and Ernie. In fact Ernie found out the news from a steward on a plane journey from his holiday in the USA. So it seems Eric and Ernie never learnt a lesson from 1968. BBC made them super stars, and this was how they treated the BBC, by not letting try and counter offer Thames.

[@EnglishMike]

@@johnking5174Still very hard on Eddie Braben though, as collateral damage, even if he did have a contract.

[@fieryjack9243]

the sad thing is that even some of morcambe and wise jokes and sketches would upset the pc brigade now

[@agimasoschandir]

sad thing is snowflakes use term this to cover up their fault lines

[@scambodia147]

Sadder still is the fact that these woke fuckers got their own way

[@paulashe61]

A warm smile comes over you.

[@paulashe61]

Ah John Junkin and Barry cryer two stalwarts

[@daicockle1987]

My mother and father saw them live when they were very young at the Empire Swansea - superb ' light entertainment' - Nice date , theatre, 5 Woodbines, and a bag of chips on the bus on the way 'ome, and all for two bob.

[@johnlawrence2757]

Maurice Chevalier (excellent impersonation by Morecambe) and Hermione Gingold (not so good by Wise) in “Gigi” the movie in which Chevalier sings “Thank Heaven For Little Girls” and which introduced the world to Leslie Caron

[@england8186]

THANKING YOU

[@mistofoles]

Interesting to see Mandy Mealing credited, she later turned up in GRANGE HILL as Duane's friend.

[@dlamiss]

The opening was done in reverse when Kenny Everett left Thames for the BBC IN 1981

[@ruthcollins5140]

I can't remember seeing the Jungle book take before, and the titles leading on the Jekyll & Hyde sketch! Hilarious.

[@anneexcell4881]

Ernie: "Alright, well I'll just go and adjust my props." Eric: " You'd better go do that BEHIND the curtains, this is a family show...!!" ,,.____🤣\__..,

[@josephinepeery6938]

OH MY DAYS 😂 the jungle book sketch has me on the floor 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Loverboy19691]

The golden age of television.

[@stevegrace2134]

Thankyou, I really enjoyed that Vid BBC = Bring Back Comedy, So true. Classic.

[@Itsgaryjerry]

Great to see Ann Hamilton joining the boys at Thames - it was a real team effort between the 3 of them.

[@dlamiss]

She didnt last too long at Thames though, finished in the show around 1980

[@johnking5174]

From looking at this, it would seem the edited out parts for the original transmission would be 3:20 until 6:20 - 16:25 until 18:25 and 31:15 until 35:13 - that would have given Thames the necessary 9 minutes for commercials in the original one hour broadcast right?

[@sharonjones873]

i wouldve loved to be a member of the audience for just one show

[@megbgreenvelvet2750]

Brilliant miss the guys so funny without being rude

[@johnking5174]

18.7 Million watched this, their first programme for Thames. Ratings that can only be dreamed by UK TV executives now.

[@mohammaddavoudian7897]

+John King Agree but don't forget that we only had 2 channels and no remote !

[@johnking5174]

Three channels wasn't it?

[@mohammaddavoudian7897]

+John King Perhaps can't remember ! But the truth is that they were brilliant. In fact comedy meant comedy ! Rising damp. fawlty towers, Love thy neighbour, on the buses, the two Ronnies and any more. Good old days!

[@johnking5174]

Shame they left the BBC thought. They might have declined more slower and with more grace than whilst at Thames.

[@mohammaddavoudian7897]

+John King True. RIP both.

[@DesertWolf392]

Wise was funny. But Morecambe was and is still next level. His one liners, his comebacks were fantastic

[@bandyboo2805]

Imagine Ant and Dec, but with talent.

[@ipklondonuk]

that Jungle Book scene still cracks me up

[@trevorowen6564]

14:08 - Look how big Kit Kats were in those days!

[@thegrimreaper1991]

I don’t remember this as I was 1 year old 😂 I was a wee baby 👶 😂

[@johnking5174]

I am a bit confused with this special as it was scheduled to air on Thames Television on Wed 18th Oct 1978 from 8pm to 9pm - however I see this special is a full one hour long, but ITV would have had commercials in it, so was the original first special edited, and this is the full unseen version?

[@ruthcollins5140]

Glad to see it advertless!