Every Christmas we had to move our tv into our front room ( it took 2 of us !!) and it was on for nearly 2 weeks everyday as tv was epic at Christmas time, Morecambe and Wise, the two ronnies, some mothers do 'ave 'em etc, even as a 6 year old in 78 everyone in the house was glued to it. Back when tv was great and original, unlike tv today 🤦♂️
I grew up in the late 70s and 80s , and now realise how fortunate I was to grow up to wonderful Christmas specials and great comedy performers like Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, The Benny Hill Show, Mike Harwood show, and others....It was definitely a golden era in British comedy shows, that is desperately lacking in the tv shows of today.....they were great times
Same here, I do feel privileged to have grown up in the last era of golden TV. It all started to go horribly wrong from the late 90s and by the mid 2000s it was hopeless. At least thanks to some superb people out there we can revisit classic comedy like this! Merry Christmas 🤶 🎅🎄
We were so lucky (although we didn't now how lucky at the time) to have the performers and their shows you mention; you're right, looking back at shows like these there is something definitely missing in todays shows. It's New Year 2022 and I'm watching the Moremambe and Wise Christmas Show 1978 for some real comedy, some smiles/laughs.🙂🌹🎄🕊
When television had celebrities that had talent, not the lot we have now, so called influencers and reality television z list celebs, literally famous for being nobodies, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Eric and Ernie, also when two blokes could share a bed & we didn’t think anything about it, comedy gold and national treasure’s.
For the first time in years I spent last Christmas-day at home on my own - and I spent all day watching the 'Morecambe and Wise' shows and hey-presto - I was back in the 70's/80's !. Never have I enjoyed a Christmas-day so much in years !
For the people who grew up with Eric&Ernie Christmas was presents in the morning then Christmas dinner mid afternoon and our beloved Morecombe & Wose in the evening. They were the best duo act then and now and Eddie Braben was one of the best writers. We miss you all. RIP fellas💖❤️💙
@King Royal well you have a right to your opinion but you are in the minority as if they were truely awfull as an abscess on a tooth/gum is then its a shock why so many millions would watch their shows and why they were in continuous work the 60's,70's&80's untill Eric's death.
For those of us who missed these wonderful shows or were just born in the wrong country, the internet has allowed us to watch them for the first time. Thank you very much! -A Yank who loves British Comedy.
Been crying with laughter watching this...Eric was my uncle's cousin, me lovely old Uncle Harry Bath (Bartholomew) got us backstage at Morecambe Winter Gardens to meet him once....utterly lovely bloke and just as funny offstage as on. You are both sorely missed Eric and Ernie.
Lucky you, what an amazing encounter that must have been! Morecambe and Wise were comedy giants and very much missed. Their Christmas shows are pure joyful nostalgia.
You were wonderful both of you. Eric Morecombe always reminded me of my. Late father. Bless them all up together in heaven now and my mum with them with all her brother's and sisters. And my grandparents. So i enjoy watching your shows again. Rest in peace all of you. 😊😊🎉🎉❤❤❤❤
TV Legends long gone! I was fortunate enough to be have been born in 1974. I was young but I remember these people back in the day and they were brilliant! So I am in my late 40's now and I wish these old acts could come back, tv today is bland.
I'm watching this on Christmas Day 2022. Although I'm sure I watched this when it was first broadcast (what I'd give to relive those Christmases with my mum and dad) I was surprised to see Harold Wilson. I really don't recall that at all. And I also don't recall him being known for having a sense of humour back then either!
Three channels which actually dedicated time and effort to programming - whereas now we have hundreds of channels who do not have the time for dedication, just repeats
Spot on. It's a very tense world now, where you only have to say that you like your coffee either white or black, some unintended connotation will be made, and you'll be villainised despite your honest protest of innocence.
Sadly Thames has decided to bury the 1981 to 1983 Christmas shows of Eric and Ernie in their archive. BBC doe repeat their Christmas shows, usually the 1971, 1973, 1975 of 1977 Christmas show gets a repeat these days.
In 1978, having jumped ship to Thames, it was widely perceived that Eric and Ernie were on the slide, but my Grandad and I watched this in the kitchen on a 12 inch black and white portable and still thought this was the best show 0n TV over Christmas. A little long, maybe, but still brilliant, and a brave attempt by Cryer and Junkin to replicate the great Eddie Braben. Bless all of you.
watching this in 2019 and its still better than any of the crap on tv now we really had it made in the 70s fantastic programs and music and kids had there own TV hours not any more sadly :( so much work went into all the shows back then .
Isn't it because in the 70s you were young, optimistic with your whole future in front of you. Now you are old, cynical, afraid of everthing and right-wing?
Oh how I remember that Andrews Sisters routine! (12:40) - I wet myself laughing back then at Leonard Rossiter in a skirt and heels, and it's the same all over again. All 3 in skirts and heels, and the routine is flawless.(I'd just LOVE to see the rehearsals for this!) - I must say, Eric has the best legs out of them all for it. WONDERFULL!! Happy memories. Thank you for posting this!
The appearance of Harold Wilson I remember well. He'd resigned as Prime Minister very suddenly two years before. Very good at coming across as a man of the people - and fiercely intelligent. Did well in that sketch!
If Eddie Braben had have written this routine, it would have been a lot better. As Eddie would have brought out a bit more warmth from him. John Junkin and Barry Cryer did their best, but it was still a bit lukewarm for me.
There is doubt over the 28 million figure. Audience ratings back in 1977 was done differently to now, and they feel they overestimated the audience. It was still a whopping figure, but many feel it was more close to 22 million watching and not 28 million. Mike Yarwood came in very close at 21 million.
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.
Never saw this when it was first broadcast in 1978, I was home on Christmas 🎄 leave from RAF Catterick while I was on Basics for the RAF Regiment, can't believe that was over 40 years ago, and still had Never seen it. Where has the time gone and those with Eric and Ernie now also have also passed, Christmas Never The Same, Thank You Guys for the laughter 😃
54:15 - I really liked how Harold Wilson timed this reaction joke to Eric perfectly. I was taken aback by his comic timing here. He knew when to allow the audience laughter to die down before coming in with the gag. Excellent work.
The Thames TV theme that comes on this video at the start, every time I hear that, in my head it goes "Here they are now Morecambe and Wise" I don't know if they ever had singers doing that, or if it's just something I always did in my head when that little tune came on. But to this day I still play those words in my head whenever I hear it.
It was first used in their first full series for Thames in the autumn of 1980. Thames wanted to taunt the BBC and realised the Thames intro jingle could fit that phrase "Here they are now Morecambe and Wise" and so a generic jingle was created, and used to introduce their show until their last show at Christmas 1983.
Although I saw this first time around , when it was televised live ( for which I will always be extremely grateful - I’m so glad I was there at that time), I still don’t remember the bands men’s reactions, they were so enjoying the comedy of it lol. Long live Morecambe and Wise. You brought laughter to so many, you will never be equalled ❤️❤️
Amazing to think that within three weeks of this being aired, in January 1979, Eric would suffer another major heart attack at his home. Gary his son was with his dad in their kitchen when suddenly after Eric opened the fridge door, he collapsed on the kitchen floor with chest pains and breathing problems and was rushed to hospital. He would have major heart surgery later that year, and by all accounts this event caused a big change in the output of Morecambe and Wise from 1980 onwards. The shows would now be in a 25 minute format and there would only be seven shows a year along with a 50 minute Christmas Special. This was to ease the workload on Eric, remember Ernie was fit as a fiddle here and in perfect health for a man of his age.
I met the Actress Anita Harris at the London Film Convention I go to Who worked with with Morecambe and wise she said they were very nice people and a Joy to work with
Not the best writer in 1978 when this was made. Eddie Braben, their writer from 1969 didn't make the original move from the BBC to ITV with Eric and Ernie in 1978, and only arrived at ITV in 1980 after his contract with the BBC ended.
Harold Wilson was not getting the attention he wanted from the public by 1978, and wanted to improve his image, as many felt he abandoned ship far too early and left Jim Callaghan to clean up the mess from 1976 onward, which was true. Jim was left with the massive bailout by the IMF a few months after Wilson resigned in 1976. Labour Party and the public never forgave Wilson for that.
Like so many of us here, I grew up with Eric and Ernie. Tbh, my childhood was pretty crap but Morecambe & Wise gave my little brother and myself some much-needed respite from it.
The Andrews Sisters bit is done so well & fun, just really great, Rossiter looked ropey for a few seconds then he got into it - brilliant - thanks for the UL x
Wonderfull gifted comedians!! grew up in the 70's when the Morcambe and Wise xmas show was the most anticipated and watched show of the year!! compare this to todays left wing unfunny idiots and try not to weep!! RIP Eric and Ernie!!
Morcambe and Wise were already past their best when they moved to ITV. This is very weak in comparison. But being a right-wing grumpy git you are just nostalgic for a mythical past that never existed.
The issue for the pair was they wanted to make another movie. They were unhappy with the 1960s movies they made, and wanted another go at it. The BBC then did not have a film making division, Thames Television did through Euston Films, and that was a huge part of the decision to move in 1978 at the end of their BBC contract.
@@johnking5174 - Sounds similar to the circumstances by which Benny Hill, in 1969, moved to Thames: the chance to make a film project, "Eddie in August." Which, because of the mixed to hostile critic reviews and tepid audience figures, would ensure Hill only did his hour-long specials from then on.
@@wmbrown6 Thames Television had the advantage of being commercial, and having their own film making company, which also made Minder for ITV. BBC would not have that luxury until they formed BBC Films in June 1990 as part of the Conservative government's reform of the broadcasting laws.
This man of color who grew up in England loves watching Eric and Ernie.what memories.Even whey they left the B.B.C,they were STILL funny so I really couldn't care less whoever said they weren't funny should sod off!
I'm a bit of a bah humbug these days when it comes to Christmas but I must admit, these Christmas specials have given me a definite lift, actually laughing. Thank you for good old Eric and Ernie, brilliant 👌
7:40 - Leonard Rossiter was a good friend of Eric's and you will notice a marked difference in his appearance with the duo compared to any other actor who would come on the show. Leonard was sometimes hard to work with and was known for his ego and temper. So Eric being his friend ensured that Leonard would get most of the laughs and would not be made to look a fool. Notice how Eric and Ernie are the butt of his jokes and not the other way round as it usually is. This was only done for Leonard, as he and Eric were very good friends. I am not sure if Ernie really approved of this change.
@@xr6lad This was due to the fact that the whole routine was swapped. Eric and Ernie became the butt of the jokes, not Leonard. When a big star guest appeared with them, Eric would have fun mocking them and playing silly. He couldn't do that with Leonard, which made this routine look and feel very different. He only said yes to allowing Leonard to do it this way because Eric and Leonard were good friends. Also, Leonard was a big celebrity, to get him to appear on their first Christmas show for Thames was a coup.
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.
@@xr6lad Compared to the rest of their Thames output it was considered strong. From 1980 onward their shows consisted of rehashed BBC routines. By 1982, each show consisted of around 75% of former routines they did at the BBC.
Their legendary Christmas shows that they did for the BBC were always going to be near-impossible to surpass & unfortunately this was underlined when Eric & Ernie moved to Thames in 1978. Another problem was that their final 3 Christmas shows in 1981, 1982 & 1983 couldn't be broadcast on Christmas Day as that said date fell on a weekend &, as Thames was a London weekday service, it wasn't allowed to broadcast it's output during LWT's service on weekends in the capital. The only way Thames coud've got round the 1981 Christmas special on Christmas Day that year (which fell on a Friday) was if they'd screened it at 6 pm just before handing over to LWT at 7 pm. It also would've been the last time Thames would've been allowed to do this as the Thames/LWT Friday switchover was brought forward to 5.15 pm a week later on New Year's Day 1982
Back in the day, 'Christmas Shows' had very little Christmassy about them, but we loved them, and it was a decent watch at Christmas time. What do we have in 2020? Bloody Love Island...🤮
Eric Morecambe told his son Gary that nearly every other Christmas show on BBC and ITV was filled with tinsel, Christmas trees, elves, Santa Claus, Christmas music etc. He said it was overkill, and so he and Ernie decided to avoid as much mention of Christmas as possible, and just make it one of their regular shows, but expanded and improved by 50% more. He also said, "if you want all that Christmas snow and tat, watch the Two Ronnies, they fulfil that remit".
Very funny stuff indeed, when Christmas television was worth watching. You couldn’t beat Morecambe and Wise for delivering the goods. By the way, love the Anderson tartan blanket on the sofa 16:05!
Didn't Norman play on some "Benny Hill Shows"? I had seen some top session musician names among those playing in Ronnie Aldrich's orchestra to do the scores for "TBHS." Including the father of a certain Who songwriter and guitarist.
12:50 - The Andrews Sisters bit here was the only routine Leonard Rossiter would do with Eric and Ernie. According to Gary Morecambe, this routine had to be redesigned, to ensure Leonard was not mocked, and that he drew the laughs. Look at Eric and Ernie at 13:55 relegated to the sidelines for Leonard to take focus, something not done by the duo before or after this.
Christmas wasn't Christmas without Eric and Ernie. How I miss those days. I was hoping this was the one with Glenda Jackson as Cleopatra. 'All men are fools and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got.' Think that was 1976.
Just over 19 million watched this Christmas Special in 1978. Compare that to their previous year's special on the BBC where they had nearly ten million more viewers for their 1977 Christmas Show with around 28 million tuning in, a record for their show.
And the next night, Benny Hill's Boxing Day 1978 special (aired ten years to the day after his very last BBC show) only attracted 13.3 million viewers and placed near the bottom of JICTAR's Top 20 for the week. Unfortunately, what he did to get back on top come his next show (which, although reaching 20.85 million viewers, was still less than his March 1971 special which was seen by 21.63 million) would end up driving his show, his name and his reputation to ruin over the next decade.
wow.. remember watching this live lol.. I was ten and half when this was on. :D It's weird seeing this all these years later, forty years and yet this seems like yesterday..
![SahBabii - Viking [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D37cL92JX0I/mqdefault.jpg)
Every Christmas we had to move our tv into our front room ( it took 2 of us !!) and it was on for nearly 2 weeks everyday as tv was epic at Christmas time, Morecambe and Wise, the two ronnies, some mothers do 'ave 'em etc, even as a 6 year old in 78 everyone in the house was glued to it.
Back when tv was great and original, unlike tv today 🤦♂️
I grew up in the late 70s and 80s , and now realise how fortunate I was to grow up to wonderful Christmas specials and great comedy performers like Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, The Benny Hill Show, Mike Harwood show, and others....It was definitely a golden era in British comedy shows, that is desperately lacking in the tv shows of today.....they were great times
yes indeed, today the "stars" are bloody chefs and presenters with no talent
Same here, I do feel privileged to have grown up in the last era of golden TV. It all started to go horribly wrong from the late 90s and by the mid 2000s it was hopeless.
At least thanks to some superb people out there we can revisit classic comedy like this!
Merry Christmas 🤶 🎅🎄
We were so lucky (although we didn't now how lucky at the time) to have the performers and their shows you mention; you're right, looking back at shows like these there is something definitely missing in todays shows. It's New Year 2022 and I'm watching the Moremambe and Wise Christmas Show 1978 for some real comedy, some smiles/laughs.🙂🌹🎄🕊
I’m there aswell good tv back then .
When television had celebrities that had talent, not the lot we have now, so called influencers and reality television z list celebs, literally famous for being nobodies, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Eric and Ernie, also when two blokes could share a bed & we didn’t think anything about it, comedy gold and national treasure’s.
For the first time in years I spent last Christmas-day at home on my own - and I spent all day watching the 'Morecambe and Wise' shows and hey-presto - I was back in the 70's/80's !. Never have I enjoyed a Christmas-day so much in years !
Can only say it’ll be Wise to go to Morecambe for a great laugh
For the people who grew up with Eric&Ernie Christmas was presents in the morning then Christmas dinner mid afternoon and our beloved Morecombe & Wose in the evening. They were the best duo act then and now and Eddie Braben was one of the best writers. We miss you all. RIP fellas💖❤️💙
That was when they were at the BBC. This is when they moved to Thames, the writing team not so high .
@@justininfrance
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Pp
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Great times for christmas on the tv , greatly missed -REAL STARS ,not the shite we have today 🎅🎄😖
They made Christmas
@King Royal well you have a right to your opinion but you are in the minority as if they were truely awfull as an abscess on a tooth/gum is then its a shock why so many millions would watch their shows and why they were in continuous work the 60's,70's&80's untill Eric's death.
For those of us who missed these wonderful shows or were just born in the wrong country, the internet has allowed us to watch them for the first time. Thank you very much!
-A Yank who loves British Comedy.
We didn't realise how good we had it.
Been crying with laughter watching this...Eric was my uncle's cousin, me lovely old Uncle Harry Bath (Bartholomew) got us backstage at Morecambe Winter Gardens to meet him once....utterly lovely bloke and just as funny offstage as on. You are both sorely missed Eric and Ernie.
Lucky you, what an amazing encounter that must have been! Morecambe and Wise were comedy giants and very much missed. Their Christmas shows are pure joyful nostalgia.
What an amazing encounter for you. The whole country loved your second cousin without ever meeting him. Sadly missed 🙏🏻
Merry Christmas!!!
Nostalgia, nothing like it . Eric and Ernie were in a different league. Very special. RIP. a thank you for all the wonderful laughter.
Unfortunately these days are gone forever.. I'm so glad I was around to enjoy better time's
christmas is not the same without the Morecambe and wise christmas shows . they was the best. and i still think it r.i.p eric and ernie
I realize I am kinda off topic but do anybody know of a good website to stream newly released tv shows online ?
@Wells Mark Lately I have been using Flixzone. Just search on google for it :)
Used to watch this with my gran back at Christmas Times..good memories..RIP gran..Eric,Ernie and Leonard
The golden age of television, particularly Christmas tv, has well and truly passed.
Great memories of Morecambe & Wise Christmas shows, after the late Queen's speech, priceless comedy, sadly missed. Christmas day is no longer fun 😒
Ahhh the good old days and what Christmas tv specials do we get these days? Celebrity baking and dancing on ice.
Thank you posting this all good memories 😻😻😻
You were wonderful both of you. Eric Morecombe always reminded me of my. Late father. Bless them all up together in heaven now and my mum with them with all her brother's and sisters. And my grandparents.
So i enjoy watching your shows again.
Rest in peace all of you. 😊😊🎉🎉❤❤❤❤
Yes I agree with the man ho said they were great ❤❤
Wen Xmas felt like Xmas iam so glad I grew up in 70s....
You lucky duck. :)
Too right mate.
When the whole family would watch the Christmas special. Special memories.
Me too. Glad the 80s were my teen years too.
TV Legends long gone! I was fortunate enough to be have been born in 1974. I was young but I remember these people back in the day and they were brilliant! So I am in my late 40's now and I wish these old acts could come back, tv today is bland.
My dads favourite we all sat down watch it brilliant
Never will they be topped, and never will they be forgotten, These two were the best and always will be, R.I.P Eric & Ernie
I'm watching this on Christmas Day 2022. Although I'm sure I watched this when it was first broadcast (what I'd give to relive those Christmases with my mum and dad) I was surprised to see Harold Wilson. I really don't recall that at all. And I also don't recall him being known for having a sense of humour back then either!
I am watching it in Boxing Day, 2022. 👍
I remember most of the Xmas specials...Xmas wasn't Xmas without these 2.
Brilliant. Takes me right back. As they say, "They don't make 'em like that any more"!
Television was so much better than today, I am so glad I grew up watching these and all the other greats.
Three channels which actually dedicated time and effort to programming - whereas now we have hundreds of channels who do not have the time for dedication, just repeats
I watched this on the night iam 55 now miss these two that's how you do Christmas show
Mark Anderson I’m the same age Mark. Missed this as I emigrated to Sydney Australia. Wish I’d have been home to be honest. Love these guys 😄
Mark Anderson so was I
@@janfairclough6982 I'm the same age, last week, and also emigrated to Sydney Australia .... I am working out how to go home (West Yorkshire)
You forget how wonderful the British sense of humor is.
Proper Christmas entertainment back in the day as well as the 2 Ronnies on BBC.
Eric was hilarious before he even said anything...his facial expressions alone were priceless. 😂😂
Its such a pity that tv shows like these are gone forever
A nicer time altogether in Britain. Before everybody was offended by absolutely everything .
Spot on. It's a very tense world now, where you only have to say that you like your coffee either white or black, some unintended connotation will be made, and you'll be villainised despite your honest protest of innocence.
@tinylilmatt - Plus Ch4's "The Last Leg" and that muppet Adam Hills and Co. Hideous program
Not just Britain mate..in our extremely sick left country too called New Zealand
And immigration
How dare you!
I would go back to 1978 in a heartbeat such good times I miss them so much 🙏❤️
The highlight of Christmas was always Morecombe and wise
Fantastic. Enjoyed every minute. No one has ever replaced them and never will. They should re-run every Christmas show on TV every year.
Sadly Thames has decided to bury the 1981 to 1983 Christmas shows of Eric and Ernie in their archive. BBC doe repeat their Christmas shows, usually the 1971, 1973, 1975 of 1977 Christmas show gets a repeat these days.
Unfortunately, Holly, the politically correct detractors would rain on the parade - rather sad, all things considered .....
In 1978, having jumped ship to Thames, it was widely perceived that Eric and Ernie were on the slide, but my Grandad and I watched this in the kitchen on a 12 inch black and white portable and still thought this was the best show 0n TV over Christmas. A little long, maybe, but still brilliant, and a brave attempt by Cryer and Junkin to replicate the great Eddie Braben. Bless all of you.
Eddie would join the duo from 1980
watching this in 2019 and its still better than any of the crap on tv now we really had it made in the 70s fantastic programs and music and kids had there own TV hours not any more sadly :( so much work went into all the shows back then .
Isn't it because in the 70s you were young, optimistic with your whole future in front of you. Now you are old, cynical, afraid of everthing and right-wing?
@@justininfrance why don't you sod off? Leave people to their own memories. They didn't ask for your snipy interpretations.
I will always love these two. Thank goodness for RUclips for bringing me back to my youth. 😂😂
Oh how I remember that Andrews Sisters routine! (12:40) - I wet myself laughing back then at Leonard Rossiter in a skirt and heels, and it's the same all over again. All 3 in skirts and heels, and the routine is flawless.(I'd just LOVE to see the rehearsals for this!) - I must say, Eric has the best legs out of them all for it. WONDERFULL!! Happy memories. Thank you for posting this!
You have to watch Morecambe and Wise on Christmas day. It's like the law.😂
The appearance of Harold Wilson I remember well. He'd resigned as Prime Minister very suddenly two years before. Very good at coming across as a man of the people - and fiercely intelligent. Did well in that sketch!
If Eddie Braben had have written this routine, it would have been a lot better. As Eddie would have brought out a bit more warmth from him. John Junkin and Barry Cryer did their best, but it was still a bit lukewarm for me.
1977 Christmas show is still in the record books over 28millian
There is doubt over the 28 million figure. Audience ratings back in 1977 was done differently to now, and they feel they overestimated the audience. It was still a whopping figure, but many feel it was more close to 22 million watching and not 28 million. Mike Yarwood came in very close at 21 million.
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.
Never saw this when it was first broadcast in 1978, I was home on Christmas 🎄 leave from RAF Catterick while I was on Basics for the RAF Regiment, can't believe that was over 40 years ago, and still had Never seen it. Where has the time gone and those with Eric and Ernie now also have also passed, Christmas Never The Same, Thank You Guys for the laughter 😃
This was a tradition every year with the family...both so sadly missed.
54:15 - I really liked how Harold Wilson timed this reaction joke to Eric perfectly. I was taken aback by his comic timing here. He knew when to allow the audience laughter to die down before coming in with the gag. Excellent work.
The Thames TV theme that comes on this video at the start, every time I hear that, in my head it goes "Here they are now Morecambe and Wise"
I don't know if they ever had singers doing that, or if it's just something I always did in my head when that little tune came on. But to this day I still play those words in my head whenever I hear it.
It was first used in their first full series for Thames in the autumn of 1980. Thames wanted to taunt the BBC and realised the Thames intro jingle could fit that phrase "Here they are now Morecambe and Wise" and so a generic jingle was created, and used to introduce their show until their last show at Christmas 1983.
@@johnking5174 I watched another one from last night that had it in, glad it wasn't me mis-remembering, and that it was an actual thing.
@@bravo2966 Thames wanted to tease BBC, however it was the BBC who had the last laugh, as their material from 1981 onward was really poor quality
Although I saw this first time around , when it was televised live ( for which I will always be extremely grateful - I’m so glad I was there at that time), I still don’t remember the bands men’s reactions, they were so enjoying the comedy of it lol. Long live Morecambe and Wise. You brought laughter to so many, you will never be equalled ❤️❤️
Amazing to think that within three weeks of this being aired, in January 1979, Eric would suffer another major heart attack at his home. Gary his son was with his dad in their kitchen when suddenly after Eric opened the fridge door, he collapsed on the kitchen floor with chest pains and breathing problems and was rushed to hospital. He would have major heart surgery later that year, and by all accounts this event caused a big change in the output of Morecambe and Wise from 1980 onwards. The shows would now be in a 25 minute format and there would only be seven shows a year along with a 50 minute Christmas Special. This was to ease the workload on Eric, remember Ernie was fit as a fiddle here and in perfect health for a man of his age.
John King @q
John King Is
So it wasn't just the decline in writing quality that plagued their shows thereafter.
I met the Actress Anita Harris at the London Film Convention I go to
Who worked with with Morecambe and wise she said they were very nice people and a Joy to work with
Great memories from my childhood. Still funny as ever..what a joy
theres nothing like this now i watched this every year growing up
Gold I’ll watch this again Christmas Day it’s entertainment. Innocent and no swearing. Pure. Comedy Hugs to both Eric and Ernie 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
The greatest comedy duo in history with the best writer. Stars queuing up to get a guest cameo. These will never be equalled.
Not the best writer in 1978 when this was made. Eddie Braben, their writer from 1969 didn't make the original move from the BBC to ITV with Eric and Ernie in 1978, and only arrived at ITV in 1980 after his contract with the BBC ended.
@@johnking5174 - Barry Cryer, one of the writers of this special, had done some on-camera supporting player appearances on "Monty Python."
You know they've reached legendary status when they can get the former Prime Minister on their show.
Harold Wilson was not getting the attention he wanted from the public by 1978, and wanted to improve his image, as many felt he abandoned ship far too early and left Jim Callaghan to clean up the mess from 1976 onward, which was true. Jim was left with the massive bailout by the IMF a few months after Wilson resigned in 1976. Labour Party and the public never forgave Wilson for that.
Humour at its best not being smutty brilliant
The golden age of television.
Like so many of us here, I grew up with Eric and Ernie. Tbh, my childhood was pretty crap but Morecambe & Wise gave my little brother and myself some much-needed respite from it.
The Andrews Sisters bit is done so well & fun, just really great, Rossiter looked ropey for a few seconds then he got into it - brilliant - thanks for the UL x
That sketch was specifically designed to ensure Leonard was the star of the sketch, you will notice Eric and Ernie take a back seat
Merry Christmas to everyone watching in 2019 ❄🎄🎀💝🎁🎅⛄
Merry Christmas to you too, Chris!
Chris Evans
Merry Christmas to you too.
All the best for future!
👍🍵🎵🎼📖🎄🎉🎊🎇🎁🎀🎻🎹🎺🔥⛄🍃🤗
Moira
From England.
Merry Christmas to you in 2019
its great how comedy never gets old no matter how old it is
We had to check....twice....41 years ago and still making us laugh.
Im 18 and these comdeians are just golden
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this! Im overjoyed! :-D
Wonderfull gifted comedians!! grew up in the 70's when the Morcambe and Wise xmas show was the most anticipated and watched show of the year!! compare this to todays left wing unfunny idiots and try not to weep!! RIP Eric and Ernie!!
What on earth had political persuasion got to do with analysis of M&W??
Morcambe and Wise were already past their best when they moved to ITV. This is very weak in comparison. But being a right-wing grumpy git you are just nostalgic for a mythical past that never existed.
@@justininfrance He is right though. This kind of programme would never be made these days. The left killed comedy.
I witnessed some of the best tv ever growing up in the 70s.Pity most of the time we could only afford a Black and White TV.
We only had a b and w second hand tv...but still, we looked forward to the Xmas tv line up! Xmas wasnt Xmas without M and W! :)
They should never have left the BBC, but Eric, Ernie and Eddie Braben left a legacy of family entertainment that has never been surpassed.
The issue for the pair was they wanted to make another movie. They were unhappy with the 1960s movies they made, and wanted another go at it. The BBC then did not have a film making division, Thames Television did through Euston Films, and that was a huge part of the decision to move in 1978 at the end of their BBC contract.
@@johnking5174 - Sounds similar to the circumstances by which Benny Hill, in 1969, moved to Thames: the chance to make a film project, "Eddie in August." Which, because of the mixed to hostile critic reviews and tepid audience figures, would ensure Hill only did his hour-long specials from then on.
@@wmbrown6 Thames Television had the advantage of being commercial, and having their own film making company, which also made Minder for ITV. BBC would not have that luxury until they formed BBC Films in June 1990 as part of the Conservative government's reform of the broadcasting laws.
@@johnking5174 - The same laws which, unfortunately, would lead to Thames' end as a weekday London broadcaster after New Year's Eve 1992.
What a treat! Thank you. ❤️
😂😂😂 I haven't laughed so much for YEARS! Thanks so much for uploading this! Great to see them again! 👍😁
You can’t have Xmas without these on tv
This man of color who grew up in England loves watching Eric and Ernie.what memories.Even whey they left the B.B.C,they were STILL funny so I really couldn't care less whoever said they weren't funny should sod off!
Amazing comedians, love them xx
What beloved comedians and guests 😂😂😂😂 May you all rip 🙏 cheers stevo 🍀🍀🍀🍀
Harold Wilson and Mr Mory Cambi- priceless! Never to be forgotten Morecambe and Wise.
I'm a bit of a bah humbug these days when it comes to Christmas but I must admit, these Christmas specials have given me a definite lift, actually laughing. Thank you for good old Eric and Ernie, brilliant 👌
7:40 - Leonard Rossiter was a good friend of Eric's and you will notice a marked difference in his appearance with the duo compared to any other actor who would come on the show. Leonard was sometimes hard to work with and was known for his ego and temper. So Eric being his friend ensured that Leonard would get most of the laughs and would not be made to look a fool. Notice how Eric and Ernie are the butt of his jokes and not the other way round as it usually is. This was only done for Leonard, as he and Eric were very good friends. I am not sure if Ernie really approved of this change.
Actually both E&E didn't look as if they were enjoying themselves. There is a closeup where Leonard is beaming and Eric looks as if he is hating it.
@@xr6lad This was due to the fact that the whole routine was swapped. Eric and Ernie became the butt of the jokes, not Leonard. When a big star guest appeared with them, Eric would have fun mocking them and playing silly. He couldn't do that with Leonard, which made this routine look and feel very different. He only said yes to allowing Leonard to do it this way because Eric and Leonard were good friends. Also, Leonard was a big celebrity, to get him to appear on their first Christmas show for Thames was a coup.
Covid 2020 I'm still watching this
They were both extremely talented performers, but for me, Eric was the comic genius.
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.
This strong? I felt the entire thing was substandard and forced. It wasn't M&W.
@@xr6lad Compared to the rest of their Thames output it was considered strong. From 1980 onward their shows consisted of rehashed BBC routines. By 1982, each show consisted of around 75% of former routines they did at the BBC.
The 'Maggie Rules Ok' sign always cracks me up!
It was the Golden age of TV I worked in TV and they were so funny.
Going to keep these episodes and watch em at Christmas.,
Their legendary Christmas shows that they did for the BBC were always going to be near-impossible to surpass & unfortunately this was underlined when Eric & Ernie moved to Thames in 1978.
Another problem was that their final 3 Christmas shows in 1981, 1982 & 1983 couldn't be broadcast on Christmas Day as that said date fell on a weekend &, as Thames was a London weekday service, it wasn't allowed to broadcast it's output during LWT's service on weekends in the capital.
The only way Thames coud've got round the 1981 Christmas special on Christmas Day that year (which fell on a Friday) was if they'd screened it at 6 pm just before handing over to LWT at 7 pm. It also would've been the last time Thames would've been allowed to do this as the Thames/LWT Friday switchover was brought forward to 5.15 pm a week later on New Year's Day 1982
A happy show both missed very much
Back in the day, 'Christmas Shows' had very little Christmassy about them, but we loved them, and it was a decent watch at Christmas time. What do we have in 2020? Bloody Love Island...🤮
Eric Morecambe told his son Gary that nearly every other Christmas show on BBC and ITV was filled with tinsel, Christmas trees, elves, Santa Claus, Christmas music etc. He said it was overkill, and so he and Ernie decided to avoid as much mention of Christmas as possible, and just make it one of their regular shows, but expanded and improved by 50% more. He also said, "if you want all that Christmas snow and tat, watch the Two Ronnies, they fulfil that remit".
Very funny stuff indeed, when Christmas television was worth watching. You couldn’t beat Morecambe and Wise for delivering the goods. By the way, love the Anderson tartan blanket on the sofa 16:05!
Totally agree...just don’t have anything like this now.
Times of happiness and great joy watching thses with my parents years ago.
Excellent brilliant 👍 Morecambe and wise
Magical. Thank you.
My Dad Norman Brown, at 34:13 on Tenor Sax
Sam Leigh-Brown your dad was a lucky man to have worked along side Eric and Ernie! Great memories for you too!
next to your dad in the right is my grandad Andy Taylor
Awesome sax player 🎶🎷😙
The band clearly weren't hired for their ability to keep a straight face!
Didn't Norman play on some "Benny Hill Shows"? I had seen some top session musician names among those playing in Ronnie Aldrich's orchestra to do the scores for "TBHS." Including the father of a certain Who songwriter and guitarist.
I was eight and at junior school back then. Remember Morecambe and Wise very well (Steven Morecambe is the same age as me!)
I was born in Morecambe! Non stop joke for 20 years .XXXXX
12:50 - The Andrews Sisters bit here was the only routine Leonard Rossiter would do with Eric and Ernie. According to Gary Morecambe, this routine had to be redesigned, to ensure Leonard was not mocked, and that he drew the laughs. Look at Eric and Ernie at 13:55 relegated to the sidelines for Leonard to take focus, something not done by the duo before or after this.
Loved them xx
Christmas wasn't Christmas without Eric and Ernie. How I miss those days. I was hoping this was the one with Glenda Jackson as Cleopatra. 'All men are fools and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got.' Think that was 1976.
oh lovely! x
The great old days of entertainment and not an illegal in sight.
The Saxophone player deserves a medal for not cracking up 😂😂😂😂
Not a patch on their BBC Christmas shows.
I just could never stop laughing . . Unbeatable
I remember watching this as a kid I was nearly 4 weeks old.
Just over 19 million watched this Christmas Special in 1978. Compare that to their previous year's special on the BBC where they had nearly ten million more viewers for their 1977 Christmas Show with around 28 million tuning in, a record for their show.
And the next night, Benny Hill's Boxing Day 1978 special (aired ten years to the day after his very last BBC show) only attracted 13.3 million viewers and placed near the bottom of JICTAR's Top 20 for the week. Unfortunately, what he did to get back on top come his next show (which, although reaching 20.85 million viewers, was still less than his March 1971 special which was seen by 21.63 million) would end up driving his show, his name and his reputation to ruin over the next decade.
@@wmbrown6 and that was?????
Tits and fanny.
wow.. remember watching this live lol.. I was ten and half when this was on. :D It's weird seeing this all these years later, forty years and yet this seems like yesterday..
I was 17. This and the Andrew Preview sketches were the best. Nothing compares today. Thanks Eric and Ernie! :-)
we're the same age,it was the highlight of christmas,apart from prezzies an food of course,
and we still had a black and white tv lol