At Christmas time, Morecambe and Wise brought in an audience of 26 million just watching their show, which is a record no comedian duet can repeat. I watched these two whenever they were on television...
I remember the 70s being a hard time for the country with industrial strikes , power cuts and really rather grim but ..... somehow it was a far gentler time . Programmes like Morecambe and Wise brought light hearted warmth into the house especially at Christmas. It was a time of great change culturally going from the industrial age into the 80s of Thatcher . My abiding memory as a child , it was cold with no central heating in our house..... 🥶 .
@@scottandrewbrass1931 she sang at the Cavern Club on her own usually ( Recent Cilla documentary). A talent scout went to see her there but she got so nervous she didn't do her normal set & he was not impressed.
Lulu was a contemporary of hers she was a singer and actress she appeared in a classic movie with sidney poitier , to dir with love and a song of the Same name , she also had a huge hit with you make me wana shout , and she was married to on of the beegees and had a very successful music TV show , she was part responsible for discovering Jimi Hendrix and gave him his first TV appearance made him a star . She later had a hit in the 90s aged about 60 years of age witch is rare
They did so many like that which are still worth watching today just for a good laugh, Barry . . . Timeless Comedy basically! Glenda Jackson, Angela Rippon, Penelope Keith, etc . . . Then you also had the specials . . . Singing in the Rain, South Pacific and so on . . . all are still memorable to this day.
Great show guys! I was a kid in the UK in the 80's and the culture proliferated by what's on TV today is totally alien to most of us who grew up then. Everything is so negative and cynical. Not sure how we fix it though... Don't watch TV or buy newspapers! That's a good start 😂
Seriously guys . Cilla black was a national treasure for several generations as a singer and a television show host ,she did the British version of the dating game ( game show ) for decades
Interesting analysis from Felipe regarding the light hearted style of Morecambe and Wise, which was typical of that period (although it was beginning to change) I speak as a baby boomer who grew up in the 40s,50s and 60s and it seemed that most people were seeking happiness and to enjoy life after a terrible war. Looking back at simpler times (albeit with some austerity) there is one word I think that sums it up and that word is 'optimism'.
These were very British shows, I have happy memories of being a 8 year old watching these shows in the early 70's, Christmas with family round, my Great-Uncles, some of them WW1 & WW2 veterans with children & grandchildren all laughing along ... In 1984, I was in my 2nd year at University when Eric died of his final heart-attack ... I opened my paper the next morning, and the 3rd page had a large cartoon, just a coffin on a stage, draped in a Union Flag with a pair of spectacles resting on top .... underneath, it simply said, " Goodbye, Sunshine " !! Tears started rolling down my face, part of my childhood had gone !!
Watch the film 'Cilla' - it's a very good drama about her life, well worth a look. Even without knowing anything about her beforehand I think you'd enjoy it. It's not a comedy so you don't need to react to it, but a nice way for you to spend an evening 'off camera.'
Bamber Gascoigne was the host of University Challenge, a quiz where terms from different universities competed to find out which university is best. Cilla Black is from Liverpool. She used to check in coats at the Cavern Club in Liverpool where the Beatles came to fame. Lulu was a famous singer who was a competitor with Cilla Black.
Great video. Back then in the 70s 80s.. there's only three TV channels.. every body worked hard... Talked the neighbours.. turn on the local markets food. Morecambe and wise were a getaway release from worklife .. back then people wanted it was a fairly decent job some money to go for a pint and hopefully one decent holiday a year to Spain.. no fancy gadget buying or mobile phones.... Used to be more of a family . All together watching shows like Morecambe and wise
This was their signature tune, which they sang at the end of their show. Eric Morecambe was a comic genius and is still admired by all modern comedians. Cilla is from Liverpool and was discovered by the Beatles
That tune became their signature theme Cilla was a cloakroom attendant at the cavern club in Liverpool at the height of Beatle mania where John Lennon discovered her and got her a contract with their manager and the rest is history, Eric's joke about that they could have gotten Lulu for a pound extra is the fact that Lulu was probably the biggest British female soloist at the time....
These clips are a national treasure for anyone over 45. When these shows were broadcast there were only three channels in Uk. BBC 1 and 2 and ITV so millions watched these shows. I think at one point half the Uk population watch the Morcambe and Wise Christmas Show. Britain loved Eric and Ernie. I agree Britain has changed since I was a child watching this show. I’ve evolved through the change,you have the advantage of making a direct comparison between the Britain you are trying to come to terms with now and this more ‘innocent’ age. I think people had a lot less in the 70s but were more content.
I’m 61 and I love that you love the stuff I grew up on. Cilla Black had two completely separate careers. As a pop singer she reached number one twice in the UK in 1964, the hardest decade in which to do so. Her manager was Brian Epstein, who managed her friends the Beatles and she shared George Martin as producer. She had 11 top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart between then and 1971, and an additional 8 hits that made the top 40. Her version of "Anyone Who Had a Heart" was the UK's biggest-selling single by a female artist in the entire 1960s. “You're My World" was also a modest hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The BBC gave her her own series for several years. She almost disappeared in the late 70s and came back in the 1980s as a sparkling TV personality hosting ITV shows Surprise Surprise and Blind Date for around 20 years. She was the highest paid woman on British TV for years. By the time she died, several TV generations had no idea she’d been a huge pop sensation in the 60s, knowing her as a game show and format host.
That song was their theme tune played at the end of the show. Whenever I watch Morecambe and Wise it makes me feel Christmasey, happy and smile inside. Something that's seems to happen very rarely in today's world for me. It was a different country then. Not all of it was for the better but a great many things were. Enjoy your channel and love Morecambe and Wise. 👍
Cilla Black was from the Liverpool area, like the Beatles and that joke Eric said under his breath, we could have had Lulu, she brings her own tea, is a singer from Glasgow.
Society had much less materialistically still in the 1970's when I was 6 - 16 yrs old,but culturally things were far superior to what they are today in music, television and film. There was still a society where people looked out for one another and weren't so envious of what other people had because generally people still didn't possess too much. A simpler and much better era to grow up in.
What's changed is that the elite used to think they could help improve the lives of ordinary people. Now, I know that sounds ever so paternatlistic and maybe a bit condescending, but it's a lot better than the alternative - which is what we've got now, where they think ordinary people are stupid and idiotic, and can be fed the most dreadful TV programmes like are available today. They make programmes that they admit they would never allow their own children to watch.
Eric is alluding to George Formbys ukelele and grin which is very familiar.... Bamber Gascoigne who hosted University Challenge was just as familiar but was perceived as the opposite of George Formby
Cilla is a true scouser through and through and was considered by some as the 5th Beatle due to her association with the band. She worked at the Cavern club at the time the band performed there and were first noticed. Not sure if she was discovered by them but they wrote some of her early hit records which set her on the road to fame.
I heard she went to school with them as well as that other actress the mother from the royal family and original cast member of brookside soap opera sue Johnston I think ? But yes they were all very close , famous people from liverpool in the 60s was a very small club
Cilla Black was a cloakroom attendant at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and personal friend of the Beatles who played there! She was a singer in the 60’s having hits such as ‘step inside love’, ‘something tells me’, and ‘Alfie’. She hosted her own TV shows and was huge in the 80’s to a younger audience with a dating game show called Blind date. She was a huge star in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. We had some real talent back then....now all we are left with is crass, vulgar, overpaid dross! Times were different then and it was a time of optimism! If I had a time machine I’d go back to the 70’s and never come back!
FYI: Bamber Gascgoine used to host a high-quality quiz show called 'University Challenge' and as a result gained something of a reputation as a 'brain of Britain'... ;)
Eric & Ernie are from the old concert hall time which is why the comedy is so different from today, both were also singers and dancers. I'd highly recommend you watch 'Eric & Ernie (TV Drama)' on RUclips, its the true story of how they started
You have nailed it, I absolutely agree with your assessment of British culture today and how unhelpful public systems have become. Just governed by box tickers.
Eric would sometimes add a line which the guest had not rehearsed. The fun was in spotting how well the guest would regroup and get back on script. Incidendely Cilla Was from Liverpool.Surely you tell how much she sounded like John, Paul. George And Ringo.
Two running gags of M and W is that it was always insinuated that Ernie had a wig on in contrast to Eric with his thinning hair and Eric would always pretend someone had pinched or slapped his behind when he walked past them. You should try and react to some of their famous sketches with famous people especially Anthony and Cleopatra with Glenda Jackson and Napoleon and Josephine with Vanessa Redgrave.
They were all "northern" - Cilla was from Liverpool (Beatles!). Eric from Morecambe (where he took his name) and Ernie from near Leeds. Lulu was (Lulu Kennedy-Cairns OBE) is a Scottish singer, and actress, very big in 60's. International fame in the movie "To Sir with Love" (1967) and with the title song to the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Eric told Cilla, "we could have had Lulu for another pound, and she brings her own tea".
When Ernie was young his parents had him as a dance act and then singer then Ernie met Èric doing stand up in bad venues. Eventually as friends they did comedy singing acts together where they met Des. Then in the 1950s they became the ones people went to see even made two films together in the 1960s. Cilla Black is from Liverpool.
It just dawned on me : George Mikes (Hungarian ) Wrote '"How to be an Alien " - which took a crack at British culture - and most of the British who read it, liked it. I think that may have held true up into the seventies.
Pretty much agree with your view. You are also correct that often the default position is “no” but I don’t agree that British people are not optimistic I think British people deal with things incrementally i.e. lets get from A to B, then when we are B lets see how we get to C rather than the US view of lets get from A to C and not worry about the steps in between- I think the latter view can lead to frustration and disappointment. Morcambe and Wise are brilliant showmen and there is no one to touch there timing and craftsmanship amongst today’s comedians but unfortunately they are not fashionable which is a huge pity as they are a joy to watch!
Yes when i stop and remember the way things used to be it is like being on another planet ,the change was gradual because i lived through it but looking back this world is strange.
I'm afraid that the difference in culture between today and the video reveals that we seem to be a 'meaner' society. Most people watched this entertainment to make them feel happy for at least a while musically and comically.
If I remember rightly Cilla was originally the cloakroom girl at the Caven were it all started for the BEATLES they encouraged her to be a singer and the lads even tried being her backing Band for an audition.. I think Brian Epstine ( I've spelt that wrong 🤔) . Managed her..
The accent is from Liverpool.She used to sing at The Cavern Club at the same time as The Beatles. Paul McCartney wrote a song for her - Step Inside, Love - that became one of her signature songs. It's a brilliant song and worth checking out: ruclips.net/video/pmn2HXuf7xA/видео.html Cilla Black, Paul McCartney (guitar) and George Martin (producer) working on the song prior to recording: ruclips.net/video/L8TJQyWJgM0/видео.html
I always enjoy your enthusiasm for uncovering traditional, wholesome British entertainment and culture, and your belief that, in some walks of British life, it still exists. The British Television shows from the 1970's contained many star acts from the variety shows of the 50's and 60's which were all about pure entertainment (probably as a result of Post War optimism), rather than the "Alternative Comedy" acts from the late 70's / early 80's which contained a lot of the Punk Rock, anti-establishment values, and left-wing politics which led to modern comedy. The variety show format was derived from the old tradition of British Music Hall from the Victorian / Edwardian era of Great Britain, that was steeped in British culture whilst introducing elements of new experiences from the shipping trade routes of the Far East, America, Europe and India. At the same time as the Morecambe and Wise, and the Two Ronnies, there was a show that tried to recreate the British Music Hall, it even had the audience dress in appropriate attire. The show was called "The Good Old Days", it ran from the 50's through to the early 80's. I thought you might like to check it out, even if it may not be looking to show it on your RUclips channel: ruclips.net/video/BSQTZ0soj7M/видео.html
If you live in the south of England you will find the people especially negative. If you have to deal with them for any length of time it will drain you as you are constantly having to show them that the glass is half full, not half empty.
You should watch the TV film called Eric and Ernie about their career and what inspired their comedy style, it would give you a better understanding of who they were.
I agree on change I have noticed a similar thing in several countries from my parents generation to mine and the next generation after mine gives me little hope for a return
Look up STEP INSIDE LOVE written by the Beatles for Cilla. Also the movie CILLA is fantastic. She had many huge hits and a really awesome voice. One of the UKs biggest ever stars. Great videos of her online with Burt Bacharrac
Watch Tom and Jerry ! Lots of issues and stereotypes to discuss. OR just laugh. One of the first human traits in babies is humour. When they're around 10 you can sing that Desmond Deker song "my ears are alight".
She isn't 'northern' - she's a scouser from Liverpool and one of the most successful solo female singers in UK history. Later hosting an extremely popular series 'Blind Date' amongst others. She was the cloakroom attendant in the famous Cavern Club before being discovered by Brian Epstein. She has her own statue in front of the original site.
@@davidz2808 I'm allowed to say whatever I want. Newcastle is 'northern' so is Carlisle - I was being specific. Got to educate these American friends of ours.
@@Salfordian Jeez. They were talking about her accent not where she was from so I corrected them. I don't think of my scouse accent as being 'northern' - I don't sound like Peter Kay or George Formby. I never want to be mistaken for a Man United supporter. We're better than that. And now they know.
The bit where Eric jumped with his back to Cilla is a joke he did often where he would act like whoever was behind him had pinched his backside and would very often be done when they were mid line
Had problem posting so if you see this twice ignore him 😁 Anyway recommend a mini series called "Cilla" from kid to British icon, and on Amazon for £1.89, maybe somewhere else free. 😉
May I suggest if you two want to see a current comedian who works in the same tradition of joyful silliness as Morecambe and Wise take a look at Tim Vine, the punslinger! He's a joy and so refreshing. I think you'll like him.
if you want an example ofhow things changed from early 70s to later just watch the final GOOD LIFE episode! the good life was about business exec Tom Good who tires of making plastic toys for cereals boxes, quits and with wife barbera tries to live a life of self suficiency in their upper class road much to the bewilderment and total non understanding of neighbours Margo and Jerry. a gentle comedy it won awards and was massive with the public. BBC seeing the rise of the Punk generation of the late 70s wanted the show to be edgier and grittier , the stars and witers agreed they were against it and made a series finale that killed the sho dead. its a must for reaction and explains or shows the dramatic difference between early 70 and late 70s. The finale starts off in the usual way with a silly situation that viewers know will be remedied with smiles and chuckles, then the last five minutes arrived and everyone relaxed for the happy ending, only this ending shocked and angered the public of the day who had never seen the like before. It ended the show but in hind sight marked an end of innocenter times and the start of the decay, if only in humour.
The world was more optimistic and innocent in those days. Horrible things still happened but it was easier to get some space from awful events and bad news because there was no internet to continuously keep us "connected" and "in the loop". You could "tune out" more easily and create your own reality rather than be constantly bombarded with social or news events. I think it resulted in better mental health as a whole interacting in a more natural way rather than "on screen" all the time although the pandemic hasnt helped with everyone relying even more on social media
With regards to your view of how much British people will help you - I think it depends on how they are approached. If you approach someone saying "I'm terribly sorry to bother you, I know I'm only an insignificant customer, but I just wondered...", then often they will do a lot and go out of their way to assist, because they like to help people who seem to be in difficulty. If however you approach saying "I'm the important customer and I demand that you help me, it's my right" then they will resist and not do anything for you.
Actually I had British friends that worked in US Embassy and its a them and us atmosphere hence possibly the less than friendly service (US CS is generally better granted) , for example, believe it or not their was a "supermarket" in the basement (old location) selling US food stuffs but only US (Citizens) staff where allowed to use it. Only US staff are even allowed to vet a visa applications let alone approve it... like a lot of (not US only) expat/embassy folk they live the life of riley (million pound housing in zone one) abroad, where back home they'd be living like the Joe average .. pokers up their proverbial.
I wonder if Ernie getting to do the sudden dance moves by himself is also a sign that they couldn't risk Eric getting too animated like that. For the background on why, it's worth checking out their interview with Michael Parkinson.
I've always found it interesting that the peace of the post-war era has led us towards increasingly sarcastic and biting humour, while Morecambe & Wise (literally child 'discoveries' who began plying their trade during the second world war) were completely the opposite of that. It was all designed that way too. They rehearsed everything in far greater detail than you might give them credit for.
The worst thing is in shops when you enquire about an item which is not immediately apparent that they have and the Assistant says to their colleague " We HAVEN'T got that HAVE WE?? "....given their colleagues little option but to agree with them unless they want to embarrass them in front of the Public..
Lillian, you would probably like Cilla. She was a pop singer of the 1960s with a number of hits, and she had a very unusual voice, or I would say 2 voices, a soft one and a hard one. Sadly she died in 2015 after slipping on stairs and banging her head. Here is a sample. ruclips.net/video/e7-QBw862zk/видео.html
I was born in the 60s, grew up in the 70s and 80s, I remember so warmly how we were entertained back then. In came the 80s and alternativity with political change, we've been in this rut as a country ever since, with political correctness added for bad measure!
The bit you didn't understand (4 minutes) was "For another pound we could have had Lulu... and she'd bring her own teeth" implying if we'd paid a little more, we could have had a bigger star and he poked fun at Cilla's big teeth (which was something she was known for).
At Christmas time, Morecambe and Wise brought in an audience of 26 million just watching their show, which is a record no comedian duet can repeat. I watched these two whenever they were on television...
Yes. And 17million for their weekly show. Comedy royalty. All their stuff is timeless to me.
I remember the 70s being a hard time for the country with industrial strikes , power cuts and really rather grim but ..... somehow it was a far gentler time . Programmes like Morecambe and Wise brought light hearted warmth into the house especially at Christmas. It was a time of great change culturally going from the industrial age into the 80s of Thatcher . My abiding memory as a child , it was cold with no central heating in our house..... 🥶 .
we had no central heating and yes it was a hard time, but l think in lots of ways it was better and television was better
The culture you see before us today is completely foreign to most mature adults born and bred here also.
@@davidz2808 especially with women
Changed so much in the last 20 yrs...Basically Millenials. I'm sure not all, but I can't pin it on anything else, the Buffy/Harry Potter generation.
Yup.
All the changes that have occurred between Eric & Ernie and now have been negative, with two exceptions IMO. Technology and Brexit.
@@carlhartwell7978 Yeah, they all imagine themselves to be members of Gryfendor house.
If you appeared on Eric and Ernie's show you had made it big!
That's their theme tune, played at the end of every show. 👍
I think it was one of 4 songs. I can remember 'Get my kicks following you around.'
You will enjoy the pastiche of Morecambe & Wise doing their take on Gene Kelly's Singing in the Rain.
She passed away a couple of years ago , she was a school friend of the Beatles and friends with them all
Sort of right. She didn't go to school with any of them but she was a cloakroom attendant at The Cavern Club who sang with them on occasion.
@@scottandrewbrass1931 she sang at the Cavern Club on her own usually
( Recent Cilla documentary). A talent scout went to see her there but she got so nervous she didn't do her normal set & he was not impressed.
You should watch one of the plays that Ernie wrote. The one with Glenda Jackson is classic. 😀
It's the plays WHAT Ernie wrote !!!! Also Shirley Bassey is another priceless sketch.
Likewise the Vanessa Redgrave one..
@@steveh9428 I agree with all three of you... but don't forget the sketch he did with Diana Rigg... ;)
Lulu was a contemporary of hers she was a singer and actress she appeared in a classic movie with sidney poitier , to dir with love and a song of the Same name , she also had a huge hit with you make me wana shout , and she was married to on of the beegees and had a very successful music TV show , she was part responsible for discovering Jimi Hendrix and gave him his first TV appearance made him a star . She later had a hit in the 90s aged about 60 years of age witch is rare
Absolutely love the film “To Sir with love” 💖
You want to watch Eric and Ernie when Shirley bassey was on with the boot as Shirley bassey walking down the stairs and she loses a shoe 👟
Classic.
They did so many like that which are still worth watching today just for a good laugh, Barry . . . Timeless Comedy basically! Glenda Jackson, Angela Rippon, Penelope Keith, etc . . . Then you also had the specials . . . Singing in the Rain, South Pacific and so on . . . all are still memorable to this day.
Great show guys! I was a kid in the UK in the 80's and the culture proliferated by what's on TV today is totally alien to most of us who grew up then. Everything is so negative and cynical. Not sure how we fix it though... Don't watch TV or buy newspapers! That's a good start 😂
Seriously guys . Cilla black was a national treasure for several generations as a singer and a television show host ,she did the British version of the dating game ( game show ) for decades
Interesting analysis from Felipe regarding the light hearted style of Morecambe and Wise, which was typical of that period (although it was beginning to change)
I speak as a baby boomer who grew up in the 40s,50s and 60s and it seemed that most people were seeking happiness and to enjoy life after a terrible war.
Looking back at simpler times (albeit with some austerity) there is one word I think that sums it up and that word is 'optimism'.
she used to be friends with the beatles and had a lorra lorra fun doing the show
😁 so nice to see you embracing our national treasures. These clips remind me of when tv was fun...and silly...and lighthearted...thank you 🤗💕
These were very British shows, I have happy memories of being a 8 year old watching these shows in the early 70's, Christmas with family round, my Great-Uncles, some of them WW1 & WW2 veterans with children & grandchildren all laughing along ... In 1984, I was in my 2nd year at University when Eric died of his final heart-attack ... I opened my paper the next morning, and the 3rd page had a large cartoon, just a coffin on a stage, draped in a Union Flag with a pair of spectacles resting on top .... underneath, it simply said, " Goodbye, Sunshine " !! Tears started rolling down my face, part of my childhood had gone !!
Such a smashing scene ,these three perfect.
Watch the film 'Cilla' - it's a very good drama about her life, well worth a look. Even without knowing anything about her beforehand I think you'd enjoy it. It's not a comedy so you don't need to react to it, but a nice way for you to spend an evening 'off camera.'
Brings back happy days watching with my mum good days
I'm from Morecambe, they are awesome, always have been , statue on our prom ✌🏴🏴🙌
Bring me Sunshine was Eric and Ernie's signature song
Cilla Black was the cloakroom attendant at The Cavern Club where The Beatles played. She has a Liverpool accent.
Bamber Gascoigne was the host of University Challenge, a quiz where terms from different universities competed to find out which university is best. Cilla Black is from Liverpool. She used to check in coats at the Cavern Club in Liverpool where the Beatles came to fame. Lulu was a famous singer who was a competitor with Cilla Black.
Great video. Back then in the 70s 80s.. there's only three TV channels.. every body worked hard... Talked the neighbours.. turn on the local markets food. Morecambe and wise were a getaway release from worklife .. back then people wanted it was a fairly decent job some money to go for a pint and hopefully one decent holiday a year to Spain.. no fancy gadget buying or mobile phones.... Used to be more of a family . All together watching shows like Morecambe and wise
This was their signature tune, which they sang at the end of their show. Eric Morecambe was a comic genius and is still admired by all modern comedians. Cilla is from Liverpool and was discovered by the Beatles
I’m so glad you both can enjoy Eric and Ernie. They were just funny and had fun.
You have to understand that their Christmas show was the biggest show on British TV, you need to see their version of Singing In The Rain
That tune became their signature theme Cilla was a cloakroom attendant at the cavern club in Liverpool at the height of Beatle mania where John Lennon discovered her and got her a contract with their manager and the rest is history, Eric's joke about that they could have gotten Lulu for a pound extra is the fact that Lulu was probably the biggest British female soloist at the time....
Love to see you react to their Shirley Bassey xmas special sketch
These clips are a national treasure for anyone over 45. When these shows were broadcast there were only three channels in Uk. BBC 1 and 2 and ITV so millions watched these shows. I think at one point half the Uk population watch the Morcambe and Wise Christmas Show. Britain loved Eric and Ernie. I agree Britain has changed since I was a child watching this show. I’ve evolved through the change,you have the advantage of making a direct comparison between the Britain you are trying to come to terms with now and this more ‘innocent’ age. I think people had a lot less in the 70s but were more content.
I’m 61 and I love that you love the stuff I grew up on. Cilla Black had two completely separate careers. As a pop singer she reached number one twice in the UK in 1964, the hardest decade in which to do so. Her manager was Brian Epstein, who managed her friends the Beatles and she shared George Martin as producer. She had 11 top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart between then and 1971, and an additional 8 hits that made the top 40. Her version of "Anyone Who Had a Heart" was the UK's biggest-selling single by a female artist in the entire 1960s. “You're My World" was also a modest hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The BBC gave her her own series for several years. She almost disappeared in the late 70s and came back in the 1980s as a sparkling TV personality hosting ITV shows Surprise Surprise and Blind Date for around 20 years. She was the highest paid woman on British TV for years. By the time she died, several TV generations had no idea she’d been a huge pop sensation in the 60s, knowing her as a game show and format host.
That song was their theme tune played at the end of the show. Whenever I watch Morecambe and Wise it makes me feel Christmasey, happy and smile inside. Something that's seems to happen very rarely in today's world for me. It was a different country then. Not all of it was for the better but a great many things were. Enjoy your channel and love Morecambe and Wise. 👍
Cilla Black was from the Liverpool area, like the Beatles and that joke Eric said under his breath, we could have had Lulu, she brings her own tea, is a singer from Glasgow.
Society had much less materialistically still in the 1970's when I was 6 - 16 yrs old,but culturally things were far superior to what they are today in music, television and film. There was still a society where people looked out for one another and weren't so envious of what other people had because generally people still didn't possess too much. A simpler and much better era to grow up in.
What's changed is that the elite used to think they could help improve the lives of ordinary people. Now, I know that sounds ever so paternatlistic and maybe a bit condescending, but it's a lot better than the alternative - which is what we've got now, where they think ordinary people are stupid and idiotic, and can be fed the most dreadful TV programmes like are available today. They make programmes that they admit they would never allow their own children to watch.
Eric is alluding to George Formbys ukelele and grin which is very familiar.... Bamber Gascoigne who hosted University Challenge was just as familiar but was perceived as the opposite of George Formby
Bring me sunshine was their signature tune. It encapsulates what they do.
Cilla is a true scouser through and through and was considered by some as the 5th Beatle due to her association with the band. She worked at the Cavern club at the time the band performed there and were first noticed. Not sure if she was discovered by them but they wrote some of her early hit records which set her on the road to fame.
I heard she went to school with them as well as that other actress the mother from the royal family and original cast member of brookside soap opera sue Johnston I think ? But yes they were all very close , famous people from liverpool in the 60s was a very small club
Cilla Black was a cloakroom attendant at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and personal friend of the Beatles who played there! She was a singer in the 60’s having hits such as ‘step inside love’, ‘something tells me’, and ‘Alfie’. She hosted her own TV shows and was huge in the 80’s to a younger audience with a dating game show called Blind date. She was a huge star in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. We had some real talent back then....now all we are left with is crass, vulgar, overpaid dross! Times were different then and it was a time of optimism! If I had a time machine I’d go back to the 70’s and never come back!
FYI: Bamber Gascgoine used to host a high-quality quiz show called 'University Challenge' and as a result gained something of a reputation as a 'brain of Britain'... ;)
Our Cilla was a national treasure
Eric & Ernie are from the old concert hall time which is why the comedy is so different from today, both were also singers and dancers. I'd highly recommend you watch 'Eric & Ernie (TV Drama)' on RUclips, its the true story of how they started
When you went on holiday in the late 70s early 80s entertainment was very inclusive, and everyone was responsible for having a good time.
You have nailed it, I absolutely agree with your assessment of British culture today and how unhelpful public systems have become. Just governed by box tickers.
If anyone appeared on the Morecambe and Wise show, their popularity went right up.
have a great weekend guys and see you on Monday.
Cavern Club assistant, that hit the big time, when Beatles were regulars.
Eric would sometimes add a line which the guest had not rehearsed.
The fun was in spotting how well the guest would regroup and get back on script.
Incidendely Cilla Was from Liverpool.Surely you tell how much she sounded like
John, Paul. George And Ringo.
Two running gags of M and W is that it was always insinuated that Ernie had a wig on in contrast to Eric with his thinning hair and Eric would always pretend someone had pinched or slapped his behind when he walked past them.
You should try and react to some of their famous sketches with famous people especially Anthony and Cleopatra with Glenda Jackson and Napoleon and Josephine with Vanessa Redgrave.
They were all "northern" - Cilla was from Liverpool (Beatles!). Eric from Morecambe (where he took his name) and Ernie from near Leeds. Lulu was (Lulu Kennedy-Cairns OBE) is a Scottish singer, and actress, very big in 60's. International fame in the movie "To Sir with Love" (1967) and with the title song to the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Eric told Cilla, "we could have had Lulu for another pound, and she brings her own tea".
“Bamber Gascoigne” (I know... strange name) was the original presenter of University Challenge.
When Ernie was young his parents had him as a dance act and then singer then Ernie met Èric doing stand up in bad venues. Eventually as friends they did comedy singing acts together where they met Des. Then in the 1950s they became the ones people went to see even made two films together in the 1960s. Cilla Black is from Liverpool.
It just dawned on me : George Mikes (Hungarian ) Wrote '"How to be an Alien " - which took a crack at British culture - and most of the British who read it, liked it. I think that may have held true up into the seventies.
Pretty much agree with your view. You are also correct that often the default position is “no” but I don’t agree that British people are not optimistic I think British people deal with things incrementally i.e. lets get from A to B, then when we are B lets see how we get to C rather than the US view of lets get from A to C and not worry about the steps in between- I think the latter view can lead to frustration and disappointment. Morcambe and Wise are brilliant showmen and there is no one to touch there timing and craftsmanship amongst today’s comedians but unfortunately they are not fashionable which is a huge pity as they are a joy to watch!
It sounds to me that the woman on the US embassy switchboard was a moonlighting doctor's receptionist!
Yes when i stop and remember the way things used to be it is like being on another planet ,the change was gradual because i lived through it but looking back this world is strange.
I'm afraid that the difference in culture between today and the video reveals that we seem to be a 'meaner' society. Most people watched this entertainment to make them feel happy for at least a while musically and comically.
Cilla was a lovely wee thing back in the day 👍🏻
If I remember rightly Cilla was originally the cloakroom girl at the Caven were it all started for the BEATLES they encouraged her to be a singer and the lads even tried being her backing Band for an audition.. I think Brian Epstine ( I've spelt that wrong 🤔) . Managed her..
If no one else has said, she's from Liverpool, and ye, she knew the Beatles. And had a a few TV shows of her own
Lulu was a singer married to Maurice Gibb. She was a contemporary of The Beatles and Cilla in the 60’s. She sang “To Sir With Live.”
She still is, she’s alive and working. She was the second British female in the British Invasion to top the US charts, after Petula Clark.
The episode with Shirley Bassey is a classic and I think Lillian will really enjoy and appreciate Shirley’s fantastic voice.
I think you would enjoy Cilla singing "Alfie", and "Anyone Who Had a Heart", and "You're My World"
The accent is from Liverpool.She used to sing at The Cavern Club at the same time as The Beatles. Paul McCartney wrote a song for her - Step Inside, Love - that became one of her signature songs. It's a brilliant song and worth checking out:
ruclips.net/video/pmn2HXuf7xA/видео.html
Cilla Black, Paul McCartney (guitar) and George Martin (producer) working on the song prior to recording:
ruclips.net/video/L8TJQyWJgM0/видео.html
I always enjoy your enthusiasm for uncovering traditional, wholesome British entertainment and culture, and your belief that, in some walks of British life, it still exists.
The British Television shows from the 1970's contained many star acts from the variety shows of the 50's and 60's which were all about pure entertainment (probably as a result of Post War optimism), rather than the "Alternative Comedy" acts from the late 70's / early 80's which contained a lot of the Punk Rock, anti-establishment values, and left-wing politics which led to modern comedy.
The variety show format was derived from the old tradition of British Music Hall from the Victorian / Edwardian era of Great Britain, that was steeped in British culture whilst introducing elements of new experiences from the shipping trade routes of the Far East, America, Europe and India.
At the same time as the Morecambe and Wise, and the Two Ronnies, there was a show that tried to recreate the British Music Hall, it even had the audience dress in appropriate attire.
The show was called "The Good Old Days", it ran from the 50's through to the early 80's.
I thought you might like to check it out, even if it may not be looking to show it on your RUclips channel:
ruclips.net/video/BSQTZ0soj7M/видео.html
I'd probably add Sunday night at the london palladium and "the wheel tappers and shunters social club" too.
I absolutely agree@@royburston8120
If you live in the south of England you will find the people especially negative. If you have to deal with them for any length of time it will drain you as you are constantly having to show them that the glass is half full, not half empty.
MORE FYI: Lulu is another famous British singer (of Scottish origin) who was in a similar mould to Cilla...
You really need to see the morcambe and wise sketch The Jungle book....it's brilliant.
You should watch the TV film called Eric and Ernie about their career and what inspired their comedy style, it would give you a better understanding of who they were.
You should listen to Cilla sing Alfie, fantastic voice, it was written and produced by Burt Bacharach
it was a different world back in the 70s , everything was so much more fun and innocent somehow
What you say is so true.
Miss them..
Elvis had Cilla on his jukebox at Graceland.
I have that image in my head now, thanks a bunch (!)
I agree on change I have noticed a similar thing in several countries from my parents generation to mine and the next generation after mine gives me little hope for a return
She was a Scouser. But tamed her accent. Also good freinds with Sir Ken dodd. He is some one you could look up. Funny man and no bad language.
Philippe & Lillian, you need to do Little Britain - "Computer says no" That will really resonate with what you said...
Look up STEP INSIDE LOVE written by the Beatles for Cilla. Also the movie CILLA is fantastic. She had many huge hits and a really awesome voice. One of the UKs biggest ever stars. Great videos of her online with Burt Bacharrac
Watch Tom and Jerry ! Lots of issues and stereotypes to discuss. OR just laugh. One of the first human traits in babies is humour. When they're around 10 you can sing that Desmond Deker song "my ears are alight".
She isn't 'northern' - she's a scouser from Liverpool and one of the most successful solo female singers in UK history. Later hosting an extremely popular series 'Blind Date' amongst others. She was the cloakroom attendant in the famous Cavern Club before being discovered by Brian Epstein. She has her own statue in front of the original site.
Liverpool is Northwest England, she was a Northerner, like you said a scouser
@@davidz2808 I'm allowed to say whatever I want. Newcastle is 'northern' so is Carlisle - I was being specific. Got to educate these American friends of ours.
@@Salfordian It's my home town.
@@davidbailey6563 and 20 minutes from me so don't tell me it's not the North 🙄
@@Salfordian Jeez. They were talking about her accent not where she was from so I corrected them. I don't think of my scouse accent as being 'northern' - I don't sound like Peter Kay or George Formby. I never want to be mistaken for a Man United supporter. We're better than that. And now they know.
The bit where Eric jumped with his back to Cilla is a joke he did often where he would act like whoever was behind him had pinched his backside and would very often be done when they were mid line
Had problem posting so if you see this twice ignore him 😁 Anyway recommend a mini series called "Cilla" from kid to British icon, and on Amazon for £1.89, maybe somewhere else free. 😉
May I suggest if you two want to see a current comedian who works in the same tradition of joyful silliness as Morecambe and Wise take a look at Tim Vine, the punslinger! He's a joy and so refreshing. I think you'll like him.
if you want an example ofhow things changed from early 70s to later just watch the final GOOD LIFE episode! the good life was about business exec Tom Good who tires of making plastic toys for cereals boxes, quits and with wife barbera tries to live a life of self suficiency in their upper class road much to the bewilderment and total non understanding of neighbours Margo and Jerry. a gentle comedy it won awards and was massive with the public. BBC seeing the rise of the Punk generation of the late 70s wanted the show to be edgier and grittier , the stars and witers agreed they were against it and made a series finale that killed the sho dead. its a must for reaction and explains or shows the dramatic difference between early 70 and late 70s. The finale starts off in the usual way with a silly situation that viewers know will be remedied with smiles and chuckles, then the last five minutes arrived and everyone relaxed for the happy ending, only this ending shocked and angered the public of the day who had never seen the like before. It ended the show but in hind sight marked an end of innocenter times and the start of the decay, if only in humour.
Also FYI: Cilla's accent is Brummie... i.e. from Birmingham. ;)
You must watch The Fast Show - hilarious especially the 'doctor' sketch - I'm sure you'll love it. Ps Paul Whitehouse is in it.
The world was more optimistic and innocent in those days. Horrible things still happened but it was easier to get some space from awful events and bad news because there was no internet to continuously keep us "connected" and "in the loop". You could "tune out" more easily and create your own reality rather than be constantly bombarded with social or news events. I think it resulted in better mental health as a whole interacting in a more natural way rather than "on screen" all the time although the pandemic hasnt helped with everyone relying even more on social media
With regards to your view of how much British people will help you - I think it depends on how they are approached. If you approach someone saying "I'm terribly sorry to bother you, I know I'm only an insignificant customer, but I just wondered...", then often they will do a lot and go out of their way to assist, because they like to help people who seem to be in difficulty. If however you approach saying "I'm the important customer and I demand that you help me, it's my right" then they will resist and not do anything for you.
Actually I had British friends that worked in US Embassy and its a them and us atmosphere hence possibly the less than friendly service (US CS is generally better granted) , for example, believe it or not their was a "supermarket" in the basement (old location) selling US food stuffs but only US (Citizens) staff where allowed to use it. Only US staff are even allowed to vet a visa applications let alone approve it... like a lot of (not US only) expat/embassy folk they live the life of riley (million pound housing in zone one) abroad, where back home they'd be living like the Joe average .. pokers up their proverbial.
Cilla is from Liverpool.
I wonder if Ernie getting to do the sudden dance moves by himself is also a sign that they couldn't risk Eric getting too animated like that. For the background on why, it's worth checking out their interview with Michael Parkinson.
You should look at some of the plays like what Ernie wrote.
A high five for your attitude towards humour. I miss it too.
I've always found it interesting that the peace of the post-war era has led us towards increasingly sarcastic and biting humour, while Morecambe & Wise (literally child 'discoveries' who began plying their trade during the second world war) were completely the opposite of that. It was all designed that way too. They rehearsed everything in far greater detail than you might give them credit for.
I think Eric says of Lulu: "And she brings her own tea". The suggestion there is that Cilla is a tightwad, who cadges off Eric and Ernie.
The worst thing is in shops when you enquire about an item which is not immediately apparent that they have and the Assistant says to their colleague " We HAVEN'T got that HAVE WE?? "....given their colleagues little option but to agree with them unless they want to embarrass them in front of the Public..
Lillian, you would probably like Cilla. She was a pop singer of the 1960s with a number of hits, and she had a very unusual voice, or I would say 2 voices, a soft one and a hard one. Sadly she died in 2015 after slipping on stairs and banging her head. Here is a sample.
ruclips.net/video/e7-QBw862zk/видео.html
Her accent is Liverpool.
Eric and Ernie were real pro entertainers no smutty humour just good clean fun even kids could watch. A long way back now though unfortunately.
I was born in the 60s, grew up in the 70s and 80s, I remember so warmly how we were entertained back then. In came the 80s and alternativity with political change, we've been in this rut as a country ever since, with political correctness added for bad measure!
The bit you didn't understand (4 minutes) was "For another pound we could have had Lulu... and she'd bring her own teeth" implying if we'd paid a little more, we could have had a bigger star and he poked fun at Cilla's big teeth (which was something she was known for).
I thought it was "she brings her own tea".