You Can't See The Join

Book Review from 2007

Bright, brash, big and bold; the first impressions of this ‘quickie’ autobiography by Jeremy Novick.

The large format (225mm x 295mm) provides ample space for some really good quality photographs to back up the story of Eric and Ern’s rise to fame.

Interspersed with the facts are pastel coloured pages with quotes and images, some family, others from friends and stars. I think my favourite is one of the first ones, that for me pin pointed their attraction to all generations;

“They never swore, they weren’t dirty. They weren’t political, they didn’t get cheap laughs by picking on the weak.”

Following the pair from pre double act days to the end of an era, the story is familiar to anyone who is a fan, or has read other autobiography’s. What makes this book different is the short track approach, not as long or concise as the McCann book, but a good read never the less. As mentioned above, the sheer size of the pages allow for the inclusion of brilliant photographs, printed on top quality glossy paper.

The text is littered with quotes from not only Eric and Ernie, but other famous celebrities that have either met, knew or performed with them.

The book ends with two questions; “What were they really like?”, and “Could it ever happen again?”.

In short, the answers, provided through interviews, are that they are almost exactly the same in person as they appear on screen. Eric always wanting to entertain and Ernie somewhat laid back.

The latter question is answered with a single word, no. In the light of multi-channel television and the torrent of programmes being made, the lack of experience through the stage, and the drop in popularity of the double act in general, will ensure that their kind will not be seen again.


© morecambeandwise.com 2007


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