Parkinson
On the television...
Enjoying the show
Ernie cracks a gag
Eric in full flow
An ad-lib with double meaning, aimed at a comment made by Rachel regarding her "awakening". This set the scene for the rest of the show with Eric and Ern firing gags off one another like true professionals.
They were asked about their early life together, recalling theatres they played and acts they modeled their performances on. Not for the first time, they both noted that big influences were drawn from both Laurel & Hardy and Abbott & Costello. Ernie reveals that in some early recordings, they actually spoke with American accents to try an imitate their idols.
The show moves on through their lives, and to their critised first TV show, Running Wild. Was it really that bad? No one knows, apparently it went out live, and any recordings have long since been destroyed.
Eventually the conversation comes around to Eric's first heart attack, and even this gets the comedy treatment. Eric describes the events in detail, throwing in one liners that distract from the seriousness of the scare.
Both men were on top form, and the gags never stop. At the end of the show it is clear to see they were enjoying themselves and didn't really want it to end so soon.
It's a pity they didn't do more interviews like this one - the comedy genius shone through, and it was great to see them both laughing and relaxed.
© morecambeandwise.com 2008