The Unforgettable Eric Morecambe

On the television...

This series of shows featured some of the well known stars to grace television and film screen. This particular 60 minute episode concentrated on Eric, and attempts to explain who he was as a person and why he was so popular.

Interviews with family and friends portray a wonderful father and loving husband, not afraid to get on his hands and knees and spend time with his children. Firmly grounded by his wife Joan, he was, as many people point out, just a normal bloke with a unique gift of just being funny. He could simply walk into a room and the whole atmosphere would change.

Underneath though, he felt the pressure to entertain, and knew that’s what the public expected. He rarely relaxed, even on holidays he would be working on ideas and sketches for the show.

The show looks at his relationship with Ernie, and describes how, even though he would critise him, he was highly protective of him if anyone else tried. Once during a routine, Ernie exited stage right and Eric quipped “Don’t be long will, I get all cold down one side.” This was not far from the truth. Eric always needed someone to bounce off, and when Ernie wasn’t there he enlisted the help of anyone who happened to be close, including his children.

Some of the material is taken from the Heart and Soul programme, but it is only a small fraction, and the rest is new. Some of the anecdotes and stories have been documented or heard before, but overall this is a really good and sometimes poignant look at the greatest comedian this country has ever produced.

The usual guests are included, as are family members and friends. Ernest Maxim, John Ammonds, Eddie Braben and Ronnie Corbet, all recall the real man being exactly like he is on stage.

Eric will be remembered for a very long time, and programmes like this make you realise just how void the world is without his sunshine.


© morecambeandwise.com 2007