Morecambe and Wise

Book Review from 2007

I admit to having read quite a few books about Morecambe & Wise, and have to say that this is easily the best.

Beginning the story of the greatest double act in the world in 1926 when Eric was born, it takes the reader through the trials and tribulations of a pair of very talented boys. Ernie working the theatres with his father under the name of Carson & Kid, and Eric trying various comedy routines on indifferent audiences. It was Sadie, Erics mother, who got them together, for which the World owes a great debt.

After success in the theatres they moved to radio, performing on other people's shows until in 1954 they landed their own show, You're Only Young Once, or YOYO as it was known.

More radio shows followed and soon television beckoned. The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows as they try desperately to get the break. When they did, landing a TV series called Running Wild, it was panned by the critics, putting their TV hopes on hold.

As always they continued to work hard, sometimes too hard, and book reveals how Doreen (Ernies wife) and Joan (Erics wife) were worried, but still supportive of the rising duo.

Eventually they landed their second show, Two Of A Kind, which could have gone the same way were it not for an equity strike.

This meant that their writers Sid and Dick had to write shorter, snappier routines with less extras and more emphasis on Eric and Ern. Not only that, but because it was live, Eric and Ern got the chance to ad-lib. Giving insight into what really happened behind the scenes, we find out information through interviews and quotes.

The book again climbs to the heights and follows both families through a 6 series run at ATV, followed by a move to the BBC and the subsequent fame.

There are many pictures included and a complete list of their work. This book is an absolute must for anyone with an interest in Eric and Ern.


© morecambeandwise.com 2007