Morecambe & Wise - A Celebration

Book Review from 2007

This book by Eddie Braben, apart from the initial set of introduction pages, consists entirely of the scripts he wrote for Eric and Ern.

The introduction recalls the first time he handed over a script for them, and how nervous he was. He needn't have worried, we all know his work, in the hands of Eric and Ern was pure gold.

There's not a lot that be said about a book full of scripts really, other than how good they are. More accurately, how good they were on screen. Reading the words has little impact unless you picture Eric or Ern delivering them. Then they spring to life, and the pauses and looks of the performers speaking the words gives them a whole new life.

Indeed, it serves as a reminder as to just how good they were. Able to take the script and turn it into classic Morecambe & Wise material.

Almost every page has a picture, usually the sketch in the script, so at least you can envisage Eric and Ern doing the routine, even if you have never seen it.

Ernie: "I'm engrossed in high finance."
Eric: "High finance?"
Ernie: "Yes."
Eric "With those legs? Impossible. I've been with you when you've gone into the bank, your little head just sticking up over the top of the counter and all the bank clerks whispering to one another - 'Sooty's back'"


© morecambeandwise.com 2007