- Hardcover: 327 pages
- Publisher: Chivers P.; Large print e. edition (1 Oct 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0754056597
- ISBN-13: 978-0754056591
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,414,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Morecambe and Wise are perhaps the best loved and most fondly remembered of all British comedy acts. They were the first truly great double act in Britain and, although many have tried to emulate them, no one has yet succeeded in replacing them in the hearts of the country. Despite his untimely death 18 years ago, Eric Morecambe's popularity continues to grow. In this book, Eric's son, Gary Morecambe, takes us on a personal journey through the life of "Britain's greatest comedian of the twentieth century" as witnessed from within. To add to the uniquely private and personal theme of this book, each chapter is introduced by a diary extract from Eric Morecambe while the book itself is studded with many hitherto unseen photographs from the Morecambe family archives.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Morecambe and Wise were, undoubtedly, the greatest British double-act of the twentieth century: the Laurel and Hardy of British television and the only act who can be mentioned in the same breath as Stan and Ollie. Gary Morecambe - who co-wrote the definitive biography of Eric and Ernie some years ago - here writes a much more subjective and emotional book about what it was like to grow up as the son of Eric Morecambe: the most revered comedian in Britain. And the result is a delight: touching, funny, insightful. Both Eric and Gary emerge from the book as warm, lovely men. It is a pleasure to read from first page to last.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
We are all familiar with "Morecambe and Wise", British comedy's best-loved double act. However, until recently, Gary Morecambe has been unable to tell us more of the story behind the legend, as he felt it was unfair to write a true critique of either partner while one or both of them were alive.
Ernie sadly passed away 5 years ago and, after a period of respect, Eric's son has written this book (his third or fourth about his father and his career). He is now able to tell us truthfully - and somewhat poignantly - about who his father really was.
There are many stories told in the book concerning his relationship with his father. I felt, reading these, that Gary didn't think he lived up to his father's high expectations. He loved his father and was loved in return, but he gives the impression that something was missing.
This is not a criticism, merely a "take" on the man's own words. It was, after all, the story of the first half of his life and there's not a lot one can do to alter that.
Ernie sadly passed away 5 years ago and, after a period of respect, Eric's son has written this book (his third or fourth about his father and his career). He is now able to tell us truthfully - and somewhat poignantly - about who his father really was.
There are many stories told in the book concerning his relationship with his father. I felt, reading these, that Gary didn't think he lived up to his father's high expectations. He loved his father and was loved in return, but he gives the impression that something was missing.
This is not a criticism, merely a "take" on the man's own words. It was, after all, the story of the first half of his life and there's not a lot one can do to alter that.
Generally, I thought the book was well-written, humourous and a fair summary of a great life and partnership. The book moved easily from happiness to sadness, from pride to irony.
I did draw one negative from the book: Gary referred to his Dad throughout most of the book as "EM"... This puzzled me, because he calls him "Dad" in quotations from earlier years and he calls his mother "Mum" or Joan, yet he consistently refers to Eric as "EM". I think perhaps he was trying to make it easier for us to read without having to decipher "Dad would do" or "Dad did this", but it felt unnatural and unnecessary - the book was given to me as a present, but I cherish it as written by an "insider", someone who can let us into the private life of our favourite comic.
However, this one criticism aside, the book was thoroughly enjoyable, very moving and will remain a reference book of "EM" history for many years.
I totally recommend it and would urge you to let it take you back to a time when Variety was the Spice Of Life.
30 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
What a great book and a wonderful Christmas present!
The book is written by Eric's son and goes behind the scenes of what it was like to live with one of the greatest comedians of all time. What I loved was the fact that Eric really was a nice guy and that he didn't put on any sort of act and his home life must have been great.
Well written and very touching in places (bring a tear to the eye!) and is a real feel good book that I strongly recommend you purchase.
One of the reads of the year for me!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
A fanscinating insight into the life of the legendary Eric Morecambe!
I have to say I'm saddened some of the reviews on here, referring to Gary as self induldgent, I think this book is an excellent insight into one of my heroes! Read more
Published 7 months ago by Alan
Dull beyond belief
if you read this book looking for memories about the golden age of Morecambe and Wise (and quite frankly why would you want to read it for any other reason) you will be VERY... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mr. D. R. Holding
EM instead of DAD
I found it quite annoying that Gary constantly referred to his father,the great Eric Morecambe as EM instead of dad.
Published 22 months ago by oscar
brilliant book of brilliant man
For a book that is by description a memoir, I find it hard to understand the vitriol behind some of the other reviews. Dare one suggest jealousy? Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2009 by Margo Singleton
Mixed Blessing
This certainly fills a gap and is clearly written with unique insights and authority. That said, I found it a little self-indulgent. Read more
Published on 12 Nov 2007 by E. I. Warburton
Very disapointing read. Avoid this biography.
I'm a big fan of the genius that was Eric Morecambe and was looking forward to reading about the life of the man we all watched and loved on TV. Read more
Published on 2 May 2006 by George
Disappointing
Very disappointing. This reader was looking forward to a biography of Eric Morecambe, but it doesn't take long to find that it's a book about the author. Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2006
A delightful memory
Gary Morecambe, son of Eric, has produced a lovely book here. Part memoir, part intimate biography of his father - arguably the greatest British comedian ever - this is a... Read more
Published on 31 Aug 2004
life's not hollywood, it's cricklewood
I loved this book. It gives a good clear insight to how it must have been growing up with arguably the funniest guy on the planet. Read more
Published on 30 Aug 2004
Eric Morcambe Cricklewood not Hollywood
This book should be retitled "The growing pains of a whinging teenager". Who of us, as we grow to adulthood, has not had times when our fathers have been nuisances to us? Read more
Published on 21 Jun 2004
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