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DVD Description
Morecambe and Wise are one of the most popular and enduring double acts from the golden age of television. With viewing figures constantly in the millions, their Christmas specials became a national institution.
The Morecambe & Wise Show end-of-year Christmas specials became such an institution during the 1970s that few British families would dream of missing them.
Running from 1969 until 1977, the BBC Christmas shows were usually on Christmas Day. These classic sketches revolved around famous guest stars, such as Eric Porter, Fenella Fielding, Ann Hamilton, Peter Gushing, Glenda Jackson, Andre Previn and Des O'Connor, being made fun of by Eric and Ernie.
The 1977 Christmas Show attracted 28 million viewers, around half of the total UK population. It was a record for a single light entertainment broadcast in Britain, and one which still stands.
With the duo's inimitable style of delivery and repartee, it's not surprising that a BBC poll saw Morecambe and Wise voted 'Best Light Entertainment Performers of All Time'.
This collection contains the best of Eric and Ernie's festive fun. Sit back and enjoy classic British TV comedy at it's best!
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
122 of 123 people found the following review helpful
Three-disc set comprising the eight Morecambe and Wise Christmas shows from 1969-1977 (there wasn't one in 1974).
As usual with the BBC, there are no extras or booklet but it is such a bumper package of goodies, you still get your money's worth.
Surprisingly, the first two shows here (starring Fenella Fielding, Edward Woodward and others) are identical to shows in the Series Two dvd, with the addition of the odd sketch and musical interlude.
The quality does vary from year to year but generally these are fun-packed, memorable productions with loads of illustrious stars and of course, Eric and Ernie's nervy, well-honed showmanship.
Highlights are Vanessa Redgrave as Josephine, the Robin Day brawl, Shirley Bassey in boots, Glenda Jackson as Queen Victoria, Jack Jones and backing singers, and their career-best sketch with Andre Previn and the Grieg Piano Concerto: a brilliantly conceived reworking of an old M&W routine, which has the feeling of improvisation yet the polish of true professionalism, and excellent timing by all the players, Previn a natural comedy straight man.
Merry Christmas!
As usual with the BBC, there are no extras or booklet but it is such a bumper package of goodies, you still get your money's worth.
Surprisingly, the first two shows here (starring Fenella Fielding, Edward Woodward and others) are identical to shows in the Series Two dvd, with the addition of the odd sketch and musical interlude.
The quality does vary from year to year but generally these are fun-packed, memorable productions with loads of illustrious stars and of course, Eric and Ernie's nervy, well-honed showmanship.
Highlights are Vanessa Redgrave as Josephine, the Robin Day brawl, Shirley Bassey in boots, Glenda Jackson as Queen Victoria, Jack Jones and backing singers, and their career-best sketch with Andre Previn and the Grieg Piano Concerto: a brilliantly conceived reworking of an old M&W routine, which has the feeling of improvisation yet the polish of true professionalism, and excellent timing by all the players, Previn a natural comedy straight man.
Merry Christmas!
44 of 44 people found the following review helpful
This sensational 3 disc set should be a must in every comedy fan's
DVD collection.This is the benchmark for what comedy should be all
about,coming from the masters of the game,no one and i mean no one
can ever compare to the comic standards that were the legendary M&W.
Having seen the occasional repeat or a clip from one of the numerous
"100 greatest" shows,its heartwarming to have all the xmas specials in
their entirety(although why there wasnt a special in 1974 is anybody's
guess).It takes you back to a golden age of television when there was
only 3 TV channels and nothing but quality and quantity on the box.
All the old favourites are here,Angela Rippon proving she had legs
and dance,Andre "Preview" bemused at Eric's piano playing,Shirley
Bassey wearing men's boots,and also including countless other sketches
and musical interludes that ive never seen before-whatever became of
Kenny Ball and Nina?
Another unique aspect of their Xmas shows,and indeed the TV series,was
the amount of actors and respectable thespians,such as Sir Laurence
Olivier,Glenda Jackson and Edward Woodward who were queuing up to be
part of the madness and be ridiculed and patronised(albeit,always
done in a funny and affectionate way,courtesy of Messrs M&W).
Load these discs into your player when your feeling low,and your
mood will lift in seconds,i promise you that.
For me,i just have to see Peter Cushing asking to be paid.
I have to hear Eric remarking upon hearing a police siren"he'll
never sell ice cream going at that speed" and i immediately crack
up with laughter.And the most hilariously funny scene ever-Penelope
Keith,elegantly dressed,and wishing to walk down a grand staircase
as they do in the Hollywood musicals,only to find halfway down its
not been fully built and has to lose her dignity and climb down with
Eric and Ernie's aid in a not too womanly fashion(if you look closely
you can see her trying not to laugh,mind you if you were in the presence
of these comic geniuses,could you keep a straight face?)Even thinking
about it makes me laugh.
As Wizzard sang on their Yuletide hit "I wish it could be Christmas
every day",well if you buy this DVD set it can.
I would give this at least 50 stars if i could.Enjoy.
DVD collection.This is the benchmark for what comedy should be all
about,coming from the masters of the game,no one and i mean no one
can ever compare to the comic standards that were the legendary M&W.
Having seen the occasional repeat or a clip from one of the numerous
"100 greatest" shows,its heartwarming to have all the xmas specials in
their entirety(although why there wasnt a special in 1974 is anybody's
guess).It takes you back to a golden age of television when there was
only 3 TV channels and nothing but quality and quantity on the box.
All the old favourites are here,Angela Rippon proving she had legs
and dance,Andre "Preview" bemused at Eric's piano playing,Shirley
Bassey wearing men's boots,and also including countless other sketches
and musical interludes that ive never seen before-whatever became of
Kenny Ball and Nina?
Another unique aspect of their Xmas shows,and indeed the TV series,was
the amount of actors and respectable thespians,such as Sir Laurence
Olivier,Glenda Jackson and Edward Woodward who were queuing up to be
part of the madness and be ridiculed and patronised(albeit,always
done in a funny and affectionate way,courtesy of Messrs M&W).
Load these discs into your player when your feeling low,and your
mood will lift in seconds,i promise you that.
For me,i just have to see Peter Cushing asking to be paid.
I have to hear Eric remarking upon hearing a police siren"he'll
never sell ice cream going at that speed" and i immediately crack
up with laughter.And the most hilariously funny scene ever-Penelope
Keith,elegantly dressed,and wishing to walk down a grand staircase
as they do in the Hollywood musicals,only to find halfway down its
not been fully built and has to lose her dignity and climb down with
Eric and Ernie's aid in a not too womanly fashion(if you look closely
you can see her trying not to laugh,mind you if you were in the presence
of these comic geniuses,could you keep a straight face?)Even thinking
about it makes me laugh.
As Wizzard sang on their Yuletide hit "I wish it could be Christmas
every day",well if you buy this DVD set it can.
I would give this at least 50 stars if i could.Enjoy.
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Watching these shows makes you realise just what "funny" should be! These are true classics.
I have been crying with laughter at their antics and it has introduced my 15 year old son to the greatest double act since "Laurel and Hardy". He is now a devotee and said he wants this DVD for his kids when he has them!
It is true that some of the jokes were topical to the time of production (and may require a brief explanation as to the references occasionally) but the shows suffer very little for that.
Some of the musical numbers may not be to everyones taste now, but be careful forwarding through them as there is inevitably a comedy ambush lurking in the background!
The timing and interplay between the two is unequaled both now and then. The way Eric can say the most normal things and, by timing, inflection and facial expression, make them hysterically funny, is brilliance. Ernies "straight man" is selflessly played and very funny in his own right. Eric was the first to admit that he would not have worked so well alone.
To be able to watch their sketches in their entirety, without the constant interruptions by comparative none-entities voicing their opinions on one of TV's "Top 100" shows, is an unbridled joy!
The constant queue of big names waiting to be part of the fun is amazing
Their willingness to lose their dignity and the manner with which it is taken is hysterical.
Their shows should be required watching by modern acts to teach them what they should be aspiring to.
Children should watch Eric & Ernie to show them true comedy genius.
Why their regular series are not shown again by the BBC or on satellite TV is mystifying, especially when compared to some of the dross they do repeat interminably.
In short if want to have a VERY big laugh with your family then there is nothing better than this.
Highly recommended.
I miss them :(
I have been crying with laughter at their antics and it has introduced my 15 year old son to the greatest double act since "Laurel and Hardy". He is now a devotee and said he wants this DVD for his kids when he has them!
It is true that some of the jokes were topical to the time of production (and may require a brief explanation as to the references occasionally) but the shows suffer very little for that.
Some of the musical numbers may not be to everyones taste now, but be careful forwarding through them as there is inevitably a comedy ambush lurking in the background!
The timing and interplay between the two is unequaled both now and then. The way Eric can say the most normal things and, by timing, inflection and facial expression, make them hysterically funny, is brilliance. Ernies "straight man" is selflessly played and very funny in his own right. Eric was the first to admit that he would not have worked so well alone.
To be able to watch their sketches in their entirety, without the constant interruptions by comparative none-entities voicing their opinions on one of TV's "Top 100" shows, is an unbridled joy!
The constant queue of big names waiting to be part of the fun is amazing
Their willingness to lose their dignity and the manner with which it is taken is hysterical.
Their shows should be required watching by modern acts to teach them what they should be aspiring to.
Children should watch Eric & Ernie to show them true comedy genius.
Why their regular series are not shown again by the BBC or on satellite TV is mystifying, especially when compared to some of the dross they do repeat interminably.
In short if want to have a VERY big laugh with your family then there is nothing better than this.
Highly recommended.
I miss them :(
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent!!
This dvd is a must in every household! Has all the essential Morecambe and Wise sketches. My 6 year old son loves it - he asks to put on "the dvd with the 2 funny men! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Maximum
Hilarious
My partner and I find thses 2 gents very funny.
We were rolling on the floor laughing at them. The Shirley Bassey special was so funny. I couldn't eat for laughing. Read more
We were rolling on the floor laughing at them. The Shirley Bassey special was so funny. I couldn't eat for laughing. Read more
Published 1 month ago by charadell
Christmas nostalgia!!
These archived shows take you back to the era when the Morecombe & Wise show was the highlight of the Nation's Christmas Day. Read more
Published 4 months ago by John Burnett
Great Christmas gift
What better gift to give on Christmas day but this. Now hoping to pass on to the next generation to keep the boys alive! Not just for Christmas too!
Published 4 months ago by christineb63
Great
Bought for nana for Christmas, as something for her to watch, age approriate!
she really enjoyed, it arrived quickly, great quality!
she really enjoyed, it arrived quickly, great quality!
Published 4 months ago by Johanna and Rebecca
Morcambe & Wise Christmas Specials DVD
How I wish there were more entertainers like these two who made me laugh until I cried. Every act superb, and I still wonder how on earth Andre Previn kept a straight face during... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Fran
made me laugh
even though morcambe and wise were on tv at xmas, this collection is so worth having for those moments when you want an extra chuckle of full bellyful of laughs, they were great,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by lee
outstanding
I purchased this set after some hesitation, since I already had a large collection of BBC comedy programmes, but I now know I should have done it ages ago. Read more
Published 4 months ago by R. D. Beckett
more more morecambe & wise
what can i say about this dvd that hasnt already been said?, its a classic example of comedy at its very best, watching this took me right back to my earliest memories of xmas as a... Read more
Published 5 months ago by barry h
All the right shows and definitely in the right order!
This is quite a fascinating collection. The incidental benefit of 8 Christmas shows back-to-back is that you can see both the double-act and their support at the BBC as they... Read more
Published 14 months ago by C. JONES
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