Christmas just isn’t Christmas without Morecambe and Wise

Poke Staff. Updated December 20th, 2021

There was a time when it would have been unthinkable to schedule Christmas TV without an appearance from those comedy giants, Morecambe and Wise. Their Christmas specials were legendary, with some special guest stars including –

Glenda Jackson

Peter Cushing

Shirley Bassey

Rex Harrison

Vanessa Redgrave

Sacha Distel

Michael Parkinson

And of course André Previn.

Everybody who likes the comedy duo has a favourite sketch, or perhaps a top three or four that shift with their moods, but it’s almost certain to contain this Christmas 1971 appearance by ‘Andrew Preview’, featuring what may be Eric’s funniest line.

At just shy of 13 minutes, it’s not a second too long.

“I’m playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order.”

We can see why Morecambe and Wise became essential Christmas viewing. Here are a few comments about the sketch.

“IMHO the funniest thing that has ever been on television.”

“How he manages to keep a straight face throughout this sketch, especially when Eric Morecambe grabs his shirt collar, I shall never know!”

“Along with The Two Ronnies ‘Four Candles’ sketch, this is another timeless sketch, still funny now and never beaten since.”

We can’t argue with this.

“This is pure comedy gold. Absolutely brilliant.”

from Christmas GIFs via Gfycat

Source Facebook Image Screengrab