The Morecambe & Wise Show
Long-running BBC variety show presented by Britain's best-loved comedy duo, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Based around irreverent stand-up routines, comedy sketches and comical song and dance numbers involving a stream of beleaguered guests, the series ran for nearly a decade from 1968 to 1977 and included sketches such as 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'The Breakfast Stripper'.
Seasons
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1968-09-02
The first of a new series, starring Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Guest artists, Georgia Brown, Los Zafiros, Jenny Lee-Wright and Bettine Le Beau.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1968-09-09
Guest artists, Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band, Roy Budd with Jenny Lee-Wright, Sheila Bernette, Caron Gardner, Bettine Le Beau, Judy Robinson, Tina Martin, Jenny Russell.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1968-09-16
Tonight Eric and Ern welcome as their guests the all-girl singing group The Paper Dolls and the Trio Athene from Greece, whose TV appearances here have established them as firm favourites. They'll be performing that typical Greek song 'Lefteris'. Eric and Ern will be having quite an energetic evening, with a few rounds in the boxing ring, and a visit to a nudist colony. With Jenny Lee-Wright, Ann Hamilton and Jimmy Lee.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1968-09-23
This week's special guest, Bruce Forsyth, with Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, and Jenny Lee-Wright.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1968-09-30
Ronnie Carroll joins Eric and Ernie in two sketches - Irish of course! Also singing 'Once Upon a Time'. Kenny Ball plays 'Samantha' from High Society. With Jenny Lee-Wright, Michele Barrie, Jane Bartlett, Wendy Hillhouse and Bebe Robson.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1968-10-07
In tonight's show Edmund Hockridge joins Eric and Ernie in a hilarious Desert Song spoof. He also sings the solo Cole Porter number 'I've Got You Under My Skin'. With Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen and Jenny Lee-Wright.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1968-10-14
Among Eric and Ernie's guests tonight will be Michael Aspel. Chris Langford, a new face to television, will be singing an old favourite, 'Old Devil Moon', and regulars Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen will play 'Shine'. Also starring Jenny Lee-Wright, Jimmy Berryman and Lesley Roach.
8. Episode 8
Air Date: 1968-10-21
Special guest Matt Monro sings 'On a Clear Day' and joins Eric and Ernie in their none-too-successful attempts to put on a musical. With Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Jenny Lee-Wright, Sandra Fehr, George Fisher, Jane Bartlett, Thelma Bignall and Linda Hotchkin.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1969-07-27
Tonight's special guests: Peter Cushing, Bobbie Gentry, Vince Hill and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. With Ann Hamilton, Janet Webb, Constance Carling and Diana Powell.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1969-08-10
Tonight's special guests: Trio Athenee, Malcolm Roberts, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, and featuring Ann Hamilton with Janet Webb, Constance Carling and Gilly Fraser.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1969-08-24
With guest stars Juliet Mills, Moira Anderson, The Pattersons and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, also featuring Ann Hamilton with Janet Webb and Lynda Thomas.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1969-09-07
Eric and Ernie's guests are Edward Woodward, Peter Cushing, Kenneth McKellar, The Pattersons, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, and featuring Ann Hamilton. With Janet Webb, Karen Burch, Rex Rashley and Richard Scott.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1970-01-14
Eric and Ernie's guests Herman's Hermits, The Pattersons, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. Featuring Ann Hamilton, Robert Webber with Janet Webb, Jenny Lee-Wright.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1970-01-28
Ernie leaves home after a practical joke from Eric and Ian Carmichael stars in Frankenstein’s Monster. Music comes from Kenny Ball, The Pattersons and Nina van Pallandt.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1970-02-11
Guests include Fenella Fielding, Sacha Distel, The Pattersons, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Janet Webb, Alan Curtis, Rex Rashley and Diane Keen.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1970-03-11
Eric and Ernie's guests Diane Cilento, Vince Hill, The Pattersons, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. Special guest appearance of Deryck Guyler, and featuring Frank Thornton with Janet Webb.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1970-03-25
Guest starring Edward Chapman, Clodagh Rodgers, The Pattersons, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Janet Webb, Alan Curtis, Eddie Braben and Leslie Murphy.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1970-04-08
Written by Eddie Braben, who won the award for the Best British Light Entertainment Script of 1969 from the Writers' Guild of Great Britain for his work on this series. The BBC entry for the Golden Rose of Montreux. Eric and Ernie's special guest, Nina.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1970-04-22
With guests Richard Greene, Nana Mouskouri and The Athenians, The Pattersons, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Rex Rashley and Janet Webb.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1970-07-01
With guest stars Janet Webb, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Eric Porter, Jan Daley, Trio Athenee and Michael Ward.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1970-07-15
Guest starring Janet Webb, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, George A. Cooper, Kenneth McKellar, Samantha Jones, Margery Mason, Jenny Lee-Wright and Rex Rashley.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1970-07-29
Guests include Nina, Craig Douglas, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Jenny Lee-Wright, Thelma Bignell, Lillian Padmore, Melita Clarke, Penny Beeching and Janet Webb.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1970-08-12
With guests Fenella Fielding, Ray Stevens, Sylvia McNeill, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Janet Webb, Frank Tregar and Leslie Noyes.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1970-08-26
Guests include Barbara Murray, Dusty Springfield, Sir Michael Redgrave, Dame Flora Robson, Sir Felix Aylmer, Robin Day, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Bruce and Peter Davis, Ann Hamilton, Alan Curtis, Janet Webb and Penelope Beeching.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1970-10-08
A new programme to mark their Thursday night date on BBC1. Eric and Ernie's guests Paul Anka, Patricia Lambert, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. With Ann Hamilton, Gordon Clyde, Janet Webb and Brychan Powell.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1971-04-08
Guests for this episode include Dame Flora Robson, Esther Ofarim, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Peter and Alex, Ann Hamilton, Alan Curtis, David March and Janet Webb.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1971-04-22
Eric and Ernie's special guests Arthur Lowe, Robert Young and Susan Maughan. Featuring Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Rex Rashley, Frank Tregear and Janet Webb. Guest appearances of John Le Mesurier, John Laurie, James Beck, Arnold Ridley and Ian Lavender.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1971-05-06
With star guests Frank Ifield, The Settlers, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Richard Caldicot, Michael Ward, Gordon Clyde, Ann Hamilton, Grazina Frame, Brychan Powell and Janet Webb.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1971-05-20
Guests include Jack Jones, Sheila Southern, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Gordon Clyde, Rex Rashley, Grazina Frame, Frank Tregear, Janet Webb and Stanley Mason.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1971-06-03
Glenda Jackson, Mary Hopkin, Ronnie Hilton, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton and Janet Webb appear as guest stars.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1971-06-17
Eric and Ernie's guests Ian Carmichael, Matt Monro, Kiki Dee, Peter and Alex. Featuring Ann Hamilton with Charles Rayford, Melanie Fraser and Janet Webb.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1971-07-15
Guests include Trio Athenee, Design, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Ann Hamilton, Rex Rashley, Gerald Case and Janet Webb.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1971-09-19
Francis Matthews, Anita Harris, Robert Young, Ann Hamilton, A. J. Brown, Bert Palmer and Ann Way appear as guests.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1971-09-26
Captain Michell and Sgt Wise of the French Foreign Legion are holding out against great odds. Relief is on the way - but it turns out to be Pte Eric complete with deck chair and rubber duck in search of a holiday camp. Eric and Ernie's special guests Keith Michell, Design, and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. With Christine Shaw, Angie Grant and Janet Webb.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1971-10-03
Guests include Cilla Black, Ronnie Carroll, Percy Thrower and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. It is 1981: Eric and Ernie are no longer together. Eric lives in a garret whereas Ernie is president of four banks and has 14 wig boutiques. When they meet...
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1971-10-10
John Mills plays the part of a senior British officer in charge of an escape attempt from a German POW camp. Eric Morecambe is tunnelling underneath the stove. Also featuring Mrs Mills, Trio Athenee, Arnold Diamond and Tony Melody.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1971-10-17
Ernie is entering for a newspaper competition. There is the chance of winning £250... Guest stars include Nina, The Pattersons, Ann Hamilton, Frank Tregear, John Scott Martin, Christine Shaw and Jennifer Watts.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1971-10-31
Ernie is writing his memoirs. Eric is interested until he learns that Ernie intends to make no mention of his partner. Eric and Ernie's special guests Tom Jones, Design, and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. With Gordon Clyde, Rex Rashley and Janet Webb.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1973-01-05
First of a new series starring Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, with their guests Cliff Richard and Vikki Carr.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1973-01-12
Legendary comic geniuses Eric and Ernie are joined by guest stars Robert Morley, Vicky Leandros, New World, Ann Hamilton, Reg Lye and Janet Webb.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1973-01-19
The show starts with an emergency and the Harpenden String Quartet play a tune. Percy Edwards stars in Summer in the Garden and music is provided by Rostal and Schaefer and Lulu.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1973-01-26
Ernie's play tonight stars Susan Hampshire, who accompanies her famous explorer father and her fiancé, newspaperman Scoop Morecambe, in a dangerous expedition to capture and bring back to London Zoo the 'Mighty Konga'. Susan, no beginner to dealing with animals as film fans will know, finds Scoop Morecambe more difficult to tame. Don't miss Ern's brilliant - his own word - portrayal of the intrepid explorer! The musical guests are Georgie Fame, Alan Price and The Settlers.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1973-02-02
Frank Finlay stars in Lust over London and Eric visits a record shop with his wife. The musical guests are Design and Wilma Reading.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1973-02-09
Eric and Ernie visit a health food shop and The Connoisseurs taste some chips. Featuring Allan Cuthbertson, Frank Williams, Michael Brennan, Raymond Mason and the voice of Mike Yarwood. The musical guests are Alex Welsh and his Band and Helen Reddy.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1973-02-16
Eric dreams of the British Empire, Downing Street and India. The musical guest is Anita Harris who also stars in The North-West Frontier of India 1890. Including Anthony Sharp, Ann Hamilton and Reg Lye.
8. Episode 8
Air Date: 1973-02-23
Ernie performs his Hollywood impressions, Eric tries to get him to join his special cinema club, and the pair visit the bank to secure Ernie’s inheritance. Guests: Wilma Reading, Springfield Revival featuring Allan Cuthbertson, Ann Hamilton with Jan Rossini.
9. Episode 9
Air Date: 1973-03-02
Mary Travers, who rose to fame within the American folk band Peter, Paul and Mary, stars alongside Eric and Ernie in this episode. Also featuring Hannah Gordon, Christopher Neil, Anthony Sharp and Raymond Mason.
10. Episode 10
Air Date: 1973-03-09
Ernie decides to get himself a new showbiz partner in Roy Castle. Meanwhile, Eric gets himself a wig in order to impress a lady. With Pete Murray, Anne Murray and The Pattersons.
11. Episode 11
Air Date: 1973-03-16
Eric and Ernie attempt some Greek dancing with Nana Mouskouri, The Sooty Show is spoofed, and the Black and White Minstrels perform. Featuring Harry Corbett and George Hamilton IV.
12. Episode 12
Air Date: 1973-03-23
Ernie Wise reads excerpts from Dickens, Alan Price and Georgie Fame perform You Are My Sunshine, and Peter Cushing pops by to demand his payment. Eric and Ernie end their series - but not fast enough to elude a guest from their past...
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1974-09-27
Eric and Ernie participate on Mastermind and reminisce about their childhoods, while Andre Previn calls at the flat. Starring Magnus Magnusson and Arthur Toicher, with musical guest Wilma Reading.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1974-10-04
Eric and Ernie discuss the art of conversation with Ludovic Kennedy and meet a colonel on a train before spending a night at Death Cottage. The music guest is Wilma Reading.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1974-10-11
Eric wants to be a pop star and changes his name to Spick Sparkle, while Ernie gets a new secretary. The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Wilma Reading provide the music.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1974-10-18
Eric has lost his voice and the duo are a pair of wine tasters on The Connoisseurs. Ernie talks to Richard Baker about his writing and his latest play is Murder in Mayfair.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1974-10-25
Ernie tries to write the show in bed and the pair appear on David Dimbleby’s Talk-In to discuss morals. Opportunity Knocks for Eric alongside Hughie Green. Music is from Wilma Reading.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1974-11-01
Eric is the Bard of Harpenden, Ernie talks about his lost love, and June Whitfield stars in the Plantation of Passion. Music is from Wilma Reading.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1976-01-07
The first of a new series. Ernie introduces his new play, The Legend of Dick Turpin, and there are appearances from some dancing drunks. With guest stars Gilbert O'Sullivan and The Vernons.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1976-01-21
Frankie Vaughan presents his Cabaret with the Harpenden Hot Shots, and Ernie has written a saucy new play. With guest stars Patrick Moore and Michele Dotrice.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1976-02-11
The Connoisseurs return to discuss the wonders of the British sausage, The Spinners guest star, and Lena Zavaroni performs Something 'Bout Ya Baby I Like.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1976-03-10
There is music from Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, Ernie performs a Scottish Country Sword Dance, and Jackie Darnell guest stars.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1976-03-24
Eric quits showbiz after 36 years, because Ernie irritates him. Vincent Zarra and The Karlins guest star, and Eric and Ernie also enjoy a bit of sunbathing.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1976-04-19
Eric and Ernie make breakfast to The Stripper, and Maggie Fitzgibbon, Champagne and Diane Solomon guest star.
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Rating
6.0/10
Release Date
1968-09-02
Episodes
62 (9 seasons)
Status
Ended
Cast
Production Companies
BBC