2023. Still the best comedy sketch in history. Mind you, Previn was a major part. His participation and timing was outstanding. He clearly enjoyed and understood the comic side.
Not a single swear word, nothing malicious.... just a brilliant script, perfect acting and perfect timing in every way. That's why it's still loved nearly 50 years later. Pure joy from beginning to end.
Watch Eric at the very end break character and applaud. He NEVER did that in any other sketch but he was so blown away with Previn's performance he had to applaud. Eric had been very worried. He and Ernie and utter professionals and rehearsed, rehearsed, rehearsed. For the only time, I think, a guest couldn't rehearse as he was flying in on the day of the show, and Eric was really worried that it would not work. You can see him visibly relax when Previn delivered the line "it's in Chicago" with perfect comic timing. Eric realised Previn was going to be good and understood how to do comedy. By the end Eric and Ernie knew they had just had their best sketch and Previn had been brilliant - hence breaking character to applaud. The fact we're watching it nearly half a century later shows just how brilliant the three of them were in it.
Mr. Preview's performance is indeed absolutely brilliant. He has a natural genius for comedy and he's a really nice person with a huge sense of humour as well. Did you see the little sequel to this sketch where they have several top stars including Eric Porter, Dame Flora Robson and of course André Previn saying 'I was on the Morecambe & Wise show and look what happened to me'. André had ended up as a bus conductor. Hilarious.
The bit where he says "Pow! I like him!" wasn't scripted and it was a genuine reaction, they had no idea he would be so good and Eric knew they were about to make comedy history.
can't guess how many times I've watched this. And now, it's the reactions of the boys in the "band" that I always watch for. What a great British comedy moment, and not a hint of smut anywhere.
I have watched this sketch a hundred times and what really makes me smile is the way Ernie dances away to Eric's piano playing. Sadly, we will never see their like again.
Agreed, legend has it that Previn had just stepped off a plane from America and had little time to rehearse or get the gist of the sketch. But my question is how much or little of rehearsal time involved ‘the band’? Their reactions to the boss being totally destroyed by two great comics (the likes of we’ll never see again) is priceless, “so therefore I won’t put a price on it”
My dad loved Morecambe and Wise. I remember watching this with him way back then and I can still see him crying with laughter. He used to play piano himself so he could appreciate this very much. God bless you dad.
How many people out there watching this, with more tears than laughter, thinking back to Christmas night at 8, seems like yesterday and a million years ago at the same time
How right you are. Christmas night watching Eric and Ernie was always so special, a real family entertainment with all the generations laughing together (instead of keeping their noses in their phones!) And weren't we lucky growing up with Morecambe and Wise.
Imo, possibly one of the funniest/cleverest things ever on British Television. It must be remembered that at the time Andre Previn was probably the most respected and accomplished musical gentlemen in the World I honestly do not believe we will ever see anything like this again. All the praise for it is a complete understatement.
My father was a sound man on their show, and when this was filmed with little or no rehersal time, my dad nearly died with laughter. Andre was a great man and after the take, Eric&Ernie and Andre knew comedy history had been made and Andre was delighted to have taken part my father said years later. Thank you Eric and Ernie growing up with you was magical.
You can see it in the look on Eric's face after the "I'll just get my baton....it's in Chicago" line, the realization that something special was happening.... I can watch this over and over and still it cracks me up. Christmas shows were like your favourite uncles turning up on Christmas day and keeping you in stitches.... Thanks for the Laughter boys.
Previn was at the top of his game at the time. A very revered and highly paid member of a respected profession. What a great sport he was to do this. Mind you, M&W were at the top of their game too and top stars were queuing up to get a spot on this show.
To fully understand how great this sketch was, you have to appreciate what a huge star André Previn was at that time. That was the magic of the show. You had these incredible stars of the day like Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Des O'Connor, Glenda Jackson etc, literally queuing up to get onto the show to be sent up.
And Glenda Jackson, who I believe appeared more times than any other guest, said that she had never worked so hard. M&W were perfectionists, most of the "ad libs" were thoroughly rehearsed.
And now all three of them have passed on, talented in all their own ways and made life so much better with them in it. Rest in peace all three, and thank you.
I was born the year before Ernie Wise passed away, but luckily I had parents who had quite an attachment to great shows like the Morecambe & Wise Show, Dad's Army, Porridge, Steptoe & Son etc. So I am very grateful to have been introduced to these comedic geniuses :)
I just watched a special on Morcambe and Wise on UK tv's channel 5. It was brilliant!! It made me realize we may never see comedy or tv show's like theirs ever again. Their comedy holds up as still so funny in 2022. God gave these 2 the best comic chemistry. We're so Blessed to be able to watch their shows and Christmas specials over and over.
To those of you have watched and commented I say thank you. To those who have not seen this what a great shame as you have missed one of the great comic skits of all time. No foul language, no toilet jokes just very very funny. God bless all the team and again thank you for this classic.
Its great that Previn added a few extra lines most notably the "You wasted some time there" and also his response to wearing high heels "what again?". You can tell from the reaction that this was off script.
It stands up to repeated viewings. You just find more funny things you missed. I adore Eric's look to the camera at about 3.44 when Andre calls him a great comic. Everything is perfect. You can tell by Eric's clapping at the end - you know he knows that he's done well. And that's a lovely thing. He was a perfectionist and clearly a dear man. The more I read about these two the more I love them. Their industry, their talent, their integrity and just how bloody funny they are. They just make life brighter!
Whenever I watch modern TV and especially comedy, I go to youtube and pull up something like this. Utter genius. perfect timing with no need whatsoever for a crude punch line involving a profanity or a piece of genitalia. And no matter how many times I watch it.. slapping the cheeks of Previn still ranks as the funniest thing I have ever seen. "I'll give you that.. I'll give you that sunshine.."
Sheer, timeless joy. Comic genius from all 3 of them! Total respect to Andre Previn; one of the highest-profile figures in the classical world at the time, understanding the brilliance of Morecambe and Wise, and the whole thing works because they LIKE each other. No-one's trying to out-smart anyone else. They just love what they're creating. Just a beautiful thing to watch.
People forget that being invited on their show was considered the highest honour in entertainment at the time. It meant you were considered one of the best in the World.
39 people give thumbs down? Sense of humour bypass? Much of the stuff from my childhood doesn't work nowadays but IMO this still stands up as being as funny as funny ever gets. Timeless, hilarious stuff!
Those are the people who don't understand a Shakespeare play and to whom Beethoven's 9th Symphony means nothing. Basic ignorance, along with unwillingness to experience anything new in life (not even the old things which are new to them). Give them a pint and a football match to watch, and they think they're fulfilling mankind's potential to the hilt.
RIP Mr.Previn; surely one of the greatest sketches of all time! I saw it as a kid upon its airing. Apparently Andre looked at the script only once, in the taxi on the way to the studio! Genius brain and a great life!
This sketch never loses its appeal - one of their absolute best. I knew a couple of the orchestra members and it's great to watch them corpsing in the background. Never tire of watching this......... One of TVs best.
Endlessly amazing - You can see the moment Andre clicks with the lads - he'd not rehearsed and Morecambe & Wise were worried it wouldn't work... then he did the "I'll get my baton...it's in Chicago" line and you can see the boys eyes light up as they realise this is going to be dynamite! Every Christmas it was like a pair of favourite uncles popping into the house and larking around. Great guys and you could feel the genuine warmth and love between them.
one of my all time favorate morecombe and wise shetches, despite the fact it was broadcast a decade before i was even born. Has me in stitches every time
I dare say that the devotees of Andre Previn (Preview) will not think that this is how they wish people to remember him; but all great performers have a sense of humour; a great man!
An absolute classic sketch, ahead of its time incorporating expert guests, gentle comedy with great pauses and great comedy lines, you really can't beat this. Everything that followed after this in comedy in the years that followed references this duo.
I grew up with Morecambe and Wise. This sketch stands out as one of the pinnacles of comedy genius. We will never see their like again and the world is diminished now they've gone.
Just brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it! Tears of joy and lost nostalgia. Truly wonderful. Now for Katia playing it! More tears during the second movement.
I'm British and remember this being broadcast live in the 1970's. It's just so funny on many levels - and timeless. Have a look at all the other Morecombe and Wise sketches... I think you'll enjoy them!
Eric Morecambe is up there with Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Peter Sellars, Monty Python and co. as one of the greatest British comedians ever. His timing is perfect.
Yeah, but Eric and Ern are were a unit - true Eric was a great comic who liked to lark about on the stands when watching football (apparently he always carried a Styrofoam cup to do his Jimmy Durante impression) but Ern was the best straight man you could have (and he apparently did all the talking when it came to negotiating contracts & fees).
Just take a look at Eric's reaction to the "baton in Chicago" gag. It's been reported that as soon as Andre had delivered that line with perfect timing then Eric knew they were onto a winner and everything would be OK. This was in spite of the limited rehearsal time they had had because of Previn's work commitments.
A tribute to the stature of Morecambe and Wise that they could attract such a figure as Andre Previn to the show. Also a tribute to the character of Andre Previn that he would join in with the comedy and often upstage Eric in some of the dialogues.
In those days it was a great honour to be a guest on the M&W Show. If you were invited it meant you were not only a top-ranking star, but also a very decent person with a great sense of humour.
Morcambe and Wise, the Two Ronnies, Monty Python... the list goes on. Not only were these two probably the best comedy duo of all time, but this is one of the best sketches I've ever seen. It's up there with the Dead Parrot.
So so funny even after all these years. I only hope generations that follow after all of us who grew up with Eric and Ernie see these videos of these talented men
R.I.P. Mr Previn thank you for sharing your talents & taking part in one of the best & funniest sketches by Morcambe & Wise. Hope you get to meet them & laugh about it all over...
bravo maestro,bravo! encore! encore!.....sad that we shall never see their like again..truly timelesss...would never have expected to see Previn in such a role....truly great comedy
Morecambe & Wise hit their peak at the BBC when scriptwriter Eddie Braben came on board, where, as part of his innovations, he reworked the duo's performance dynamic to bring out the best in Ernie Wise - often overshadowed by the indisputable genius of Eric Morecambe, but equally hilarious in his own right. Braben once said that he felt his scripts were just words that, to him at least, sometimes lay lifeless on the page, but that once 'the boys' got to work on them, the magic happened. You can see that in evidence here. A miracle of comic performance from all involved.
This sketch is just fab. My gosh how Mr Privit kept a straight face when Eric started playing is amazing. Brilliant comedy with one of the most famous men in the world. Bravo!
2023. Still the best comedy sketch in history. Mind you, Previn was a major part. His participation and timing was outstanding. He clearly enjoyed and understood the comic side.
I loved the "I'll get my baton. ... It's in Chicago." Perfect comic timing.
I agree, the best line of many, play the right notes in wrong order priceless!
Not a single swear word, nothing malicious.... just a brilliant script, perfect acting and perfect timing in every way. That's why it's still loved nearly 50 years later. Pure joy from beginning to end.
4:00 - Eric Morecambe says the "N" word: Arthur Negus.
@@HueyRocks23 not to mention "ARSEnal" 😂
Rubbish!!!
...for years after this sketch Andre Previn was addressed by the cab drivers of London as "Mr Preview." Hysterical!
Watch Eric at the very end break character and applaud. He NEVER did that in any other sketch but he was so blown away with Previn's performance he had to applaud. Eric had been very worried. He and Ernie and utter professionals and rehearsed, rehearsed, rehearsed. For the only time, I think, a guest couldn't rehearse as he was flying in on the day of the show, and Eric was really worried that it would not work. You can see him visibly relax when Previn delivered the line "it's in Chicago" with perfect comic timing. Eric realised Previn was going to be good and understood how to do comedy. By the end Eric and Ernie knew they had just had their best sketch and Previn had been brilliant - hence breaking character to applaud. The fact we're watching it nearly half a century later shows just how brilliant the three of them were in it.
Brilliant comment, thanks for it!
There was no "breaking character," as the sketch had already ended. There was no longer any "character" to break.
Mr. Preview's performance is indeed absolutely brilliant. He has a natural genius for comedy and he's a really nice person with a huge sense of humour as well. Did you see the little sequel to this sketch where they have several top stars including Eric Porter, Dame Flora Robson and of course André Previn saying 'I was on the Morecambe & Wise show and look what happened to me'. André had ended up as a bus conductor. Hilarious.
@@DieFlabbergast Perhaps it'd be better to say that this was the first time Eric had ever applauded a guest star at the end of a sketch.
The bit where he says "Pow! I like him!" wasn't scripted and it was a genuine reaction, they had no idea he would be so good and Eric knew they were about to make comedy history.
can't guess how many times I've watched this. And now, it's the reactions of the boys in the "band" that I always watch for. What a great British comedy moment, and not a hint of smut anywhere.
I have watched this sketch a hundred times and what really makes me smile is the way Ernie dances away to Eric's piano playing. Sadly, we will never see their like again.
For me one of the best things about this sketch is watching the band in the background cracking up throughout
Agreed, legend has it that Previn had just stepped off a plane from America and had little time to rehearse or get the gist of the sketch. But my question is how much or little of rehearsal time involved ‘the band’? Their reactions to the boss being totally destroyed by two great comics (the likes of we’ll never see again) is priceless, “so therefore I won’t put a price on it”
My dad loved Morecambe and Wise. I remember watching this with him way back then and I can still see him crying with laughter. He used to play piano himself so he could appreciate this very much. God bless you dad.
How many people out there watching this, with more tears than laughter, thinking back to Christmas night at 8, seems like yesterday and a million years ago at the same time
How right you are. Christmas night watching Eric and Ernie was always so special, a real family entertainment with all the generations laughing together (instead of keeping their noses in their phones!) And weren't we lucky growing up with Morecambe and Wise.
Perfectly put.
Imo, possibly one of the funniest/cleverest things ever on British Television.
It must be remembered that at the time Andre Previn was probably the most respected and accomplished musical gentlemen in the World
I honestly do not believe we will ever see anything like this again.
All the praise for it is a complete understatement.
My father was a sound man on their show, and when this was filmed with little or no rehersal time, my dad nearly died with laughter. Andre was a great man and after the take, Eric&Ernie and Andre knew comedy history had been made and Andre was delighted to have taken part my father said years later. Thank you Eric and Ernie growing up with you was magical.
You can see it in the look on Eric's face after the "I'll just get my baton....it's in Chicago" line, the realization that something special was happening.... I can watch this over and over and still it cracks me up. Christmas shows were like your favourite uncles turning up on Christmas day and keeping you in stitches.... Thanks for the Laughter boys.
@@efnissien His reaction is genuine, he was legitimately impressed by Previn's comedic abilities.
Moonbase Alpha Nice words ☺️
wow what a story
Some people have all the luck...lol.
'Andrew Preview' has superb comic timing and is such a good sport he complements Eric & Ernie beautifully. I never tire of watching this!
Previn was at the top of his game at the time. A very revered and highly paid member of a respected profession. What a great sport he was to do this. Mind you, M&W were at the top of their game too and top stars were queuing up to get a spot on this show.
You watch this many decades later and you realise really just how good Eric and Ernie were and how their famous guests were happy to be part of it.
To fully understand how great this sketch was, you have to appreciate what a huge star André Previn was at that time. That was the magic of the show. You had these incredible stars of the day like Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Des O'Connor, Glenda Jackson etc, literally queuing up to get onto the show to be sent up.
And Glenda Jackson, who I believe appeared more times than any other guest, said that she had never worked so hard.
M&W were perfectionists, most of the "ad libs" were thoroughly rehearsed.
And now all three of them have passed on, talented in all their own ways and made life so much better with them in it. Rest in peace all three, and thank you.
All these years have passed and this still makes me cry with laughter. Eric and Ernie, what an incredible act.
Me too, it never dates, best ever
I was born the year before Ernie Wise passed away, but luckily I had parents who had quite an attachment to great shows like the Morecambe & Wise Show, Dad's Army, Porridge, Steptoe & Son etc. So I am very grateful to have been introduced to these comedic geniuses :)
RIP André Previn. A musical genius who also had impeccable comedic timing.
The only time I've seen Eric Morecombe really clap in admiration for another guest.
RIP Andre Preview. ❤🎶🎹
When Morecambe shouted "POW! I like him!", he was expressing enthusiasm for Previn's perfect comic timing.
When did he die ?
@@neiltappenden1008 2019. Easy to google.👍
Andre Previn was just phenomenal in the sketch
Just absolute magic!
His patience is to be much admired .
I just watched a special on Morcambe and Wise on UK tv's channel 5. It was brilliant!! It made me realize we may never see comedy or tv show's like theirs ever again. Their comedy holds up as still so funny in 2022. God gave these 2 the best comic chemistry. We're so Blessed to be able to watch their shows and Christmas specials over and over.
To those of you have watched and commented I say thank you. To those who have not seen this what a great shame as you have missed one of the great comic skits of all time. No foul language, no toilet jokes just very very funny. God bless all the team and again thank you for this classic.
Its great that Previn added a few extra lines most notably the "You wasted some time there" and also his response to wearing high heels "what again?". You can tell from the reaction that this was off script.
Watching from Rome Italy here. This is a masterpiece and Previn mastered the role !! Awesome!
I love how the band are just crying with laughter... Pure class.
Andre Previn was the most wonderful sport given his professional status - what a guy!
True
Absolute classic! I had no idea how well it would age. Mr. Preview was perfect!
It stands up to repeated viewings.
You just find more funny things you missed. I adore Eric's look to the camera at about 3.44 when Andre calls him a great comic. Everything is perfect. You can tell by Eric's clapping at the end - you know he knows that he's done well. And that's a lovely thing.
He was a perfectionist and clearly a dear man.
The more I read about these two the more I love them. Their industry, their talent, their integrity and just how bloody funny they are. They just make life brighter!
Whenever I watch modern TV and especially comedy, I go to youtube and pull up something like this. Utter genius. perfect timing with no need whatsoever for a crude punch line involving a profanity or a piece of genitalia. And no matter how many times I watch it.. slapping the cheeks of Previn still ranks as the funniest thing I have ever seen. "I'll give you that.. I'll give you that sunshine.."
"not too heavy on the banjos"...LOL!
And I love the reaction of the band - having their boss mocked - priceless!
Sheer, timeless joy. Comic genius from all 3 of them! Total respect to Andre Previn; one of the highest-profile figures in the classical world at the time, understanding the brilliance of Morecambe and Wise, and the whole thing works because they LIKE each other. No-one's trying to out-smart anyone else. They just love what they're creating. Just a beautiful thing to watch.
Andrew Privit!
People forget that being invited on their show was considered the highest honour in entertainment at the time. It meant you were considered one of the best in the World.
@@Zerbey Very true! I hadn't forgotten. But all the guests they invited had to be good sports with a great sense of humour.
The greatest celebrity guest spot in any comedy show ever.
I love the silence after Previn plays the piano, and then Eric’s face! Priceless! Thank you for posting!
39 people give thumbs down? Sense of humour bypass?
Much of the stuff from my childhood doesn't work nowadays but IMO this still stands up as being as funny as funny ever gets. Timeless, hilarious stuff!
It's their loss- not ours!
Those are the people who don't understand a Shakespeare play and to whom Beethoven's 9th Symphony means nothing. Basic ignorance, along with unwillingness to experience anything new in life (not even the old things which are new to them). Give them a pint and a football match to watch, and they think they're fulfilling mankind's potential to the hilt.
RIP Mr.Previn; surely one of the greatest sketches of all time! I saw it as a kid upon its airing. Apparently Andre looked at the script only once, in the taxi on the way to the studio! Genius brain and a great life!
This sketch never loses its appeal - one of their absolute best. I knew a couple of the orchestra members and it's great to watch them corpsing in the background. Never tire of watching this......... One of TVs best.
How wonderful to see this - Andre Previn was a musical giant with an equally gigantic sense of humor. Great upload. Thank you.
It never gets old, you know what's coming and still a joy. Always will be.
Who knew Andre Previn could do comedy? What a talented guy!
Wonderful sketch, I play this over and over again, it's so brilliant, Eric's family must be so proud of their world famous so talented Dad !
I never tire of this awesome sketch, Andre Previn(Preview) was brilliant 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I remember this so well. Probably the best comedy sketch EVER.
Definitely one of the best.
Endlessly amazing - You can see the moment Andre clicks with the lads - he'd not rehearsed and Morecambe & Wise were worried it wouldn't work... then he did the "I'll get my baton...it's in Chicago" line and you can see the boys eyes light up as they realise this is going to be dynamite! Every Christmas it was like a pair of favourite uncles popping into the house and larking around. Great guys and you could feel the genuine warmth and love between them.
classic,watched this so many times over the years and it never gets old
one of my all time favorate morecombe and wise shetches, despite the fact it was broadcast a decade before i was even born. Has me in stitches every time
One of morecambe and wise 's great comedy acts, with well known Andre Previn, I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for sharing.
I dare say that the devotees of Andre Previn (Preview) will not think that this is how they wish people to remember him; but all great performers have a sense of humour; a great man!
Total genius. Brilliant. Watched so many times, still so brilliant. RIP Mr Preview.
i love that even the orchestra is laughing at their jokes :D
"I'll got get my baton ..... It's in Chicago'
One of THE funniest lines ever! lol
Possibly the greatest comedy sketch ever! Always brings tears of laughter whenever I watch it!
The First person ever to go on the show and not laugh during the sketch. Spectacular!
If you were married to Mia Farrow you probably wouldn't be laughing either!😅
Today's comedians watch and learn genius at work. Price less. Miss them big time
Very very funny, And alot of credit to Andre Privitt for playing it so straight. Just adds to the humour
The greatest sketch ever written and performed. RIP Eddie Shakespeare Braben
An absolute classic sketch, ahead of its time incorporating expert guests, gentle comedy with great pauses and great comedy lines, you really can't beat this. Everything that followed after this in comedy in the years that followed references this duo.
R.I.P. Mr Preview, hope your having fun with the boys up there now.
His having fun?
Hopefully hahaha, maybe down below!
I always liked Mr. Privet.
Greig, with him and him.
and with Grieg
I havent seen this since it was first broadcast. Absolutely side splitting. I laughed so much. Brilliant. Andre was a great sport.
I grew up with Morecambe and Wise. This sketch stands out as one of the pinnacles of comedy genius. We will never see their like again and the world is diminished now they've gone.
Eric's sense of timing was perfect. I can't imagine many comedians would have risked a pause anywhere near as long as that, before "Rubbish!"
I love Eric's applause too. Such warmth and generosity.
The most perfect sketch in the history of everything!
Great job by all 3 men... amazingly, the only time Previn had to learn his part was during a transatlantic flight, but he looks like a comedy natural!
One of the greatest comedy sketches ever.
Just brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it! Tears of joy and lost nostalgia. Truly wonderful. Now for Katia playing it! More tears during the second movement.
So charming! Andre hired me to play in the Pittsburgh Symphony in 1980. It's wonderful to hear his familiar voice, see his smile.
"Now I do hope Sir, that you understand all these squiggly lines"..Andre Previt, err, Preview, err..PREVIN is for me the real star of this piece!!
"Not too heavy on the banjos."
It never gets old! Pure genius
The FULL 10 second of silent tension before Eric says 'rubbish' at 11:35 Timing is everything. And the audience loved it!
This sketch brings joy to my heart...3 legends and amazing comic timing from Mr Preview in particular..RIP to you all and thanks
I'm British and remember this being broadcast live in the 1970's. It's just so funny on many levels - and timeless. Have a look at all the other Morecombe and Wise sketches... I think you'll enjoy them!
Eric Morecambe is up there with Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Peter Sellars, Monty Python and co. as one of the greatest British comedians ever. His timing is perfect.
Yeah, but Eric and Ern are were a unit - true Eric was a great comic who liked to lark about on the stands when watching football (apparently he always carried a Styrofoam cup to do his Jimmy Durante impression) but Ern was the best straight man you could have (and he apparently did all the talking when it came to negotiating contracts & fees).
I reckon André Preview is up there with the great comedians as well as with the musicians.
Previn carries it all so well!
Just take a look at Eric's reaction to the "baton in Chicago" gag. It's been reported that as soon as Andre had delivered that line with perfect timing then Eric knew they were onto a winner and everything would be OK. This was in spite of the limited rehearsal time they had had because of Previn's work commitments.
I heard that line was improvised. You can see Morecambe burst out laughing and turn away before containing himself quickly.
A tribute to the stature of Morecambe and Wise that they could attract such a figure as Andre Previn to the show.
Also a tribute to the character of Andre Previn that he would join in with the comedy and often upstage Eric in some of the dialogues.
In those days it was a great honour to be a guest on the M&W Show. If you were invited it meant you were not only a top-ranking star, but also a very decent person with a great sense of humour.
Probably one of the most iconic bits of the show
Morcambe and Wise, the Two Ronnies, Monty Python... the list goes on. Not only were these two probably the best comedy duo of all time, but this is one of the best sketches I've ever seen. It's up there with the Dead Parrot.
So so funny even after all these years. I only hope generations that follow after all of us who grew up with Eric and Ernie see these videos of these talented men
Caught a glimpse of this on the BBC World News report on "Mister Preview's" passing, and very much needed to see more. Thank you for posting this.
I love how in any Morcombe & Wise sketch that involves some major celebrity, they just play along for the laughs.
Marvelous round of applause from Eric there at the very end. Purely to salute Andre and the orchestra.... Lovely
RIP Andrew Preview, 1929-2019
Now playing up there with Morecambe and Wise.
And playing all the right notes. But not necessarily in the right order. :-)
The whole thing just gels so beautifully…
R.I.P. Mr Previn thank you for sharing your talents & taking part in one of the best & funniest sketches by Morcambe & Wise. Hope you get to meet them & laugh about it all over...
bravo maestro,bravo! encore! encore!.....sad that we shall never see their like again..truly timelesss...would never have expected to see Previn in such a role....truly great comedy
Just love watching Ernie Wise during this sketch - brilliantly played on his part.
The response to the sketch by the 'band' is too good.
One of my all time favourite comedy sketches.
30 years ago today we lost Eric Morecambe. RIP you beautiful genius!
Unfortunately we've meanwhile lost Ernie and Mr. Preview as well :-(
Brilliant.....utterly brilliant.
How I miss them.
Previn is a gifted comedic actor in his own right, I never knew that.
Morecambe & Wise hit their peak at the BBC when scriptwriter Eddie Braben came on board, where, as part of his innovations, he reworked the duo's performance dynamic to bring out the best in Ernie Wise - often overshadowed by the indisputable genius of Eric Morecambe, but equally hilarious in his own right. Braben once said that he felt his scripts were just words that, to him at least, sometimes lay lifeless on the page, but that once 'the boys' got to work on them, the magic happened. You can see that in evidence here. A miracle of comic performance from all involved.
Andre Previn, what a great sport, wonderful sketch,hard to beat.
Never fails to make me laugh. Simply the best comic genius's this country had ever had.
Today saw the passing of a great musician, it is with great sadness that I viewed this, only to have those tears of sadness washed away with laughter!
This sketch is just fab. My gosh how Mr Privit kept a straight face when Eric started playing is amazing. Brilliant comedy with one of the most famous men in the world. Bravo!
At the end Eric says 'Knockout!'. How right he was. This is just pure class from start to finish.
This could well be the best comedy sketch of all time, just magnificent comedy!!
the "ill get my baton ... its in Chicago" was actually improv on Andre Previns part
Excellent timing
No wonder Eric was gob-smacked.
I love the expressions on the "band" members' faces!!
Watching the Orchestra, they were trying to keep From Cracking UP.
It's what I also watch and it cracks me up. A brilliant all round performance by everyone. Love it still. 😊
Only Eric Morcecombe could get away with calling the London Philharmonic Orchestra...The Band.
Brilliant, what a true comedy genius Eric Morecambe was.