Acting
Ernest Wiseman, OBE, known by his stage name Ernie Wise, was an English comedian, best known as one half of the comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, who became a national institution on British television, especially for their Christmas specials.
A chance meeting with a Schlecht agent forces a humble coffee shop manager into the secret world of spies in Swinging London. With the help of his MI5 friend, he poses as the recently dead Major Cavendish who had managed to infiltrate the dreaded organization; he knows that they are intending to assassinate someone - could it be the famous Russian ballerina who has recently arrived for an appearance at Covent Garden?
Two salesmen travel to a small South American Country to peddle their wares. However the country is in the middle of a major conflict between the Government led by Diaz and the rebels led by Torez. When Torez is accidentally killed the rebels mistaken pick up one of the salesmen, Eric, as he looks like Torez. Eric and Ernie are promised millions to carry on the charade once the rebels take charge. However once Eric takes charge he finds himself back in danger as scheming general Carillo plans to remove the impostor from his role.
Eric and Ernie decide to take a holiday to the South of France and unwittingly become mixed up with a band of jewel thieves.
When Eric's niece Kathy becomes one of the heirs to a considerable fortune, her life (and those of the other heirs) is placed in jeopardy by the actions of a mysterious inter-loper.
"You told me you'd take me to Hollywood!" cries Glenda - but Ernie quips, "No, Cricklewood". Thus the wisecracks begin in this entertaining appeal for blood donors starring a reluctant Glenda Jackson and a crafty Ernie Wise. The tradition of using well-known film and TV personalities in charity appeals and public-spirited health campaigns goes back to the earliest days of the public information film. The National Blood Service definitely struck gold with this right royal pairing of the queen of costume drama and an acknowledged king of comedy.
For the first time ever on video, Morecambe and Wise are once again live in concert. This video shows the only ever live recording of what some would say are Britain's top all time comedy double act, featuring all their famous routines as they perform for over an hour at Fairfields Halls in Croydon in the mid-70s. Morecambe and Wise delighted millions with their unique brand of humour, they reigned supreme in the 60s, 70s and 80s as comedy kings and their success and popularity has never since been equalled. The filming of this concert was a present from their long time manager as a way of showing thanks and admiration for all their hard work over the years. When you watch this video, you will be witnessing comedy history in the making, for the first time in years Morecambe and Wise are once again live in concert. Marvel at their comedy genius.
Ernie tells Eric to ‘be wise’ and not drive home after their Christmas party.
Jonathan Ross introduces the story of British television's greatest double act as they told it themselves, using television appearances, rare radio material and correspondence from the BBC archives to build up a fascinating portrait of their lives and careers. The programme reveals how, as young performers, Eric and Ernie really did share a bed, and reveals the BBC's rather lofty response when they first auditioned for television in 1948.
A history of the British television comedy double act Morecambe & Wise to coincide with the BBC drama about their early lives.
Compilation of sketches featuring the much-loved funnymen Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Includes 'Anthony and Cleopatra' with Glenda Jackson, 'Monty in the Bounty' with Arthur Lowe, the famous 'Singing in the Rain' routine, and Eric and Ernie making breakfast to the sound of 'The Stripper'.