Morecambe and Wise - Andre Previn (The full sketch)

[aej320]

i love this !!!!

[nellie2581]

Thanks for sharing

[LBProductionsLego]

Andre Previn is actually a great comedian

[IndictTonyBlair]

@LBProductionsLego His comedic timing is excellent! A first class straight man.

[LBProductionsLego]

I think this is Timeless comedy.

Genius 

[TankbusterSPAFF]

Certainly Morcambe's timing is spot on here. He's playing the audience like an instrument!

Part of the comedic genius of this is Previn himself. His public persona at the time wouldn't put him in this sketch, but clearly, he's a consummate professional. Apparently, there was no time for rehearsal, he learnt the script on a flight from New York and the entire thing was done in one take. Extraordinary.

[avatarnarutochuck]

Can anyone tell me what's written on the telegram? I can't seem to catch the line after "opening of..."

[Supervideodrome]

@avatarnarutochuck Ernie: Well, ha ha (Ernie laughs nervously) what do you know - a telegram.

Privit: A telegram?

Ernie: Yes a telegram. Oh dearie me! Yes, yes. It's from Yehudi. He says he can't come. Oh isn't that a shame? "Dear boys, can't make it tonight on your show. Opening at the Argyle Theatre in Birkenhead in Old King Cole".

[avatarnarutochuck]

@Supervideodrome Thanks a bunch!

[terryfield777]

One of the funniest sketches of all time!

[Jofuish]

 It so sad that both of these amazing comedians are dead now RIP eric and ernie

[MrPoupard]

For what it's worth I heard Previn discussing this on Desert Island Discs and one of the (many) reasons this works is because the only 3 people who don't see the joke are Eric, Ernie and Andre while everyone else is cracking up. Personally I love Erics's question directed at the orchestra: "which one's the fixer" and Ernie's response: "the one on the gold lame suit"!!!

[peake123]

5 people always play the song with the right notes but in the right order

[kannibalchip]

Who could have hit dislike? I mean really.

[vastariner]

@kannibalchip I bet it was the violins.

[sandell321]

I love how the band is cracking up in the background.

[lkofron]

Even Ernie had a hard time not laughing - the world's greatest conductor being picked up by the lapels and called "sunshine" and put in his place - a classic!

[Snipercakeman]

Aparantly this sketch was repeated on a show based on the two comedians. Someone came up to talk and guess what... she ALSO got the name wroung!

[Firannion]

I knew who Edward Heath was, but still didn't think it a good one-liner. I just thought the whole thing sounded stilted and awkward. But then again, lots of people here in the US didn't get Bob & Ray on account of their deadpan delivery, and I found them hilarious. No accounting for tastes, I guess.

[dlamiss]

@Firannion

Edward Heath as well as being British PM at the time also had two other part time interests one of which was sailing and the other which was as an orchestra conductor- hence Morecambe saying for another £4..........................

[Firannion]

I usually really like British humor, but this didn't make me laugh once. I get Monty Python, I get Les Barker, but I just don't get these guys. Sorry : (

[sorceroruk]

@Firannion This is classic comedy. How many ways to get a simple thing wrong ? Compare Lauel and Hardy in "The Piano", Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam in "High Diving Hare". Then make someone who was a star of classical music the foil of the jokes. Intersperse with some good one liners "I've seen better bands on a cigar", "For another £4.00 we could have got Edward Heath" (then English Prime Minister and a talented pianist) and you have possibly the funniest sketch of all time.  S.x.

[mayhem001boats]

Still one of the funniest sketches of ALL time.

Thanks for posting.

[Bashyboyash]

He said "don't forget for another £4 we could of had edward heath "

[Asator66]

what does he say at 11:40? anyone?

[mayhem001boats]

"For another we could have got Edward Heath." ( ex British prime minister and great conductor / musician

[TheGuitarlad84]

The 5 dislikes have no taste in classic comedy!

[tobuscusrockslikearo]

Morcambe:it's to short.

Andre:by how much?

Morcambe:by about a yard

perfect

[jhtbailey1]

SOOO dated now though...

[krakenwave]

"Maybe you can wear high heels?"

"Again?"

Just shows how almost every line was genius.

And of course, Previn's ad lib: "Its in Chicago." Eric's delighted reaction just afterwards was spontaneous joy: he now knew that despite lack of rehearsal, Previn was entirely up with the sketch's humour. Indeed, he'd stipulated "Do not diss the music. Anything else, I'm game."

And it turned out that Eric did indeed play all the "right notes" - they are exactly the same, right key etc, as the Concerto.

[timlintimlin]

I'm guessing that the people who dislike this video must work on BBC's My Family.

[slapmyfunkybass]

if i remember rightly andre previn learnt the script to this on the flight from the us to the uk... it was all done in one take... i have no idea how previn didnt laugh during most of it, which is credit to his professionism

[D66DuCane]

"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!!

[CapitalBhoy78]

This sketch is quite honestly the funniest sketch I've ever seen on any comedy programme. I prefer the 2 Ronnies slightly more than Eric and Ernie but my god they were BRILLIANT also! Will we ever witness such genius again?

[MrJuno6]

Mr Preview Mr Preview Mr Preview Mr Preview. Talk about milking a fucking joke ?

[IThinkYouLookLarvely]

@MrJuno6 Yes of course people are allowed to have opinions, but YT is a strange one with its likes/dislikes. I don't turn on my TV and think "I'll waste half-an-hour watching Eastenders even though I hate it", so find it curious that someone has the time to watch videos on YT that they don't like. I've usually only disliked videos because the title is misleading, e.g. "The Beatles Shea Stadium (best quality HD!)" and it turns out to be terrible quality or just wrong...... Oh, he's been deleted!

[MrJuno6]

@jambenes. The Youtube "Taste Police" strike again. It's called an opinion which people are actually allowed to have weather you like it or not. Look in the mirror before you go calling people idiots. Morecambe and Wise are overrated silly crap.

[CapitalBhoy78]

@MrJuno6 *whether

[Supervideodrome]

@MrJuno6 You're entitled to your opinion. Sure, some M+W routines are now dated - even "crap" to use your vernacular. But this sketch is right at the top of the all time greatest routines. If you found nothing to laugh at, well, I'm sorry for you. How many people will be getting such fun and enjoyment from your legacy long after you're dead and forgotten? That's M+W's gift to us - making people laugh long after they died for as long as there are people around to have fun and to laugh.

[iluvesocks]

What is the piece that they play that Previn says is wrong and then plays at the end?



[adamwalmsley]

@iluvesocks It is one of the tunes from the piano concerto played in a funny way. I don't know what the tune Andre plays after that is. Any ideas?

[iluvesocks]

@adamwalmsley Ah i c, thanks and sorry no idea about your question.

[JohnTheRails]

@adamwalmsley The tune at the very end is called 'Popular Song' and it comes from a work called 'Facade' by the English composer William Walton.

[Supervideodrome]

@iluvesocks It's from a piece by William Walton called Façade. It was used as the theme for a popular 1970s BBC TV quiz prog called Face the Music.

[iluvesocks]

@Supervideodrome thankyou

[Supervideodrome]

@iluvesocks You're welcome :) I know how bothersome it is when you hear a piece of music and you can't find out what it is. There used to be a website where you could humm a tune and it would tell you what it was but it seems to have disappeared :(

[iluvesocks]

@Supervideodrome that website would have been so useful if it hadn't "disappeared." My friend is constantly humming tunes asking if i know what it is because she can't remember.

[TheFatman71]

classic,watched this so many times over the years and it never gets old

[BeeHeyJude]

One of my favourite M&W sketches. So glad its posted, so thankyou

[jonno4316]

Legend has it that Andrew Preview did not have time to rehearse this with M&W and that he only learnt his lines in the back of a cab with a torch while travelling to the recording. Apparently he was word perfect.

[IThinkYouLookLarvely]

This year's TV highlight for me will be watching a Christmas special on its 40th anniversary!

[jambenes]

Who are the 3 idiots who dislike this video?

[lordzhuge]

Previn more than held his own against 2 comedic legends, now that's an achievement.

[Numboss]

What a laugh! I bet Mr.Previn has fond memories of this. M & W were the best.

[sweetiepatty7]

i am 13 and i wish i mom had me earlier :/ i was sad that there not still alive because they are comedy legends

[456123emma]

"Could we get in touch with Grieg?"

HAHA! Morcambe and Wise are simply hilarious! Them and the Two Ronnies are the best comedians of all time in my opinion.

[misstrespain666]

these two were just fantastic and this sketch is and was absolutey hilarious

[Beatley82]

Oh and Andre Previn.........fantastic performance

[Beatley82]

THE absolute funniest thing ever. M&W were utter genius.

[mistamac57]

Spending my morning watching these classic clips. Sure beats listening to all the doom and gloom on TV

Xmas time is Morecombe and Wise time. :-)

[Rosee2807]

I've seen this so many times before, and never noticed that Eric keeps calling him 'Privet' and then Previn calls himself 'Privet'. Amazing the little things you notice. These boys are amazing, R.I.P. the one with the glasses and the one with the short fat hairy legs.

[Kimota01]

@Rosee2807 I know! There are so many gags crammed into just a few minutes - small gags, big gags, in jokes, slap stick, wordplay, innuendo etc - that you have to watch closely or repeatedly to catch them all. Like finding easter eggs.

It's a master class in comedy writing and performance - and a lesson in why one without the other is only half finished. Why can't comedy writers today write with that same rate of gags per second?

[xitp7]

@Rosee2807 Despite the number of times I have seen this.It is still incrediably funny.As for time,nothing surpasses this

[stx1300y]

I watched the original show. I can't believe it was 40 years ago. I was 12. It’s still as funny now as it was then. Absolute magic.

[scousefs]

Eric asks, "Is it fixed? Fixed?" And Ernie replies in the positive. Simple no 'fix-er' at all. That fix it for you.....? ;-))

[mashfan90]

can quote thuis sketch line by line but it is still funni

[hansellius]

I just want to thank everyone who has given me an answer regarding the "Fixer" joke. I feel bad - I stopped responding after I got the initial answer, so I thought I would just thank everyone who has replied since.

[herbieabroad]

This is the best sketch of all time indeed. But not the first time M&W performed it. Have a look for a video called "Mr Morecambe Meets Mr Wise - Grieg Piano (1963)"

Also they did it in one of their black and white TV shows in the 60s with Ernie as conductor (I only found this out when Paul Merton did a retrospective on M&W a couple of years ago). But none of the versions were half as good as this one.

[baldychops]

2 dislikes??? How on earth can you dislike this?

[rrrripbing]

This has to be my favourite comedy sketch of all time. Absolutely brilliant.

[MrMattasourus]

@rrrripbing Not only is it your favourite sketch but it is THE best sketch of all time

[billthebook2]

Quite possibly the most brilliant sketch ever, (that one by Tthe Two Ronnies is very good as well) I saw it went it was first broadcast and numerous times since and I still crease up at it. Eric,s comic timing was at genius level. I don't know who disliked this we'll just assume they accidentally hit the wrong button. Much missed and R.I.P. to both of lhem

[sylviaoregan]

NOT a musical term @hansellius is right! I am also a music teacher and that is exactly what the fixer is!

[sylviaoregan]

NOT a musical term @hansellius is right! I am also a music teacher and that is exactly what the fixer is!

[1999Baz]

This is one of the greatest comic sketch in the history of television. Morecambe and Wise is absolutely fantastic

[teebee1984]

Possibly the greatest sketch ever performed on television. Pure genius.

[coventrykid08]

Well I've managed to get my 12 year old twins to watch Morecambe and Wise after telling them about it . They had tears rolling down there cheeks and they are now big fans .

[Kimota01]

@coventrykid08 That is FANTASTIC! I was able to indoctrinate my daughter to the ways of old-school British comedy from the time she was old enough to watch and (at 20 now) she's still a determined Eric and Ernie watcher (as well as all the other comedy classics from the 70s). Its a style of comedy that has long since died with the demise of the music hall acts, but we're the worse off for being without it.

[ZXC5000]

Most comedy writers of today can only dream of coming up with something this brilliant

[BritishAlienCompany]

The most perfect sketch in the history of everything!

[steve6i7]

The fixer is the first fiddle player who makes sure that any "Specials" are catered for

Morecambe and wise NEVER did ad libs... they rehearsed all the ad libs for at least 6 days... Previne was the exception in that he was shoe horned in with only 1 days rehearsal

[EmilyR28]

Pure and total genius. Gets me every time!

[bodsnvimto]

Brilliant, love it!

I've seen this sketch in bits & pieces over the years, but the whole thing results in IMO as funny as funny can get.

A very big thanks to whoever gave us this clip.

[manarmy]

a fixer is someone that books the musicians

[hurricanecurls]

HI-I! THAT'S YER LOT!

[dlamiss]

the greatest comedy sketch of all time-simple as

[TheBorzoilover]

Andre Previn, what a great sport, wonderful sketch,hard to beat.

[bruneenee]

Hi, can anyone please tell me what the name of the song played by Andre Previn is from 12:26 to 12:42? No obvious jokers responding with "It's called Greig's Piano Concerto". Anticipated Thanks.

[squeekdesk]

A pleasure, I work in the bizz. Yes, I know years pass, but as i am sure you know, experience wins. My work , I can count the first 4 Pistols tracks , Garfunkel, David Essex, and a list of Top Tens and No,1's. that i have lost count, tens of tens. Movie soundtracks like Robocop (the original) and lots of others.

and I have had the BEEB out on strike myself twice.

After a lot of years working in all of the major recording studios, TV studios..&..&..Blah, Blah.

Just ask

Bob

[abortion69]

Rubbish!..

[JazzyRose92]

Grieg by.. er..with him and him!

[RockRedGenesis]

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

[josparkes1]

I never tire of watching this classic sketch of the masters of comedy EM and E W.

The comedians of today have got nothing on these two, and all most of them can do is swear and get a laugh from their bad language or making a mockery of disabled people !

[FISHFRIEND27]

Absolutely hilarious!

[FISHFRIEND27]

I'm 12 and I don't see how anyone can dislike this!!!!!

[hansellius]

Could someone help me out. I don't understand the "Who's the fixer?" joke. I completely don't get it, and Google didn't come up with a slang term or anything. Can anyone fill me in?

[Kimota01]

@hansellius You're not the only one. Watched a doco last night where even top comedians said they didn't get the joke, but laughed because it was so obviously a musical in joke. I asked my dad about this when I was a boy - he's a music teacher. He told me that a 'fixer' was the guy that would pull a band together for a show - the organiser if you will. So Morecambe's joke is that he's referring to the orchestra as if they're a small band thrown together by a fixer in a working man's club.

[hansellius]

@Kimota01 Was that the joke documentary on BBC iPlayer? If so, I thought Phil Jupitus said it was a musical term. Google didn't help. However, thanks for clearing that up. I assume the band is actually the London Symphony Orchestra (what with Andre Previn being there, and all...) so it makes sense. Not the best joke in the sketch, but thanks for helping. Thank you for being so prompt too!

[Kimota01]

@hansellius More likely it is the BBC Orchestra. The London Symphony Orchestra is much bigger (and more expensive) while the BBC Orchestra is on staff. And yes, that's the doco I watched. The joke also has the feel of an ad lib too.

[squeekdesk]

"The Fixer" was a union approved person who, rang around and organized the musos who would be there on the day.

"The Fixer" booked himself as player in the same band. So MU players fee and (Worth much more" the Fixer's" fee as well.) Hence the common use of (Who's got the Rolls-Royce/big house)

In the case of the Morcambe & Wise / Previn piece (Top ten funniest of all time) the Fixer was (as normal) the lead violin, the muso on the last seat to the left.

I hope that answers a lot of questions.

[hansellius]

@squeekdesk Ahh, OK. That's very helpful. It's cleared up about all the questions I had, so thank you very much for that.

[monty5254]

@hansellius the fixer for a band would have been in charge of bookings and taking and distributing fees to the band members... reference to the gold lame suit is an intimation that fixers cream money of the takings for themselves

[IThinkYouLookLarvely]

@monty5254 Well explained, I thought of "fixers" as a kind of con-artist who arranges an event, but wangles it to his or her financial favour. Being in the music business, I call them "agents"!

[Thearsenalkid]

@hansellius the fixer is the silent drummer i think. someone who helps put the song together with a bit of drumming. you can see him at the back... not sure why it was funny though :D

[doctorwhothemaster]

@hansellius

It's actually quite simple, a 'fixer' is a particular member of the orchestra or section, who "fixes" i.e. books, the other players (usually his mates, or his mates' mates) So it can be a bit incestuous.

[AtheistBrit]

"Don't forget, for another four pound we could've got Edward Heath!" Classic sketch!

[oldskoolmacboy]

Andre Previn looks like Edmund Blackadder.

[spectrum99122]

All these years have passed and this still makes me cry with laughter. Eric and Ernie, what an incredible act.

[nameofthepen]

Brilliant, genius, unmatched comedy perfection! I lol'ed too much.

[MrDubstep50]

i fucking pissed my self laughing all the way through.

[bossman103]

Why cant comedy be like this now. Its not rude or insultiong. its relly funy and for everyone. What show is for kids and something all the family can like

[captpicard100]

@philmixer

I would agree it is one of the top three or four comedy sketches, it's up there with The Two Ronnies, "Fork Handles", Python's Parrot sketch, and "The Four Yorkshiremen" but whatever way you look at it Eric and Ernie and the Two Ronnies were as good as comedy double acts ever got. They are the gold standard for comic timing and pure comedy instinct, absolute genius:-)))))))))))))

[ThexMICKEYJx]

Thank you soo much for putting this whole sketch up =)

[MACHAWK123]

Comedic genius

[krakenwave]

And I just got that Eric is indeed "playing all the right notes" as he claims. That dopey little vaudeville piece he knocks out (adorned with Ernie's endearing little bit of soft-shoe) is in the same key as the concerto.

[Kimota01]

@krakenwave Oh that is fantastic! If that's true, its just another example of the level of detail and care they put in to their work. Apparently, Eric's joke playing of the Grieg Piano Concerto had been a bit of a party piece of his for years and this was the second time it was worked into a sketch (need to find the first... little help?) so this may well be true.

[mentalguitarisist]

@krakenwave it is actually exactly the same just done in a different style

[krakenwave]

@mentalguitarisist

Yes - now I hear it, the very same notes, as has Preview's variation. Well spotted (or rather, hearded)!

[laiosto]

Is that a toupee that bloke is wearing?Ah!!!! 70s tuxedos.Pure sex on a stick.

[hhwatkinson]

Previn's face at 10:08 hahahahahahaha

[philmixer]

This could well be the best comedy sketch of all time, just magnificent comedy!!

[mattpikesoton]

Who can dislike this? It's comedy genius!

[mitsymagicful]

6:08 the one we played before we went decimal LOL

[Salsiccia1]

Simply magnificent. And Andre Previn's contribution shouldn't be overlooked - perfect timing and feel for the sketch, as good as any comedian's

[newtongrace]

@Salsiccia1 Yeah, and to think he learned the sketch in the car on the way over from the airport - superb!

[FullMontyUK]

@Salsiccia1 Previn makes the perfect stooge for Eric in the sketch. How he manages to keep a straight face with the band laughing, the audience laughing and the antics of Eric 'n' Ern is just amazing.

[citibfs]

simply the funniest sketch ever!! love it ;-)

[jonatron38]

wow,goosepimles ,pure class

[luxurytech]

OHOPHOHOHOH MY GOODDD THANKKKK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[TitchTV]

"I'll go get my baton........It's in Chacago."

[yianni1070]

The most brilliant piece of comedy I will ever have seen in my life, it still makes me smile and chuckle even though I have seen it so many times.

[jamieryancameraman]

Absolute genius. Seeing 'the band' in pieces during this sketch is as funny as the writing and delivery! Amazing that Previn had merely read the script on the flight over from the U.S., nothing was rehearsed! Wow!

[LizzieSky]

I'm a bit sad at the moment and I didn't think anything could make me smile - This does. It's magical. Thanks for posting.

[josparkes1]

@LizzieSky Well said, I watch this over and over again, as I just love it, it's indeed magical.Hope you are feeling better now anyway.

[999PATRICK999]

Willl laugh at this every time til the day I die - and even after that.

[cm1ab]

In my opinion this is the single greatest moment of comedy in the history of the world

I have downloaded to my phone and make young people watch it if they have never seen it

[kiles99]

The look on Andre Previn's face when Eric starts playing is priceless!

[josparkes1]

@kiles99 Yes it is, I love this sketch and watch it over and over again !

[rogergallaghergolf]

I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order!

[padraig53]

priceless!!

[TheSoulMan8]

something wrong with the violins?

[luxurytech]

@TheSoulMan8 no

[josparkes1]

Fantastic sketch, RIP Eric and Ernie !

[SuperGingernutz]

Many thanks for uploading the full sketch, Kimota01! CLASS!!!

[randomist92]

the "ill get my baton ... its in Chicago" was actually improv on Andre Previns part

[Rhosmari]

This is sooooo funny! I love them

[Rhosmari]

I really miss Eric and Ernie. This is a great sketch