Morecambe and Wise moved from the BBC, where they had produced their best and most loved work, to ITV Thames in 1978 with the offer of more money. Unfortunately their first two specials for Thames in 1978 were well below par, with constant jibes about the BBC and not many laughs, and viewers, me included, were hoping the 1979 Christmas show would be a return to form.
However, this special was dire. I know Eric had suffered heart problems earlier in the year, but surely anything had to be better than a long, boring interview with David Frost, some half forgotten black and white clips and one weak new sketch with Glenda Jackson. No wonder my family joined millions of other viewers by switching over to BBC 1 and the papers massacred the show the following day, it was probably Morecambe and Wise's worst show ever.
Yet after this disaster, Morecambe and Wise did recover when Thames offered them a new series in 1980 with their old BBC scriptwriter, Eddie Braben, and some of the old magic returned. Sad to say, though, the 1979 Christmas special was a low point for Morecambe and Wise and I would advise anyone, unless they really want to compare the duo with their mid seventies glory days, not to buy the DVD.
However, this special was dire. I know Eric had suffered heart problems earlier in the year, but surely anything had to be better than a long, boring interview with David Frost, some half forgotten black and white clips and one weak new sketch with Glenda Jackson. No wonder my family joined millions of other viewers by switching over to BBC 1 and the papers massacred the show the following day, it was probably Morecambe and Wise's worst show ever.
Yet after this disaster, Morecambe and Wise did recover when Thames offered them a new series in 1980 with their old BBC scriptwriter, Eddie Braben, and some of the old magic returned. Sad to say, though, the 1979 Christmas special was a low point for Morecambe and Wise and I would advise anyone, unless they really want to compare the duo with their mid seventies glory days, not to buy the DVD.