The Lost Tape

As a Christmas treat for comedy fans, this is a complete episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show that had been considered lost for over 50 years. Eric’s son Gary Morecambe discovered the programme in an unmarked film can in 2020, and now it has been lovely restored and can be enjoyed in full for the first time since being broadcast on 8 October 1970. The show, written by the legendary Eddie Braben, was episode 1 of Eric and Ernie’s first series to appear on BBC1, and was originally watched by over 14 million viewers. As well as some classic sketches from Eric and Ernie, the show also features songs and music from Paul Anka, Patricia Lambert, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, and the boys themselves rounding things off with a burst of Bring Me Sunshine.