Product Description

In this autobiography Eric's son, Gary Morecambe, describes what it's like to grow up in the presence of one of the best-loved and most fondly remembered of all British comedy greats. It includes photographs from the Morecambe family archive and unseen extracts from his father's personal diaries. Frank and outspoken, this book provides an insight into the man behind the laughter, a man who was constantly worried that one day he would be "found out", who never lost his love of Long John Silver impressions, and who continued to work until disease finally killed him at only 58 years of age.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11673 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

Very good indeed
Morecambe and Wise were, undoubtedly, the greatest British double-act of the twentieth century: the Laurel and Hardy of British television and the only act who can be mentioned in the same breath as Stan and Ollie. Gary Morecambe - who co-wrote the definitive biography of Eric and Ernie some years ago - here writes a much more subjective and emotional book about what it was like to grow up as the son of Eric Morecambe: the most revered comedian in Britain. And the result is a delight: touching, funny, insightful. Both Eric and Gary emerge from the book as warm, lovely men. It is a pleasure to read from first page to last.

A Cavalcade of Emotions
We are all familiar with "Morecambe and Wise", British comedy's best-loved double act. However, until recently, Gary Morecambe has been unable to tell us more of the story behind the legend, as he felt it was unfair to write a true critique of either partner while one or both of them were alive.
Ernie sadly passed away 5 years ago and, after a period of respect, Eric's son has written this book (his third or fourth about his father and his career). He is now able to tell us truthfully - and somewhat poignantly - about who his father really was.
There are many stories told in the book concerning his relationship with his father. I felt, reading these, that Gary didn't think he lived up to his father's high expectations. He loved his father and was loved in return, but he gives the impression that something was missing.
This is not a criticism, merely a "take" on the man's own words. It was, after all, the story of the first half of his life and there's not a lot one can do to alter that.

Generally, I thought the book was well-written, humourous and a fair summary of a great life and partnership. The book moved easily from happiness to sadness, from pride to irony.
I did draw one negative from the book: Gary referred to his Dad throughout most of the book as "EM"... This puzzled me, because he calls him "Dad" in quotations from earlier years and he calls his mother "Mum" or Joan, yet he consistently refers to Eric as "EM". I think perhaps he was trying to make it easier for us to read without having to decipher "Dad would do" or "Dad did this", but it felt unnatural and unnecessary - the book was given to me as a present, but I cherish it as written by an "insider", someone who can let us into the private life of our favourite comic.
However, this one criticism aside, the book was thoroughly enjoyable, very moving and will remain a reference book of "EM" history for many years.

I totally recommend it and would urge you to let it take you back to a time when Variety was the Spice Of Life.

Wonderful!
What a great book and a wonderful Christmas present!

The book is written by Eric's son and goes behind the scenes of what it was like to live with one of the greatest comedians of all time. What I loved was the fact that Eric really was a nice guy and that he didn't put on any sort of act and his home life must have been great.

Well written and very touching in places (bring a tear to the eye!) and is a real feel good book that I strongly recommend you purchase.

One of the reads of the year for me!