Bring Me Sunshine (1994)
Encyclopedia
Bring Me Sunshine was originally a three-part retrospective in tribute to Eric Morecambe
and was hosted by the comedian and author Ben Elton
; the first episode was screened on May 14, 1994, which would have been his 68th birthday and featured interviews with many people who had guest starred in The Morecambe & Wise Show during its run from 1968 to 1977 and also had a host of memorable clips from the shows. Those interviewed included John Thaw
, Roy Castle
who died a few months afterwards, Diana Rigg
as well as comments and tributes from modern day double acts Hale & Pace and Fry & Laurie.
Such was the popularity of the show (which aired in a Saturday evening prime-time slot) that three further editions were hastily commissioned and shown on BBC1 but the three later additions did not include interviews, just classic clips. This meant that the duo, having last performed together in late 1983, made an unexpected and triumphant return to prime time television after a break of over 10 years. One voice however was notable by its absence during the celebrations, that of Ernie Wise
who was extremely upset that the BBC had seemingly overlooked him. The BBC said they didn't want "Too many talking heads".
Wise was quoted as saying "...you'd have thought they'd have asked for my memories..." but alas it was not to be. The programmes did much to lift the profile of the double-act in any case and so began something of a resurgence of interest in their work. In late 1998 however, Wise was invited to take part in a "Bring Me Sunshine: The Heart and Soul of Eric Morecambe" documentary, but his health had begun to deteriorate by then, and he wasn't well enough to do so. Wise died on March 21, 1999.
Eric Morecambe
John Eric Bartholomew OBE , known by his stage name Eric Morecambe, was an English comedian who together with Ernie Wise formed the award-winning double act Morecambe and Wise. The partnership lasted from 1941 until Morecambe's death of a heart attack in 1984...
and was hosted by the comedian and author Ben Elton
Ben Elton
Benjamin Charles "Ben" Elton is an English comedian, author, playwright and director. He was a leading figure in the British alternative comedy movement of the 1980s, as a writer on such cult series as The Young Ones and Blackadder, as well as also a successful stand-up comedian on stage and TV....
; the first episode was screened on May 14, 1994, which would have been his 68th birthday and featured interviews with many people who had guest starred in The Morecambe & Wise Show during its run from 1968 to 1977 and also had a host of memorable clips from the shows. Those interviewed included John Thaw
John Thaw
John Edward Thaw, CBE was an English actor, who appeared in a range of television, stage and cinema roles, his most popular being police and legal dramas such as Redcap, The Sweeney, Inspector Morse and Kavanagh QC.-Early life:Thaw came from a working class background, having been born in Gorton,...
, Roy Castle
Roy Castle
Roy Castle OBE was an English dancer, singer, comedian, actor, television presenter and musician. He attended Honley High School, where there is now a building in his name...
who died a few months afterwards, Diana Rigg
Diana Rigg
Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg, DBE is an English actress. She is probably best known for her portrayals of Emma Peel in The Avengers and Countess Teresa di Vicenzo in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service....
as well as comments and tributes from modern day double acts Hale & Pace and Fry & Laurie.
Such was the popularity of the show (which aired in a Saturday evening prime-time slot) that three further editions were hastily commissioned and shown on BBC1 but the three later additions did not include interviews, just classic clips. This meant that the duo, having last performed together in late 1983, made an unexpected and triumphant return to prime time television after a break of over 10 years. One voice however was notable by its absence during the celebrations, that of Ernie Wise
Ernie Wise
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 an institution on British television, especially for their Christmas specials.-Career:Ernest Wiseman was the eldest of five children, and changed...
who was extremely upset that the BBC had seemingly overlooked him. The BBC said they didn't want "Too many talking heads".
Wise was quoted as saying "...you'd have thought they'd have asked for my memories..." but alas it was not to be. The programmes did much to lift the profile of the double-act in any case and so began something of a resurgence of interest in their work. In late 1998 however, Wise was invited to take part in a "Bring Me Sunshine: The Heart and Soul of Eric Morecambe" documentary, but his health had begun to deteriorate by then, and he wasn't well enough to do so. Wise died on March 21, 1999.
See also
- The Morecambe & Wise Show (1968)The Morecambe & Wise Show (1968)The Morecambe & Wise Show that began airing in 1968 was the second TV series for comedy duo Morecambe and Wise.-Beginnings:The first series of the "new" Morecambe & Wise Show was broadcast in colour on BBC Two in 1968 and was deemed to be a success. Though now established as a popular star, Eric...
- The Morecambe & Wise Show (1978)
- The Complete Morecambe & WiseThe Complete Morecambe & WiseThis is a complete list of Morecambe & Wise's appearances.-Original appearances:* Running Wild first television appearance of the double act, not well received...