Lost Morecambe & Wise Episode Rediscovered

A treasured, previously lost episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show from 1968 has been recovered, sparking excitement among fans and comedy historians. This significant find marks the earliest complete surviving episode from the iconic duo's celebrated BBC career, offering a rare glimpse into their prime.

Key Takeaways

• A complete 1968 episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show has been found.

• It is the earliest surviving whole programme from their BBC tenure.

• The episode features a nudist camp sketch and a balloon dancer.

• The BBC plans to broadcast the episode in the coming months.

A Piece Of Comedy History Unearthed

This 30-minute episode, originally broadcast on 16th September 1968, is the third from the first series of their highly successful BBC run. At the time, it was common practice for the BBC to reuse expensive video tapes, leading to the loss of many early recordings. However, this particular episode was preserved by an "industry professional" who has since passed away.

Content And Potential Restoration

The recovered recording, though filmed in colour, is currently in black and white. However, the organisation Film is Fabulous! (FIF), responsible for the discovery, believes its original colour can be restored. The episode is noted for its fast pace, wit, and classic Morecambe & Wise trademarks, including a sketch set in a nudist camp and an appearance by a balloon dancer. Professor Justin Smith, part of the FIF team, described the episode as "very much of its time and very tongue-in-cheek," highlighting the enduring spark between Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise.

Future Broadcast And Legacy

The BBC has announced plans to broadcast the recovered episode in the coming months, with a potential DVD release also anticipated. While full soundtrack recordings from the first series exist, video footage from episodes 1 and 8 is known to be lost, and only partial segments survive from episodes 2 and 4. This discovery is a significant addition to the surviving Morecambe & Wise archive, celebrated for their unique blend of sketches, musical numbers, and beloved catchphrases that captivated millions.

Sources

• Missing Morecambe & Wise episode recovered, British Comedy Guide.