Eric and Ernie were quite simply two of the most brilliant comedy performers of all time and the perfect foils for each other, a team in every sense. To me they were the epitome of situation comedy – it didn’t matter what situation you put them in, they would work their touch of genius and make it funny. I also used to marvel at the lengths they could get their guest stars to go to on their shows, particularly Glenda Jackson and Shirley Bassey.
I often used to bump into them in the infamous BBC canteen or rehearsal rooms during my early days at the BBC. The first time I met Eric properly was at a charity event. He was so gentle and down to earth. In more recent years I have had contact with Joan Morecambe at fundraising events given by such organisations as The Lady Taverners and Lady Ratlings. I am also fortunate to know Ernest Maxin through my connection with The Heritage Foundation. He was their producer at the Beeb from the mid-1970s and masterminded The Boys’ tremendous success from behind the scenes.
As for my favourite sketch, where do you start? Actually, I loved the opening café scene from the film The Intelligence Men. Picture Eric trying to serve coffee, catch the gist of a major espionage plot, wrestle with the pronunciation of the Russian enemy spy department, memorise a theme from a well-known ballet and get Ernie to pay for his tea all at the same time! It still has me falling about. And who could forget the trademark slap Eric inflicted on Little Ern. I often wondered if it hurt, so I tried it on my husband. He confirmed it does!
Yes, they brought sunshine; yes, they brought laughter. In fact, they made you laugh out loud, not just smile or giggle, and they still do with their legacy today – but, more than that, they brought families together to share in it. Quite an epitaph.