Eric, Ernie and Me

Eric, Ernie and Me is a 2017 television film based on the relationship between British television double-act Morecambe and Wise and their writer Eddie Braben. It starred Stephen Tompkinson as Eddie Braben, Mark Bonnar as Eric Morecambe and Neil Maskell as Ernie Wise. It was written by Neil Forsyth. The one-off drama premiered on BBC Four on 29 December 2017.[1]

Eric, Ernie and Me
Written byNeil Forsyth
Directed byDan Zeff
StarringStephen Tompkinson
Mark Bonnar
Neil Maskell
Liz White
Rufus Jones
Alex Macqueen
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersBen Farrell, Alison Sterling
Running time60 minutes
Release
Original networkBBC Four
Original release29 December 2017 (2017-12-29)

Production

Forsyth had the idea for the show after reading Braben’s memoirs, The Book Wot I Wrote, and travelled to Pwhelli, North Wales to meet with Eddie’s widow Dee. The Braben family subsequently gave their support to the project.[2] Stephen Tompkinson, a lifelong fan of Braben’s work, agreed to play the lead role. Mark Bonnar and Neil Maskell joined the cast as Morecambe and Wise, Liz White as Dee Braben and Rufus Jones as producer John Ammonds. The film was directed by Dan Zeff.

Plotline

The film runs from 1969 to 1977. It shows Braben and Morecambe and Wise being put together by Bill Cotton, former Head of Light Entertainment at the BBC, and their changing relationship as they worked together at the BBC until 1977. It shows the pressure that Braben was put under as The Morecambe and Wise Show became the most popular television show in Britain, peaking at 28 million viewers for their 1977 Christmas show,[3] and the two occasions when that pressure led to Braben leaving the show due to nervous exhaustion.

Reception

Eric, Ernie and Me was very well received. The Observer said "what a lovely programme, rewatchable often",[4] the Sunday Express called it "beautifully realised nostalgia"[5] and The List said the film was "absorbing and heartfelt" and called Braben "one of British comedy's unsung heroes".[6]

Filming locations

Eric, Ernie and Me was shot in Bristol, Worthing and Cardiff.[7]

Awards

Eric, Ernie and Me was nominated for a number of awards including two Broadcasting Press Guild Awards,[8] a Broadcast Digital Award[9] and a Royal Television Society Award.[10]

Cast

References
  1. Eric, Ernie and Me, BBC Four, December 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  2. Forsyth, Neil (28 December 2017). "Eric, Ernie and Me", Writers Room, BBC. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  3. Roberts, Laura (1 December 2010). "Mike Yarwood's 1977 Christmas Show tops the list of 10 most-watched Christmas programmes". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  4. "The week in TV: Little Women, The Miniaturist, Eric, Ernie and Me and more".
  5. "Christmas TV 2017 review: Eric and Ern's ghost of Christmases past".
  6. "TV review: Eric, Ernie and Me, BBC Four".
  7. "Stephen Tompkinson, Neil Maskell and Mark Bonnar to star in BBC Four's Eric, Ernie & Me" (Press release). BBC. 6 October 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  8. "Eric, Ernie and Me nominated for two Broadcasting Press Guild Awards".
  9. "Best Drama Programme Shortlist".
  10. "RTS Midlands Awards 2018 Nominees".
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