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Little Ern!: The Authorised Biography of Ernie Wise
Even though they are the most famous comedy double act Britain has ever seen, until now there has never been a biography of Ernie Wise. Seen by some as just the straight man in the partnership, in fact 'Little Ern' was regarded by his peers as a great comedian in his own right. It took no ordinary talent to be the perfect foil for the genius of Eric Morecambe, and to be his friend, business partner and co-performer for nearly forty years. Morecambe's personality flared with ego and insecurity, and theirs was a personal relationship that had to be nurtured as carefully as were their on-screen personas. Nearly thirty years after their last appearances, the pair still dominate the landscape of British comedy, and are loved and revered as ever. With the cooperation of Ernie's widow Doreen, and drawing on unpublished material from the family archive as well as interviews with friends, Robert Sellers and James Hogg have shifted the spotlight sideways to examine for the first time the true and patient genius of one of the greatest entertainers of his generation.
- GenresBiography
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2011
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24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 14, 2022
Give me Laurel and Hardy, Give me the Two Ronnies, and especially give me Morecombe and Wise
Even though they are the most famous comedy double act Britain has ever seen, until now there has never been a biography of Ernie Wise. Seen by some as just the straight man in the partnership, in fact 'Little Ern' was regarded by his peers as a great comedian in his own right. It took no ordinary talent to be the perfect foil for the genius of Eric Morecambe, and to be his friend, business partner and co-performer for nearly forty years. Morecambe's personality flared with ego and insecurity, and theirs was a personal relationship that had to be nurtured as carefully as were their on-screen personas. Nearly thirty years after their last appearances, the pair still dominate the landscape of British comedy, and are loved and revered as ever. With the cooperation of Ernie's widow Doreen, and drawing on unpublished material from the family archive as well as interviews with friends, Robert Sellers and James Hogg have shifted the spotlight sideways to examine for the first time the true and patient genius of one of the greatest entertainers of his generation.
Biography that is filled with terrific knowledge, dedication and information. To learn about Ernie being on the stage with his dad when only 13 years old, meeting Eric so young.
Such a great team, but in real life so different characters, their personalities where so opposite to each other, Eric had to be the comedian all the time, Ernie happy to walk away, go home and do the gardening, has showbusiness friends, but led a very quite life. Ernie loved America, especially New York, Eric hated it. Ernie would have loved to have had success in America, Eric not bothered. Ernie looked after all the business side for their whole career.
The book explains in great detail the story we did not know much about, life after Eric died, and it was hard, a double act for over 50 years, its a long time. His health struggles, so sad.
A great book on Little Ern, the little fat friend !
Even though they are the most famous comedy double act Britain has ever seen, until now there has never been a biography of Ernie Wise. Seen by some as just the straight man in the partnership, in fact 'Little Ern' was regarded by his peers as a great comedian in his own right. It took no ordinary talent to be the perfect foil for the genius of Eric Morecambe, and to be his friend, business partner and co-performer for nearly forty years. Morecambe's personality flared with ego and insecurity, and theirs was a personal relationship that had to be nurtured as carefully as were their on-screen personas. Nearly thirty years after their last appearances, the pair still dominate the landscape of British comedy, and are loved and revered as ever. With the cooperation of Ernie's widow Doreen, and drawing on unpublished material from the family archive as well as interviews with friends, Robert Sellers and James Hogg have shifted the spotlight sideways to examine for the first time the true and patient genius of one of the greatest entertainers of his generation.
Biography that is filled with terrific knowledge, dedication and information. To learn about Ernie being on the stage with his dad when only 13 years old, meeting Eric so young.
Such a great team, but in real life so different characters, their personalities where so opposite to each other, Eric had to be the comedian all the time, Ernie happy to walk away, go home and do the gardening, has showbusiness friends, but led a very quite life. Ernie loved America, especially New York, Eric hated it. Ernie would have loved to have had success in America, Eric not bothered. Ernie looked after all the business side for their whole career.
The book explains in great detail the story we did not know much about, life after Eric died, and it was hard, a double act for over 50 years, its a long time. His health struggles, so sad.
A great book on Little Ern, the little fat friend !
August 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this as to often with him being the straight man (as such) he is overlooked. This tells the complete story of one half of the best double acts in entertainment history. It contains how he and Eric Bartholomew (Eric Morecambe) met and how they bonded and entertained for their entire careers. What i like particularly is this shows another side of Ernie Wise that few people knew, namely he was entertaining at just six years old. He was already a popular entertainer before he and Eric met and he continued to be so after Eric Morecambe sadly passed away in 1984. Its a fantastic read and one of the best biographies i have read for a long time :)
February 10, 2021
It was nice to see a book on Ernie for a change. I really enjoyed this book, it was very informative. He was the driving force behind the duo. I think this book would surprise most people and perhaps even change there perception of Ernie for the good. Most people think Eric had all the talent and Ernie had little, but after reading this book you might have the opinion that without Ernie it could have been Eric who? Having read this book I think Ernie was a funny man that made Eric a very funny man, and Ernie was also a very good business man that made them both very wealthy indeed. I think Ernie’s contribution to the double act was very underestimated and very unfair. I would highly recommend this book.
September 27, 2018
A different perspective.
A wonderful look at the often overlooked comedy genius of Ernie Wise. Not just Eric's straight man, but his comedy equal. Well worth a read to see a different take on the duo, than the usual fare.
A wonderful look at the often overlooked comedy genius of Ernie Wise. Not just Eric's straight man, but his comedy equal. Well worth a read to see a different take on the duo, than the usual fare.
August 15, 2021
Outstanding. Wonderful book about a wonderful man.
February 22, 2022
This book really surprised me !
I expected it to be informative and assumed I would like it given that I have been raised in a house that loved morecambe and wise (especially the famous christmas specials) but this book was even more of a pleasant surprise than I expected.
It was fantastic to read about the straight man of the double act and gave a whole new perspective to the double act itself.
I think most of us assume we know him just by his on stage character but this book tells the full story of how a 6 year old Ernie was left to fend for himself in post war Britain and how the pair met, bonded and spent their whole lives focused on entertaining with Ernie and Eric’s mum very much the driving forces . It was fascinating to learn all the while the pair were ‘putting on a show’ and making the audience laugh they were experiencing so much fear , anxiety and loneliness through their lives .
I expected it to be informative and assumed I would like it given that I have been raised in a house that loved morecambe and wise (especially the famous christmas specials) but this book was even more of a pleasant surprise than I expected.
It was fantastic to read about the straight man of the double act and gave a whole new perspective to the double act itself.
I think most of us assume we know him just by his on stage character but this book tells the full story of how a 6 year old Ernie was left to fend for himself in post war Britain and how the pair met, bonded and spent their whole lives focused on entertaining with Ernie and Eric’s mum very much the driving forces . It was fascinating to learn all the while the pair were ‘putting on a show’ and making the audience laugh they were experiencing so much fear , anxiety and loneliness through their lives .
May 15, 2024
A friend bought this from a second hand book shop last year and recommended I read it too. It’s the story of Ernie Wise - possibly the less well known of the Morecambe and Wise comedy duo. I certainly didn’t know about the history or back story of Ernie - in life and death everyone concentrated on Eric. But put simply, Eric wouldn’t have been Eric without Ernie and this book tells you why, without being judgemental or critical.
Any fan of M&W should read this book immediately - it is 100% recommended
Any fan of M&W should read this book immediately - it is 100% recommended
February 23, 2022
Full RTF
I've always loved Ernie Wise, and always been unhappy that he seemed so undervalued. That people who don't appear to understand how comedy works - how double-acts work - didn't see the immensity he brought to that incredible partnership.
This was a hugely entertaining read, that (finally) puts Ernie's life and work into the spotlight. Very sad, very poignant at the end. Very well worth the time if you really want to understand what made the two-man entity, Morecambe&Wise, tick.
I've always loved Ernie Wise, and always been unhappy that he seemed so undervalued. That people who don't appear to understand how comedy works - how double-acts work - didn't see the immensity he brought to that incredible partnership.
This was a hugely entertaining read, that (finally) puts Ernie's life and work into the spotlight. Very sad, very poignant at the end. Very well worth the time if you really want to understand what made the two-man entity, Morecambe&Wise, tick.
January 23, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Knew a bit about his early start as an entertainer, in a double act with his dad, but not much else apart from the Morecambe and Wise years. He was the force behind the partnership, especially regards sorting out contracts. Nobody got the better of him. A gentleman on and off the stage, with a steely will.
December 4, 2017
Fantastic read. Makes me look at Ern differently and appreciate him more.
April 20, 2018
A very enjoyable book which I will certainly read again.
February 28, 2025
Loved it so funny and sad as well
January 16, 2012
Fantastic book and way overdue. We gain more insight into Ernie, who was definitely half a star!, than ever before.
Eric with Ernie, or Ernie without Eric is like sunshine without rain, or gin without tonic - unthinkable.
It sits along nicely with every single other Morecambe and Wise book I own.
Eric with Ernie, or Ernie without Eric is like sunshine without rain, or gin without tonic - unthinkable.
It sits along nicely with every single other Morecambe and Wise book I own.
December 1, 2014
The life and career of a popular British comedian (one half of a famous double act) is described in this book.
I’m a fan of Morecambe and Wise and found this book very interesting as it showed the hard work / dedication that the pair had and what it must be like to be the ‘outshone’ half of a beloved comedy couple (when you started off as the ‘more well known one’).
I’m a fan of Morecambe and Wise and found this book very interesting as it showed the hard work / dedication that the pair had and what it must be like to be the ‘outshone’ half of a beloved comedy couple (when you started off as the ‘more well known one’).
May 20, 2012
Great book, I love Morecambe and Wise. Made me cry when Eric died, made me cry when Ernie died....hankies at the ready!
September 22, 2016
I laughed, I loved, I cried like a baby.
November 12, 2015
An awesome book chronicling the life of Ernie Wise. From the beginning as part of a double act with his dad to the present day and life after Eric
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews