Radio Times review

Once upon a time the highlight of Christmas was settling down to watch Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise's sketch show. You can see in this compilation that the roll call of stars who were prepared to be humiliated by the duo was legendary: Glenda Jackson, Peter Cushing, Shirley Bassey, Des O'Connor and Angela Rippon among them.

The running gags were brilliant and even if you can recite the words of their sketches verbatim, they still make you laugh. Eric's assertion to "Andrew Preview" that "I'm playing all the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order" is as funny today as it was way back in 1971.

For many people, Eric and Ern are as much a part of the festive furniture as mince pies, flaming brandy and being disappointed by cracker novelties. And this yuletide grab-bag shows the double act at their twinkling best.

If a sketch can be an institution, then "the André Previn one" certainly qualifies. You'll know the punchline but just enjoy all the build-up, and Eric's instruction to the orchestra: "In the Second Movement, not too heavy on the banjos."

What else? Whipping boy Des O'Connor snaps at all the boys' insults, and Angela Rippon kicks out from behind her newsdesk. So, what do you think of it so far?