<p>For decades, the <em>Morecambe &amp; Wise</em> Christmas specials were more than just television — they were a seasonal institution. In this episode of<em> The</em> <em>Problematic Gaze</em>, we take a joyful deep-dive into the <b>1971 Morecambe &amp; Wise Christmas Special</b>, fondly remembered as one of their most beloved festive showcases. Broadcast on Christmas Day 1971, this classic brought together <em>Eric Morecambe</em>, <em>Ernie Wise</em> and an unforgettable lineup of guests — including showbiz legends like <b>Shirley Bassey</b>, <b>André Previn</b> and <b>Glenda Jackson</b> — for a rich variety of sketches, musical performances and moments that have become part of British Christmas tradition. </p><p>We’ll revisit Eric’s ridiculous piano concerto with Previn, Shirley Bassey’s set malfunction, and the duo’s effortless blend of slapstick and warmth that made millions tune in each holiday season. This episode <em>celebrates</em> how the 1971 special helped define festive TV entertainment — bringing laughter, music and a sense of shared joy to families across the UK and beyond.</p><p><a href='https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00gw1d0/the-morecambe-and-wise-show-christmas-show-1971?seriesId=unsliced'><b>Click here to watch the 1971 Morecambe and Wise 1971 Christmas Special on IPlayer</b></a></p><p><a href='https://linktr.ee/theproblematicgaze'><b>Click here to follow us on all our socials</b></a></p><p>Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze. <br/> <br/><a href='mailto:[email protected]'>And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they&apos;ve heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!</a></p><p><b>GAZER HOMEWORK: Next week we focus on Blackadder&apos;s Christmas Carol. </b><a href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B00ET0X78O/ref=atv_dp_season_select_s101'>Click here to watch on Amazon Prime in the UK</a></p><p><a href="https://linktr.ee/theproblematicgaze" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to follow us on all our socials</a></p><br><p>Don't forget to hit that FOLLOW button to get every episode of The Problematic Gaze downloaded and ready to listen!</p><br><p>Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>