The Passionate Pilgrim

This is an oddity, very old-fashioned and unsubtle. But it is worth a peek because it involves three of the greatest comic performers ever to grace British TV: I speak, of course, of Eric Morecambe, Tom Baker and John Le Mesurier. To see them at their best you will have to go elsewhere: for Eric, his TV shows with Ernie Wise; Tom in Dr Who and Nicholas & Alexandra (an extraordinary Rasputin); and John in Dad's Army and any number of British movies in the 60s and 70s (he usually played mildly perturbed diplomats or politicians with an urbane grace that is quite breathtaking).

Watch and learn.

The Passionate Pilgrim is a unique British Comedy featuring four of the UK's best loved actors.

Set in medieval times, based on one of William Shakespeare's poems of the same name, the film has an unusual format. The three stars on screen- Eric Morecambe, Tom Baker and Madelaine Smith have almost no dialogue. The comedy of their antics is set off by an engaging choice of classical music, performed by the Palm Court Theatre Orchestra, and John Le Mesurier's narration in the style of a children's play.

As Lord Eric, Morecambe is courting the Lady Madelaine - a wealthy heiress. He has a rival in the form of Sir Tom (Baker) who, armed with a copy of 'The Good Knight Guide', is scouring England for 'The Silly Damsel'. His quest leads him to Lord Eric's castle where comic battle ensues.

One of Eric Morecambe's rare performances without Ernie Wise, The Passionate Pilgrim suggests a way his solo career might have developed. It was also his last film, completed just a few months before his untimely death. This makes the pleasure he and his fellow performers so evidently took in making it all the more poignant.

Running some 25 minutes, The Passionate Pilgrim is a little gem, which because of its innovative format, passes the test of time with flying colors.

If you are lucky enough to find a copy of this little masterpiece, you will not be disappointed. It is entertaining, highly likable, and best of all, very, very funny. It also has some great music.

A very funny and unique film in that it is the only known work of Eric Morecambe without his partner Ernie Wise. Instead Eric is accompanied by the delightful Madelaine Smith, with Tom Baker as we remember him in his Doctor Who days. and a narration by the irreplaceable John LeMesurier.

Word is that this unusual little film with its at time winning performances and script was shot on a shoestring budget in a couple of days. Oh why didn't someone give them the time and money to show what they could have done? Nonetheless, it contains some vintage Morecambe moments, and shows that Eric could undoubtedly have had a successful solo career.