The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes Season 3 Episode 23 Mel Torme and Martha Raye
- March 23, 1970
- 21 min
The Carol Burnett Show season 3 episode 23 welcomes two legendary performers, Mel Torme and Martha Raye. The hour-long comedy variety show opens with a musical number featuring Torme and Burnett. The duo sings "Something's Gotta Give" with Burnett dazzling the audience in a shimmering blue dress. Torme then takes the stage for a solo performance of "That Old Black Magic".
The first sketch of the night is a parody of a game show called "Cash and Carrie". Burnett plays the host of the show, while guest star Raye is the one contestant trying to win big. However, instead of answering questions, Raye inexplicably keeps breaking out in song. The result is a hilarious musical number featuring Raye belting out a medley of popular tunes.
Next up is a sketch about a couple getting ready for bed. Torme, playing the husband, keeps interrupting Burnett's character as she tries to read. He complains about everything from her book to her hair, and even picks a fight over who gets to use the bathroom first. The sketch ends with the two coming to an agreement, but not before a few more laughs at their bickering.
The following musical number features Raye and Torme performing together. The two sing "A Fine Romance", with Raye popping out a few comedic ad-libs along the way. Burnett then joins in on the fun, turning the song into a full-blown comedy routine.
The latter half of the episode is filled with more sketch comedy, including a recurring bit called "As the Stomach Turns". This particular installment of the soap opera parody features Burnett as the dramatic leading lady, and Raye as her long-lost sister who turns out to be a janitor. The two performers deliver standout performances, with Raye in particular bringing plenty of laughs as an over-the-top eccentric.
Another highlight of the episode is a sketch about a group of aliens who have landed on Earth. The aliens, played by Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, and Harvey Korman, are on a mission to find out everything they can about human beings. The sketch is full of laughs as the aliens try to understand things like love, humor, and digestion.
The show's musical guests return for one last performance, singing "I Got Rhythm" in a rousing finale. The entire cast joins in on the number, making for a fun and upbeat end to the episode.
Overall, The Carol Burnett Show season 3 episode 23 is a must-see for fans of classic comedy and music. With Torme and Raye bringing their considerable talents to the stage, and Burnett and her cast delivering plenty of laughs throughout, this is an episode that's sure to entertain.