The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes Season 9 Episode 6 Maggie Smith

The Carol Burnett Show was a variety TV series that aired from 1967 to 1978, starring comedienne Carol Burnett, along with a revolving cast of comedians and guests. Each episode featured comedy sketches, musical performances, and guest appearances from notable celebrities. Season 9 episode 6, titled "Maggie Smith," aired on October 26, 1976, and featured a visit from the acclaimed British actress.

In this episode, Carol Burnett welcomed Maggie Smith as her special guest. Smith, who had recently won an Academy Award for her performance in the film "A Room with a View," was a highly respected stage and screen actress known for her wit and charm. She joined the regular cast of Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner in a series of comedic skits and musical numbers.

The episode begins with a bit called "Disco Tonight," in which Carol and Harvey play two disco dancers who are a bit past their prime. They dance to a funky beat while Carol sings about the disco craze, but their movements are decidedly less than smooth. When Maggie Smith joins them on stage, she hilariously upends their routine by revealing herself in an outlandish disco outfit and busting out some surprisingly impressive dance moves.

Later in the episode, Maggie puts in a memorable performance as Lady Godiva, riding a horse across the stage in nothing but a long wig covering her body. Tim Conway joins her as a knight in shining armor, but instead of being chivalrous, he squabbles with her over the logistics of her naked ride. The bit is a classic example of the show's irreverent humor, with Maggie displaying a game sense of humor throughout.

The cast also performs several musical numbers throughout the episode, including a funny spoof of the hit disco song "Disco Inferno" and a medley of classic Hollywood tunes. Maggie Smith even gets in on the musical fun, joining Carol for a duet of "Embraceable You" from the Gershwin musical "Girl Crazy."

Other sketches in the episode include one in which Tim Conway and Harvey Korman play old vaudeville comics trying to revive their act, with Carol throwing in a hilarious bit as a young upstart trying to steal their spotlight. In another sketch, Vicki Lawrence plays Carol's long-suffering secretary, who is tasked with typing the script for that night's show. When Carol realizes that they've forgotten to write a finale, chaos ensues as they try to come up with a last-minute solution.

Throughout the episode, Carol and the cast display their trademark energy and comedic timing, with Maggie Smith gamely playing along and showing off her own comedic chops. The show's live format and lack of fancy special effects or slick editing are a big part of its charm, giving viewers the sense of being transported to a simpler time when comedy was all about good, old-fashioned laughs.

Overall, season 9 episode 6 of The Carol Burnett Show is a delightful example of the series' signature blend of musical numbers and comedy sketches. Fans of classic TV and comedy will enjoy the hijinks on display, as well as the chance to see a talented actress like Maggie Smith let loose and have some fun.