The Carol Burnett Show Season 2 Episode 20 with Ethel Merman, Tim Conway
- March 3, 1969
The Carol Burnett Show was an American comedy-variety show that aired on CBS from 1967 to 1978. The show featured a mix of sketch comedy, musical performances, and celebrity guests. Season 2 episode 20, titled "Ethel Merman/Tim Conway," aired on February 12, 1969, and is widely considered one of the most memorable episodes of the series.
The episode opens with a sketch featuring Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, and Harvey Korman playing airline passengers. When their flight is delayed, they pass the time by singing musical numbers with Ethel Merman, who happens to be on the same flight. Merman, a legendary Broadway performer known for her powerful voice and larger-than-life personality, fits right in with the show's over-the-top comedic style.
Later in the episode, Merman performs a solo rendition of "God Bless America," which quickly becomes a show-stopping moment. The audience gives her a standing ovation, and Burnett even jokes about needing to lower the curtain to give Merman a chance to catch her breath.
Another highlight of the episode is a sketch called "The Old Folks," in which Burnett and Korman play an elderly couple visiting their daughter (played by Vicki Lawrence) and her husband (played by Conway). The sketch is a masterclass in physical comedy, with Korman and Conway delivering hilarious performances as two bickering old men.
Other sketches in the episode include a spoof of the game show "Password," a parody of the film "The Dirty Dozen," and a sketch in which guest star Dom DeLuise plays a flamboyant hairdresser giving Carol Burnett a makeover.
Throughout the episode, Tim Conway's comedic talents are on full display, as he plays a variety of characters and steals scenes with his ad-libs and physical comedy. Ethel Merman, meanwhile, adds a touch of glamour and Broadway flair to the proceedings, showcasing her incredible vocal range and charisma.
Overall, "Ethel Merman/Tim Conway" is a classic episode of The Carol Burnett Show that will delight fans of the series and lovers of vintage comedy alike. The combination of expertly crafted sketches, standout performances, and celebrity cameos makes for a truly unforgettable viewing experience.
