The Carol Burnett Show Season 4 Episode 13 with Mel Torme, Don Rickles
- December 7, 1970
In season 4 episode 13 of The Carol Burnett Show, legendary crooner Mel Torme and insult comic Don Rickles join Carol and her cast of unforgettable characters for an hour of laughs and memorable musical performances.
The show begins with a hilarious sketch featuring Carol and Harvey Korman as a feuding couple attending a marriage counseling session with their therapist, played by guest star Torme. As the couple bickers and complains, Torme tries to offer some guidance and words of wisdom, but gets caught up in the chaos and comedy of their dysfunction.
Next up is a musical number with Torme and Carol singing a medley of classic songs by legendary composer and lyricist duo Rodgers and Hart. The two stars showcase their incredible vocal talents and playful chemistry as they perform hits like "My Funny Valentine" and "I Could Write a Book."
One of the highlights of the episode is a sketch featuring Carol as perennially perky secretary Miss Agnes and Rickles as her grumpy boss Mr. Tudball. The two play off each other brilliantly as Carol's cheeriness and Rickles' insults clash in a hilarious display of workplace absurdity.
Torme returns to the stage for another musical number, this time joined by the show's resident band leader/sidekick Lyle Waggoner for a swinging medley of jazz standards and popular tunes. The two crooners trade verses and harmonize in a memorable performance that showcases both their musical chops and comedic timing.
Later in the show, Carol and company present a spoof of the then-popular TV show "Queen for a Day," with guest star Rickles playing the host and Carol and the gang portraying a variety of eccentric and over-the-top contestants vying for the crown. The sketch is a riotous parody of the often-hysterical melodrama of daytime TV, and Rickles' deadpan delivery and insults only add to the comedic chaos.
The episode concludes with a touching finale featuring Torme singing the classic ballad "The Christmas Song" while Carol and the entire cast join in for a heartwarming holiday singalong. It's a fitting end to a show that was always as much about heart as it was about humor.
Overall, season 4 episode 13 of The Carol Burnett Show is a true gem, featuring two iconic guests who bring their own unique energy and comedic talents to the show's already-stellar lineup of performers. It's a must-watch for fans of classic comedy and timeless entertainment.
