The Carol Burnett Show Season 8 Episode 10 with Maggie Smith and Tim Conway
- November 23, 1974
The Carol Burnett Show was a popular variety show that aired from 1967 to 1978. It was hosted by the talented comedian and actress Carol Burnett, who was known for her quick wit, hilarious characters, and impressive singing skills. The show featured a rotating cast of guest stars who would perform sketches, musical numbers, and other comedic bits with Burnett and her regular cast of players.
Season 8 episode 10 of The Carol Burnett Show was titled "Maggie Smith and Tim Conway." The episode originally aired on November 27, 1974, and featured two special guest stars: Maggie Smith, a British actress who had recently won an Academy Award for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and Tim Conway, a beloved comedian who was a regular on the show.
The episode began with a monologue from Burnett, who joked about her recent trip to Italy and the language barrier she encountered. She then introduced the first sketch of the night, which featured Burnett and Conway as a married couple preparing to host a dinner party for Smith's character, who played a snobby British socialite. As they frantically tried to prepare the meal and set the table, hilarity ensued as various mishaps occurred, including a runaway turkey and a broken dish.
Next, Smith and Burnett performed a musical number together, showcasing their impressive vocal talents. They sang a medley of songs from classic Broadway musicals, including My Fair Lady and Gypsy.
The episode also featured a recurring sketch called "As the Stomach Turns," a spoof of daytime soap operas. In this installment, Burnett played a woman named Mary who had inexplicably become pregnant by a lobster. Conway played her eccentric doctor, who tried to deliver the baby with the help of a chain saw and a plunger. Smith played Mary's dramatic mother, who was horrified by her daughter's predicament.
Another standout sketch from the episode featured Burnett as a frustrated airline passenger who continually encountered delays and cancellations, much to her annoyance. Conway played a hapless airline employee who was unable to provide any helpful information or solutions to her problems. Smith made a brief appearance as a fellow passenger who offered Burnett some questionable advice.
Throughout the show, there were also several comedic bits and gags, such as a fake commercial for a product called "Chandelier Chops," which featured a singing pig, and a spoof of the game show "Password," in which the contestants had to guess the password "plunger" while wearing ridiculous costumes.
Overall, season 8 episode 10 of The Carol Burnett Show was a hilarious and entertaining installment, showcasing the talents of its talented cast and guest stars. With its clever writing, impressive musical numbers, and uproarious sketches, the episode demonstrated why the show was such a beloved and enduring classic of television comedy.