On a vibrant evening in the latter half of the ’70s, viewers tuned into the Carol Burnett Show to experience another rib-tickling sketch: “Wait…Is She Famous!?”. Aired during season 11, episode 20, the scene welcomed Carol Burnett in the avatar of Miss Montane, a superstar with a penchant for the theatrical.
In the golden age of the ’70s, homes across America would gather on Saturday nights, drawn magnetically to their televisions, eagerly awaiting sketches like these on the Carol Burnett Show. With each airing, audiences resonated with peals of laughter, hearty applause, and occasionally, a standing ovation. Those were the days of genuine joy, pure humor, and unscripted brilliance.
The scene opens with Carol’s character, Miss Montane, exiting a performance late into the night. Addressing her chauffeur Brooks, she emphasizes her sheer exhaustion and the demanding nature of her performance. In a twist of comic fate, when the possibility of dining out arises, Montane frets about being recognized in public. But the skit beautifully turns the tables. Instead of the anticipated mobbing, her worst fears are realized when she’s rendered practically invisible in a modest diner. Not a soul seems to recognize the “famous” Miss Montane, much to her chagrin.
As they make their entrance into the eatery, Burnett’s exaggerated apprehensions and the hilariously misplaced confidence of Brooks weave a comic web. Each interaction, whether it’s with the waiter or other patrons, heightens the humor as Miss Montane awaits recognition. Carol Burnett’s impeccable timing, alongside the seamless banter with Brooks, amplifies the comedic essence of the scene. And every time someone approaches their table, there’s a palpable tension as Miss Montane anticipates the awaited recognition. Yet, all she receives are innocuous requests like borrowing ketchup or playing the jukebox.
One cannot help but recall family reactions when watching the skit. Fathers chuckling, mothers shaking their heads in amusement, and kids trying to mimic Montane’s dramatics. Such sketches were more than mere entertainment; they were a bond, connecting families over shared laughter and reminiscences of iconic comedy.
Miss Montane’s desperate attempts to be noticed culminate in a hilarious jukebox performance, further highlighting her craving for attention. It’s only when she’s reprimanded and asked to quiet down that the real comedy unfolds. Determined to cement her superstar status, she flashes an International Express card, but even that fails to ring any bells with the diner’s denizens.
Before moving on, readers are encouraged to witness this gem. Dive into this sea of nostalgia, reliving the pure, unadulterated joy of the ’70s, and bask in the comedic genius of Carol Burnett.
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