This Carol Burnett Episode skips Carol's live Q and A session, instead opening with a big Thanksgiving-themed musical number that introduces the evening's guests, Paul Lynde and Dyan Cannon. The episode captivates the live audience and the ones watching TV yet again in the classic 1970 Thanksgiving special.
Be it the musical number, the dance performance, or the uproarious skits, it will have you rolling with laughter. And let me tell you, we are talking about the kind of funny sketches that would make the Brothers Grimm do a double take.
On The Carol Burnett Show's Thanksgiving special, our beloved actors—Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner—team up with guests Paul Lynde and the fabulous Dyan Cannon. The festivities start with a Thanksgiving-themed musical extravaganza, setting the stage for an evening of laughter and surprises.
Now, let's dig into the comedic feast in the Thanksgiving special. First, the incomparable Paul Lynde takes center stage as Horace Heather Field, the insurance guru with a penchant for chuckles.
He pitches a comprehensive homeowner's policy to the inquisitive couple, played by none other than Carol Burnett (Sylvia) and Harvey Korman (Herbert). Brace yourselves for double security on Valentine's Day and an insurance saga that unfolds like a hilarious soap opera.
Fast forward to a month, and the couple needs a claim from the "All Hearts Insurance." Cue the return of Horace, whose antics and compensation offer of $63 leaves Sylvia and Herbert anxious and the audience in stitches.
Enter the charming Lyle Waggoner as Fred Heimer, who is there to shoot the commercial for The All-Hearts Insurance Company. He offers the whopping $63 check and a confused Herbert smiling for the commercial. Classic TV gold, isn't it. Next up onstage is the talented and beautiful Dyan Cannon, singing "You are Not a Dream," enchanting the live audience.
But the real showstopper is the rib-tickling sketch, Funt and Mundane, Harvey Korman as Alfred Funt, and Carol Burnett as Mundane, two bumbling actors staging their Last Stage Performance. It's a laugh riot as chaos ensues—props falling, chandeliers crashing, and a classic tale of forbidden love gone delightfully wrong.
Funt charms with promises of leaving his rockstar life for Mundane. But chaos continues to reign, from falling piano lids to prop crew personnel indulging in hotdogs. The trio, including Lyle Waggoner as Malcolm (the jealous husband), attempts to navigate the comedic mayhem, leaving the audience in stitches.
Next on the episode is a dance number featuring Ernie Flatt Dancers, who adds elegance to the show. The beautiful and seemingly gravity-defying moves of Don Crichton and Shirley Kirks have the audience marveling at their smooth dancing skills.
Let's talk about the inheritance skit on the episode, which has everyone howling with laughter in the 'As the Stomach Turns' sketch. We are taken to Canoga Falls, where Marion (Carol Burnett) is dating the swimming pool maintenance guy, Fred (Lyle Waggoner). And the catch is that she doesn't even have a pool! As Fred leaves, Marion joins her friend, Louise, played by Dyan Cannon.
She is a new widow with a generous urge to tip people generously. Marion's attempts to spend a piece of the three-million-dollar cash become increasingly futile, leading to uproarious moments. And just when you think it can't get crazier, Marion's long-lost daughter (Vicki Lawrence) enters the scene, adding a circus-themed twist to the comedy.
The doorbell rings, and the humorous Canoga Twins (Billy and Buzzy) enter, played by Harvey Korman and Paul Lynde, sparking a laugh-out-loud argument about inheritance that has the audience in stitches. Later, Louise's decision to settle for 700 million dollars adds an unexpected twist, leaving Marion alone and the audience roaring with laughter.
In this whirlwind comedy, Carol Burnett again proves why she's the princess of comedy. Let the nostalgia-filled laughter spread far and wide!!
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