Ep 14. with Sid Caesar, Ella Fitzgerald
- December 25, 1967
The Carol Burnett Show season 1 episode 14 features two legendary performers, Sid Caesar and Ella Fitzgerald. The variety show begins with a sketch in which Carol Burnett and Sid Caesar portray a bickering husband and wife who are trying to relax on a beach vacation. Their comic banter keeps the laughs coming as they humorously bicker about everything from sunscreen to seagulls.
Next, Ella Fitzgerald takes the stage to perform a medley of classic Gershwin tunes including "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "But Not For Me". Her powerful voice and impeccable timing dazzle the audience and demonstrate why she is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
The show then shifts to a hilarious skit in which Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, and Harvey Korman play three rival jewel thieves who accidentally find themselves locked in a closet. Their comedic timing and physical humor make for a hilarious scene as they squabble over their plan to escape.
Later on, Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence perform a musical number in the style of Andrews Sisters in which they hilariously mimic their singing style while donning retro outfits and exaggerated accents. The audience can't help but laugh along as they put their own spin on classic tunes such as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree".
The show also features a parody of Star Trek in which Carol Burnett plays the role of a blonde, short-skirted captain leading a crew of bumbling, unprofessional space explorers. The witty dialogue and outlandish costumes make for a hilarious send-up of the popular sci-fi series.
Finally, the show concludes with a standout performance by Ella Fitzgerald and Carol Burnett in which they duet on the classic song "The Lady is a Tramp". Their playful banter and dynamic energy together make it clear why they are both true icons of their respective genres.
Overall, The Carol Burnett Show season 1 episode 14 is a must-watch for any fans of classic variety television. Featuring two of the most talented performers of the era, the episode is a non-stop laugh fest from beginning to end.