Ep 20. with Jack Palance, Liza Minnelli
- February 5, 1968
The Carol Burnett Show was a comedy variety series that aired from 1967 to 1978. Each episode featured musical numbers, skits, and parody commercials. Season 1, Episode 20 welcomes guests Jack Palance and Liza Minnelli.
The episode opens with a classic comedy skit featuring Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman as a married couple experiencing some marital problems. They are both seeking advice from a marriage counselor played by Vicki Lawrence, who offers some unconventional solutions.
The next sketch features a parody commercial for a new type of breakfast cereal, "Froothies." The commercial stars Lyle Waggoner, who claims that Froothies are "the only cereal with empty calories." The skit is a humorous take on the marketing tactics used by the food industry.
In another memorable sketch, Carol Burnett plays a lady who is desperate to find a place to stay for the night. She knocks on the door of a house, and is greeted by a man played by Jack Palance. He invites her in, but she quickly realizes that he is not quite what he seems. Palance's character is creepy and unsettling, and the skit plays out like a campy horror movie.
Next up is a musical number featuring Liza Minnelli. She sings a ballad called "Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair," accompanied by the show's orchestra. Minnelli's vocals are stunning, and she exudes an effortless glamour and charisma.
The show then returns to comedy with a skit about a company that sells customized greetings for various occasions. Burnett and Tim Conway play two employees who struggle to find the right words for their clients' requests. The skit is full of wordplay and puns, and the cast delivers each line with impeccable timing.
The episode's final sketch sees Carol Burnett and company parodying the hit TV series, "Mission: Impossible." Burnett plays a secret agent tasked with completing a dangerous mission. Alongside her team of fellow spies (played by Conway, Korman, and Lawrence), Burnett navigates a series of absurd obstacles. The skit is both entertaining and hilarious, showcasing the cast's impressive comedic talent.
Overall, Season 1, Episode 20 of The Carol Burnett Show is a comedic tour-de-force. With memorable musical performances, clever skits, and a star-studded cast, this episode is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
