The Carol Burnett Show ran on CBS from 1967 to 1978. For most of the 70’s it aired on Saturday nights at 10pm and it was one of the highlights of my week as a boy. Carol and gang, including Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Tim Conway, set a new standard for sketch comedy. I have vivid memories of laughing with my Mom and my brothers as we watched her show on Saturday nights religiously.
It was difficult to pick out a video to share here because there were so many classic characters and sketches that came from her show. The one I’ve chosen was one of my personal favorites. I thought the interplay between these two goofy characters was always hilarious. It’s Carol Burnett as the inefficient Mrs. Wiggins and Tim Conway as the impatient boss, Mr. Tudball. There were many different sketches on the show that featured them but this, I believe was the one that started it all.
Another reason I chose this sketch is to point out that it’s influence is easy to see in the
opening scene in my first book, Glazed Man & Rat Girl. My characters were named Dr. Butler and Harriet, and their interaction over the intercom was highly influenced by the comedy in the video below. Enjoy.
SCOTT CAHAN 