Tim Conway and Harvey Korman starred in this hilarious clip from a long-lost episode of The Carol Burnett Show that hasn’t been seen in nearly 40 years. Although it’s short, it’s lengthy enough to make anyone laugh.
When The Carol Burnett Show debuted in 1967 and ran until 1978, it was one of America’s most popular shows. It was often in the top 30 most-watched series each season and has been on multiple lists of the “Best/Greatest TV Shows of All Time.”
Two of the greatest comedians of all time, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, frequently appeared on the show. They weren’t a comedy duo like Abbott and Costello, but they were so popular with the audience that they were often featured in skits. In this episode, which is only available on DVD, Tim disguises himself as a lady and goes undercover with Harvey. Harvey insists that they must look to be a real pair in order to finish the mission, despite Tim’s warnings not to hold “her” too tightly.
Tim agrees, saying that as long as they act professionally, it’s fantastic. It gets hilarious at this point because Harvey finds it hard to understand why Tim would think this was for anything than work. Then, like the comic genius that he is, Tim flicks his hair, which makes both actors laugh and break character, though they do their best to contain it. At this point, everyone in the studio was laughing, so the crowd isn’t really helping either.
To make everyone laugh even more, Harvey combs his bangs before taking out his compact powder and applying it to his chin and mustache.
One commenter comments, “I don’t know which is funnier: Harvey making a fist to stop himself from laughing or Tim flicking his hair back.” There are no words to describe how hilarious this is. You have to see it yourself.
In just eleven years, The Carol Burnett Show took home 25 Emmys and eight Golden Globes. It also helped a number of comedians gain popularity. It continues to be recognized as one of the most esteemed television programs ever to air. The result of geniuses who know how to transform a basic sketch into an extraordinary comedy act is this level of flair and funny assurance.
