Carol Burnett is a comedic giant, unafraid to take her humor where ever it might lead. Burnett and her talented ensemble made it a regular habit to send up the movies of Hollywood’s Golden Era.
One character they went back to multiple times was “Sunset Boulevard’s” Norma Desmond. I’ve found four different skits featuring the silent film star and her co-dependent director / man servant Max (played by Harvey Korman) and noticed something unusual about how they portrayed the poor lady.
This skit is about Norma going to a fancy Hollywood restaurant, fearful that her fans will go crazy at the very sight of her. Sure, they do the usual slapstick, over-the-top performance, but observe closely as Norma sheds her coat and listen to the audiences reaction at the 6:20 mark.
This sketch features John Byner doing some pretty good physical comedy Watch
Notice that they used the same Norma Desmond outfit again and again. I’m amazed the censors never caught on.
Can’t stand her
He was/is a communist. She can FOAD.
Love Carol Burnett and the rest of the cast. I’ve seen these episodes so many times and still laugh hysterically when they’re on.
Where else can you see a comedy skit about an interrogating Hitler puppet?
Carol Burnett had the best show on television in her day.
I don’t care about her politics now, actors/musicians are irrelevant. So glad the new Administration doesn’t pander to them, the “Aristocracy of Pull”.
Funny, brilliant woman. Just how I like ’em.
Saturday nights on CBS. Never missed it!
Yes, she was an amiable communist.
Tried to watch. Nearly nodded off. Was never a fan. Watched it back in the day when we had few channels.
Carol Burnett was just on the television 📺. Never cared for her.
My family always watched her show. Dad would always laugh so hard his false teeth came loose and clacked on the bottom teeth! That made us all laugh harder (Dad laughed even harder, too). Great memories.
Didn’t know she is a commie. So where did she go so wrong. Makes me wonder.
Harvey Korman and Tim Conway are the ones who really made the show funny.
@Plain Jane
Tim Conway’s son has a radio program on KFI out of Los Angeles. He didn’t follow in his dad’s footsteps. I didn’t know Carol Burnett was a commie either.
Goldenfox,
Is Conway’s son at all funny, or is it a straight talk show? Just curious.
Can someone point me to an article that states she’s a Communist? All I can find is a few saying she gave money to progressive Democrat candidates (which I guess is the same thing, come to think of it).
We’ll I, for one enjoyed the fact that they gave Norma a set of obviously fallen fake boobs in the skit, and the audience is shocked when they realize it, but hey if people want to obsess about what may or may not have been Carol Burnett’s political leanings, have at it.
Heavens knows we lack for 24 / 7 political, round the clock political discourse in this country. Noticing something done, 40 years ago by a bunch of people at the top of their game just isn’t relevant anymore, though today’s so called comedians couldn’t hold a candle to what Carol Burnett and company pulled off. Yeah, who cares if we’ll never get to see the likes of these truly gifted people and are stuck today with a bunch of losers who have convinced the general public that spouting off shocking things on stage is comedy. Maybe they’re right and there is no place for some to take a fake slap in the face and take a hilarious prat fall. We’re past that now, it’s not entertaining anymore.
Don’t know her politics. Her comedy skits were depressing to me. Both her parents were alcoholics, so that could explain a lot.
My opinion on her humor is that Nancy Pelosi reminds me on Nora Desmond and Hiliary Clinton reminded me of Stella Toddler.
Grew up enjoying the hilarious skits and so did my whole family. My dad loved Tim Conway’s “The Oldest Man” character. Burnett’s Norma Desmond was my favorite – still is.
Not all of her comedy was slap stick. Jury’s out on whether she was hating on southerners with the “The Family” skits.
Had no idea or cared about politics as a kid and teen, so to me it was a great show. Is anyone really surprised Burnett might be a commie. She’s Hollyweird royalty.
People love her or hate her. I think she was a genius. Surprised how well her sketches hold up 40 years later. By all accounts I’ve read she was genuinely a positive spirit to work with, or for.
Korean was a great talent and he credited CB with saving/reviving his career after a long struggle with alcohol. Conway’s humor was not my cup of tea, but Korman brought out the best of him.
The Family sketches never seemed intended as comedy. More like a period piece autobiographical straight drama.
From Carol Burnett to Amy Schumer in one generation.
Knew her daughter Carrie well. Been to her house.
Korman and Conway, they made the show. Didn’t know
that she was a commie either.
I don’t believe there is a shred of evidence that Carol Burnett is, was, or ever could be a Communist, although she is probably more Liberal than Conservative. In any event, when it comes to entertainment the rule of thumb I go by is this: I never let a person’s politics get in the way of their talent. In America, everyone’s entitled to their own beliefs and convictions. As long as they don’t make an issue of it, then why should I?
So, just relax and enjoy the show.
I always thought Carol was a talented comedian. Especially opposite Harvey. Watching those two perform was always a treat for me.
@Vietvet, My sentiments exactly. If they don’t espouse their politics while doing their job, what does it matter? Can’t say the same for many. 🙂
Those sunglasses!
Thanx Dr Tar!
Some of my favorite parts were where they cracked each other up–I bet they had a blast doing the show. Also, the dress with the saggy boobs is hilarious! I’m a little surprised they got away with that one.
I never had a clue about her politics, but she sure knew how to assemble a great cast. I always watched her show. Now, the Smothers Brothers, who could be funny, was a different story. I did like the Show Theme Song better!
Saw her on the new Hawaii 50 for a few episodes. She was awesome, she sang for her wedding day and her voice was more beautiful than i ever knew.