Few comedy shows have left such a lasting effect as “The Carol Burnett Show.” The Carol Burnett Archives has shared a video treasure from the ‘As the Stomach Turns’ episode, which stars Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner. This amusing skit begins in the Canoga Falls residence, where Marion (Carol Burnett) sips coffee while contemplating her 90-year-old grandfather’s antics.
Tim Conway plays the grandfather as a typical character, with slow, deliberate gestures and a proclivity for causing problems. Tim makes his signature leisurely arrival as Marion summons him for tea, laying the groundwork for the subsequent hilarious pandemonium. The subject shifts to his forthcoming 91st birthday and move to Sun City. But Grandpa has different plans: he intends to flee rather than go to Sun City, a retirement home.
The intrigue intensifies as the doorbell rings, revealing Cindy, the adolescent temptress played by Vicki Lawrence. She instantly captivates Grandpa, who follows her into his bedroom, ordering Marion not to interfere with his budding love affair. Meanwhile, Marion seeks solace and confides in her brother Ralph (Lyle Waggoner), who arrives with his fourth wife and declares his everlasting love – until he sees Cindy.
Ralph is initially taken with Cindy, but she rejects him, resulting in a comic display of sadness and excessive crying. This performance is so ludicrous that it breaks her character, causing Carol Burnett to battle to hold her laughs. As things begin to calm down, Father Colucci enters in quest of a missing lamb, adding to the humor. The show takes a turn when Marion realizes Grandpa is ill and contacts Dr. Hofer (Harvey Korman) for a house call.
In a hilarious twist, she asks him to pick up her dress from the cleaners. When Dr. Hofer arrives, the scenario turns chaotic, with Grandpa dramatically falling down the stairs, eliciting hysterical laughter from Harvey Korman and Carol Burnett.As Grandpa struggles to breathe, Cindy reappears, now dressed just in a towel, to revive the elderly man. However, Dr. Hofer has become captivated with Cindy, resulting in a tangled web of passions and humorous misunderstandings.
The episode now includes a voiceover explaining what happens in the following episode of ‘As the Stomach Turns.’ This episode demonstrates “The Carol Burnett Show”‘s timeless charm and wit. Its smart screenplay, flawless timing, and chemistry among the cast members make it a timeless masterpiece. As we revisit this entertaining episode, we are reminded of the show’s unique capacity to elicit delight and laughter from spectators. Share this video clip with your friends and family because nostalgic moments like this are too good to keep to yourself.