Old Time Comedy Shows...Do You Remember Them?
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
July 3, 2008 9:29pm CST
Today we still have some great comedians, such as Robin Williams, but for some reason, many of today's newer comedians just can't hold a candle to the older ones. I remember for instance, so vividly watching The Carol Burnett Show, that was on Sunday nights from 1967 to 1978.
To me that was a real classic comedy show...who can also forget the talents of Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Viki Lawrence? And of course Carol Burnett herself...and gee who could forget her famous "Tarzan yell" of hers?
If you remember this show...was there a favorite character that any of the regulars played? Any special episodes?My all time favorite was the spoof of Gone With the Wind...who could forget that "dress" she wore as she came down the stairs to meet Harvey Korman's Ratt Butler?...uh, something she saw in the window and couldn't resist?
I was actually able to dig up a YouTube video of that one episode...There's a first part to it as well, but this is the second part, which features that dress.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjhtxfSMIWk&feature=related
Do you remember her show? What other comedy based shows do you remember watching when you were younger?
12 people like this
29 responses
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Jul 08
Is that a cable show? I never remember seeing that unfortunately, but it must have been good
2 people like this
@jtr115 (722)
• United States
6 Jul 08
BET does bleep out the word meaning female dog. The DVDs have most of the musical sketches removed (like Jim Carrey impersonating Vanilla Ice) because the production company didn't want to pay for the rights to the songs. I remember watching the first two or three seasons, then I went to college in a town that didn't have a Fox affiliate, so I missed the rest of the episodes.
I miss the days of the original Saturday Night Live, as well as the 1986-1990 cast. The latter was like a rebirth of the show's original spirit.
1 person likes this
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I didn't grow up with cable so In Living Color was a savior growing up! It was soo funny and I LOVED Jim Carrey playing Fire Marshall Bill and who could make being blown up so funny! When my parents went to bed early and my brothers stayed up late is the only way I got to see it.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
4 Jul 08
I remember this episode so well and there was one in which roddy mcdowell played a son and he had come to tell the family about how he had sold his first novel and they were all so busy oohing and aahing over a new puppy that they just brushed him off with something about you ought to get a job, even when he was trying to tell him how much he got paid for the novel.it was really hilarious.pyewacket.
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Jul 08
There are a number of episodes of the Carol Burnett show on YOuTube...I was trying to find the one you mentioned but couldn't find it...but I was laughing hysterically just now at some of the others...there are a few outtakes and blooper ones there too
2 people like this
no dought!@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I bet if a top named designer put his name on a "dress" like that, scores of women would be rushing to buy it...hehee
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jul 08
What a clever entertainer she is, she can make you laugh even if you don't want to. I loved her show and the characters she played especially when she would start laughing with Korman, Lawrence and Conway, they did not hide their laughter or re-taped the scene and that is what made it so natural and comical. That was a real comedy show.
3 people like this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jul 08
I guess she is enjoying retirement. Her daughter does look so much like her.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Jul 08
Whatever happened to Goldie Hawn anyway, you don't hear much about her, yet her daughter is getting her bit of fame now, and kind of looks like mom...Kate Hudson
1 person likes this
@Melloje (11)
• United States
4 Jul 08
I like to dig out some old episodes of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In every now and then. Goldie Hawn is a legend. And Dean Martin and his comedic roasts. Haha. I loved some of the gritty stuff they used to say to each other, and it was all in good fun.
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
4 Jul 08
Oh yes, I grew up with such shows. And yes I remember her with the curtain rod. LOL Very funny one. I also remember we watched Red Skelton, he was such a nut. And then there was another old show, I can't think of the name. Laugh in? I remember the actors would stick their heads out of little windows and say funny things. They also had this one actor who dressed like an old man and rode a tricycle. Oh dang, this is going to bug me not sure what that show was called.
I also remember some of my other favorite old shows. Lost in Space, My favorite Martian, and of course my all time favorite - Bewitched. I wish they would show some of these old things as reruns.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Yes, you're right, that was Laugh-In...and remember the one woman, played by Ruth Buzzi? Hey I found a Youtube video of Laugh in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WIWq3qikXo
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Tess - Tim COnway was that old man on the trike! Hilarious! I loved that show. I didn't like Laugh in at the time but I am sure would love it today! And yeah, Ruth Buzzy - classic comedy! They just don't make comedy anymore. I don't watch a single sitcom anymore - just nothing worth watching or funny. ITs all about who's sleeping with who or who isn't sleeping with who and whos fighting with who. I can't even name a sitcom today - other than that 2,1/2 men - and that is just disgusting and I am surprised the parents of that little boy allow (or the law for that matter) allow that little boy to be around all that constant s*x themes, talk and such.
1 person likes this
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Oh boy that brings back memories. Thanks for the link. :) Brought a smile to my face. Also makes me think we were a much simpler people back then as well. LOL
1 person likes this
@puppabear (94)
• United States
4 Jul 08
I truly enjoyed watching "Three's Company" the very first episodes. I alway loved the attitude of Mr. Roper and then the spontaniety of Mr. Furly. Whenever I needed a great laugh, that show always did the trick.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
I used to watch Three's Company all the time myself...they just don't have comedy shows like that anymore
2 people like this
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Wasn't that show funny! I love John Ritter - he was classic and his comedy and actions were among the best of the best. I liked it more once SUzanne Sommers and the landlord couple (Forget their names) left - Don Knotts was so much funnier and the other girls were also funnier - I liked Terry the best of hte replacements.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
4 Jul 08
I remember the Carol Burnett Show, and watched it quite often. For some reason I always felt as if we were related to one another. She is just the kind of nut I would want in my family tree. My other favorite comedy show would have to have been The Red Skelton Show. I am particularly drawn to Carol's Washer Woman, and Red's hobo character. They touched my heart often.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Jul 08
I would love to have her in my family tree as well...hehe..she was one funny woman in that show...they just don't make comedy shows like that anymore
2 people like this
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
4 Jul 08
OMFG I LOVE the Carol Burnett Show!! It was still being aired (reruns of course) a couple yrs ago on the TVLand channel here in the U.S and I would catch the occasional episode....Dont knwo if it still is though....
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
One can see some episode highlights of some of her shows on Youtube now...other than that one can get the DVDs of her shows
1 person likes this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
4 Jul 08
I did not see any of those shows as they were only made for American television.
I think good comedy did die out because of our political correctness. Comedy was all about making fun of people, life and the establishment.
Today you cannot do any of that without being accuse of defamation, racism, etc... So comedians had to turn to lavatory jokes... which I find in poor taste.
That said... America did produce a lot of light hearted comedies... which I still enjoy today.
- Mad about You
- Home Improvement
- Everybody loves Raymond
- The Bill Cosby Show
And there were great comedy actors like
- Goldie Hawn
- Richard Pryor
- Gene Wilder
- Burt Reynolds
Today we have stupid comedies... over the top comedies... oriented mostly towards silly teenagers with the like of Jim Carey... which I hate.
3 people like this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
5 Jul 08
I don't actually know Gilda Radner.
I first saw Gene Wilder in "Silver Streak" with Jill Clayburgh.
And then I saw him in another movie with Richard Prior. Those two together were hilarious.
I did see "Bruce Almighty" a few weeks ago as I was getting all the movies with Jennifer Aniston. It was not a bad movie.
I re-watched the whole serie of Mad About You on DVD last year... and while it was still funny... I realised something which I had not realised on Television. Those two were completely nuts. lol
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
I love Mad About You as well. How could you forget to mention Gilda Radner...Gene Wilder's other half? I used to hate Jim Carey...every time I saw him in something I wanted to puke, but then I saw his movie Bruce Almighty and don't mind him....as much anyway
1 person likes this
@craftcatcher (3699)
• United States
4 Jul 08
Our family favorites were "The Flip Wilson Show", "The Smothers Brothers" and "Laugh-In". I don't think we ever missed a single show.
That "Gone With The Wind" skit on Carol Burnett was the absolute funniest thing I'd ever seen. One of the few times in my life that I laughed so hard for so long that my stomach muscles and face muscles hurt the next day!
hugs and laughes 
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Oh yes, I remember The Smothers Brothers and Laugh-In as well..most of those shows were all on during those same years...it was like we had a smorgasboard of comedy talent in those days.
1 person likes this
@lavenderbloom (1057)
• United Arab Emirates
4 Jul 08
Hi,
There was one called I Love Lucy which was a popular and influential American situation comedy, starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance and William Frawley. The black-and-white series originally ran from October 15, 1951 to May 6, 1957 on CBS. The show continued on for three more seasons with 13 one-hour specials, running from 1957 to 1960, known first as The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show and later in reruns as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.
y'.
I am still searching for dvd's of the same. If I can get it, I will surely buy those. I also like Mr. Beans. It's hillarious.
Nowadays, it is difficult to find such classic comedies.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Oh yes, I loved the I Love Lucy show too and watched that all the time..who could ever forget that episode of where she was in the chocolate factory or doing that commercial for that syrup? Hey I managed to find that episode here at YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBcdRDB14e0
1 person likes this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
4 Jul 08
Hi Pye, and yes, I remember so well the Carol Burnett show and how I loved it. I use to like in the beginning when she talked to the audience too. I read everyone's answers here and they hit upon all the wonderful old-time shows that were around back then. And, you're right, the newer comedians just can't hold a candle to them. I so miss all these shows, wish I could go back to that time in my life...it seemed so much easier then. Take care, xxxooo.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Yes I think we were living in a much simpler and easier time then..you're so right, I listen to the younger comedians and I just plain don't find them funny
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
4 Jul 08
The Gone With The Wind Parody and the dress with the curtain rods. Classic comedy. LOL
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Jul 08
Gee, maybe some designer will come up with that idea and pass it off as high fashion..LOL
1 person likes this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
4 Jul 08
Hhello pyewacket,
When I was growing up in Sotland we did't get maney U.S. shows and three televison channels, but I remember the B.B.C used to show The Lucy Show and I think after "I Love Lucy" Ed, the talking horse. I did used to laugh them. We had out own brand of comedians in a comedy scatch shows, they were wonerful, no there not maney comedians today that can make me.You right my friend.
Bless
Tamarafireheart.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Yes, I used to watch the I Love Lucy show all the time too...that was a real classic
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
5 Jul 08
The Carol Burnett show was one of my favorites. The skit you have mentioned was one that stands out in my mind. I can remember it as if it were yesterday.
Laugh-in was a good one too. "Very Interesting", "Sock-it-to-Me", "My name is Edith Ann", "One ringy-dingy", to name a few are some of the lines I remember so well and got so many belly laughs from.
Red Skelton was wonderful too. I watched him in my youth and loved his work.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Oh yup, I remember Lily Tomlin's Ernestine's one ringy dingy, two ringy dingy. I had forgotten the chock load of talent that was in that Laugh In show..that was a great one too.
2 people like this
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
5 Jul 08
DOn't forget the baby in the giant rocking chair! SHe was hilarious - no a single comedian can compare to her and the others of that decade. Lucille Ball could, but she was already gone by then. DOn't you miss laughing! Thank goodness for TVLand on cable - they have many of the funny shows!
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
6 Jul 08
oh I think there are some excellent comedians today, robin williams who one the life time achievement award, whooppi goldberg, billy crystal, the kings of comedy" Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, the wayans brothers, steve chappel, Jamie fox, the list goes on, will smith even, it is just that the comedy of today is different, it captures the feel of today,
I loved the carol burnett show hey we share the same first name,
I loved all lucy, who couldn't, I loved phyliss dyler, joan rivers, the crazy stunts that red skelton and dean martin did, the comedy movies of dean martin and jerry lewis, I think true comedians transcend time.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Yes I love Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and especially Whoopi Goldberg...I love her real candid, no nonsense attitude that she has. And who could forget George Carlin, who recently passed away
1 person likes this
@kareng (61740)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Yes, I loved the Carol Burnett Show! What a hoot! It's too bad there aren't any shows like this any longer. Very sad. My favorite character was the one Vickie Lawrence played when she did her grandma stunts. I loved those!!
Another favorite was the Red Skeleton show. Do you remember that one?
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Oh yes I remember the Red Skelton Show...Milton Berle..gee..think we're showing our ages? LOL
2 people like this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
5 Jul 08
I loved watching The Carol Burnett Show! I remember that episode with that dress. Do you remember when she went on the Gong Show and sang "Feelings" soooooo badly? I remember so many good comedy and variety shows from back then. I used to love Laugh In and I remember when Richard Nixon appeared. My favorite was The Dean Martin Show. I just loved him! He always had the best guests on, too. How about the Ace Trucking Company who were on The Tom Jones Show every week and did that "You Don't Have to Call Me Mr. Johnson" routine? Gee, I'm remembering these shows as I type this. Those really were the days.
Annie
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
6 Jul 08
It seems a whole host of shows were around that time that were fantastic...Carol Burnett, Laugh-In, heck I even used to faithfully watch Sonny & Cher..Smother's Brothers....none of the comedy oriented shows are funny anymore...they've been replaced by all those idiot reality shows now that suck in my opinion--like after awhile who cares who survives or who swipes a wife, or whom the bachelor or bachelorette picks out?
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
6 Jul 08
My favorite shows growing were without a doubt CAROL BURNETT and I knew I loved her the first time I saw her and always waited for my mom to turn her on.
I also like I Love Lucy but don't remember my mom watching that one as much I did not like when it went to color though.
I loved MAMA'S FAMILY which came after Carol Burnetts show about a stereotypical southern family which drove each other crazy and I loved "Mama" (Vicki Lawerence) for saying whatever was on her mind. I watched that show every day it came on. My favorite was her friend winning the lottery.
In Living Color was another of my favorites although watching it now on DVDis very different but Fire Marshall Bill is still hilarious!
2 people like this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
6 Jul 08
OMG How could I forget 'MAMA'? I loved that show as well.
2 people like this
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Aside of shows my favorite comedians from back in the day and I agree there is just no comparisons these days are:
Steve Martin (all), Bill Murray (Man Who Knew Too Little, my favorite of his), Chevy Chase(all), John Candy (all), Rodney Dangerfield (The diving scene was hilarious!! in BACK TO SCHOOL) also Easy Money, I don't think ranking them is possible but if I had to say number one favorite it would be Bill Murray so you could say theres a little sigh that he has mellowed out so much and does not even do comedies anymore--still I will never forget his best days!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I think the original cast of Saturday Night Live was priceless....after awhile that show just wasn't as funny anymore with the constant cast changes.
1 person likes this
