Enjoy a generous dose of good humor compliments of this classic skit showcasing comic legends Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. From the archives of The Carol Burnett Show, season 4, episode 6 is a twofer—a pair of the most beloved female comics of all time in a single bit!
The announcer welcomes viewers to The Early, Early Show and a presentation of another movie from their library of classic films. The skit is a show within a show. This one stars Carol Curtis and Lucy Lemon, which are actually our favorite redheads, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner, and Mel Torme play The Caesar Gang—Julius, Sid, and Little.
Set in the 1920s, the story begins with the audition of a singing duo. Dressed in bowler hats and plaid suits, the act gets a quick thumb’s up, and next up are the actresses Carol Curtis and Lucy Lemon playing Tina Tyler and Wendy Wilson. Alliteration is big in comedy!
The girls bop in ready to impress with whatever type of act is desired. They are “hotsy-totsy” in various shades of pink, satin hair bows and elbow-length gloves, white fur-trimmed capes, and fringey, flapper dresses. The wannabe stars dive into a song-and-dance all about perfume, of all things!
Lucille Ball appeared on The Carol Burnett Show several times, and the two were good friends. Lucille was 22 years older than Carol, but in this video segment, both bare beautiful, trim legs!
The two get the boot from the producer, and the “movie” takes us to State St. Garage, where the bumbling Caesar Gang is about to shoot down rival gangsters. There are jokes about real-life Chicago massacres, which today would likely be lost on the majority of viewers. Tina and Wendy walk in during the slaughter, are noticed, and then must hide from the murderous gang.
Meanwhile, the plaid-clad pair from the top of the skit walk in the garage. They head into the men’s room, and Tina and Wendy spy two wrenches fortuitously left lying on a table nearby. A couple of whacks, a quick change, and they think they might make a clean break!
That’s not the case, of course! Things are never that easy in heist stories, and Carol and Lucille are bound to bring the high jinks!
These two gorgeous, funny, likable stars provided so much joy to so many during their careers!
Lucille Ball died on April 26, 1989 at the age of 77. Ironically, it was Carol Burnett’s birthday. Carol received flowers that day from her dear friend Lucille, just as she did every year.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
