The Best Of The Carol Burnett Show

Phyllis Diller presides as the ready-for-action judge in the trial of the century. You can bet that Judge Judy wouldn't approve of Diller's benchside manner or her glittery boots. The gang salutes the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Carol deftly turns this hour into a short course on TV comedy history. Nanette Fabray plays the office manipulator. Carol and Harvey clumsily attempt to conjure the Sonny & Cher musical chemistry, to the bewilderment of the real duo.

There were no drummers drumming or maids a-milking on the first Christmas show hosted by Carol Burnett. Instead we get a hard-drinking Santa played by nutty guest Jonathan Winters and a Jeanie Genie-ing, namely Barbara Eden from I Dream of Genie.

Jack Jones and Lyle Waggoner try to subdue a couple of Amazons (Carol and Ruth Buzzi) with kisses. Jack sings "I Can't Get Started With You" and "Cause I Got So Much Lovin' In Me." Tim Conway and Carol play a perfectly matched couple.

With a couple of guys like Robert Goulet and Lyle Waggoner by her side, Carol's in Hunk Heaven. Lyle plays a vain actor far too attractive for anyone's good. Ask Carol, his maid. Carol and Imogene Coca go on a European holiday looking for men.

Jack Cassidy plays the dissolute fading star Norman Swain opposite rising star Esther "Vicki" Crotchett, played by Carol. Elsewhere, Carol and Harvey go to an orphanage to adopt a young child. They choose Leon (Tim), aged 35.

Vicki Lawrence had recently recorded the pop hit "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," and is startled when Carol calls her out on stage to present her with her first gold record. Lyle Waggoner has a surprise for a fan who requested a kiss.

In this episode's finale, Carol and Joel Grey perform as puppets in a Punch and Judy routine watched by villagers in Pippin-style regalia. Carol's secret message to her grandmother-pulling on her left ear-becomes her regular show-closing stage move.

Half of this episode is devoted to two favorite segments--As the Stomach Turns and "The Oldest Man"-telescoped into one long sketch. Marian (Carol) finds herself a pallbearer, a bridesmaid, and the target of a mafia don, all in the same day!

With guest Shirley MacLaine, Carol takes the opportunity to showcase her enduring love of Musical Theater in an elegant number aptly titled Gorgeous. We also check in on Ed, Eunice, and Mama from "The Family," with a flashback to their happier years.

It's Christmas time, time for joy, time for cheer, and time for another Family Show. Mr. Tudball means well when he takes Mrs. Wiggins to lunch during National Secretary Week. But he's a-cheap and she's a-dim.

Carol, Harvey, Tim and Vicki are an amazing comedy team. So how do they rate as backup singers? Horribly, based on their support of Helen Reddy while she performs. Harvey and Tim also learn not to pick up chicks at the bus terminal.

Ever felt like a prisoner in you own house? Carol knows, after a barrage of pitchmen spring up around her like weeds. Ever felt trapped in an I.R.S. waiting room? Carol again can relate, thanks to polyester blowhard Artie Bragg (Harvey).