Just to Have a Laugh

Whenever I’m feeling sad or just want a guaranteed laugh, there is one show that I turn to every time; The Carol Burnett Show. Found mainly on DVD, this variety show from the 60s and 70s is a sure way to put a smile on my face. The cast, Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner worked so well together that they seemed as close as a family. The variety show had clever writing that could take even the simplest moments and make them hilarious. The outstanding writers, one of whom was the show's comedian Tim Conway, did not need to have a joke be nasty in order for it to be funny. Those writers had true talent, reaching deep down in their minds to find clever ways of making the ordinary extraordinary. Even with the exceptional writing, the skits wouldn’t be as funny without the performances of the actors and actresses. The cast, especially Carol Burnett, were not afraid of physical comedy; in fact they were more than willing to take a fall for a laugh. The cast handled the pressure of performing in front of a live audience well, even though they were prone to fits of unscripted laughter, most commonly Harvey Korman. With an ornery little rascal like Tim Conway, I think it would be near impossible not to laugh at his ad-libbed lines and funny accents. I think reactions like this demonstrate that the cast were so passionate about their work that they could appreciate a funny situation even in a serious one. All in all, I think the show was just an all-around good show that touched many hearts. Whether you want to have a laugh or sing a song, as Burnett’s farewell song goes, this show will bring a smile to your face.