The Burnett show consistently did these great film tributes and did them with humor, wit, style and class. The talent on that show was tremendous -- writing, singing, acting, dancing. We have nothing remotely like this on TV today.
Wow. Speaking as a former pro tap dancer myself, Ken Berry clearly made a study of Astaire, must have been his idol. He not only has his dance style down, but also his vocal and hand mannerisms. Excellent impersonation!
If you search TH-cam you can find a superb video of him when he was in still in the Army. There are a few stunts in his tap dance routine I have never seen astaire do. I remember F troop where as Captain Parameter he occasionally broke into song or dance. Certainly as good as Donald O'Conner I think. He (and Carol Burnett) we among the last who studied/learned to be triple treats. Dick Van Dyke another one. Theatre people still do, but these days not so much movies and TV.
I thought similar; I just watched a Fred Astair compilation and the whole air - the lightness of mood and movement - seems to really fit. What I know about tap dancing would fit into a tea spoon and still have elbow room, but it looks really, really good and even I can spot the characteristics of Fred Astair.
From "Astaire"s (Ken Berry's) very first entrance, before he even looked up to see his face: the little swagger, the lilt in his toes, the wiggle of his top-hatted head as he walked: pure Astaire! Whoever choreographed the dance in the hotel room managed to include so many signature dance steps from many different Astaire sequences into a single number! And Berry performed them all so well! (Nobody is Astaire himself, but he did great!) And the little Astaire tremolos in the singing: spot on. I'm a huge Astaire fan, seen his classic films *so* many times. I'm just a little too young (b.1978) to have seen the Carol Burnett Show when it was on, but have thoroughly enjoyed any and all re-runs and videos of that wonderful show. This one's new to me, though! Bravo, everyone!
You talking about how you were born too late to watch the show made me think of my absolute fondest, most indelible memory of it: the fact that it came on around or past my bedtime when I was little, and when my brother would babysit, he would tell me I could only stay up to watch it if I could stay awake. Oh, how I remember fighting my eyelids with all my might, hoping he wouldn't notice them group, only to have him comment on it almost instantly, "Whoop, that's it, off to bed!"
Ken Berry was a dancer before he made Mayberry R. F. D. and "F Troop" even while he was in the army in 1951-52. He always dreamed of being in musicals like his idols Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I'm sure he enjoyed this skit immensely.
@@SOLE2SOUL Thoroughly enjoyed it !!! A Carol Burnet video popped up a few weeks ago, I grew up watching her so I watched it "for old times sake". I've been watching them everyday now. 😜 Lol. They make me happy. This is hands down my favorite thus far. LOVED IT !!! 💕
@@aliannarodriguez1581 the production staff met on Mondays each week and the complete show was taped on Fridays. They had an audience for what they called "dress rehearsal" and a second audience for the "show". Sometimes they cut and pasted the show from each taping. Vocal music, especially where dancing was involved, were pre-recorded on Thursday evenings.
Wow. Ken Berry is such an underappreciated talent. He imitated Fred so well. Before this, I didn't know he could sing or dance. I knew he was a great actor, but that's all. I didn't realize how amazing he really is.❤️
In his day, all the actors and actresses had to sing and dance. They were expected to be well-rounded in their profession and the more they could do, the more work was available.
I knew that Carol Burnett could sing, what I didn't know what the dance and singing talent that Ken Berry had. The best impersonation of Fred Astaire I've ever seen. Carol is such a talent too. Too bad that this amazing cast lost another member today.
In the «Carol Burnett Show», the care and attentions given to details and costumes showed class and talent from, not only the artists we enjoyed watching, but also the whole crew working in the backstage for the success of each episode. That whole teamwork from all those performers in front and back of the camera, proved the tremendous respect towards the appreciation of the public.
I didn't realize the Carol Burnett show did such elaborate skits. The set, costumes, comedic timing and dancing were superb -- especially for a weekly show.
I first recalled Carol Burnett from "Princess and the Pea", and I was truly memorized by her talent and comedic routine. She will reign as one of the all time great comedians the like of which Hollywood will never see again.
Last role my spouse saw Ms Carol Burnett in was in Better Call Saul. In the end she arrests Saul. Spouse said she had not lost any of her skills in acting (though this role was not a comedy).
The Burnett show gave Americans a real taste of what the theatrical form of Review was really all about. It featured handsomely mounted production number, satirical parody and classic sketch comedy. There will never be another program like it.
Another charming touch was the Art Deco typeface used for a "caption.'" It fitted right in with the decor. And the gondola stopping just right to frame the two actors at the table. The double staircase was from "Swing Time," and the feathery costume from "Top Hat," along with the Venice setting. Now I need to watch it again and again to spot all the other references!
Outstanding! Not only first-rate performances all around (Ken Berry was spot-on) but it's amazing how the writers were able to create songs that both parodied and paid homage to the great Gershwin and Berlin songs of the films. RIP Tim Conway, in a minor part here, but always memorable.
the writer was great pianist Stan Freeman--who later had a long running one man show of Oscar Levant [AT WIT'S END]. He composed songs and Broadway Musicals, too. Stan won an Emmy for this skit for his songs and writing.
Fred and Ginger would have loved it. They had me at "getting your garlic blessed..." A great interpretation of Top Hat. Hats off to the writers. Should have been longer though.I enjoyed every minute of it !😁😁😁😀
Ken Berry completely shocks me! He really studied the Astaire walk, mannerisms, and vocal styling. I'm super impressed! I had no idea he could sing and dance. I feel now that his talents were very ill-used over the years. Everyone did a great job! Such fun!
Ken studied dance with Louis DaPron (Donald O'Connor's choreographer) and Al White. And won a talent contest when he was in the Army for his dancing (and singing) talents (in the mid 1950s)... th-cam.com/video/ud9n2rVcnfc/w-d-xo.html Here is a quote from Ken about his love of Fred Astaires' dancing talents... "Fred Astaire was my big hero. As Gene Kelly articulated it, 'He's a phenomenon.' No human body has ever been able to move like that. I don't think people now really appreciate that fact--that there has never been a human being who moved like that. I've never seen anything like it in my life and I don't think any of us ever will. I know just enough about dance to know how impossible it is to do what he did. It's a really 'sweat' job, the hard work. When it comes to dance, nobody has ever touched him before or since." ... although I think Ken under-estimated his own talents in that statement as he certainly does come very very close... tagsrwc.com/the_ebullet/remembering-ken-berry/
II was also blown away by Berry. Thanks to the folks who provided more info about him. I agree that he was probably very under-appreciated in his time.Also, kudos to everyone who created this brilliant, funny and spot-on spoof of the genre!
Carol was obsessed with Golden Age musicals. She told Vanity Fair this year that her unfulfilled dream was being able to dance like Eleanor Powell. If she had been middle-aged in the great days, she would have been a natural for the parts Edna May Oliver, Charlotte Greenwood or Helen Broderick took.
Watching this, one gets the impression that celebrities were much more talented than they are now-a-days. I know Carol was multi-talented. The same w/ Vickie who could sing quite well. Very impressed with Ken Berry. I never knew that he could sing & dance. Roddy McDowell, a very talented actor held his own with the singing. I wonder, who the gondolier was? All in all, there is a load of talent [and a lot of work] sandwiched into that 20 minutes.
Brilliant all-'round! I think back when I took the talent and brilliance of the Carol Burnett show for granted. I look back now in awe. Ingenious references to a number of Astaire movies, plots, songs and dance moves (including how they were filmed, as in rotating room from "Easter Parade").
Ken Berry can certainly croon, I detected a bit of Bing Crosby in his voice. Sick and tired of zombies, blood, guts, and gore on television. Give me good old fashion musicals and I will start going back to the theatre again.
This was from a time when everyone sang, danced and acted, not just sat on their backends and pretended to do something. Ken did a great job imitating Fred Astaire, and Roddy's imitation of Everet Edward Horton was brilliant. Wonder how many times they watched the movies to do that. Miss them very much.
@@bnic9471 Nope. I've worked hard for every penny I have, and since I work in the non-profit sector, where we care about actually helping people as opposed to selling them crap they don't need, trust me...every penny counts. But nice try attempting to make a broad, baseless assumption.
This is not a very healthy love relationship. It starts off with them hating each other, and then she abuses him by hitting him. Then he gets infatuated with her (a form of obsession). Then he sees her in a compromising position with almost no clothes on; this causes her to be scared but then lust after him. However she is also mad and scared because she thinks he is married and she thinks he is a peeping tom who came in her room on purpose to see her unclothed who wanted to do something like rape her. Then she is really uncomfortable/scared when she sees him again and tries to tell her aunt that she and her aunt are in danger from this "cad" and does not know what to do when the aunt blows her off. So she is confused. Then she gets forced by the aunt to dance with him thinking she's helping him cheat on her aunt which makes her feel guilty and responsible for his behavior even though it would have been his own fault if he actually was a peeping tom and not hers. She seems to want a monogamous relationship for herself, but it is stated over and over that he is a playboy and she can't expect that. So she agrees to a marriage that she expects to be monogamous even though she is marrying a playboy for the main reason of lust and infatuation and fear. They don't actually know anything about each other. They have not connected on a spiritual or intellectual level. They do not have romance and they haven't fallen in love. They danced together, but that is still part of a physical relationship. This is a relationship that is doomed because it is not based on love and intellectual compatibility. Humans are not just physical beings with physical desires. There is a lot more to us than that. Also it is pretty clear that both of them are acting in abusive ways towards each other. Calling each other names is actually a form of verbal abuse. It is bullying. When my bullies called me names at school I didn't make the mistake to think they loved me. I knew they hated me, which they showed with their actions of hitting me, like she hits him, and slamming me into the lockers. Anyway, I expect if two people like them who already abuse each other have kids, the kids are gonna get violently beaten, like how my grandparents who loved this sort of music and philosophy of life did to me and their own kids. So it really isn't family friendly. True love is though. I have PTSD now and am in therapy because of the domestic violence that seems to have started with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was seen by my grandparents and shown to me too on their videos as a model. Once my grandparents saw this verbally and physically abusive model of these tap dancers, they inflicted violence on each other and their own kids which made my mom severely abusive to me, and that didn't stop my grandparents from also abusing me too. So we need to overcome the old ways of deciding to marry based on fear and lust, and spend years getting to know someone intellectually and emotionally and give ourselves time to fall in love before getting married. I'm also a fan of celibacy before marriage and monogamy in marriage. The playboy lifestyle ends up hurting a lot of women emotionally and physically as well as their kids who have no dad (because he's a deadbeat playboy who could care less if the kids are dead, due to him having so many of them). I'm a fan of staying celibate even if you don't end up marrying anyone. I just really love celibacy. People hate me because of this and have raped me to try and stop me from being celibate. But since rape isn' a choice and celibacy is, I remain celibate and I don't think I lost my celibacy while blood was gushing from me during the rape attacks. Did I lose blood? Yes. Did I lose celibacy? No. I've still got it. I always have had it. :) Respecting people's boundaries like giving them privacy to be alone when their naked or semi-naked because of changing clothes or bathing and not forcing them to dance or be touched or hit is helpful to build a loving relationship. We need to respect each others privacy and bodies. Also, the words we use to build our relationships should be kind and loving, not hateful or judgmental like *all* their words were in the first song. Why be so harsh and cutting when you can uplift and inspire people? This leads to a better society with more love in it and less hate. I think we all want that. :)
@@lemurlover7975 I didn't make it through your long comment but I really hope it was meant to be a joke. Otherwise I agree with brunnhilde, you need some help. Quick.
Oh, those were the days. I remember shows like hers on TV all the time, and they were fabulous. Too bad that time is gone, never to return. Thanks for bringing this back, even if you published it in 2012 and I'm just seeing it now, nearly six years later.
This particular skit is one of my favorites in the whole Carol Burnett Show; in the latter seasons, Ken Berry and Roddy McDowell appeared just frequently enough that they were semi-regulars. Having them BOTH with Carol, Vicki, Tim, and Harvey in this skit was absolutely phenomenal.
In addition to everyone else's praise for the excellent cast, costumes and set, I have to sing the praises of the writers and choreographers. The dialog, music, lyrics and staging are so clever and spot on. There's a gem in every line for Astaire-Rogers or Berlin fans. Thanks for posting!
This was 1-derful, a loving tribute to those elegant Astaire-Rogers classics with the funny touch of Burnett & company !!! Ken Berry was excellent, the camera crew colaborated with his homage to Fred dancing on the wall a la Royal Wedding at 12:15 and Roddy was a perfect Edward Everett Horton. Bob Mackie's beautiful creations on Carol, Vicky and the dancing ladies captured the glamour of the era. Sensational, Great performace by the entire cast, fenomenal writing and directing, lavish production !!! Blessings from San Juan PR !!!
Roddy McDowell did a spot on Edward Everett Horton, the male companion and/or manager to Astair in so many of these movies. I always knew Ken Barry was a dancer but had no idea he could do Astaire so brilliantly. Loved the Carol Burnett show, she was brilliant herself.
Ken Berry as Astaire was perfect I had never heard of him (Then I am English) but from being 8 years old I saw every Astaire film that was ever made.....I am now 78 how I miss all the Hollywood good old talent , no bad language in those days....xxxxx just pure talent.....xxxxxx
Ken's wife Jackie Joseph a comedic actress got her start as a dancer. That is how they met, I'm guessing. Ken Berry came along way too late. He would have been big thirty years earlier.. He was a phenomenal 1930&40's style tapper.
I just love how much work everybody i this show must have invested to create such a good imitation - the (excuse for a) plot, the choice of characters, the set, and of course the dancing are spot on. The beauty of it isn't just that it makes it that much more entertaining. It also shows love and respect for the originals; it's both a spoof and a homage.
I only wish the Fred & Ginger films were coloured as in this show. All those glorious ladies' fashions just in black & white. Only praise for the dancing and singing though!
At this point in my life I long for an imagined simpler life in the 1950’s. We kids went to school in preparation for the good things that life seemed to offer. Dad worked every day and mom made a home for all of us. Breakfast and dinner were enjoyed at the table. Everyone helped with homework. It was a great time. And with the love of my life, Carol, we did our best to emulate and now we lavish love on the grandkids. I pray that God’s plan has only good things in store for them.
I read that Fred Astaire hated the original white dress Ginger Rogers wore in Top Hat because it kept shedding feathers during the dance scene, forcing them to keep filming takes in hopes of getting a "clean" one.
That's a makeover of the original "Cheek-to-cheek" dress Ginger wore. Years ago I saw it at the Met Gala. The original does not exist anymore or could not be obtained, but was considered so important for the exhibit it was one of the few that was recreated for the "Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design" Exhibit that Diana Vreeland put on. I saw the curtain dress, the Ascot dress worn by Hepburn, the Gilda dress - it was probably the most impressive exhibit I've ever seen in my life put on in 1974 - they have B&W photos on the Metropolitan Museum site if you look for them.The amazing thing is, that most people do NOT know, the original was SKY BLUE, not white. And absolutely breathtaking. It was my favorite dress in the entire exhibit.
Fantastic ! One of my favorite Fred & Ginger movies ......TOP HAT...hilarious. ken Berryis quite the dancer here (who knew)?? Back in the day when women really knew how to dress w finesse. I've been to Venice many times ( but never thought to have my garlic blessed in San Marco Square) i really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing, now I got to go show all my friends,
Wow! That was great! I never saw that episode...I always liked Ken Berry, but I didn't know he made such a good crooner! Great dancer, too! It was nice to see Roddy McDowell, too! Nicely choreographed, as always Carol and Vicki were fantastic! Everyone did GREAT! Thanks for the video😀
This was in 1978. Astaire was still alive. And so was Ginger. I'll bet they saw it. I'm not sure about Edward Everett Horton or Eric Blore, but if they were alive they probably saw it, too. I hope they were. They must have all gotten a good laugh. This was so well done.
I loved the Bob Mackie dresses and costumes she wore. I don't know how much distortion is involved but she Carol looks 6'2" in that blue suit. I love it. I also never knew Berry was a hoofer.
Oh, were we lucky to enjoy seeing talents like these? This delightful work...the talents of all (particularly the gifted Ken Berry), and even the 'knock-off songs (no small feat) are a joy. The 'good old days' paying homage to the REAL 'good old days'!!!!!
Just heard Tim Conway passed away a few days ago. Rest in Peace, Mr. Conway. I love Ken Berry in this. He is amazing. I never knew. I remember him from Mayberry.
I think Carol Burnett looks a lot like Kate Goslin with that hair style. Especially with her wide eyed gazes at the camera. Of course, Burnett has talent to go along with the looks. Ken Berry to was also a terrific talent. I’ve always enjoyed his singing and dancing. Wow!
Je viens de passer un excellent moment ! Hilarant et d'une qualité sans égale, un plaisir pour les amoureux de Fred et Ginger. Je découvre le génie de Carole Burnett et de toute l'équipe qui l'entourait, incroyable !
Wow! What an amazing production! The story, costumes, sets, music, actors, dancing, camera work, lighting, EVERYTHING, was TOP-NOTCH! So beautiful and fun! Loved this! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Probably among the top three musical productions the Carole Burnett show ever did. You have to watch a few Fred Astaire musicals/movies in advance to get the inside jokes like the mention of other movie songs or titles of same (like the mention in a song of the Carioca, from 1933, his first movie with Ginger Rogers, both as supporting characters). During the current Covid 19 situation I have had ample time to do so. As much as I like Tim Conway, I am glad he was a supporting character in this as it should be and not the main focus. [What was he doing? A Swedish version of Franklin Pangborn, character actor, as the hotel manager? What is that accent supposed to be? lol]. Yes, Ken Berry stole this production and rightly so...best imitation of Fred Astaire in dance and voice I ever saw. Berry was a highly underused talent on anything he did when forced to only "act" when he should be dancing. He seemed a very pleasant man regardless.
This was a time we could watch something like this each week and the other channels offered equally intriguing entertainment in drama, comedy or high-adventure. A world before Rap and Reality TV that requires"rating". The whole family could watch.
Yes, so much of television has become the line the tabloids in the supermarket check-out. That's what deregulation has gotten us. Within a year or two of deregulation you could see the beginning of the slide
This was great, entertaining, funny to watch. FIrst there's Carol Burnett... she acts, she sings, she dances and she's funny. Tim Conway... he acts and does pratfalls, imitation, and is really funny , has great comic timing, one liners and punchlines. Vicky Lawrence.... She acts, she sings, she dances, and is a commediane, also does great deadpan acting. Ken Berry.... I didn't even know this about him.....he acts, he sings, he dances, and he's a commedian. I've never until now have seen him sing and dance. He's pretty good. He did a good job emulating Fred Astaire, his voice, his posture, I can't say enough. I watched the Carol Burnett show forever and I've never seen this skit before. Kudos. Im going to watch it again.....
The Burnett show consistently did these great film tributes and did them with humor, wit, style and class. The talent on that show was tremendous -- writing, singing, acting, dancing. We have nothing remotely like this on TV today.
True
Agreed
But who played her partner? A pleasantly passable singer, and really good dancer!
@@nicholashodsdon7272 - Ken Berry. He was also famous at the time as the star of F-Troop.
What about the costumes? Real fashion!!
Wow. Speaking as a former pro tap dancer myself, Ken Berry clearly made a study of Astaire, must have been his idol. He not only has his dance style down, but also his vocal and hand mannerisms. Excellent impersonation!
If you search TH-cam you can find a superb video of him when he was in still in the Army. There are a few stunts in his tap dance routine I have never seen astaire do. I remember F troop where as Captain Parameter he occasionally broke into song or dance. Certainly as good as Donald O'Conner I think. He (and Carol Burnett) we among the last who studied/learned to be triple treats. Dick Van Dyke another one. Theatre people still do, but these days not so much movies and TV.
Roddy McDowell does a pretty great Edward Everett Horton
@berkeleybernie. Yes, Ken Berry surely did Fred Astaire justice. Personally, I think Mr. Berry was a highly underrated talent.
I thought similar; I just watched a Fred Astair compilation and the whole air - the lightness of mood and movement - seems to really fit.
What I know about tap dancing would fit into a tea spoon and still have elbow room, but it looks really, really good and even I can spot the characteristics of Fred Astair.
It was uncanny! I had no idea Ken Berry was this talented!
Carol Burnett had one of the greatest variety shows on television. Fun, class, clean.
Did you catch their "Gone with the Wind" ??? Hilarious.
I agree
Not _entirely_ clean. It was the 1970s, after all.
From "Astaire"s (Ken Berry's) very first entrance, before he even looked up to see his face: the little swagger, the lilt in his toes, the wiggle of his top-hatted head as he walked: pure Astaire!
Whoever choreographed the dance in the hotel room managed to include so many signature dance steps from many different Astaire sequences into a single number! And Berry performed them all so well! (Nobody is Astaire himself, but he did great!)
And the little Astaire tremolos in the singing: spot on.
I'm a huge Astaire fan, seen his classic films *so* many times.
I'm just a little too young (b.1978) to have seen the Carol Burnett Show when it was on, but have thoroughly enjoyed any and all re-runs and videos of that wonderful show. This one's new to me, though! Bravo, everyone!
Royal Wedding. A classic.
You talking about how you were born too late to watch the show made me think of my absolute fondest, most indelible memory of it: the fact that it came on around or past my bedtime when I was little, and when my brother would babysit, he would tell me I could only stay up to watch it if I could stay awake. Oh, how I remember fighting my eyelids with all my might, hoping he wouldn't notice them group, only to have him comment on it almost instantly, "Whoop, that's it, off to bed!"
As a Hungarian, I also love Fred Astaire, I loved him because of him and I learned to tap through his videos. 😊
Roddy McDowell's impersonation of Edward Everett Horton was amazing.
He was always my favorite guest star.
It is like his ghost came back for the show!!
I was trying to think of the name of the actor he was doing. So funny.
Yes! I don't think I'd ever seen anyone do an impression of Edward Everett Horton before!
Ken Berry was a dancer before he made Mayberry R. F. D. and "F Troop" even while he was in the army in 1951-52. He always dreamed of being in musicals like his idols Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I'm sure he enjoyed this skit immensely.
This was written by Artie Malvin & Stan Freeman. They won the Emmy for this mini-musical.
Very well deserved, the songs are brilliant musical parodies and hilarious. I take it you must be a relative of Artie.
@@SOLE2SOUL Thoroughly enjoyed it !!! A Carol Burnet video popped up a few weeks ago, I grew up watching her so I watched it "for old times sake". I've been watching them everyday now. 😜 Lol. They make me happy. This is hands down my favorite thus far. LOVED IT !!! 💕
How long did it take to develop and rehearse this? Learning the dance steps alone must have been a major project.
@@aliannarodriguez1581 the production staff met on Mondays each week and the complete show was taped on Fridays. They had an audience for what they called "dress rehearsal" and a second audience for the "show". Sometimes they cut and pasted the show from each taping. Vocal music, especially where dancing was involved, were pre-recorded on Thursday evenings.
Wow. Thanks for inside scoop
I grew up with this brilliance which is probably why the younger generation don't understand us. Poor things they hav missed so much
Wow. Ken Berry is such an underappreciated talent. He imitated Fred so well. Before this, I didn't know he could sing or dance. I knew he was a great actor, but that's all. I didn't realize how amazing he really is.❤️
He showed us his talents in several episodes of F Troop. Hopefully, you will get a chance to take them in.
In his day, all the actors and actresses had to sing and dance. They were expected to be well-rounded in their profession and the more they could do, the more work was available.
I knew that Carol Burnett could sing, what I didn't know what the dance and singing talent that Ken Berry had. The best impersonation of Fred Astaire I've ever seen. Carol is such a talent too. Too bad that this amazing cast lost another member today.
Brian Savage
He began as a dancer
In the «Carol Burnett Show», the care and attentions given to details and costumes showed class and talent from, not only the artists we enjoyed watching, but also the whole crew working in the backstage for the success of each episode. That whole teamwork from all those performers in front and back of the camera, proved the tremendous respect towards the appreciation of the public.
Ken Berry could have been another Fred Astaire. Such talent and potential, hidden and underexploited. This whole sketch was wonderful.
I never knew that he had such a mellow singing voice either.
I had no idea he could dance like that!
The voice!
What's so sad is that this excellent entertainment is not appreciated today.
Ken Berry was a dancdr from a young age..and could sing..quite talented
I didn't realize the Carol Burnett show did such elaborate skits. The set, costumes, comedic timing and dancing were superb -- especially for a weekly show.
I always watched the CB show but I didn’t remember how extraordinary the skits were. Thankful for TH-cam!
I first recalled Carol Burnett from "Princess and the Pea", and I was truly memorized by her talent and comedic routine. She will reign as one of the all time great comedians the like of which Hollywood will never see again.
The Broadway musical based on "The Princess and the Pea" was called "Once Upon a Mattress" and was Ms. Burnett's first B'way role, I believe.
@@KathleenRocheZujko And it actually began off Broadway and was successful enough to move on up.
quite mesmerizing! Yes!
Me too! Saw it in a an open- air theater in San Diego probably 35- 40 years ago! ❤❤❤
Last role my spouse saw Ms Carol Burnett in was in Better Call Saul. In the end she arrests Saul. Spouse said she had not lost any of her skills in acting (though this role was not a comedy).
The costumes were gorgeous! Love the nostalgia!
This is so impressive... the attention to detail and the quality of the performance.. I'm in awe
The Burnett show gave Americans a real taste of what the theatrical form of Review was really all about. It featured handsomely mounted production number, satirical parody and classic sketch comedy. There will never be another program like it.
Oh man so many people deserve kudos in this sketch but genuinely I don't see enough props for the lyricists that absolutely nailed the style!
She always had stunning outfits in her show. That white gown was amazing and she looked great.
Bob Makie created all the costumes . Also did all of chers
Really captured the 30's look. Also love the art-deco set and set dressing. Even used the camera tricks from that era. Fun stuff.
Another charming touch was the Art Deco typeface used for a "caption.'" It fitted right in with the decor. And the gondola stopping just right to frame the two actors at the table. The double staircase was from "Swing Time," and the feathery costume from "Top Hat," along with the Venice setting. Now I need to watch it again and again to spot all the other references!
@@elainechubb971 the gondolier (I think that was Tim Conway) mentioned "Fred Austerlitz", which was the real name of Fred Astaire.
That lingerie outfit was spot on! 💝
Ken Berry was wonderful. So underrated. Truly a song and dance man.
I loved him.
Outstanding! Not only first-rate performances all around (Ken Berry was spot-on) but it's amazing how the writers were able to create songs that both parodied and paid homage to the great Gershwin and Berlin songs of the films. RIP Tim Conway, in a minor part here, but always memorable.
the writer was great pianist Stan Freeman--who later had a long running one man show of Oscar Levant [AT WIT'S END]. He composed songs and Broadway Musicals, too. Stan won an Emmy for this skit for his songs and writing.
What a great Fred Astaire impersonation! Spot on with the mannerisms and voice inflections. I always did like Ken Berry.
Fred and Ginger would have loved it. They had me at "getting your garlic blessed..." A great interpretation of Top Hat. Hats off to the writers. Should have been longer though.I enjoyed every minute of it !😁😁😁😀
They saw it. Fred and Ginger were still alive.
The way Ken Berry does that "Fred Astaire Walk" entrance is truly genius and fully captures Fred perfectly!
Hear, hear! I thought for a second it WAS Fred! Wonderful man and super homage to the main man.
There will never be another variety show like the Carol Burnett show.
Ken Berry was truly an excellent song and dance man. The four principles are marvelous in bringing back the feel of the 1930s Astaire-Rogers films.
Ken Berry completely shocks me! He really studied the Astaire walk, mannerisms, and vocal styling. I'm super impressed! I had no idea he could sing and dance. I feel now that his talents were very ill-used over the years.
Everyone did a great job! Such fun!
Hevynly1
Apparently, he played Broadway, etc. See his page on Wikipedia. At one time, he was hailed as he next Fred Astaire.
Ken studied dance with Louis DaPron (Donald O'Connor's choreographer) and Al White. And won a talent contest when he was in the Army for his dancing (and singing) talents (in the mid 1950s)...
th-cam.com/video/ud9n2rVcnfc/w-d-xo.html
Here is a quote from Ken about his love of Fred Astaires' dancing talents...
"Fred Astaire was my big hero. As Gene Kelly articulated it, 'He's a phenomenon.' No human body has ever been able to move like that. I don't think people now really appreciate that fact--that there has never been a human being who moved like that. I've never seen anything like it in my life and I don't think any of us ever will. I know just enough about dance to know how impossible it is to do what he did. It's a really 'sweat' job, the hard work. When it comes to dance, nobody has ever touched him before or since."
... although I think Ken under-estimated his own talents in that statement as he certainly does come very very close...
tagsrwc.com/the_ebullet/remembering-ken-berry/
@Jenn976 and JC Johnsong: Thanks for sharing that info about Ken Berry I never knew that.
II was also blown away by Berry. Thanks to the folks who provided more info about him. I agree that he was probably very under-appreciated in his time.Also, kudos to everyone who created this brilliant, funny and spot-on spoof of the genre!
Wow ! Im blown away !!! Everyone was Great , But I never new Ken Berry could
Do that , I really miss him .
Carol was obsessed with Golden Age musicals. She told Vanity Fair this year that her unfulfilled dream was being able to dance like Eleanor Powell. If she had been middle-aged in the great days, she would have been a natural for the parts Edna May Oliver, Charlotte Greenwood or Helen Broderick took.
Thought I had seen every episode, missed this gem!
I think this is the best thing I've ever seen Ken Barry do, and Roddy was fabulous.
Keet Randling Me too! I thought that I'd seen them all also! This is fun! ❤️ me some Carol Burnett Show! 😊
I second that... great.
Exactly what am thinking. Fabulous !!!
I thought I saw them all too! What a pleasure it was to find this one!
Watching this, one gets the impression that celebrities were much more talented than they are now-a-days. I know Carol was multi-talented. The same w/ Vickie who could sing quite well. Very impressed with Ken Berry. I never knew that he could sing & dance. Roddy McDowell, a very talented actor held his own with the singing. I wonder, who the gondolier was? All in all, there is a load of talent [and a lot of work] sandwiched into that 20 minutes.
Brilliant all-'round! I think back when I took the talent and brilliance of the Carol Burnett show for granted. I look back now in awe. Ingenious references to a number of Astaire movies, plots, songs and dance moves (including how they were filmed, as in rotating room from "Easter Parade").
You mean 1951 Royal Wedding?
Ken Berry can certainly croon, I detected a bit of Bing Crosby in his voice. Sick and tired of zombies, blood, guts, and gore on television. Give me good old fashion musicals and I will start going back to the theatre again.
Gloria Hanes
I have not gone to the movies in years. I have the time and money to do it, but don't want to.
Gloria Hanes
This was from a time when everyone sang, danced and acted, not just sat on their backends and pretended to do something. Ken did a great job imitating Fred Astaire, and Roddy's imitation of Everet Edward Horton was brilliant. Wonder how many times they watched the movies to do that. Miss them very much.
They were wonderful times.
@@caroline4540 so long as you were white...
I’m glad someone else picked up on Roddy’s Horton impersonation.
@@seanmobley2610 Working on your white guilt, there, trust fund baby rebel?
@@bnic9471 Nope. I've worked hard for every penny I have, and since I work in the non-profit sector, where we care about actually helping people as opposed to selling them crap they don't need, trust me...every penny counts. But nice try attempting to make a broad, baseless assumption.
Ken Berry had more talent than I ever saw in any other show. Sheeesh.
Talent like this no longer exists. Good old TV shows.
What a wonderful show that was. Great costumes, clean jokes, musical numbers and something for every member of the family. Thanks for posting.
And she also broke the color barrier with her guest artists. She was way ahead of her time.
This is not a very healthy love relationship. It starts off with them hating each other, and then she abuses him by hitting him. Then he gets infatuated with her (a form of obsession). Then he sees her in a compromising position with almost no clothes on; this causes her to be scared but then lust after him.
However she is also mad and scared because she thinks he is married and she thinks he is a peeping tom who came in her room on purpose to see her unclothed who wanted to do something like rape her. Then she is really uncomfortable/scared when she sees him again and tries to tell her aunt that she and her aunt are in danger from this "cad" and does not know what to do when the aunt blows her off. So she is confused. Then she gets forced by the aunt to dance with him thinking she's helping him cheat on her aunt which makes her feel guilty and responsible for his behavior even though it would have been his own fault if he actually was a peeping tom and not hers.
She seems to want a monogamous relationship for herself, but it is stated over and over that he is a playboy and she can't expect that. So she agrees to a marriage that she expects to be monogamous even though she is marrying a playboy for the main reason of lust and infatuation and fear.
They don't actually know anything about each other. They have not connected on a spiritual or intellectual level. They do not have romance and they haven't fallen in love. They danced together, but that is still part of a physical relationship. This is a relationship that is doomed because it is not based on love and intellectual compatibility. Humans are not just physical beings with physical desires. There is a lot more to us than that.
Also it is pretty clear that both of them are acting in abusive ways towards each other. Calling each other names is actually a form of verbal abuse. It is bullying. When my bullies called me names at school I didn't make the mistake to think they loved me. I knew they hated me, which they showed with their actions of hitting me, like she hits him, and slamming me into the lockers.
Anyway, I expect if two people like them who already abuse each other have kids, the kids are gonna get violently beaten, like how my grandparents who loved this sort of music and philosophy of life did to me and their own kids. So it really isn't family friendly. True love is though. I have PTSD now and am in therapy because of the domestic violence that seems to have started with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was seen by my grandparents and shown to me too on their videos as a model. Once my grandparents saw this verbally and physically abusive model of these tap dancers, they inflicted violence on each other and their own kids which made my mom severely abusive to me, and that didn't stop my grandparents from also abusing me too.
So we need to overcome the old ways of deciding to marry based on fear and lust, and spend years getting to know someone intellectually and emotionally and give ourselves time to fall in love before getting married. I'm also a fan of celibacy before marriage and monogamy in marriage. The playboy lifestyle ends up hurting a lot of women emotionally and physically as well as their kids who have no dad (because he's a deadbeat playboy who could care less if the kids are dead, due to him having so many of them). I'm a fan of staying celibate even if you don't end up marrying anyone. I just really love celibacy. People hate me because of this and have raped me to try and stop me from being celibate. But since rape isn' a choice and celibacy is, I remain celibate and I don't think I lost my celibacy while blood was gushing from me during the rape attacks. Did I lose blood? Yes. Did I lose celibacy? No. I've still got it. I always have had it. :) Respecting people's boundaries like giving them privacy to be alone when their naked or semi-naked because of changing clothes or bathing and not forcing them to dance or be touched or hit is helpful to build a loving relationship. We need to respect each others privacy and bodies. Also, the words we use to build our relationships should be kind and loving, not hateful or judgmental like *all* their words were in the first song. Why be so harsh and cutting when you can uplift and inspire people? This leads to a better society with more love in it and less hate. I think we all want that. :)
@@lemurlover7975 Honey, get yourself some serious therapy lickety-split.
@@lemurlover7975, zzzzzz, you lost me at the bakery..
@@lemurlover7975 I didn't make it through your long comment but I really hope it was meant to be a joke. Otherwise I agree with brunnhilde, you need some help. Quick.
Delightful! This was family entertainment, all ages could sit and watch. I do miss the variety shows!
Balanced both homage and parody. Love it!
Oh, those were the days. I remember shows like hers on TV all the time, and they were fabulous. Too bad that time is gone, never to return. Thanks for bringing this back, even if you published it in 2012 and I'm just seeing it now, nearly six years later.
This particular skit is one of my favorites in the whole Carol Burnett Show; in the latter seasons, Ken Berry and Roddy McDowell appeared just frequently enough that they were semi-regulars.
Having them BOTH with Carol, Vicki, Tim, and Harvey in this skit was absolutely phenomenal.
And McDowell doing Edward Everett Horton was spot on as well
Not sure how I missed this episode. Her shows were great.
Bob Mackie was probably one of the most UNDERRATED 'Costume Designers' of ALL time!!!!
Would have been a great clip if it had sound with it.
He was not underrated. He was highly acclaimed and won many awards and nominations. Hi bio is fascinating! His designs and ingenuity were wonderful.
Liberty GiveMe I was just marveling at the amazing costumes!
@@carolley9705 I just had to turn mine way up. The songs were great.
He was a leading fashion designer for years....costumes was his 2nd career I believe....
For those who don't know... Ken Berry was a dancer first, then an actor. He was born a few decades too late. He's awesome!.
In addition to everyone else's praise for the excellent cast, costumes and set, I have to sing the praises of the writers and choreographers. The dialog, music, lyrics and staging are so clever and spot on. There's a gem in every line for Astaire-Rogers or Berlin fans. Thanks for posting!
The writer/composer was STAN FREEMAN--who won an Emmy for this skit!
This was 1-derful, a loving tribute to those elegant Astaire-Rogers classics with the funny touch of Burnett & company !!! Ken Berry was excellent, the camera crew colaborated with his homage to Fred dancing on the wall a la Royal Wedding at 12:15 and Roddy was a perfect Edward Everett Horton. Bob Mackie's beautiful creations on Carol, Vicky and the dancing ladies captured the glamour of the era. Sensational, Great performace by the entire cast, fenomenal writing and directing, lavish production !!!
Blessings from San Juan PR !!!
The ladies dresses are AMAZING💖
Roddy McDowell did a spot on Edward Everett Horton, the male companion and/or manager to Astair in so many of these movies. I always knew Ken Barry was a dancer but had no idea he could do Astaire so brilliantly. Loved the Carol Burnett show, she was brilliant herself.
This was great! And Carol looks absolutely stunning. So talented and beautiful and a million other complementary adjectives.
Ken Berry as Astaire was perfect I had never heard of him (Then I am English) but from being 8 years old I saw every Astaire film that was ever made.....I am now 78 how I miss all the Hollywood good old talent , no bad language in those days....xxxxx just pure talent.....xxxxxx
I've seen hen-house eggs that were not as fresh as you. LOL Oh man...classic.
i absolutely loved the Carol Burnett show when i was a kid. This was an awesome segment. thanks for posting it!
Berry perfectly captures Astaire’s walk and mannerisms.
His solo performance during the dance was everything!!!
This wonderful spoof has inspired me to watch all the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies!
Me too!
I had no idea that Ken Berry could sing and dance. Such a talent!
He really captured Fred Astaire's mannerisms, even to his walk and the little embellishments in his singing! Amazing work!
youtube his tap routine, you'll be amazed!
He was in "Once Upon a Mattress" with Carol.
Ken's wife Jackie Joseph a comedic actress got her start as a dancer. That is how they met, I'm guessing.
Ken Berry came along way too late. He would have been big thirty years earlier.. He was a phenomenal 1930&40's style tapper.
Robert
Ken Berry was such a cutie and a fine dancer, singer and actor. A very appealing man. R.I.P.
What a wonderful production number!
And wow--great outfits!!! And Carol B is gorgeous!!!
Gosh! Even the way Roddy McDowell smiles looks like Horton! I’m so blown away with glee!
And of course, Ken Berry masters Astaire incredibly as well!
I just love how much work everybody i this show must have invested to create such a good imitation - the (excuse for a) plot, the choice of characters, the set, and of course the dancing are spot on.
The beauty of it isn't just that it makes it that much more entertaining. It also shows love and respect for the originals; it's both a spoof and a homage.
I only wish the Fred & Ginger films were coloured as in this show. All those glorious ladies' fashions just in black & white. Only praise for the dancing and singing though!
Omg! I absolutely love this! Grew up with Carol. Amazing show and talent!!
At this point in my life I long for an imagined simpler life in the 1950’s. We kids went to school in preparation for the good things that life seemed to offer. Dad worked every day and mom made a home for all of us. Breakfast and dinner were enjoyed at the table. Everyone helped with homework. It was a great time. And with the love of my life, Carol, we did our best to emulate and now we lavish love on the grandkids. I pray that God’s plan has only good things in store for them.
Brilliant comedic talent all of them. Creative, innovative, genuine genius. Funny and clean!Can't seem to find that anywhere anymore.
The white Bob Mackie dress in Act III is a perfect send-up of gowns featured in films of that era.
Bob Mackie really outdid himself here.
I read that Fred Astaire hated the original white dress Ginger Rogers wore in Top Hat because it kept shedding feathers during the dance scene, forcing them to keep filming takes in hopes of getting a "clean" one.
That's a makeover of the original "Cheek-to-cheek" dress Ginger wore. Years ago I saw it at the Met Gala. The original does not exist anymore or could not be obtained, but was considered so important for the exhibit it was one of the few that was recreated for the "Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design" Exhibit that Diana Vreeland put on. I saw the curtain dress, the Ascot dress worn by Hepburn, the Gilda dress - it was probably the most impressive exhibit I've ever seen in my life put on in 1974 - they have B&W photos on the Metropolitan Museum site if you look for them.The amazing thing is, that most people do NOT know, the original was SKY BLUE, not white. And absolutely breathtaking. It was my favorite dress in the entire exhibit.
Beth Mabee He did in his autobiography; the feathers went up his nose.
Ken Berry!! Yay old Ken was a song and dance man...also Captain Parmenter from my childhood
The Bob Mackie costumes are even more amazing now than when I watched this as first run on tv a looong time ago.
What a great skit! Ken Berry has never been better. The songs were cute as a new born puppy! And Carol really showed her range! She kept up with Ken.
McDowall's Edward Everett Horton is flawless. ...and seemingly under appreciated.
Thank you!! 😄 Berry rightfully applauded, but I loved seeing Roddy do an EEH turn.
Fantastic ! One of my favorite Fred & Ginger movies ......TOP HAT...hilarious. ken Berryis quite the dancer here (who knew)?? Back in the day when women really knew how to dress w finesse. I've been to Venice many times ( but never thought to have my garlic blessed in San Marco Square) i really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing, now I got to go show all my friends,
Who knew Ken Berry could sing and dance? Amazing.
Roddy McDowell does a good Edward Everett Horton impersonation.
No surprise there. He did everything well.
Superb!
Had the HUGEST crush on him! He was FABULOUS!
Yes! You could immediately tell who he was playing 😆
Love Rodney! 🎈
Ken Berry is outstanding as Fred Astaire. He has his moves.
TV was so good then. Now you've got 100s pf channels, nothing on!
More channels that you PAY for now, tv then was free. How can people not see where we are headed 😔
I won't pay for cable. Waste of money. I can see enough through streaming media like ROKU.
I agree w/ you that TV was better then than it is now. However, I think that you are 'remembering' with 'rose colored glasses'.
Completely agree!
Sylvia S mostly commercials....
Wow! That was great! I never saw that episode...I always liked Ken Berry, but I didn't know he made such a good crooner! Great dancer, too! It was nice to see Roddy McDowell, too! Nicely choreographed, as always Carol and Vicki were fantastic! Everyone did GREAT! Thanks for the video😀
Growing up I loved Carol's show , watched it every week. What great entertainment she provided.
Ken Berry stole this segment!! ---------------Fred would have smiled. ---------------WolfSky9, 72 y/o
This was in 1978. Astaire was still alive. And so was Ginger. I'll bet they saw it. I'm not sure about Edward Everett Horton or Eric Blore, but if they were alive they probably saw it, too. I hope they were. They must have all gotten a good laugh. This was so well done.
I loved the Bob Mackie dresses and costumes she wore. I don't know how much distortion is involved but she Carol looks 6'2" in that blue suit. I love it.
I also never knew Berry was a hoofer.
What real talent looks like.
Oh, were we lucky to enjoy seeing talents like these? This delightful work...the talents of all (particularly the gifted Ken Berry), and even the 'knock-off songs (no small feat) are a joy. The 'good old days' paying homage to the REAL 'good old days'!!!!!
Such lucky people who were the live audience this night.
Love Roddy Mc Dowall...extraordinary video!
McDowell's take on Edward Everett Horton's character was brilliant.
And Vicki did a great job as Aunt Hortense!
my very first thought. barely a minute in :)
Haven't seen this before. Recognized Edward Everett Horton imitation immediately!
He did it perfectly!
Bravo! Fantastic! I watched just about every Fred Astaire movie available with my elderly, 96 year old client last summer. This spoof was perfect!
christine robinson Check out Mary Lou.by the Creative Force, amazing
I'm actually quite jealous of your wonderful situation! I hope your client is still with us; but if not, you at least have some terrific memories! 🙂
Just heard Tim Conway passed away a few days ago. Rest in Peace, Mr. Conway. I love Ken Berry in this. He is amazing. I never knew. I remember him from Mayberry.
Awh why why why don't they make shows like this anymore
Because all anyone watches are "reality" tv shows that are all guided by ratings.
I think Carol Burnett looks a lot like Kate Goslin with that hair style. Especially with her wide eyed gazes at the camera. Of course, Burnett has talent to go along with the looks.
Ken Berry to was also a terrific talent. I’ve always enjoyed his singing and dancing. Wow!
I don't remember ever seeing this episode, and it's hilarious! Thanks for posting.
This was great! Thanks for the upload.
Je viens de passer un excellent moment ! Hilarant et d'une qualité sans égale, un plaisir pour les amoureux de Fred et Ginger. Je découvre le génie de Carole Burnett et de toute l'équipe qui l'entourait, incroyable !
Fantastic! So much talent! So much fun!
Ken Berry does a great job mimicking Astaire. Impressive. The focus it must take!
Roddy McDowell’s Everard Horton is pretty spot on 🤣!
This “Fred Astaire “ is great 👍
Don’t you just love this clip and the tap dance
Wow! What an amazing production! The story, costumes, sets, music, actors, dancing, camera work, lighting, EVERYTHING, was TOP-NOTCH! So beautiful and fun! Loved this! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I miss TV and movies that make you smile and laugh to forget about your troubles. Thank you Carol and Company
This is one of my all time favorite Carol Burnett movie parodies.
Probably among the top three musical productions the Carole Burnett show ever did. You have to watch a few Fred Astaire musicals/movies in advance to get the inside jokes like the mention of other movie songs or titles of same (like the mention in a song of the Carioca, from 1933, his first movie with Ginger Rogers, both as supporting characters). During the current Covid 19 situation I have had ample time to do so. As much as I like Tim Conway, I am glad he was a supporting character in this as it should be and not the main focus. [What was he doing? A Swedish version of Franklin Pangborn, character actor, as the hotel manager? What is that accent supposed to be? lol]. Yes, Ken Berry stole this production and rightly so...best imitation of Fred Astaire in dance and voice I ever saw. Berry was a highly underused talent on anything he did when forced to only "act" when he should be dancing. He seemed a very pleasant man regardless.
Noted by me was that Tim almost broke himself up -- with a little help from the sound-effects person! 😀
This was a time we could watch something like this each week and the other channels offered equally intriguing entertainment in drama, comedy or high-adventure. A world before Rap and Reality TV that requires"rating". The whole family could watch.
Yes, so much of television has become the line the tabloids in the supermarket check-out. That's what deregulation has gotten us. Within a year or two of deregulation you could see the beginning of the slide
I love it! They are hilarious!
This was great, entertaining, funny to watch. FIrst there's Carol Burnett... she acts, she sings, she dances and she's funny. Tim Conway... he acts and does pratfalls, imitation, and is really funny , has great comic timing, one liners and punchlines. Vicky Lawrence.... She acts, she sings, she dances, and is a commediane, also does great deadpan acting. Ken Berry.... I didn't even know this about him.....he acts, he sings, he dances, and he's a commedian. I've never until now have seen him sing and dance. He's pretty good. He did a good job emulating Fred Astaire, his voice, his posture, I can't say enough. I watched the Carol Burnett show forever and I've never seen this skit before. Kudos. Im going to watch it again.....
Ken Barry was a great talent!