Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has launched a special series called "Sundays with Carol Burnett," where the Emmy-winning actress, alongside TCM host Dave Karger, shares her favorite films and the comedic sketches they inspired on her iconic show. Airing throughout December, the program offers a unique blend of classic cinema and Burnett's humor, as per FOX 5 Atlanta.
The series kicked off on Sunday last week with "Gone with the Wind," followed by "The Carol Burnett Show" parody "Went with the Wind," featuring Burnett in the unforgettable curtain rod dress. This collaboration was the brainchild of Burnett and her husband, who hatched the idea after they met Karger, as Burnett recounted. "My husband said, ‘We have an idea. What about if Carol comes on TCM, being interviewed by Dave Karger, and they show — for instance — the entire movie of ‘Mildred Pierce’ with Joan Crawford, then we come back, and we show our takeoff that we did, called ‘Mildred Fierce.’," she told FOX 5 Atlanta.
Burnett, who first captivated audiences in the late 1950s with her comedic song about John Foster Dulles, continues to charm at the age of 91 as a guest programmer on TCM. Yesterday, viewers enjoyed a double feature with "Born to Be Bad" followed by the satirical sketch "Raised to Be Rotten," then "Torch Song" paired with the lampoon "Torchy Song." TCM will continue the series with more pairings on Sunday next week and on December 29, including "The Heiress" and its spoof "The Lady Heir," along with "Double Indemnity" and "Double Calamity," as per the Boston Globe.
The legendary Burnett, also known for her breakthrough role as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, continues to bring her comedic brilliance to classic sketches from her show. The Boston Globe recalls her audition for Mattress, describing her as "looking terrific: long-legged, great figure, huge smile, flawless skin, glorious red hair." Her timeless appeal mirrors that of the classic films she loves, showcasing her enduring talent and the lasting power of laughter.
Amid the buzz of the series, Burnett's parody of "Gone with the Wind" remains one of the most memorable moments of her show. In the sketch, Harvey Korman's Captain Ratt Butler tells Burnett's Starlett O'Hara, "That gown is gorgeous." Her witty reply? "Thank you. I saw it in the window and I just couldn’t resist it," as mentioned in the Boston Globe report.
