AMERICA TONIGHT {AMERICA 2 NIGHT} {EPISODE 31: CAROL BURNETT} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of satirical, mock talk shows set in Alta Coma, California, hosted by the smarmy Barth Gimble and his dim-witted sidekick Jerry Hubbard.
In this episode, Barth confesses that he has received fewer job offers than he expected to after arriving in California, but has now finally hired a public-relations expert to aid his career. Next, The House Family Singers, a group of four children who were convicted of ruthlessly murdering a family of six while involved with a Satanic cult, perform a peppy rendition of "Making Our Dreams Come True" as part of their prison rehabilitation program. Bandleader Happy Kyne, who was born with only one nostril, then discusses his condition at length, which repulses Barth, and reveals that he convinced a famous celebrity to appear on the show after a chance run-in at his ear, nose and throat doctor's office. Barth and Jerry blindfold themselves, à la "What's My Line?", and attempt to identify Carol Burnett; they are unable to come to the right answer, even when she speaks in her natural voice and sings the famous theme song from "The Carol Burnett Show." Offended, Burnett storms out and is immediately recognized by the parking attendant; the hosts are deeply embarrassed by their gaffes. Commercials deleted.
(Martin Mull and Fred Willard originated their roles as Barth Gimble and Jerry Hubbard in "Fernwood Tonight," telecast in syndication in 1977.)
Details
- NETWORK: Syndicated
- DATE: May 22, 1978
- RUNNING TIME: 0:22:30
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:50870
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Parody; Talk shows
- SERIES RUN: Syndicated - TV series, 1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Alan Thicke … Producer, Writer
- John Maxwell Anderson … Associate Producer
- Jerry Leshay … Director
- Norman Lear … Created by
- Jeremy Stevens … Writer
- Dan Wilcox … Writer
- Tom Moore … Writer
- Tom Dunsmuir … Writer
- John Boni … Writer
- Norman Stiles … Writer
- Robert Illes … Writer
- James Stein … Writer
- Happy Kyne and the Mirth Makers … Music Group
- Martin Mull … Cast, Barth Gimble
- Fred Willard … Cast, Jerry Hubbard
- Frank De Vol … Cast, Happy Kyne
- Carol Burnett … Cast, Herself