The “Old Folks Remember the War” sketch from season 5, episode 10 of The Carol Burnett Show was an absolute riot. It aired back in 1971 when variety shows ruled the airwaves. I remember settling in to watch it that night, probably with a TV dinner on a folding tray and a cold soda nearby.
Carol and Harvey played a married couple preparing for a veterans parade. Their witty exchanges about the past had me in stitches. Carol’s character had a knack for deflating Harvey’s attempts to romanticize his wartime experiences. Those two always had such impeccable comic timing together.
The sketch brilliantly captured the art of reminiscing, but with a humorous twist. When Tim Conway entered as Harvey’s former commanding officer, the comedy reached new heights. The long-standing rivalry between their characters was comedy gold, with Tim hilariously pulling rank decades later.
I loved how they incorporated popular songs from that era. The moment they burst into “Before the Parade Passes By” from Hello, Dolly! was a delightful touch. It was the kind of show where multiple generations could watch together and find something to enjoy.
The Old Folks from The Carol Burnett Show Ep108 (full sketch)
Rewatching it now, I’m struck by how timeless the humor is. The sketch poked fun at how we romanticize the past, but did so with warmth and wit. It’s a testament to the writers’ and performers’ skills that it still makes us chuckle today.
Ready for a classic laugh? Don’t miss this gem from The Carol Burnett Show!
