When I saw this episode scheduled on a local NYC public-TV station, I wanted to tape it for the appearance by Ray Charles. And his two engagements at the grand piano are indeed wonderful -- what a treat!
I was only 16 when this segment aired, and I wasn't a fan of the variety show. But I was very impressed with several elements in this episode's lineup -- Carol's cleaning-woman persona, all decked out in nothing-matches frock and night bonnet, and the wonderful backup singers and dancers.
Ray, just 42 when this aired, is backed by a quartet of lovely singers, crooning in both English and French and modestly attired in long-sleeved dresses, something we'd never see on today's crass stages. The program's dancers wear wildly hued and patterned togs attesting to the popularity of designer Emilio Pucci in 1972.
The biggest surprise of all in this episode is Carol Burnett and her lovely alto voice. She's sublime in totally unanticipated duets with Ray.
The episode includes some comedic bits with the obviously talented Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Keitel, and Tim Conway. However, the humor is way too forced and exaggerated for my tastes, so I reached for the fast-forward.
From what I could tell from this episode, this series, with some critical edits, is a gem.
I was only 16 when this segment aired, and I wasn't a fan of the variety show. But I was very impressed with several elements in this episode's lineup -- Carol's cleaning-woman persona, all decked out in nothing-matches frock and night bonnet, and the wonderful backup singers and dancers.
Ray, just 42 when this aired, is backed by a quartet of lovely singers, crooning in both English and French and modestly attired in long-sleeved dresses, something we'd never see on today's crass stages. The program's dancers wear wildly hued and patterned togs attesting to the popularity of designer Emilio Pucci in 1972.
The biggest surprise of all in this episode is Carol Burnett and her lovely alto voice. She's sublime in totally unanticipated duets with Ray.
The episode includes some comedic bits with the obviously talented Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Keitel, and Tim Conway. However, the humor is way too forced and exaggerated for my tastes, so I reached for the fast-forward.
From what I could tell from this episode, this series, with some critical edits, is a gem.