It has to carol burnett. I still crack up when i see the skit of gone with the wind. That dress dose it for me i can not help it.

Carol Burnett diffiently was Good and so was Jackie Gleason. I do think that Bob Newhart and that Englishman, Benny Hill also deserve at least a mention.

inked4ever (imported) wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2010 5:12 pm Carol Burnett diffiently was Good and so was Jackie Gleason. I do think that Bob Newhart and that Englishman, Benny Hill also deserve at least a mention.

Newhart was certainly funny, but I don't believe he had a variety show. A couple of other candidates were the "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"and "That Was the Week That Was"

Transward

Carol Burnett was absolutely great. But as a kid I would risk a spanking to sneak out and sit on the steps and watch Red Skelton, trying to stifle laffs. I'm sure dad knew I was there, but he was the best (in my time).

Heard about Ernie Kovacs, but was before my time....

K

I enjoyed Jackie Gleason when he played Joe the Bartender and Frank Fontaine played Crazy Guggenheim. I also loved the June Taylor Dancers.

Carol Burnett was incredible with all her casts of characters. I agree the Gone with the Wind skit was excellent along with her portrayal of Norma Desmond from "Sunset Boulevard".

I used to watch Red Skeleton but I am not sure his full genius hit home for me.

Okay....a more serious crack at this. Ernie Kovacs is regarded as one of the all time greats although few of his shows are available due to the technology of the day. Go looking for it on youtube. You'll laugh out loud. If you're looking for political comedy, the choice has to be the Smothers Brothers. So subtle few picked up on the political points. Got the show cancelled. Carol Burnett and Red Skeleton were both family safe. I wish my kids had something like them to watch instead of the junk on tv. For longevity, you have to consider Johnny Carson although he might not fit the mold. Finally, what about Laugh-In? It changed television.

Ernie Kovacs was killed in an auto accident January 13, 1962, that same night two firemen returning from a fire went over a cliff in one of the canyons, one died, the other one was my older brothers brother in law. He lived and a year and a half later was back on the job with the fire department and worked there until he retired.

Its funny as I never watched Ernie Kovacs but I remember the night he died very clear.

River

I also will have to vote Carol Burnett..

Burnett's three tiered abilities,

singer

actress

comedienne

allowed the writers to create and

sustain characters through the

eleven year run...'67-'78

I find it interesting how many old-timers we have on the site. Carol Burnett seems to be the most recent anyone can agree on.

I will admit I forgot to mention my definite #2 for general comedy variety show.

It was for adults, it was for kids, in it's day you weren't anyone until you'd been on it. And damn if it wasn't 'variety'. It was....

The Muppet Show! (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/827707/muppet_show_intro/)

I'll take the Muppet show as a second place winner I also remember watching Red Skelton as well but the question remains who had the best Comedy Variety show and so far it appears to be Carrol. Although I am interested in learning more about her predesesors Sid Ceaser, Jackie Gleason I know that there were quite a few Comedy variety shows that came before those are the ones that need to be mentioned

What sayest thou