Some comedy sketches age gracefully, while others become even funnier as the years pass. Among these rare comedic treasures, one sketch from The Carol Burnett Show has recently resurfaced and is winning over audiences all over again — the delightfully absurd “Butler and the Maid.” As it circulates online, viewers of every generation are rediscovering the effortless chemistry and brilliant timing that made this cast unforgettable.
Set in a lavish Victorian dining room, the scene opens with married couple Lance Croft (Harvey Korman) and his dramatic wife Evelyn (Vicki Lawrence) being spoon-fed like oversized children by their patient and impeccably composed servants — Benchley the butler (Tim Conway) and Louella the maid (Carol Burnett). Within moments, the sketch reveals its playful tone, and the laughter only grows from there.
A Polite Lunch That Spirals Into Chaos
What begins as a refined conversation quickly unravels into a whirlwind of accusations and misunderstandings. Evelyn suspects Lance of betrayal; Lance fires back with doubts about her rumba lessons. All the while, Benchley and Louella maintain perfect formality — feeding, adjusting, wiping, and attending to their employers as though this strange ritual were part of their daily duties.
The servants are soon pulled into the quarrel. Commanded to “fight on behalf of their employers,” Louella hesitantly slaps Benchley, who responds with an equally timid punch. From that moment forward, the situation escalates until the entire scene resembles a Victorian melodrama gleefully coming apart at the seams.
The Iconic Tantrum Scene
The sketch reaches its peak when Evelyn dramatically declares she is about to have a tantrum. Without hesitation, Louella launches herself to the floor, kicking, pounding, and even banging her head against the wall — all at her mistress’s command. Tim Conway’s unwavering deadpan makes the moment even funnier, while Harvey Korman visibly struggles to keep a straight face, creating an extra layer of comedy that fans cherish.
Matters grow even more outrageous when the couple melodramatically contemplates ending it all, dragging their horrified servants into their theatrics. In true Carol Burnett fashion, the chaos rises to incredible heights before the Crofts suddenly regain their composure and reconcile as though nothing unusual has occurred.
Classic Burnett Show Brilliance
At last, exhausted and rumpled, Benchley and Louella politely ask, “Will that be all?” Their employers respond with a calm “Yes, thank you,” drawing the sketch to a perfectly timed and satisfying close.
This moment captures everything audiences loved about The Carol Burnett Show: big personalities, bold physical comedy, razor-sharp timing, and the wonderful cast synergy that often made the actors themselves crack up. Conway’s subtle mischief, Burnett’s fearless commitment, Korman’s near-breaks, and Lawrence’s sharp wit come together to form a masterclass in comedic performance.
Watching the sketch today feels like stepping back into a simpler time — a time when families gathered around the television each week to laugh together. And honestly, if ever there were a moment when the world could benefit from that warm, shared joy again, it’s now.
So take a moment to enjoy the clip, embrace the nostalgia, and help keep the legacy of Carol, Tim, Harvey, and Vicki alive. Classic comedy does more than entertain us — it reminds us just how wonderful it feels to laugh.