The Carol Burnett Show gave us a treasure trove of iconic comedy, but few sketches are as laugh-out-loud unforgettable as Tim Conway and Harvey Korman’s disastrous military scene. Set in what appears to be a Civil War–era encampment, this sketch had me howling from the very first moment.
Conway ambles into the frame as a hopelessly inept officer, speaking in an accent so thick you could pour it. Korman, playing the long-suffering sergeant, tries desperately to maintain his composure as Conway bumbles his way through the process of discharging him. Classic Conway — you can almost catch that mischievous twinkle in his eye right before he veers hilariously off script.
Then comes the physical comedy. Conway somehow manages to rip Korman’s uniform, and the way the two of them react is absolute gold. Their comedic chemistry is unmatched — perfect timing, perfect build-up, and perfectly escalating chaos.
Conway’s Boxers Steal the Spotlight
Just when you’re convinced the sketch has peaked, Conway ends up standing there in his striped underwear. It’s the ultimate visual gag and the perfect absurd finale.
The Carol Burnett Show excelled at dropping beloved characters into ridiculous historical backdrops, and this sketch is a shining example. The contrast between “proper” military discipline and Conway’s total buffoonery is priceless. His bumbling officer even feels like a distant cousin to his legendary Mr. Tudball.
And while Conway is the one driving the madness, Korman deserves huge credit for almost managing to keep his composure. The way he visibly battles the urge to break only makes everything funnier. That genuine, uncontrollable joy is exactly what made the Conway-Korman duo so magical.
These two could turn the simplest setup into a comedic masterpiece. Honestly, Conway’s exaggerated accent alone is enough to send Korman over the edge — and once he starts cracking, it’s game over.
If you love classic Tim Conway brilliance, here’s even more: