carol burnett send in the clowns 1974

Carol Burnett sings Sondheim's Send in the Clowns. From the Carol Burnett Show. Original airdate January 19, 1974.

[@christiankrenek7689]

What an absolute genius interpretation of the song. Sondheim famously said that he cast "actors who can sing, not singers who can act," and this is proof positive. Carol Burnett exemplifies the sorrow, the longing, and the resignation of the words--someone who's finally realized what they wanted, only to also realize it's far too late. What an actress. We're so lucky to have these clips to watch! :)

[@Nikodymus]

This song is meant to be acted more than sang. When an artist can do both, and executes them well, you can feel the pain and longing and heartbrokenness and defeat emanating from across the room. Carol did a spectacular job here.

[@tomservo56954]

Glynis Johns won a Tony for introducing it in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC...

[@elainemclean6964]

so true

[@sarahharris5135]

Anyone else watching this after learning of Soundheim’s passing?

[@PetroNYC78]

You should watch the Bernadette Peters version.

[@DORSALERO]

Sondheim. not soundheim

[@annamariaiannacito5291]

I had my own 'appreciation' for Sondheim, after reading of his death. I rewatched "Sunday In The Park With George".

[@johnfulton4921]

I did I loved this man and this song for me was the brightest jewel in his crown carol really nailed it she's awesome but my personal favourite version was dame shirley bassey so many talented singers have done this song Streisand asked Sondheim to extend the song for her with additional lyrics and he did for her back to broadway album at first I thought that was pretty brazen on her part but that is part of her success taking chances and getting wonderful results

[@TheJulieAndrewsArchive]

You should also listen to her chums version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6DchKd4i7yhm5Y

[@JakeBharnes]

The people who make us laugh the hardest can also make us cry the most.

[@dpfabie]

THIS is why the Carol Burnett show was the greatest Musical Variety show in Television history.

[@jaguy4u2]

Yes! as one of her all time fans, totally agree with your statement 😊💖

[@marcboscovich1612]

She and her cast were wonderful

[@thomascapitalmgt]

You sir are 1000% correct

[@erflingnot]

Let’s don’t forget at Sullivan… He had a nice little show ;-) … But we were talking about the fabulous Carol Burnett weren’t we! she’s one in 1 million!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

yes

[@BobDog72]

I don't know if the rest of you could tell but you can see pain in her eyes when she sang that song Carol Burnett has always been one of my favorite actresses / comedians I think she's a beautiful person

[@janezamudio4940]

Despite being outrageously funny, she does have a gift for showing the sadness in a piece.

[@josenarvaez3205]

She is simply amazing. Sad that her broad range of performance is not well known.

[@rachelle4907]

There’s not anything she couldn’t do! Sing, dance, comedy, drama, voice cartoons! She’s one of the greats!

[@yiuso4416]

I heard this song from many famous singers, but never expected that Carol is the one who brought out the feeling of this song- really toching by the emotion she infuses in this song

[@sonyaedwards6524]

i agree she sings it with more feeling than any other i have heard.

[@janjones690]

I agree !!

[@photo161]

You must be kidding...

[@johnfulton4921]

I love this song everyone from grace jones to Sinatra has done it carol does a great job here especially the losing my timing this late part of the song my favourite version is by dame shirley bassey this is one of the greatest songs ever written

[@koohanpaik-mander7567]

Totally agree! What a surprise!

[@reneadinaro8183]

Holy Shit! I'm crying! I'm 51 years old. A vet. I work construction with a bunch of callous men. This touched me. Thank you.

[@steventyler4830]

Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts. I love how much traction this clip has gotten and many people it seems to move from such a wide cross section of life. All best!

[@danpreston9451]

We watched her show when I was a kid. I had absolutely no idea that she was anything but a comedian. What an incredibly talented woman!

[@healthyfreesoul]

Love you Carol ♥️, you never cease to amaze! Seeing this tonight on tv was crazy beyond synchronistic for me!

[@kidmarine7329]

Carol is wonderful at everything she does. She has a real soft spot for Sondheim.

[@scottlang7271]

I'm shocked - I'd only ever seen Carol being funny. This shows her talent runs a lot deeper than I'd realised.

[@foreignparticle1320]

My thoughts exactly!

[@carolmcclain6655]

Hi New York City

[@LimeGreenMedic]

It's way harder to do comedy than drama; that's why comedians transition to drama more easily than dramatic actors transition to comedy.

[@frankcarter7146]

Carol is a National Treasure. I have so many fond memories of watching her show with my grandparents when I was a kid.

[@melkaman8200]

Carol Burnett is one of the funniest women on the planet, but I would be hard pressed to find another actress who can so expertly do a sad/dramatic role. She just finds and taps into this inner sadness and longing and regret and it comes out so wonderfully, if rarely.

[@ronaldbrumwell8414]

Try this then kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5akaXSimNmgidk

[@kugelweg]

@@ronaldbrumwell8414 Meh....her performance was a bit too stiff for me. I love Judy Dench, but this scene is heartbreaking beyond words.

[@freddie488]

Burnett is great but there are plenty of other actresses out their who could top her. Burnett is one of my top 10 who's a triple threat.

[@TheCymberline]

@@kugelweg Z

[@RosePetal17]

Oh, you described Carol perfectly!

[@fullplate100]

THIS is wonderful. Bless her. RIP, S. Sondheim.

[@davol2449]

fuck him...the guy was a stone prick. this is the truth. genius, probably; miserable bastard, without a doubt.

[@kindnessfirst9670]

@@davol2449Either you recently had a serious head injury or your meds need adjusting.

[@JDunster]

It really is. Conveying emotion in a song is SO important and she nails it. Spectacularly. Her voice is also good-but it's the emotion she brings! She is awesome.

[@zyxw2024]

@@davol2449 Wow...I never worked with him. 😔

[@ricoltmetric8156]

@@davol2449 you are a pathetic, sad.... really bitter tears David you have a meaningless life.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

The opening scene is heartbreaking...

[@jeremyr.3180]

This is by far the best performance of this song I've ever come across. Wow. Just, wow. Blows Sinatra's out of the water. Carol should have released a studio recording of it!

[@DBEdwards]

Judy Collins sang it best. And I heard her sing this in person at the FAIRMONT HOTEL in San Francisco in 1985

[@brianmatthews1736]

Dame Judi Dench blows this performance away...her performance in the "South Bank Show" in 1995 performance, or her "Hey, Mr. Producer" 1998 performance either one is Musical theatre GOLD...shows that this song is NOT meant for a great singer like Sinatra or Judy Collins, it IS meant for a great actress like Judi Dench. This song is all about the context, and the story. It is an older actress who is sad, full of regret, and FURIOUSLY angry at herself for missing out on a possible romance because at first SHE turned HIM down, NOW when she is singing this it is HIM who says NO, I have another love...and he LEAVES her by herself....the last lines of the song reflects that....to UNDERSTAND and really get this song you MUST watch "A little Night Music" and watch the scene. IT IS NOT MEANT TO BE A POP TUNE, IT IS MUSICAL THEATER GOLD!!!!!!

[@arturonavarro3566]

Please . Can you hear Tina Charles versión ? And tell me your opinión . From Barcelona (Spain)

[@jeremyr.3180]

@@arturonavarro3566 Just had a listen. Nice arrangement and touching vocals, though not as much “oomph” as Carol’s (or Streisand’s, another great interpretation). I think Tina’s voice was better suited for pop. I love her version of “I Can’t Dance to That Music You’re Playin’.” Thank you for the recommendation!

[@bertiemerle4983]

Many don't realize that Carol Burnett was an AWESOME Broadway musical talent extraordinaire. Beautifully done.

[@REESCOMUSIC4EVER]

The genius of Carol Burnett. Undeniable!

[@craigshort352]

As one of the Great Clowns your voice was as wonderful as your Comedy is funny. I truly love the way you sang the song. You are a national treasure. Bless you.

[@lindacreesy3909]

People may have forgotten she’s done Broadway and has a beautiful voice

[@stevenreeves9092]

She has a lovely voice. I don't think she's ever accepted it. How lucky we are to have heard her.

[@theodorehaverson5079]

You are absolutely correct on all counts!

[@AndromedaCripps]

God, this might be the best version of this song- not just the incredible Carol, but the orchestration, too! And this, from a comedienne. Such a talent and dedication to work in Carol Burnett 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@josenarvaez3205]

Wholeheartedly agree. Something similar happened with Anne Hathaway's performance of "I Dream a Dream" from "Les Miserables." I believe this is when an actor is cast in a singing role, he or she will focus on delivsring the emotion of the song while a singer will focus on performing the song correctly.

[@AndromedaCripps]

@@josenarvaez3205 I will say, as a singer, we too are taught to deliver the emotion properly, far more than instrumentalists are, in fact, and musical theater actors even more so! But I think you’re absolutely correct! Straight Actors just have training that we don’t, and they will sometimes sacrifice musicality for emotional delivery, which most musical theater actors won’t. Sometimes this results in decidedly *not* the best performance, but in the case of Carol here, she still puts enough attention towards musicality (she has always been a fabulous musician in addition to her acting!), striking a very tenuous balance that results in an incredible performance!! What I was referring to by saying “this from a comedienne” though, was the dramatic acting in particular more so then saying she wasn’t also a good singer! This is as far from comedy as you can get, and yet she still acts it with multitudes of drama!

[@jmiller05]

Great comedians are always great actors.

[@doraholden848]

That Carol is of course a comedian but she has also starred on Broadway as a musical comedy -singer performer.

[@thisis4real85]

@@josenarvaez3205 something kinda similar happened with Nicole Scherzingers version of Dont cry for me Argentina. She became Evita on stage and didnt just sing the song. Probably the best version of that song ever.

[@wayneolsen8965]

How blind Harvey’s character is. But that’s how unrequited love is.

[@alfredbooth6854]

Wow! This is one of the most moving performances of Send In The Clowns I’ve heard heard.

[@williamskelton325]

This performance captures the song in a way its hard to do standing behind a microphone or just sitting and singing it. Her actions match the words as she walks around the office. It's layered. Is she vocally the best to ever sing it, you could debate that point, but she acts it spectacularly.

[@thedivaofddmandt9495]

Her belt is more than respectable.

[@vintagehaynesflute]

I always thought that Carol Burnett was vastly underrated for her drama and her music. She is a great comedian but her music and dramatic roles can tear your heart out! Love you Carol!

[@ness1860]

I agree. She didn't like her own singing so she didn't do a lot of it on the show (ironic because she went on to appear on Broadway in a musical) but she has some pipes on her. She is also, as you pointed out, a helluva dramatic actress. Friendly Fire is the movie that really showed the world, I think.

[@frogpalpeeper4249]

@@ness1860 Carol knows how to put over a song. She sang this with all the emotion it deserved. More than most ever knew was in it. That is real singing.

[@roberthanlen6036]

She sings the ultimate version of Sondheim's "I'm Still Here" from Follies.

[@erflingnot]

It takes sadness and deep truth to create comedy that’s why they put the comedy and drama mask together as one

[@LillyBunnyBoo]

Lol No - she was rated appropriately - her “singing” voice is hideous.

[@CraigFarangBa]

Wow. Just wow. I've heard so many singers do this song, but this performance tops them all. Spectacular.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

Carol was so goofy people forget that she was a beautiful singer and fantastic dancer on Broadway

[@CraigFarangBa]

@@Mxyzptlksac So true -- an incredible talent

[@mandymac74]

Carol Burnett is such a rare talent. She can do comedy and have you laughing hysterically and she can also have you laughing so hard tears will come out of your eyes. Her show was a rare variety show with skits, dancing and a full orchestra. She did this weekly for 10 or 11 years. So much talent and so real and humble. Carol NEVER forgot where she came from and who helped get her there!!!!! BRAVO Ms. BURNETT

[@AxelQC]

Carol is best known as a comedian, but she's a great singer and an amazing actress.

[@williamkirkland7002]

I Always LOVED The Fabulous Ms. Carol Bernette. This Video is Amazing. What a great song performance. 💞💞💞💞

[@petawaincorporated3803]

When Carol Burnett replied to her... my heart melted. "Maybe I will..."

[@johnathonf1]

I so LOVE Carol!!! Pure talent in so many things!!!!

[@chrismiccolupi9381]

Darn those clowns chopping onions under my eyes. this song always makes me cry

[@mefi9788]

me too, when it's done well. Judi Dench, Glynis, and Bernadette Peters' versions are best I think. The one with Sondheim on piano.

[@hydranjablooms9093]

her performance is so moving .. 😢

[@erflingnot]

Send in the clowns…. onion chopping clowns ;-)

[@aaronabeloff5203]

Years ago my wife and I attended 'A Little Night Music' starring Bernadette Peters on Broadway. When she sang this song, tears were literally streaming down her face the whole time. It was magical. I have no idea how she did it, but I will never forget it.

[@finddeniro]

I cried at a Judy Collins concert...7 times . Theater is Great.. Remember well. Thanks Aaron..

[@lonniedulz891]

Carol Burnett, the greatest all around female comedian, comedic actress, entertainer, ever of all time. Ear tug dear lady.

[@christopherbova8109]

Carol Burnett is a national treasure ❤

[@heg203]

Carol and Bernadette Peters are my two favorite interpreters of this masterpiece. RIP Stephen Sondheim.

[@patperrieryogawithatwist557]

Everyone thinks of her show... And they forget her immense talent on the stage... What a gem!

[@ByronScottJones]

I've watched this performance many times, and one very subtle thing she does at the very end, is for a brief moment, she looks directly into the camera, and directly to the television audience, connecting them with the emotions of her character.

[@TheGigDoctor]

I kept expecting clowns to start peeking from around corners and for it to be another silly Burnett Show spoof, and instead, she turns in this amazing dramatic interpretation. Such respect for her subtle emotion in this performance. She was more than a really funny goofball...she was really a fine actress.

[@davidmoore1537]

She really has a beautiful, strong voice.

[@michaelfitzgerald1865]

How I miss her show, it was just the greatest thing. I know her from way back. My mom bought the album Carol Burnette and Julie Andrews Live at Carnegie Hall.That was about '62 I think. I was 3. She played it for me a lot and I know the entire show by heart. It's been posted here on KZbin, you should all check it out.

[@hannahkate7538]

One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever listened to, and watching it makes it even better! I just bought the vinyl you mentioned yesterday.

[@erflingnot]

There is no need to miss her show it is on MeTV the MTV for our generation lol find your local broadcaster or a feed, stream and you can enjoy all of the old goodness

[@erflingnot]

She’s on every night and has insert spot moments on MeTV she is still giving us her best

[@erflingnot]

She is still on MeTV working… Promoting the reruns for her show

[@LydgiaOfHarlem]

CB brings me to tears with this interpretation. She is one of my childhood crushes that I never got over. She's a national treasure and will remain with me always.

[@MikeStrongman]

I want to appreciate the brilliant script. In a few short minutes, they establish likable and full-formed characters, they created a compelling story and a plot which gives context to Sondheim’s classic song and the scene pulls you in emotionally. There are full length Hollywood blockbusters out now which cannot do any of those things.

[@tylerbeauregard]

This is genuinely one of my favorite performances of this song.

[@Jimhen59]

When I first heard this, live of course, it brought tears to my eyes. Bravo Carol

[@barbaraperry5023]

Heartbreaking. So good. You feel every line...💕😢

[@malcolmdale]

Wow! I never knew Carol could sing - and she can't just sing, she's a great singer. What talent!

[@carolmcclain6655]

Carol Burnett a legend born on and icon used to watch our shows all the time love her singing or acting her dramatic parts and Carol if you're listening or watching this I hope you'll make some more songs in the future thank you Carol over and out ♥️🇺🇸✝️🗽

[@Geoyce411]

Incredibly moving performance.

[@sonyaedwards6524]

i agree

[@slowfootlabeef704]

Reminds me of Judi Dench's version - Carol Burnett is brilliant- she should have gotten an Oscar, a tony and an Emmy or a Grammy for this!

[@richardgornalle4536]

This lady was my go to for entertainment in my youth. Wonderful group of brilliant performers. Totally love this clip

[@d.cummer2652]

The way she hit the notes of "you in mid air" was perfect!

[@jackjohnson6063]

Don't know how I ever missed this back in 1974. Yet another side of a magnificent lady. Think I love her even more now. Send in the clowns.

[@gailjestus5734]

Beautiful, the best of the best 💝

[@chrisgabert1367]

This woman who has made me laugh for years has now made me cry.

[@srtopo24]

Excellent setup for the song. Carol 'acts' the song perfectly and has a very good voice as well.

[@peachbblackwell5562]

This is a woman whom I have been IN LOVE WITH since my first sight. She is so funny, smart, loving, and pretty.

[@mrs.herculepoirot7763]

That was beautiful, thank you Carol.

[@MaleOrderBride]

Brava! Carol is often dismisses as just a cheesy Variety Show comedienne...but she also can sing beautiful and convey devastating emotions! I also cry at the clip of her final episode ever where she sings: "I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together" and she is genuinely crying...oy!

[@diantaysmith5820]

I Love this song send in the clowns one of my favorite songs I went to Beverly Hills high school in 1979 and I was in the choir we were asked to pick a song and sing a solo and send in the clowns was this song I picked ring and I love Carol Burnett she is just fabulous thanks for the video I really enjoyed it my name is Bonnie

[@MrPoochsmooch]

WOW! I didn't know this existed! What a wonderful take on the song and it never betrayed it's original dramatic intent.

[@neilschippers5597]

My favourite show of all time! Iove The Carol Burnett Show.

[@colnag2158]

Who the hell disliked this? I'm a purist and I still think this is a masterpiece!

[@wainmoldy2262]

If you are not taken by this; ) "Send In The Clowns."

[@Elvis68spec]

You're right!

[@warblerab2955]

"Who the hell disliked this?" 32 deaf people.

[@lancewedor5306]

@@warblerab2955 Sweet species member, Please, no need to be snide. Some of us are not deaf. Many of us read, and write. Tastes vary. C.B. has a lush and vibrant music theater tone. I did enjoy the intro with H.K. as the emotional underpinning of the lament. Personally I liked it. Some folks care not for L. Zeppelin or L. v Beethoven or D. Parton. I had to cultivate appreciation for these noises.

[@warblerab2955]

@@lancewedor5306 I can understand not liking L. Zeppelin and to a lesser extant D. Parton, and as you say you might have to cultivate an appreciation for Beethoven. But to not like Carol Burnett's singing here? If you don't like this, something is wrong with your hearing...sorry.

[@DutchHPfan1992]

Carol Burnett is a legend. And she did a lot more than playing miss Hannigan lol (wich she did brilliantly btw).

[@reisbob7786]

DutchHPfan1992 my heart. My poor heart honestly ;(

[@rneumeye]

The PHRASING!!! 🤩🥰 This song may not have some of the crazy high notes and huge range of some Broadway songs... But don't let that fool you! She is singing some RIDICULOUSLY hard phrases... Seamlessly. 😌 Masterful.🤗

[@lorrieprothero2175]

Carole Burnett has an amazing Broadway trained voice.

[@nbt3663]

What an amazing talent. I'm not sure there is another as talented as Carol Burnett.

[@veebee7039]

Wow. Beautiful 😢🙏🏾💜💜💜💜❤️❤️❤️

[@MrHumpty80]

Wow, I have been researching "singers" who have performed this great song. Until the last 3 weeks, I only knew and loved the Sinatra version. Saw Judy Collins and 1 or 2 others. This is stunning from an actress and great comedian!

[@fchaux]

she was and it is stunning,,,what a talent,,,what a performance,,,

[@stephaniebibb9102]

She is the greatest comedian in my opinion, and this skit shows her talent for dramatic acting also. Love you Carol!!!!

[@catman8670]

Beautifully sung Carol❤️

[@Shamsithaca]

She is actually a great musician...very good ear.

[@newexodus20]

Carol Burnett you will never grow old and voiceless in my heart.

[@PTCello]

Anyone who doubts Carol’s superb ability for drama should watch the gripping movie “Friendly Fire.” God bless her.

[@DubsDarbo]

Carol Burnett is one of the greatest! I was crying before she was.

[@cliffordwicks2996]

Though sad, that was rather lovely.

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

few "citizens" know the circus world significance of the lyrics. Like carnie people and many other special worlds, like theater people, the world under the tent has it's own special words and phrases. In a circus, if there is a disaster, an accident - such as an aerialist falling - or even something show stopping but non-tragic like a performer not ready for their cue, the one thing that always works to save the show is - send in the clowns.

[@eastlynburkholder3559]

I need about 3 clowns right now. In about 25 minutes , I won't need the clowns. When you are a grown up, you face it. No one is there. It will be OK, but right now it isn't.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

It’s also an old theatrical term “send in the clowns” or fools which clowns are a metaphor for the moment in a play when things are falling apart and, to keep the audience diverted from the chaos, somebody tells a few jokes, make light of the situation

[@erflingnot]

Still one of my favorite reeditions of this song! Written by Mr. Stephen Sondheim!

[@iluvpepi]

May he Rest In Peace

[@judyhano8277]

She should have won an academy award for this. Still trying to clear up my tears. Carol was always my favorite female star. Judy Collins is the only other person who can sing this but Carol is better.

[@joeyjoe7930]

She’s just a pro, and that’s that! She can do anything!

[@IanThaddiam]

I shouldn't be surprised given her prodigious talents, but that was pretty devastating.

[@robertvest9686]

Beautiful Job. I love this Lady and her gift to .y mind amd heart & the world

[@mr.balloffur]

I honest to God had no idea she could sing so well ❤️

[@musiconlyplease98]

pure class act love her always

[@Ron71997]

Actor, comedian, singer, dancer - she brings you into the story so powerfully with this song. Brilliant!

[@dmcslack]

It has the context nailed in a few words and moments, brilliant, just brilliant.

[@James-ru5pn]

Oh my goodness. I always loved her. Now just a little bit more…

[@badgeman50]

One of the first music videos. Love Carol!

[@Jewels122003]

relaying, replaying......perfect!..... I'm sorry I never saw this before ('74 I was 15 now almost 64).....so beautiful & spot on.....just the way Sondheim intended!?!? Best rendition I've ever heard of this song.....Thank you!! I needed this!

[@fredbischoff4708]

This was the absolute best if Carol Burnett!

[@rcruz4510]

This was just on last night on a repeat of "Carol Burnett and Friends" on MeTV, just a few weeks after Sondheim's passing. The original airdate was December 1973, so less than a year after the show became known because of Sondheim's "A Little Night Music". The fact that Carol sang it on her show - given her New York City connections - demonstrates how popular the song would become. I remember many versions of that song in the late 70s, with Judy Collins' take on it becoming the definitive "pop" version.

[@itstheburnz]

This is where producers all over and writers realized, Carol can act!!! To Play it straight and be quite convincing. Many great dramatic roles followed her show..Friendly Fire for one!

[@Johnmiller-rg3yo]

This Lady is absolutely fabulous! She is the perfect show girl! Like her…don’t exist anymore!❤️🌹🇮🇹🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@denagustafson6070]

I’ve always loved Ms. Burnett and appreciated her comedic talent, but I had no idea that she was a singer and serious actress. I’m in awe of her skill. Beautiful!

[@coolsweetgroovy]

We need this kind of TV back and I'm also surprised that Carol has never been on Billboard with that voice

[@stevew5146]

She was the most beautiful and funny woman actor, comedian singer. She is America's woman!

[@stevenreeves9092]

Love it even more. Her dynamics are exceptional.