Carol Burnett:"Drink, Drank, Drunk" [1975: PBS Special WQED Pittsburgh]

In this first section of a 1975 PBS special produced by flagship station WQED Pittsburgh, Carol Burnett describes common misconceptions about alcoholics, Morgan Freeman appears with the first of several "Fast Facts," and the first few minutes of a comedy sketch, a seeming parody of game shows with Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor are shown, titled "You Waste Your Life!" are shown. This hour-long special was originally telecast circa October 1975. It has information in it that is still relevant.



Following the dramatic sketch, an old song is performed by singer Linda Hopkins; "There's A Tavern In The Town." Is anyone familiar with this singer and song? Only one other person I've talked to remembers this song. This is followed by a third "Fast Fact" from Morgan Freeman, then another monologue from Carol Burnett leading into a look at a formal alcoholism program in the Scovill Manufacturing Company in Waterbury, Connecticut. There is also a profile film of an employee who took part in the program.


This section of the 1975 hour-long PBS special has the conclusion of the "You Waste Your Life!" sketch, and an alcoholism quiz conducted by E.G. Marshall. By the way, the "You Waste Your Life!" emcee is played by who died earlier this year; Ron Carey



In this section of the hour-long 1975 PBS special, Carol Burnett tells what the scores on the quiz would mean as far as rating an alcoholism problem, gives advice on what to do about an alcoholic, Morgan Freeman appears again with a second "Fast Fact," then after more advice from Carol, we see this discussion group led by Dr. Harold H. Mosak of people related to alcoholics


After the discussion group, Carol Burnett returns with relating an event in history to advice as to what to do if nothing can be done to help the alcoholic. This is followed by a dramatic sketch with Larry Blyden, Ellen Madison, Stanley Grover, and Maeve McGuire. McGuire is the only one of the four cast members in the sketch that is still living today. She is probably best known for being on the soap opera "The Edge Of Night."



The last section of this 1975 hour-long PBS special has Morgan Freeman presenting another "Fast Fact," he presents another one a little later after Carol Burnett dispenses advice on getting help with alcoholics. Carol Burnett returns with a little more advice. Then comes E.G. Marshall reading a disturbing poem; "My Papa's Waltz," drawings from children of alcoholics with their voices sharing their stories, final thoughts from Carol Burnett, then the closing credits. Heads-up warning: For those scared by closing logos, this contains the 1971 PBS I.D. at the end.

Here are the lyrics to the theme song:

Despair was my companion,
Fear my constant friend,
And peace and joy and loving I'd never see again.

You can drink your bourbon, your whiskey and your wine. I can't help you with your problem. I can learn to live with mine.

And hope came flowing through my sorrow, like water through a sieve. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
I'm really proud to live!