Laugh torpedoes incoming — The Carol Burnett Show dives into WWII madness with “1942 Somewhere in Water,” the submarine skit that turns war strategy into total slapstick disaster. Periscopes fail, orders get lost in translation, and the crew panics harder than their equipment. With Carol, Harvey, and Tim turning chaos into comedy gold, this underwater mission sinks faster than a broken battleship… and you’ll be laughing all the way down.
The Carol Burnett Show was known for twisting history into humor, and one of the most memorable examples remains the WWII satire titled “1942 Somewhere in Water – The Japanese Submarine Skit.” In classic Carol Burnett fashion, the sketch transforms a tense, war-era setting into a whirlpool of slapstick chaos, lovable misunderstandings, and character-driven comedy.
Set aboard a bumbling Japanese submarine during World War II, the skit centers on a crew that can’t quite get their mission — or their equipment — to cooperate. From malfunctioning periscopes to communication mishaps, everything that could go wrong, does. Instead of fierce military strategy, audiences are treated to giggling sailors, clueless commanding officers, and punchlines that hit harder than torpedoes.
As always, the performers elevate the scene. Whether it’s Harvey Korman cracking under pressure, Carol Burnett delivering razor-sharp reactions, or Tim Conway perfecting his slow-burn comedic meltdown, the cast uses exaggerated seriousness to make every disaster hilarious. The sketch also showcases the show’s playful approach to parody — never mean-spirited, but always ready to poke fun at the absurdity of wartime stereotypes and Hollywood dramatics.
Debuting during a period when television variety shows ruled weekend nights, “1942 Somewhere in Water” exemplifies why The Carol Burnett Show continues to be celebrated: bold physical comedy, smart satire, and a cast with impeccable timing. Decades later, it remains a standout example of how laughter can disarm even the most intense historical period.