It all started in the 1970s, when Carol Burnett and her team were brainstorming ideas for a sketch that would poke fun at the epic romance of Gone With The Wind. They wanted to create a parody that would be over-the-top and ridiculous, and that's when Bob Mackie stepped in with his magical design skills. With a few swift stitches and some creative thinking, Mackie turned ordinary drapes into an extraordinary comedy prop.
From Drapes to Drama
The now-famous "Went With The Wind" gown was made from a pair of green velvet drapes, which Mackie cleverly transformed into a hilarious parody of Scarlett O'Hara's iconic ball gown. The result was a side-splitting spectacle that has become one of the most beloved moments in TV comedy history. Who needs real designer gowns when you can make a laugh-out-loud masterpiece from a pair of old drapes?
But what makes this sketch truly timeless is the way it affectionately teases the original movie, rather than making fun of it. Carol Burnett and her team were all huge fans of Gone With The Wind, and their love for the film shines through in every witty detail of the parody. From the outrageous gown to the spot-on impressions, every element of the sketch is a masterclass in comedic writing and performance.
