If you ever needed proof that Tim Conway could turn absolutely anything into comedic mayhem, look no further than “The Fireman” — the unforgettable sketch where his iconic slow-moving, mumbling old man returns, this time as a firefighter whose job is to save Harvey Korman’s life.
From the moment Conway shuffles into view, dragging his feet an inch at a time, the audience already knows one thing:
Harvey Korman is not going to survive this rescue attempt — at least not with his dignity intact.
In the sketch, Korman collapses and desperately needs mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Unfortunately, the only “emergency responder” available is Conway’s painfully slow, arthritic old man — whose version of swift action moves at the pace of continental drift.
What follows is some of the most brilliantly executed physical comedy ever aired on television:
- Conway bending down so slowly it seems he may fossilize before reaching the floor
- Korman trembling with suppressed laughter as Conway’s face inches toward his
- Conway muttering completely unintelligible “instructions” (“Hhhmmph… y’gotta… fffhh…”)
- The most awkward mouth-to-mouth attempt in history, complete with Conway’s dentures nearly falling out
By the time Conway finally delivers his “rescue breathing,” Korman has abandoned all attempts at professionalism. His shoulders shake, his lips twitch, and he tries — and utterly fails — to keep a straight face as Conway smothers him with what may be the slowest, clumsiest lifesaving maneuver ever performed.
The audience roars with laughter.
Carol Burnett later said she had never seen Harvey Korman laugh harder in his life.
“The Fireman” remains peak Conway–Korman brilliance:
- One man unleashing beautifully timed chaos
- The other struggling — and failing — to stay composed
It’s the kind of comedy that never ages, never loses its charm, and continues to prove why Tim Conway and Harvey Korman are remembered as one of television’s greatest comedic duos.