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TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {JOHN DAVIDSON; RICHARD PRYOR; DARLEEN CARR; MICHAEL FOX; THE DON RICKLES "CIGARETTE BOX INCIDENT"} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. Carson's guests for this program are actor/singer John Davidson, comedian Richard Pryor, actress Darleen Carr and veterinarian and author Michael Fox. In his opening monologue, Carson touches on the following topics, among others: the incumbent holiday season; boxer Muhammad Ali's decision to come out of retirement for financial reasons; Jimmy Carter's official confirmation as President elect; his appointment of W. Michael Blumenthal as Secretary of the Treasury; Carter's eccentric siblings, including his motorcycle-loving sister Gloria; Henry Kissinger's final trip as Secretary of State; and an upcoming Barbara Walters interview with the Carters and Barbra Streisand.

Carson chats with Severinsen, standing in for McMahon, about the challenges of gift-shopping and the extreme prices of certain items, including perfume. Carson then discovers that his prized cigarette box is broken, having been damaged by Don Rickles during his appearance on the previous night's show, and, followed by a camera, he storms onto the adjacent set where Rickles is busy filming an episode of "C.P.O. Sharkey," to confront him about it in front of a shocked and delighted studio audience.

Carson eventually returns to his desk, and the first guest, Davidson, performs "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and then sits down to discuss the following: his upcoming special "The John Davidson Christmas Show," which features a vast quantity of fake snow, inspired by his appropriate wintry childhood Christmases in New England; the complications of filming the special in October, during California's record-setting heat wave; his kids' appearance in the special and convincing improvisation, having been told that it was actually Christmas; and a memorable nativity scene featuring many of his relatives. Davidson then also sings "After the Lovin'."

Next, Pryor takes the stage and comments on the following: his new picture "Silver Streak" (1976), which he has not yet seen; director Arthur Hiller's dislike of his trademark improvisational comedy; ideas for directing his own movie, possibly about a Yuletide wino; why he is "not allowed" to return to his hometown of Peoria, Illinois; his recent trip to jail for tax evasion; his reaction to criticism of his frequent use of the "n-word"; and his dislike of flying and other phobias.

Carr then joins Carson onstage and discusses the following: her role on "The Street of San Francisco" alongside Karl Malden, who plays her character's father; a line of dialogue added to explain their very dissimilar looks; her appearance on the first-ever "Battle of the Network Stars" and her general love of sports; and her role on "Once An Eagle," from which a clip is shown.

Finally, Fox sits down to comment on the following: his recent book "Between Animal and Man"; his views on animals' emotions, similar to humans; how humans can unknowingly "give signals" to their pets with certain scents; his techniques for disciplining his dogs; his recommendation to present children four years and older with pets as Christmas gifts only after the "happy chaos" of the day is over; his desire to "break down the species barrier" with education about animals' needs and preferences; and advice to Carr and Pryor about their various pet woes. Includes commercials and promos.

Details

  • NETWORK: NBC
  • DATE: December 14, 1976 11:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:15:20
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: B:83047
  • GENRE: Talk/Interview
  • SUBJECT HEADING: African-American Collection - Comedy; Talk/Interview; Comedy
  • SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - Bic lighters
    • TV - Commercials - Cascade dishwasher detergent
    • TV - Commercials - Emeraude fragrance
    • TV - Commercials - Hormel Cure 81 ham
    • TV - Commercials - Isotoner gloves
    • TV - Commercials - Jontue Revlon perfume
    • TV - Commercials - Lipton Cup-a-Soup
    • TV - Commercials - Northern Fresh Brush complexion brush
    • TV - Commercials - Pillsbury Crescent dinner rolls
    • TV - Commercials - Pillsbury cookies
    • TV - Commercials - Prince Gardner leather goods
    • TV - Commercials - Shake n Bake coating mix
    • TV - Commercials - Spray 'n Wash stain remover
    • TV - Commercials - Swift Premium sausage
    • TV - Commercials - Taster's Choice freeze-dried coffee
    • TV - Commercials - WaterPik One Step at a Time smoking cessation products
    • TV - Promos - "The John Davidson Christmas Show"

CREDITS

  • Fred De Cordova … Producer
  • Peter Lassally … Associate Producer
  • Dick Manley … Commercial Producer
  • Bobby Quinn … Director
  • Pat McCormick … Writer
  • Raymond Siller … Writer
  • Norman Liebmann … Writer
  • Terry Hart … Writer
  • Hal Goodman … Writer
  • Larry Klein … Writer
  • The NBC Orchestra … Music by
  • Tommy Newsom … Conductor
  • Johnny Carson … Host
  • Doc Severinsen … Co-Host
  • John Davidson … Guest, Performer
  • Richard Pryor … Guest
  • Darleen Carr … Guest
  • Michael Fox … Guest
  • Muhammad Ali (see also: Cassius Clay)
  • W. Michael Blumenthal
  • Gloria Carter
  • Jimmy Carter
  • Arthur Hiller
  • Henry Kissinger
  • Karl Malden
  • Don Rickles
  • Barbra Streisand
  • Barbara Walters