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TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {SHECKY GREENE, ROBERT KLEIN, KENNY ROGERS} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. Carson's guests for this program are comedian Shecky Greene, comedian/actor Robert Klein, and musician Kenny Rogers.

In his opening monologue, Carson touches on the following topics, among others: the uninteresting mayoral race in Los Angeles; President Jimmy Carter's meeting with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat; accusations of domestic violence against Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; and results from NBC's demographic tests. Carson then explains that the flowers adorning the studio were donated by the (surprisingly hard-to-pronounce) Puyallup Daffodil Festival, and then reads out a number of comments from fourth-grade students assigned to ponder what they'd do in Carson's role, with suggestions ranging from exciting guest stars to simply "better jokes."

The first guest, Greene, joins Carson and discusses his poor academic performance in school; his challenging experience recording a remote acceptance speech for a flattering Las Vegas comedy award while he was in Lake Tahoe; comparisons to Howard Cosell's aggressive interviewing style, even with exhausted athletes; the real story behind his alleged car crash through the fountain at Caesar's Palace, frequently used as a joke by his pal Buddy Hackett; and why Las Vegas is becoming "more commercial" and cutting back on its dinner theaters. He then performs a routine involving the songs of Maurice Chevalier and why he, Greene, and not Johnny Cash, would make a good Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof."

Next, Klein takes the stage and jokes about the challenges of bowling alleys; learning to slow down his "New York tempo" while in Texas; the downsides of "make-your-own-salad" bars and medieval-themed restaurants; why he is "a sucker for causes" and charities; and the musical stylings of New Orleans street vendors. He then chats with Carson about spending Passover in North Dakota; performing at summer clubs; why people "don't believe" comedians in serious moments; interacting with a variety of guests during his many visits to "The Tonight Show," including the sharp-tongued Tony Randall; his involvement in the 1968 actors' strike; his childhood dream to play Major League Baseball; and why comedy might preserve one's youthful attitude.

Rogers performs "Lucille" from his recent self-titled album, and then tells Carson about how his past appearances on the show have helped to boost his record sales; how his mother, also named Lucille, immediately "adjusted to show business" upon being invited onstage; and airline-related injuries inflicted on his guitar. He closes the program with "Sweet Music Man," originally written for a female singer. Includes commercials and promos.

Details

  • NETWORK: NBC
  • DATE: April 5, 1977 11:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:15:34
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: B:84032
  • GENRE: Talk/Interview
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Comedy/Variety; Music
  • SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - Charlie women's fragrance
    • TV - Commercials - Coca-Cola soft drinks
    • TV - Commercials - Crystal Vanish toilet bowl cleaner
    • TV - Commercials - Excedrin P.M. painkillers
    • TV - Commercials - Glass Plus cleaner
    • TV - Commercials - Haggar slacks
    • TV - Commercials - Honda automobiles
    • TV - Commercials - Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants
    • TV - Commercials - Kodak cameras
    • TV - Commercials - Kraft Cool Whip whipped topping
    • TV - Commercials - Nestle Tollhouse chocolate
    • TV - Commercials - Parkay margarine
    • TV - Commercials - Pillsbury Hot Loaf dough
    • TV - Commercials - Pillsbury Plus cake mix
    • TV - Commercials - Purina Dog Chow
    • TV - Commercials - WD-40 lubricant spray
    • TV - Promos - "CPO Sharkey"
    • TV - Promos - "Police Woman"

CREDITS

  • NBC Orchestra, The … Music by
  • Doc Severinsen … Conductor
  • Johnny Carson … Host
  • Ed McMahon … Announcer
  • Shecky Greene … Guest, Performer
  • Robert Klein … Guest, Performer
  • Kenny Rogers … Guest, Performer
  • Jimmy Carter
  • Johnny Cash
  • Maurice Chevalier
  • Howard Cosell
  • Buddy Hackett
  • Tony Randall
  • Anwar Sadat
  • Pierre Trudeau