TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {EDDIE MURPHY, ELLEN DEGENERES, JANE LEEVES} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. Carson's guests for this program are comedian/actor Eddie Murphy, comedian Ellen DeGeneres, and actress Jane Leeves.
In his opening monologue, Carson touches on the following topics, among others: the ongoing saga of the meandering Islip garbage barge; the insanely lavish daily lives of famed televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker; strange court cases, including one young lady's victory in demanding to attend her school prom without a date; the latest in the Iran-Contra hearings; and rumors about President Ronald Reagan's curious memory problems. Next, announcer Ed McMahon introduces TV's sweeps week, and "Eyewitless News" anchors Morley Mudd and Connie Casavez (Carson and Teresa Ganzel) present a series of specious, attention-grabbing headlines and crazy stories, including Casavez's ability to "channel" actor Humphrey Bogart and a weather forecast from the Pope.
The first guest, Murphy, joins Carson and discusses his past experiences as a thieving teen; his family life and ongoing friendships with his pre-fame pals; his goofy laugh; his new movie "Beverly Hills Cop II" (1987), a follow-up to the highly successful 1984 comedy, and his reaction to negative film reviews; his scary first appearance on "The Tonight Show" in 1982; his 1985 music album "How Could It Be"; whether his newfound wealth has significantly changed his lifestyle; and his uncertain romantic life. After a clip from "Beverly Hills Cop II," Murphy introduces his actor pal Chris Jackson, who entertains the audience with an impromptu Prince impression.
Next, DeGeneres performs a stand-up routine touching upon such topics as: her childhood desire for a "cuter" name; how "modern Indians" name their children; her four-year-old godson and lack of interest in becoming a parent; the challenging dating life of a black widow spider; and how one can gradually lose patience with the idiosyncrasies of one's romantic partner.
Finally, Leeves chats with Carson about her upbringing in a "very proper" small Sussex town; how she made it to Hollywood via a TV commercial in Paris; her surprise at Los Angeles' size and scope; her fondness for "Dynasty" and its dissimilarity from popular British serial "Coronation Street"; the story behind her multiple appearances on "The Benny Hill Show"; her single status and preferences in a potential date; and her role as outspoken Cockney character Blue on the sitcom "Throb." Includes commercials and promos.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: May 21, 1987 11:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:56:43
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:43764
- GENRE: Talk/Interview
- SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Comedy/Variety; African-American Collection - News/Talk
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - Castrol GTX HIgh Mileage motor oil
- TV - Commercials - Havoline Supreme motor oil
- TV - Commercials - Hershey's chocolate
- TV - Commercials - Jiffy Lube service stations
- TV - Commercials - Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants
- TV - Commercials - Kraft macaroni and cheese
- TV - Commercials - Michelob beers
- TV - Commercials - Minolta cameras
- TV - Commercials - Nuprin painkillers
- TV - Commercials - Price Pfister faucets
- TV - Commercials - RC Cola soft drinks
- TV - Commercials - Renuzit air freshener
- TV - Commercials - Stroh's beers
- TV - Promos - "Late Night With David Letterman"
- TV - Promos - "Perry Mason: The Case of the Sinister Spirit"
- TV - Promos - "Saturday Night Live"
- TV - Promos - "Today"
CREDITS
- NBC Orchestra, The … Music by
- Doc Severinsen … Conductor
- Johnny Carson … Host
- Ed McMahon … Announcer
- Ellen DeGeneres … Guest, Performer
- Eddie Murphy … Guest
- Chris Jackson … Guest
- Jane Leeves … Guest
- Teresa Ganzel … Cast, Connie Casavez
- Humphrey Bogart
- Jim Bakker
- Tammy Faye Bakker
- Benny Hill
- Ronald Reagan
- Prince (see also: Prince Rogers Nelson)