TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {ROBERT KLEIN, JIM VALVANO, AARON NEVILLE} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. On this program, Carson welcomes actor/comedian Robert Klein, sports commentator/basketball coach Jim Valvano, and singer Aaron Neville. Carson's monologue touches on the following topics, among others: William Kennedy Smith's acquittal of rape charges and the exploitation of his trial by the media; effects of the recession he observed while Christmas shopping at the mall; and the numerous condom shops that have recently opened. Next, in a sketch called "Cosmos Special Report," Carson plays astronomer/author Carl Sagan as he attempts to dispel the public's panic over a "strange object" hurtling towards Earth. Sagan claims the object is heading for the bizarre zone known as "The Burbank Triangle," and takes testimonials from celebrities who have experienced this phenomenon first hand, including actor/comedian Bob Newhart, actor/former baseball player Bob Uecker, cartoonist Cathy Guisewite, and film director Barry Levinson. Next, Robert Klein does a stand-up performance in which he discusses the Clarence Thomas - Anita Hill sexual harassment hearings and does impressions of various senators, including Strom Thurmond. Joining Carson, Klein comments on his distaste for Jimmy Swaggart, and criticizes Oral Roberts's appeals for money to his viewing audience. Jim Valvano discusses his difficulty communicating with the locals while he was recently in Cuba for the Pan-American Games; why the U.S. has decided to send professional basketball players to the upcoming Olympics; and his forthcoming appearance on "Cosby." Finally, Aaron Neville performs "The Christmas Song" and "O Holy Night." Includes commercials and promos.

Details

• NETWORK: NBC
• DATE: December 12, 1991 11:35 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 0:58:54
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: T:42951
• GENRE: Talk/Interview; Comedy/Variety
• SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Comedy/Variety; Music, popular (songs, etc.)
• SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
• COMMERCIALS:
  • TV - Commercials - "Father of the Bride" (feature film)
  • TV - Commercials - "Hook" (feature film)
  • TV - Commercials - Duracell batteries
  • TV - Commercials - Isotoner gloves
  • TV - Commercials - Isotoner slippers
  • TV - Commercials - K Mart department stores
  • TV - Commercials - Lenscrafters opticians
  • TV - Commercials - Lexus automobiles
  • TV - Commercials - Liquid-plumr drain opener
  • TV - Commercials - Old Spice after shave and cologne
  • TV - Commercials - Sears department stores
  • TV - Commercials - Tide with Bleach Alternative laundry detergent
  • TV - Commercials - Timex watches
  • TV - Commercials - Toyota Corolla automobiles
  • TV - Commercials - Wendy's restaurants
  • TV - Promos - "Late Night with David Letterman"
  • TV - Promos - "Later"
  • TV - Promos - "Matlock: The Game Show"
  • TV - Promos - "Olympics Triplecast"
  • TV - Promos - "Saturday Night Live"

CREDITS

• Doc Severinsen … Conductor
• NBC Orchestra, The … Music Group
• Johnny Carson … Host
• Ed McMahon … Announcer
• Robert Klein … Performer, Guest
• Jim Valvano … Guest
• Aaron Neville … Singer
• Cathy Guisewite
• Barry Levinson
• Bob Newhart
• Bob Uecker