TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {PETER FONDA; BOB HOPE; JOHN DENVER; DOM DELUISE} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. Carson's guests for this program are comedians Bob Hope and Dom DeLuise, singer-songwriter John Denver, and actor/director Peter Fonda.

In his opening monologue, Carson touches on the following topics, among others: producer Fred de Cordova's recent trip to Hawaii; the gradual reveal of the many secret Watergate tapes; President Nixon's meeting with singer Ray Charles; and the birth of New York's first in-captivity gorilla. Carson and announcer Ed McMahon also chat about McMahon's performances at the St. Regis Hotel in New York and their upcoming 10th anniversary show, featuring a variety of special guests. Next, Carson, having taken some of bandleader Doc Severinsen's "unique formula" to recover from jet lag, reads out an L.A. Magazine article suggesting "things to do when you're bored," adding to it several unique ideas of his own.

The first guest, Hope, who has taken over Carson's usual studio in order to film his new special, airing Oct. 5, joins Carson and chats about his recent vacation in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, during which he struggled with the lack of fan attention; curbing his language during a golf game with famed preacher Billy Graham; the upcoming Radio City Musical Hall premiere of his new film, "Cancel My Reservation" (1972), in which Carson plays a small role; his first-ever movie, "The Big Broadcast of 1938" (1938), in which he sang his now-iconic "Thanks For the Memories"; recollections of getting his first laughs and deciding to pursue comedy; and his many upcoming appearances and gigs, which prohibit an appearance at Carson's 10th anniversary show. A clip of "Reservation" is also shown.

Next, DeLuise takes the stage and comments on whether he considers himself superstitious; working with Jack Benny on "The Dean Martin Show"; why he found childhood radio shows like "Lights Out" and "The Green Hornet" to be "deceiving"; being a "sentimental father" and rethinking punitive measures toward his kids; memories of his own loud, opinionated Italian immigrant father, with whom he "got to be friends" later in life; how visiting an analyst has helped his relationship with wife Carol Arthur; and the tricky process of answering kids' questions about human reproduction.

Denver performs "It's A Sin to Tell a Lie," and then joins Carson to discuss responses to some of his more controversial and satirical songs; sensing that his well-known devotion to wife Annie Martell-Denver wards off potential groupies; a story about their adventurous honeymoon; and thoughts on songwriting and performing original material. He also performs "Prisoners" from his new album "Rocky Mountain High."

Finally, Fonda joins Carson and the others to discuss the "fascinating" Reverend Graham; why artists often take negative criticism to heart; why he particularly dislikes being deemed "adequate"; his interest in directing his own films, often for little to no money; the various perks of fame; why "actors are children" with a strong vulnerable streak; his early dream of becoming a lawyer; the importance of changing one's views upon receiving new information; and his upcoming film "Two People" (1973). Includes commercials and promos.

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