TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {GUEST HOST BURT REYNOLDS; LIZA MINNELLI, GENE HACKMAN, MEL BROOKS, JERRY REED, LAUREN HUTTON} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. This episode, guest-hosted by actor Burt Reynolds, features actress/singer Liza Minnelli, actor Gene Hackman, actress/model Lauren Hutton, comedian Mel Brooks, and musician/actor Jerry Reed.
In his opening monologue, Reynolds touches on the following topics, among others: his recent trip to Mexico to film "Lucky Lady" (1975) alongside Minnelli and Hackman; and outlandish media rumors about his personal life. After a brief chat with announcer Ed McMahon, Reynolds welcomes Minnelli, who first sings the title song to "Lucky Lady." She and Reynolds then chat about the fun of shooting "Lucky," her first film since "Cabaret" (1972), despite the challenges of staying in a small town; why the film, which examines a three-way romance, is not "exploitative"; their mutual delight in working with Hackman; why her nightclub performances are actually more lucrative than her film career; her next film, "A Matter of Time" (1976), directed by her father Vincent Minnelli; a story from their time in Mexico in which Minnelli agreed to perform an impromptu song at a seedy nightclub, much to the displeasure of the rowdy patrons; and their confirmation that they did not, as reported by the tabloids, have an affair on the set. Minnelli then performs "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight."
Next, Reynolds introduces Hackman as "the best actor he's ever worked with," and Hackman chats about his role on one episode of "Hawk," Reynolds' short-lived ABC crime series; their "Lucky" reshoots in Rome, in which they all donned old-age makeup; his kids' lack of interest in his films; their thoughts on being recognized by fans; and more tales from Mexico, including Hackman and Minnelli's decision to alleviate boredom by staging a fake "marital" fight. A scene from "Lucky Lady" is then shown.
Hutton, whom Reynolds has just directed in "Gator" (1976), then takes the stage and comments on Reynolds as a director, explaining that he "takes everyone's ideas." She also displays some funny set photos from the shoot before commenting on tabloid rumors, musing over the true definition of "an affair."
Next, Brooks joins Reynolds and his guests and discusses his new film "Silent Movie" (1976), which is actually silent; the two crucially different "types" of laughter; Hackman's memorable role in "Young Frankenstein" (1974); tales from his childhood in New York, including how his mother Kitty raised four boys alone after her husband's premature death; his popularity with Italian fans; his talent for impressions; his positive reaction to "Lucky"; and a certain joke removed from "Blazing Saddles" (1974).
Reed, who also appears in "Gator." joins The NBC Orchestra and, wishing to sing "something meller," offers "Stagger Lee" (also popularized as "Stagolee"). Reynolds praises Reed's acting and shows some outtakes from "Gator," after which the two sing "Cattle Call." Includes commercials and promos.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: December 15, 1975 11:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:16:31
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:52467
- GENRE: Talk/Interview
- SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Comedy; Music
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - Brim decaffeinated coffee
- TV - Commercials - Earth Shoe footwear
- TV - Commercials - Gillette Cricket cigarette lighters
- TV - Commercials - Heinz ketchup
- TV - Commercials - Isotoner gloves
- TV - Commercials - Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants
- TV - Commercials - Lipton Cup-a-Soup
- TV - Commercials - Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- TV - Commercials - RCA ColorTrak televisions
- TV - Commercials - Revlon Colorsilk hair color
- TV - Commercials - RinseNVac vacuum cleaners
- TV - Commercials - Tang breakfast drink
- TV - Commercials - Texas Instruments home computers
- TV - Commercials - The Body Shaper shower heads
- TV - Commercials - Vise Grip gift toolset
- TV - Promos - "Joe Forrester"
- TV - Promos - "Petrocelli"
- TV - Promos - "Police Woman"
CREDITS
- NBC Orchestra, The … Music by
- Tommy Newsom … Conductor
- Burt Reynolds … Host
- Ed McMahon … Announcer
- Liza Minnelli … Guest, Performer
- Jerry Reed … Guest, Performer
- Gene Hackman … Guest
- Lauren Hutton … Guest
- Mel Brooks … Guest
- Vincent Minnelli