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TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {JACK PALANCE; TOM SULLIVAN; SUSAN SARANDON; SIDNEY SHELDON} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. Carson's guests for this program are actor Jack Palance, actor Susan Sarandon, musician Tom Sullivan and author Sidney Sheldon.

In his opening monologue, Carson touches on the following topics, among others: the ongoing oil crisis and Governor Ronald Regan's "marketing plan"; long lines and detailed rules about the ration, which involves using one's license plates to determine one's allotted gas days; and how the crisis has distracted the nation from the Watergate scandal.

Carson and announcer Ed McMahon then debate the proper pronunciation of the guests' names and discuss Carson's first "professional" tennis match, during which he may appear on television, McMahon's upcoming performances with Johnny Mathis, and the debut of a new magazine, People. Carson then names several other "new" magazines with highly specific demographics.

The first guest, Palance, takes the stage and performs Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee," after which he chats with Carson about his love of Poe and visit to his Baltimore gravesite; Poe's infamous alcoholism and many scary stories, including "The Cask of Amantillado"; the many "lovely young ladies" alongside whom Palance has appeared on Carson's show; his new film "Craze" (1974), in which he plays a serial killer; his views on capital punishment; his recent reading of a book about President Harry S. Truman, known for his fondness for swearing; his views on the use of profanity for "shock value," as heard in the recent film "Serpico" (1973). Palance then performs the song "Once Long Ago."

Next, Sarandon joins Carson and discusses the correct pronunciation of her surname, which was originally "Sarandonethes" when husband Chris' family emigrated from Greece; their "quick and cheap" wedding, for which she made her own dress; why marriage should be frequently renegotiated like a contract; her vegetarianism, which is easier to maintain on the West Coast than on her native East Coast; the "pedestrian power" in Los Angeles, unlike in NYC; and being the oldest of nine children.

Sullivan then performs "Who Can Say" and then chats with Carson about the advantages and disadvantages of blindness; funny stories about his "sadistic" college roommate; rowing crew at Harvard University; how he met his wife, including his brief consideration of her attractive friend. Sullivan then performs "I Who Have Nothing."

Finally, Sheldon joins Carson and the others and comments on his dislike of television edits of his films, including "Easter Parade" (1948); a recent television version of "Foreign Correspondent" (1940) that omitted an important murder scene; how the "stoic" people of Britain are handling the many ongoing strikes and shortages; his latest novel "The Other Side of Midnight" and its upcoming film adaptation, for which Sarandon fortuitously suggests herself as a cast member; selling his first poem at age 11, much to his parents' concern; his 18-year-old daughter's writing talents; the recent death of film executive Samuel Goldwyn, known for his "colorful" personality and love of gambling; and a funny story about Jack Benny's encounter with 101-year-old Paramount Pictures founder Adolph Zuker. Includes commercials and promos.

Details

  • NETWORK: NBC
  • DATE: March 1, 1974 11:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:28:08
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: B:76061
  • GENRE: Talk/Interview
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Comedy/Variety
  • SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - L'Eggs Sheer Energy stockings
    • TV - Commercials - Nabisco Li'l Loafs snack bread
    • TV - Commercials - Pamprin pain reliever
    • TV - Commercials - Purina Special Dinners cat food
    • TV - Commercials - Ruffles potato chips
    • TV - Commercials - Toyota automobiles
    • TV - Commercials - Vicks Formula 44 cough medicine
    • TV - Commercials - Vicks Sinex nasal spray
    • TV - Promos - "Adam 12"
    • TV - Promos - "The Green Berets"
    • TV - Promos - "The Magician"
    • TV - Promos - NCAA basketball tournament

CREDITS

  • NBC Orchestra, The … Music by
  • Doc Severinsen … Conductor
  • Johnny Carson … Host
  • Ed McMahon … Announcer
  • Jack Palance … Guest, Performer
  • Tom Sullivan … Guest, Performer
  • Susan Sarandon … Guest
  • Sidney Sheldon … Guest
  • Jack Benny
  • Samuel Goldwyn
  • Johnny Mathis
  • Edgar Allan Poe
  • Ronald Reagan
  • Chris Sarandon
  • Harry S. Truman
  • Adolph Zuker