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TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {ROBERT BLAKE, JOAN BAEZ, SUSAN SARANDON, EUBIE BLAKE} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. Carson's guests for this program are actor Robert Blake, musician/activist Joan Baez, actress Susan Sarandon and musician Eubie Blake.

In his opening monologue, Carson touches on the following topics, among others: the fourth anniversary of the show's move to California, as commemorated with a redecorated set; why the program opted to move from New York City; their many "accomplishments" since taking to the airwaves; co-host Ed McMahon's mischief at the anniversary party; Zsa Zsa Gabor's sixth marriage to Barbie doll engineer Jack Ryan; and the cancellations of "Gunsmoke" and "Mannix."

McMahon then has a conversation with the cantankerous "Aunt Blabby," who describes her daily life as a "swinging singles' place for senior citizens," including dating events and athletic offerings. Carson then notes that bandleader Doc Severinsen will be joining the Syracuse Symphony for an evening of some "longhair music."

The first guest, Blake, then takes the stage and comments on the displeasing new furniture; his managers' fruitless advice to "be humble" on the air; his dislike of his dressing room, which features too many mirrors, and his attempts to commandeer Tony Curtis' and George Peppards' quarters instead; his very unusual "vacation" plans during hiatus from "Baretta," and whether he may have violated his studio contract; his strong dislike for authority; his decision to give an interview for People magazine, after seeing that the famously shy Carson had also consented to be profiled; the challenges of "acting natural" while being photographed; his sense that journalist are writing about "themselves looking at you," rather than about their actual subjects; photos from his childhood role in "The Little Rascals," a.k.a. "Our Gang," and from his time in the army, during which he was sent to "the nuthouse"; the upcoming second season of "Baretta"; how his life has not changed significantly despite making a good deal of "bread" with the show; and why he has not upgraded to a swankier automobile with his earnings.

Next, Baez performs "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" from her album "Diamonds and Rust," after which she joins Carson onstage and, agreeing with Blake about the new chair, discusses her profound relief at the conclusion of the long Vietnam War, to which she was a vocal opponent; opting for a "new musical direction" on the new album, featuring only apolitical English lyrics, because of her need for money; her new book, in which she writes about the "intriguing" Marlon Brando; and her talent for impressions, including Brando's famous "Godfather" character, Jean Stapleton's garrulous Edith Bunker, and comedian Jerry Lewis.

Sarandon, star of the upcoming "The Other Side of Midnight" (1977), then joins Carson and the others onstage, declaring that she has "run out of everything to say" in an interview. Eubie Blake performs "The Charleston Rag," and then joins "ofay" Carson to discuss his childhood in Baltimore; his mother's dislike of ragtime and preference for classical music; and being playing music in "houses of ill repute" by the women from his local church. He then plays two more numbers on the piano. Includes commercials and promos.

(During the taping, the like-minded Sarandon and Baez apparently antagonized Carson with their political commentary, prompting Carson to turn the rest of the show over to Eubie Blake. Baez later apologized to Carson for the incident during her next appearance in June.)

Details

  • NETWORK: NBC
  • DATE: April 30, 1975 11:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:24:30
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: B:80493
  • GENRE: Talk/Interview
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Comedy/Variety
  • SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - Clairol Happiness hair color
    • TV - Commercials - Endust furniture spray
    • TV - Commercials - French's sauces
    • TV - Commercials - Haggar slacks
    • TV - Commercials - Iso-Toner gloves
    • TV - Commercials - Miller Lite beer
    • TV - Commercials - Revlon Charlie women's fragrance
    • TV - Commercials - Rubbermaid storage containers
    • TV - Commercials - Sheraton-Universal hotels
    • TV - Commercials - Skippy dog food
    • TV - Commercials - Tang drink mix
    • TV - Commercials - Ultra Ban Super-Dry antiperspirant
    • TV - Commercials - United Airlines
    • TV - Commercials - Vanquish pain reliever
    • TV - Commercials - WaterPik shower massager
    • TV - Commercials - Wishbone salad dressing
    • TV - Promos - "McCloud"
    • TV - Promos - "The Invisible Man"
    • TV - Promos - "The Tomorrow Show"

CREDITS

  • NBC Orchestra, The … Music by
  • Doc Severinsen … Conductor
  • Johnny Carson … Host
  • Ed McMahon … Announcer
  • Joan Baez … Guest, Performer
  • Robert Blake … Guest
  • Susan Sarandon … Guest
  • Eubie Blake … Guest
  • Marlon Brando
  • Tony Curtis
  • Zsa Zsa Gabor
  • Jerry Lewis
  • George Peppard
  • Jack Ryan
  • Jean Stapleton