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TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {CHARLES NELSON REILLY, BUCK HENRY, PETE FOUNTAIN, BARBARA HOWAR} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of late-night talk/variety programs hosted by Johnny Carson. Carson's guests for this program are actor Charles Nelson Reilly, actor/writer/director Buck Henry, clarinetist Pete Fountain, and D.C. socialite and writer Barbara Hower.

In his opening monologue, Carson touches on the following topics, among others: "withdrawal" from football season; recent New Year's Eve celebrations; Gerald Ford's role as Grand Marshal of the recent Rose Bowl Parade and his "hankering" to return to politics; and President Carter's recent trips to Iran and India.

Carson then chats with co-host Ed McMahon about their twenty-year professional partnership, with Carson noting that their 3:00 PM TV appearances were once the first television programs of the day. Turning to New Year's resolutions, McMahon states that he is once again committing to lose weight, annoyed at Carson's perpetually slim frame. Carson then reads out several funny "resolutions" from notable celebrities.

The first guest, Reilly, takes the stage and discusses his disappointment at having been "removed" from the "Tonight Show" Christmas gift list, possibly owing to his one-time guest-host appearance; his holiday celebrations with other "monos," or individuals with no immediate family; his somewhat Dickensian childhood and an odd tradition involving a teetering Christmas tree; his many appearances on "the other network" and its use of wheeled sets and furniture; his unfortunate love of bourbon and food in general; his early days as a literal "starving actor" and reliance on Hollywood's many "freebies"; and a funny story about his experience traveling around the country to promote "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" with co-stars Edward Mulhare and Hope Lange, only to learn mid-tour that the show had been cancelled. Reilly's interview is briefly interrupted by the surprise arrival of Bob Hope, Steve Lawrence, and Eydie Gormé, who are filming an upcoming comedy special, "Bob Hope's All-Star Vaudeville Tribute to the Palace Theater," just down the hall.

The next guest, Henry, takes the stage and discusses his habit of crashing strangers' holiday parties; how he acquired his nickname of "Buck"; proud and not-so-proud moments of 1977; the "cycle" of popular baby names, sometimes influenced by famous movie stars; his curiosity about Carson's boyish nickname; and his currently single status.

Next, Fountain takes the stage with his band and plays two numbers from his album "Pete Fountain's Jazz Reunion." After the songs, Howar sits down with Carson and comments on her lack of a traditional Southern "double name"; her own daughter's unusual first name of "Bader"; her disapproval of Carter's sudden trips abroad; the strangely anonymous nature of many Cabinet members; the challenges facing politicians' spouses, including the story of Maine Senator Edmund Muskie and the exaggerated media stories about his wife that irreparably damaged his campaign; and whether she would consider marrying a politician. Includes commercials and promos.

Details

  • NETWORK: NBC
  • DATE: January 3, 1978 11:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:23:48
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: B:84020
  • GENRE: Talk/Interview
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Comedy/Variety
  • SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1962-1992
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - Alberto Beyond pre-shampoo conditioner
    • TV - Commercials - Bic shavers
    • TV - Commercials - Clairol Short & Sassy shampoo
    • TV - Commercials - Delta Airlines
    • TV - Commercials - Excedrin Extra-Strength pain reliever
    • TV - Commercials - Green Giant entrees
    • TV - Commercials - Mudd skin cleanser
    • TV - Commercials - Odor Eaters insoles
    • TV - Commercials - Ore Ida hash browns
    • TV - Commercials - Protein 29 hair restorer
    • TV - Commercials - Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes
    • TV - Commercials - Purina Tender Vittles cat food
    • TV - Commercials - Reader's Digest magazine and sweepstakes
    • TV - Commercials - Revlon Formula 2 face cream
    • TV - Commercials - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission association
    • TV - Commercials - U.S. Postal Service stamp collection
    • TV - Commercials - Volkswagen automobiles
    • TV - Promos - "Police Woman"
    • TV - Promos - "What Really Happened to the Class of '65?"

CREDITS

  • NBC Orchestra, The … Music by
  • Tommy Newsom … Conductor
  • Johnny Carson … Host
  • Ed McMahon … Co-Host
  • Pete Fountain … Guest, Performer
  • Charles Nelson Reilly … Guest
  • Buck Henry … Guest
  • Barbara Howar … Guest
  • Bob Hope … Guest
  • Eydie Gormé … Guest
  • Steve Lawrence … Guest
  • Jimmy Carter
  • Gerald Ford
  • Hope Lange
  • Edward Mulhare
  • Edmund Muskie