"The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (1962) TV series 1962-1992

Directors:

Frederick De Cordova
Bobby Quinn

Writers:

Johnny Carson (writer)
Hal Goldman (writer)

Seasons:

1 | unknown

Release Date:

1 October 1962 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Music | Talk-Show

Plot:

Host Johnny Carson performs comedy routines and chats with various celebrities.

Plot Keywords:

Sketch Comedy | Variety | Famous Opening Theme | Stand Up Comedy

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 11 wins & 33 nominations

Cast

Johnny Carson

...

Himself - Host / ... (1,969 episodes, 1962-1992)

Also Known As:

The Best of Carson (USA) (rerun title)

Runtime:

105 min (1962-1966) | 60 min (1980-1992) | USA:90 min (1967-1980)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (1962-1984) | Stereo (1984-1992)

Filming Locations:

NBC Studios - 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Carson Productions

Trivia:

When it was first announced that Johnny Carson was joining "The Tonight Show," he was relentlessly pursued by the press for interviews. Carson eventually provided the journalists with the following list of answers that they could use with the questions of their choosing. Yes, I did. Not a bit of truth in that rumor. Only twice in my life, both times on Saturday. I can do either, but prefer the first. NO. Kumquats. I can't answer that question. Toads and tarantulas. Turkestan, Denmark, Chile, and the Komandorskie Islands. As often as possible, but I'm not very good at it yet. I need much more practice. It happened to some old friends of mine, and it's a story I'll never forget.

Quotes:

George Gobel: Did you ever get the feeling that the world is a tuxedo and you're a pair of brown shoes.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Dead Talk Back (#7.3)" (1994)

None better

Carson – the best at what he did. Enigmatic off camera, from what I understand, but absolutely brilliant on camera. His easy interview style and ability to let his guests be the focus stands in contrast to so many pretenders to his late night throne. His jokes and skits, even the ones that flopped, made you feel like you were "in" on the jokes. I don't remember all of his tenure, but I remember over half of it and can still quote from long ago evenings. Example – Doc Severinson wearing a loud jacket with flowers on it. Johnny: "That's some jacket Doc. Put some fertilizer on it and it might bloom". Doc: "We could dip it in your monologue". Johnny: "I'll suggest that to the new band leader". Spontaneous? Probably not. Hilarious? Absolutely! As fun and nostalgic as it is to see current superstars early in their careers as Johnny gave them their first big break, it is even more of a treat to see so many legendary stars, many still in their heyday. Bob Hope, Lucy, Dean Martin, etc. Like Johnny, they are gone now. And like Johnny, they don't make'm that way any more. Sad, but thank God for DVD and video.