A rare appearance by Johnny Carson on a talk show where he is the subject of an in-depth interview.

1970-1996 Phil Donahue began hosting a local talk show in Dayton Ohio in 1967. By 1970, it was syndicated nationally. In 1977 Donahue moved his show to Chicago and the name of the show became known as simply DONAHUE.  In January 1985, the show again moved, this time to New York. By the early 1990's Donahue's ratings were eclipsed by the Oprah Winfrey Show and other talk hosts.                          

August 18, 1969-February 11, 1972. 

Joined in progress. Merv Griffin introduces Jane Wyman.who remembers first meeting Arthur Treacher in 1939 
During Busby Berkeley's appearance Arthur Treacher comments on the  clips being shown. 


CBS signed Merv Griffin to a ninety-minute late night talk show in 1969. On hand were announcer Arthur Treacher and the Mort Lindsay Orchestra, both of whom had been with Griffin on his Westinghouse show. In September 1970 the show moved from New York to Los Angeles but to no avail, playing second best to "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Most of these shows were erased by CBS and did not survive. 

Jayne Wyman, Robert Wagner, Busby Berkeley, Della Reese             

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. 

Joan Rivers substitutes as guest host for Johnny Carson.
Doc Severensen substitutes for Ed McMahon. 

Complete opening monologue is heard by Joan Rivers. 
Rivers and Severinsen discuss superstitions. Guest and expert on the subject, Nick Machucas  joins them and further elaborates on the subject.    

Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.            

December 29th,1969-January 1st,1975 (ABC) 

Dick Cavett is back on television as ABC's new entrant in the late-night race. The format is desk and sofa five nights a week like the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin shows. As Cavett sees it, it's the chemistry that counts. His forte:an articulate way with an interview, plus approaches to comedy that range from youthful innocence to the cynicism of W.C.Fields. 

Host: Dick Cavett. and guest Sam Levinson trade quips.                                      

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  

Guests: EJ Peaker, Anne Baxter, Edgar Bergen, George Gobel, 

NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW may only contain an opening monologue by Johnny Carson. 
Other content, as listed, will have to be monitored and confirmed upon your order request. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

October 1, 1962-March 29, 1963 (NBC); 1965-1969 (Syndicated); August 18, 1969-February 11, 1972 (CBS); 1972-1986 (Syndicated)

Guest: Lainie Kazan, Rona Barrett, George Jessel.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

An introspective into one of our most outspoken conservatives. Capp speaks his mind about hippies, pot, demonstrations, etc.              

December 29th,1969-January 1st,1975 (ABC) 

Dick Cavett is back on television as ABC's new entrant in the late-night race. The format is desk and sofa five nights a week like the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin shows. As Cavett sees it, it's the chemistry that counts. His forte:an articulate way with an interview, plus approaches to comedy that range from youthful innocence to the cynicism of W.C.Fields. 

Host: Dick Cavett. Guest: Salvador Dali.                                                 

1958-1987

Theatrical and television producer David Susskind hosted this talk program consisting of a wide variety of topics. Each show centered around one topic consisting of four to seven guests. 

Topic: The Chicago Seven conspiracy trial. 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the Federal government with conspiracy arising from the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Guests: Defense attorney William Kunstler and Henry Pitts, president of the Illinois Bar Association.                                                                    

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

Host: Johnny Carson. 



                                                                                                                           

October 1, 1962-March 29, 1963 (NBC); 1965-1969 (Syndicated); August 18, 1969-February 11, 1972 (CBS); 1972-1986 (Syndicated).

Guest: Cartoonist Al Capp. 

                                                                                                                                                                

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor are interviewed by David Frost.

Duplicate of #801.             

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

Host: Johnny Carson. Guests: Tony Randall, Cliff Robertson, Jack Haley Jr. 

 



                                                                                                                           

  A salute to Motion Picture director, Mervyn LeRoy. 

Both Mervyn LeRoy and David Frost recount their first time on stage, acting, as youngsters. Six of LeRoy's directed motion pictures are seen in clips discussed by the director with anecdotes. They include, Little Caesar, I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang, They Won't Forget, Waterloo Bridge, Blossoms in the Dust, and Wizard of Oz. 

Other interesting memories by Mervyn LeRoy include his remembrance when directing a screen  test of newcomer Clark Gable and the studio's dissention was that his "ears are too large."                                      

David Frost's guest is Comedian Jackie Mason. 

A very amusing and candid discussion in which host David Frost is often "ribbed" by comedienne Jackie Mason related to his English ancestry.

Mason discusses morality in America, the ever increasing prevalence of corrupt, myopic  politicians in our country, his latest venture as an actor in motion pictures, and our ever increasing importance of focusing on the environment in the USA before it is too late to save the planet.              

December 29th,1969-January 1st,1975 (ABC) 

Dick Cavett is back on television as ABC's new entrant in the late-night race. The format is desk and sofa five nights a week like the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin shows. As Cavett sees it, it's the chemistry that counts. His forte:an articulate way with an interview, plus approaches to comedy that range from youthful innocence to the cynicism of WC.Fields. 

Guest: Walter Cronkite.                                        

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

Saturday night repeat of earlier show.  

NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW may only contain an opening monologue by Johnny Carson. 
Other content, as listed, will have to be monitored and confirmed upon your order request. 
                                

Journalist James Day interviews entertainer Bing Crosby.             

1963-1982 (SYNDICATED). Mike Douglas hosted one of television's longest-running talk shows (19 years). Each week Douglas was joined by a different co-host. In 1967, "The Mike Douglas Show" became the first syndicated talk show to win an Emmy Award.



Broadcast from 1963-1978 in Philadelphia
Broadcast from 1978-1982 in Los Angeles  

Former Brooklyn Dodger baseball player Jackie Robinson discusses his son's drug addiction.

Jimmy Dean is the co-host. 

                   

May 26th, 1969- September 19th, 1969 (ABC)
December 29th, 1969- January 1st, 1975 (ABC)
August 16th, 1975 - September 6th 1975 (CBS)
1977-1981 (PBS)

Dick Cavett entered late night television in 1969. During the summer of 1969 he hosted a thrice-weekly prime-time series on ABC, and later that year he succeeded Joey Bishop as host of the network's late-night talk show. Cavett brought with him the announcer and bandleader who had worked with him on his earlier shows - Fred Foy, who was for decades the announcer of The Lone Ranger on radio and television, and drummer Bobby Rosengarten. This new format was another attempt by ABC to compete against NBC's highly successful Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. Originally broadcast five nights a week. However, by January of 1973, the show was seen only one week a month as Cavett's ratings failed to dent Carson's. Jack Paar's return to late night television after an eleven year absence was similarly seen only one week a month under the new ABC series moniker, ABC's WIDE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT. On January 1st, 1975, The Dick Cavett Show disappeared from the network all together.    

In the fall of 1977 Cavett appeared on PBS in a half-hour talk show on which he returned to his strong talent: one - guest interviews. 

Guest: New York City Mayor John Lindsay.                                                                         

1958-1987

Theatrical and television producer David Susskind hosted this talk program consisting of a wide variety of topics. Each show centered around one topic consisting of four to seven guests. 

Topic: Draft dodgers in Canada comment on the Vietnam war.                                                                          

May 26th, 1969- September 19th, 1969 (ABC)
December 29th, 1969- January 1st, 1975 (ABC)
August 16th, 1975 - September 6th 1975 (CBS)
1977-1981 (PBS) 

Dick Cavett entered late night television in 1969. During the summer of 1969 he hosted a thrice-weekly prime-time series on ABC, and later that year he succeeded Joey Bishop as host of the network's late-night talk show. Cavett brought with him the announcer and bandleader who had worked with him on his earlier shows - Fred Foy, who was for decades the announcer of The Lone Ranger on radio and television, and drummer Bobby Rosengarten. This new format was another attempt by ABC to compete against NBC's highly successful Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. Originally broadcast five nights a week. However, by January of 1973, the show was seen only one week a month as Cavett's ratings failed to dent Carson's. Jack Paar's return to late night television after an eleven year absence was similarly seen only one week a month under the new ABC series moniker, ABC's WIDE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT. On January 1st, 1975, The Dick Cavett Show disappeared from the network all together.    

In the fall of 1977 Cavett appeared on PBS in a half-hour talk show on which he returned to his strong talent: one - guest interviews. 

Guests: Dionne Warwick, Arthur C. Clarke.                                                                                 

Senators George McGovern, Mike Mansfield, and Charles Goodell participate in an end the Vietnam war debate.         

October 1st, 1962-March 29th, 1963-NBC Daytime
1965-1969 Syndicated
August 18th, 1969- February 11th, 1972- CBS
1972-1986- Syndicated.

From August 18th, 1969- February 11th, 1972 Merv Griffin appeared in a late-night talk show format on CBS-TV. It's believed that all of his CBS talk shows were bulk-erased by the network. In 1972, Griffin returned to the syndication market where he remained until 1986.

Guest: Gore Vidal 
                                                  

David Frost welcomes special solo guest Jack Benny, who talks at length about his long professional career and his personal life. There are many anecdotes 
including stories about George Burns,
Fred Allen, his 44 year marriage, his violin career and why, after writing his autobiography for two years, he decided never to publish it.


Duplicate of 1092.

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

Guest: David Frye. Possible duplicate of #16251.

  NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW may only contain an opening monologue by Johnny Carson. 
Other content, as listed, will have to be monitored and confirmed upon your order request.                                                

Discussion on Vietnam with Senator Harold Hughes and Senator George McGovern.       

Orson Welles is interviewed by David Frost. He talks about many subjects including parents, television, his work, his romance with fortune telling, "War of The Worlds" and "Citizen Kane."  

Duplicate of 807.           

1958-1987

Theatrical and television producer David Susskind hosted this talk program consisting of a wide variety of topics. Each show centered around one topic consisting of four to seven guests. 

Topic: Conservatives. Advocates of President Nixon and pro- Vietnam ideas.                                                                                  

January 18th, 1969-1970

Playboy magazine publisher Hugh Hefner hosts a party at his home with celebrity guests in this syndicated television series. 
Regulars are Nanci Roberts and Chris Cranston.           

An interview with NBC newsman Chet Huntley after his last broadcast on NBC.            

Host Dick Spangler interviews Sammy Davis Jr.              

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

Guest: David Frye. 

NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW may only contain an opening monologue by Johnny Carson. 
Other content, as listed, will have to be monitored and confirmed upon your order request. 
                                  

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

Beginning 21 minutes of this broadcast recorded. Johnny does his opening seven minute monologue, topics covering Tommy Newsom who is filling in for Doc Severinsen, pollution, Dr. Frank Field, mouthwash. 

Contains commercials including Breck Satin Hair Shampoo, Formica Floor Shine, Hartz 90 Day Flea Collar, Dannon Yogurt, Pepto Bismol, Anacin,  Dristan  Fever Tablets. Also included brief opening to Stump The Band. 

NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW may only contain an opening monologue by Johnny Carson. 
Other content, as listed, will have to be monitored and confirmed upon your order request. 
                                          

December 29th,1969-January 1st,1975 (ABC) 

Dick Cavett is back on television as ABC's new entrant in the late-night race. The format is desk and sofa five nights a week like the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin shows. As Cavett sees it, it's the chemistry that counts. His forte:an articulate way with an interview, plus approaches to comedy that range from youthful innocence to the cynicism of WC.Fields. 

Guest: Mort Sahl.                                         

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

Guest Burt Lancaster in a rare moment, sings "When You're Smiling."

 NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW contains an opening monologue by Johnny Carson. Interview with Burt Lancaster who discusses certain highlights at the beginning of his career. 

                                                                                      

   KUP'S SHOW - 1962 - 1975 (Syndicated) 1975 - 1986 (PBS)
Chicago newspaper columnist Irv Kupcinet was first seen on local Chicago television and like David Susskind in New York (Open End), he hosted a talk show in 1958 that was open-ended.The program was trimmed to an hour when it went into national syndication in 1962. In 1975 the show was picked up by PBS and lasted for an additional 11 years. 

A segment with guests Otto Preminger, Eva Arden, and Linda Goodman. 
The Topic is "Nudity in Films and in the Theater."                                           

1963-1982 (SYNDICATED). Mike Douglas hosted one of television's longest running talk shows (19 years). Each week Douglas was joined by a different co-host. In 1967, "The Mike Douglas Show" became the first syndicated talk show to win an Emmy Award.

Co-Host: Bobby Darin. 
                                      

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW only contains an opening monologue by Johnny Carson. 

                                               

December 29th,1969-January 1st,1975 (ABC) 

Dick Cavett is back on television as ABC's new entrant in the late-night race. The format is desk and sofa five nights a week like the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin shows. As Cavett sees it, it's the chemistry that counts. His forte:an articulate way with an interview, plus approaches to comedy that range from youthful innocence to the cynicism of WC.Fields. 

Guest: Denny McLain, and Commander Lloyd Buchner, Al Caap                                                                           

October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.
  
  

 NOTE: This specific TONIGHT SHOW only contains an opening monologue by Johnny Carson.