A new johnnycarson.com has been unveiled that includes select Tonight Show moments for fans to enjoy as well as a searchable archive of 3,300 hours of show content for members of the media and production industry interested in licensing clips for commercial use. Granted, no one would ever work again if that archive was accessible to all, but we’d love to see that happen. (Anyone else who’s interested — students and researchers with a relevant need — is encouraged to register and see if they get approved.)
At least the public clips, which we’re told will most likely be updated weekly or bi-weekly, will give everyone a quick fix. There are general “Tonight Show Samplers,” and clips meant to advertise the many DVDs available for purchase through the site. Definitely start up top with the Burt Reynolds one. Not only is his leather suit a sight, you get Burt and Dom DeLuise cackling as Reynolds and Carson partake in a battle with a can of whipped cream. I’ve watched it three times. I’d also recommend the rooster taking a dump on Johnny desk in 1978, and Putt Mossman tossing horseshoes in the direction of Carson’s crotch in 1973. And, just because there’s no better feeling than watching a comic kill his first time in front of Carson, check out Louie Anderson recounting his attempt to compete in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Which clips do you want to see on the site?
The one with Zsa Zsa Gabor with a cat on her lap, and she asks Johnny to “pet her pussy.” Then Johnny asks her to move the cat, LOL. I nearly peed my pants all those years ago. I would love to see it again.
The one where Bob Hope and Dean Martin were already on the couch and George Gobel came out and asked Johnny “Did you ever think that life was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?” Everyone lost it.
I was so young, but I remember the old lady who brought her amazing potato chip collection to show Johnny. And then he pretended to eat them!!
The look on her face . . . {crunch}
the last two episodes
all the Karnak’s
the Tomahawk throwing
anytime Letterman was on
the first time Stephan Wright was on
Carson and Jack Webb as Joe Friday doing a tongue-twisting “Dragnet” send-up.
“Claude Cooper, the kleptomaniac from Cleveland stole your clean copper clappers, kept in the closet.”
agreed. The Copper Clapper Caper.
The final guest episode with Bette Midler and Robin Williams. I still remember Bette Midler singing to Johnny and her placing an Hawaiian lei around his neck, and her running off crying. Undoubtedly, one of the finest hours in television history.
Bette Midler on the second to last show
11/21/79: Johnny and Doc talk about Thanksgiving.
There’s an edited version available on those Carson DVDs, but the clip in its entirety can be found on YouTube. Easily one of the funniest moments on the Tonight Show.
The animal episode with the little monkey
I am looking for info on a monkey, around 1972 or 73 named Boomer(?) that was on with Johnny. Anyone know?
I would love to see one of the earliest shows w/ Eleanor Roosevelt
One of the occasions when he had Alfred Hitchcock on as a guest and Hitch told the story of a man whose wife disappears on the same day that a stand of trees is cut down on his property. A classic from the master story teller with a riotous snapper of an ending that had Carson in stitches. I hope that is not one of the lost tapes.
Karnack: “Mount Baldy” Question: What did Mrs. Brenner do on her honeymoon?
Karnak: Sissss Boom Bahhhh
Describe the sound a sheep makes when it explodes.
Dolly Parton….”I’d give a year’s pay to peek under there”
I was excited to learn that Carson was once again available to the public. But you can’t watch full programs without signing up, waiting for someone’s permission, and, undoubtedly, paying a fee. So casual viewers are confined to tiny clips the webmaster chooses for them. No, thanks — it’s an incredibly boring website under those circumstances. Fanatics will sign up and spend a small fortune watching Carson for 3000 hours (that’s 125 days watching 24/7), and the copyright holders will laugh all the way to the bank — at their expense. Someday maybe there will be room for the rest of Carson’s fans, too, but for now the website appears to be inaccessible to the casual Carson fan who would rather feed his children than feed his fond memories of Carson.
Probably the finest late night host ever.I never missed his show for at least 25 years.I cried the last night he was on….