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: Carol Channing, Patsy Kelly, Gig Young, Diane Keaton, Buddy Rich.                              

July 7, 1969-July 14, 1972 WNEW / WPIX (NY) TV (Syndicated)

During the three-year run of his American talk show, David Frost taped the show (approximately 750 programs) each week, Monday through Thursdays. The series was syndicated by Westinghouse.   

David Frost hosts one of his most memorable ensemble broadcasts in the series (a lost broadcast) with a rare tribute to a Broadway revival play, NO NO NANETTE. The complete cast visits Frost with individual anecdotes and remembrances including sole survivor, Irving Caesar, lyricist, of the original 1924 play. 

Ruby Keeler recalls her reaction as performer on opening night, and remembers working in films with co-star of the play, Patsy Kelly.
A clip of a movie Keeler appeared in, PAGE MISS GLORY, is played and discussed. Kelly, also discusses her past movie career and there are clips played and discussed. 

Irving Caesar discusses his long career and his relationship with Al Jolson, and George Gershwin. He recalls how he came to write 'TEA FOR TWO' with Gershwin when they were 18 and 19 years old. Caesar sings the entire song, "TEA FOR TWO." He recalls other hits including "I WAS SO YOUNG YOU WERE SO BEAUTIFUL," and "SWANEE RIVER" which was played for Al Jolson for the first time by George Gershwin at a party. Irving Caesar sings "SWANEE RIVER." 

A medley of songs are sung by Helen Gallagher including, "THIS CAN'T BE LOVE," "WHO STOLE MY HEART AWAY," and "THIS CAN'T BE LOVE." Helen discusses her role as the character Lucy in the play, 'NO NO NANETTE," and remembers her early career as a dancer. 

Bobby Van remembers first dancing when he was 15 years old, and later working with Busby Berkeley on a movie where he had to hop 4000 times in a number. Bobby Van tells how he derived the name Van from movie actor Van Johnson. He also, reminds David Frost of a forgettable movie he made in 1966, "THE NAVY VS THE NIGHT MONSTERS." 

Choreographer Donald Saddler discusses the origin to the "BEACH BALL" number and reteams with Helen Gallagher to do a dance. 

Jack Gliford sings "YOU ALWAYS HURT THE ONE YOU LOVE." He discusses his love of pantomime, and that he has incorporated  acting techniques by observing animals and their actions.
 
Susan Watson sings, "I'M OLD FASHIONED," the song she sang to get her part in 'NO NO NANETTE." 

Roger Rathburn, in his only guest TV appearance ever, sings "HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES?" 

The entire cast sings "I WANT TO BE HAPPY," as David Frost thanks the cast  and bids his live audience and TV audience, "Good Night."