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.
A rare talk show appearance by Ed Sullivan who appeared only once before, briefly, with Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show on December 23, 1966.
The show celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Ed Sullivan Show. Ed McMahon introduces a Mighty Carson Art Players skit with Johnny imitating Sullivan. Sullivan becomes part of the fun by attempting to imitate Cary Grant.
Ed remembers his first program, June 20, 1948 and mentions the guests on that debut show., including Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers. Ed states that he was "scared to death" performing out of his element at that time. He felt that his main talent was spotting talented acts and booking them for the show. Johnny and Ed reminisce about the Beatles, and Elvis appearing on Ed's show. Great memories. Carson shows Sullivan a clip of his first appearance on Ed's show ( October 9, 1955).
Ed remembers his Moscow show in 1959 and states he and his wife Sylvia plan another trip there soon. Ed tells Johnny that he has had a good full life and has been blessed with no serious illness.
Jane Morgan, who has appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show 45 times joins the discussion. She contributes anecdotes about appearing on Ed's show. Sullivan mentions that he never would know how his audiences would respond to certain acts, but always kept his sense of humor. Johnny mentions that Ed Sullivan has done more for performers careers than any other TV showman.