Ep 11. Hollywood Icons Of The '50s - Jimmy Stewart (9/7/89)

The Johnny Carson Show was a popular American talk show that ran for over 30 years. The show featured a variety of guests, from entertainers and musicians to politicians and athletes. Season 12, episode 11, titled "Hollywood Icons Of The '50s - Jimmy Stewart" aired on September 7th, 1989, and was a special tribute to one of cinema's most beloved actors.

In this episode, Carson sits down with a panel of guests to discuss the life and career of James "Jimmy" Stewart, a Hollywood legend who starred in iconic films such as "It's a Wonderful Life," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," and "Vertigo." The panel includes actress June Allyson, who co-starred with Stewart in several films, film critic Richard Schickel, and Stewart's daughter, Kelly. They discuss his humble beginnings in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to his rise to stardom in Hollywood.

Carson opens the show by introducing the guests and sharing some fun anecdotes about Stewart's career. He then plays a montage of clips from some of Stewart's most memorable films, getting the audience excited for the rest of the show. The panel then takes the stage, and Carson begins by asking Allyson about her experiences working with Stewart. She reminisces about their first meeting on the set of "The Stratton Story" and shares some of her favorite memories of the actor.

Schickel then speaks about Stewart's impact on Hollywood and why he's still considered one of the all-time greats. He talks about how Stewart's unique blend of boyish charm and rugged masculinity made him a box office draw and endeared him to audiences worldwide. Kelly Stewart joins the discussion, offering insight into her father's personal life. She shares stories about growing up with Stewart as a dad and what it was like to see him on the big screen.

Throughout the episode, there are clips of Stewart's interviews with Carson over the years. The two were good friends, and it's clear from the banter that they had a special rapport. The clips showed some of Stewart's more lighthearted moments, which balanced out some of the more serious discussion about his legacy.

Carson also talks about some of the lesser-known facts about Stewart. For example, he reveals that Stewart was a decorated war hero who flew bombing missions in World War II. Stewart was also an avid photographer, and Carson shows some of his stunning photos as examples of his talent.

The episode ends with a tribute to Stewart's incredible career. The guests share their final thoughts on what made him such an icon and why his films still resonate with audiences today. Carson bids the audience goodbye, thanking them for tuning in to this special episode of The Johnny Carson Show.

In summary, The Johnny Carson Show season 12 episode 11 was a loving tribute to Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart. Through interviews with his daughter, June Allyson, and film critic Richard Schickel, as well as clips of Stewart's appearances on the show over the years, the episode offered a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of one of the all-time greats. Fans of classic Hollywood and Stewart himself will find this episode to be a must-watch.