Ep 2. Hollywood Icons Of The '50s - Orson Welles (9/23/76)

The Johnny Carson Show season 12 episode 2 is a nostalgic journey through the golden era of Hollywood. The episode titled "Hollywood Icons Of The '50s - Orson Welles" pays tribute to one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Orson Welles, and his remarkable contribution to the film industry.

The episode begins with Johnny Carson's monologue, where he shares interesting trivia about Orson Welles' life and his cinematic achievements. Carson fondly speaks about Welles' directorial debut, "Citizen Kane," which is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Carson talks about how successful the film was, despite the controversy it stirred up at its initial release.

As the episode progresses, Carson introduces guest interviews with some of Orson Welles' closest associates. The first guest to appear on the show is Joseph Cotten, a legendary actor and longtime friend of Welles. Cotten shares fascinating stories about his personal rapport with Welles, recalling their work together in the classic film "The Third Man."

Next, Carson invites on the show, Beatrice Welles, Orson Welles' daughter, who offers insights into the personal life of her father. Beatrice shares emotional memories of her father's dedication to his craft and his hard work on the film "Chimes at Midnight."

The third guest to appear on the show is Henry Jaglom, who worked with Welles on the film "The Other Side of the Wind." Jaglom discusses Orson Welles' directorial style and his approach to filmmaking. He also talks about the challenges they faced while making "The Other Side of the Wind," which was completed only after Welles' death.

Throughout the episode, clips from some of Orson Welles' most iconic films are shown, including "Touch of Evil" and "The Lady from Shanghai." The show also features rare footage from Welles' appearances on talk shows, including "The Dick Cavett Show" and "The Merv Griffin Show," where he discussed his work, his life, and his creative vision.

Johnny Carson's interviews with Welles' closest associates provide viewers with a glimpse into the life of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Their stories showcase the passion and dedication that Orson Welles had for his craft, and the tremendous impact he had on the film industry.

Overall, The Johnny Carson Show season 12 episode 2 is a wonderful tribute to Orson Welles, celebrating his extraordinary talent as a filmmaker and his contributions to the world of cinema. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic Hollywood films and their iconic figures.