Ep 7. Hollywood Icons Of The '50s - Jimmy Stewart (12/11/80)

On December 11, 1980, The Johnny Carson Show aired its seventh episode of the twelfth season and it was dedicated to one of the most iconic actors of the 1950s, Jimmy Stewart. The episode titled "Hollywood Icons Of The '50s - Jimmy Stewart" brought together Johnny Carson, the host of the show, and Stewart's close friend, legendary director John Ford, to discuss Stewart's life and career.

The episode began with Carson's monologue, in which he talked about Stewart's impressive filmography and his personal life. He mentioned that Stewart had starred in over 80 movies during his career and had received five Academy Award nominations, winning one for his performance in "The Philadelphia Story" (1940). Carson also noted that Stewart had served as a bomber pilot during World War II and had remained in the US Air Force Reserve as a brigadier general until 1968. Finally, he mentioned that Stewart was known for his strong personality and dedication to his craft.

After the monologue, Carson introduced John Ford, who had worked with Stewart on many films, including "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962) and "The Searchers" (1956). The two men reminisced about their time working with Stewart, with Ford praising Stewart's acting skills and his ability to connect with audiences. Ford also talked about Stewart's role in the war effort, saying that he had been a fearless pilot who had flown many dangerous missions.

Carson then introduced a series of clips from Stewart's films, including "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), "Rear Window" (1954), and "Anatomy of a Murder" (1959). The clips showcased Stewart's versatility as an actor and his range of emotions, from his comedic timing in "It's a Wonderful Life" to his intense performance in "Anatomy of a Murder."

After the clips, Carson and Ford discussed some of Stewart's other films, including "Harvey" (1950) and "Vertigo" (1958). They talked about the challenges Stewart faced in playing the lead role in "Harvey," a role originally written for a much younger actor, and how he overcame those challenges to deliver a memorable performance. They also discussed the controversy surrounding "Vertigo" when it was first released and how it has since become recognized as one of the greatest films ever made.

The episode concluded with Carson and Ford sharing some personal stories about Stewart, including his love for flying and his dedication to his family. Ford revealed that Stewart had turned down many roles over the years because he didn't want to be away from his family for too long. Carson praised Stewart for his integrity and his commitment to his beliefs, saying that he was a true Hollywood icon who had left a lasting legacy.

In summary, "Hollywood Icons Of The '50s - Jimmy Stewart" was a fitting tribute to one of the most beloved actors of all time. The episode showcased Stewart's talent, his bravery, and his dedication to his craft, and provided an insight into the man behind the legend. Carson and Ford's reminiscences of their time working with Stewart provided a personal touch to the show, making it a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood cinema.