Ep 29. Comic Legends Of The '60s - Carl Reiner (10/18/74)

The Johnny Carson Show season 6 episode 29, entitled "Comic Legends Of The '60s - Carl Reiner," originally aired on October 18, 1974. It features an hour-long interview with comedy legend Carl Reiner, known for his work as a writer and performer on "The Dick Van Dyke Show," as well as his own projects like "The 2000 Year Old Man" and "The Jerk."

The episode begins with Johnny Carson introducing Carl Reiner as a guest on the show, joining him on stage for the interview. The two comedians have an easy rapport, with Carson asking Reiner about his early days in show business and how he got his start in comedy. Reiner shares stories about working as a writer for Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows," where he gained notoriety for his ability to churn out sketch material on a deadline.

Carson and Reiner also discuss the state of comedy in the 1960s, a time when many talented performers were emerging onto the scene. Reiner mentions some of his favorite comedians from that era, including Bob Newhart and Woody Allen, and talks about how his own work evolved as a result of the changing cultural landscape.

Throughout the interview, Carson and Reiner showcase their own comedic chemistry, occasionally riffing off each other and cracking jokes. At one point, Reiner even impersonates Carson himself, doing a spot-on impression of the talk show host's signature mannerisms and vocal inflections.

In addition to the interview, the episode includes several clips from Reiner's career, including highlights from "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and a segment from his album with Mel Brooks, "2000 Years with Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks." These clips help to illustrate Reiner's versatility as a performer and his knack for comedy in various formats.

Overall, "Comic Legends Of The '60s - Carl Reiner" is a must-watch for fans of classic comedy and anyone interested in the history of American entertainment. Carson and Reiner make for a delightful duo, and the clips from Reiner's career are sure to bring back fond memories for viewers who remember the heyday of 1960s television.