Ep 30. Comic Legends Of The '60s - Carl Reiner (2/24/81)
- February 24, 1981
- 42 min
In this episode of The Johnny Carson Show season 6, episode 30 titled "Comic Legends Of The '60s - Carl Reiner (2/24/81)", viewers are treated to a hilarious conversation between Johnny Carson, the legendary host of The Tonight Show, and Carl Reiner, one of the most influential figures in American comedy.
The episode begins with Johnny introducing Carl Reiner to the audience, highlighting his achievements as a writer, actor, and director. Carson also takes a moment to mention Reiner's involvement in the creation of The Dick Van Dyke Show, one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1960s.
From there, the conversation shifts to Reiner's early career in comedy. Reiner talks about his start in the industry working as a performer in various clubs around New York City. He also discusses his friendship with other comedic legends of the era, such as Mel Brooks and Sid Caesar, and how they helped to shape his comedic style.
Throughout the episode, Reiner and Carson share a number of hilarious anecdotes and stories. Reiner talks about some of the challenges he faced as a writer and producer, including dealing with difficult actors and navigating the often unpredictable nature of live television.
One of the highlights of the episode comes when Reiner shares a few clips from The Dick Van Dyke Show. The audience is treated to some of the most memorable moments from the series, including the iconic opening credits and some of Rob Petrie's most memorable pratfalls.
As the conversation draws to a close, Carson and Reiner reflect on the state of comedy in the 1980s. Reiner expresses his concern over the use of profanity in modern comedy, noting that he feels it often serves as a crutch for writers who can't come up with truly funny material. Carson agrees, but notes that there are still plenty of talented comedians out there who are carrying on the traditions established by Reiner and his peers.
Overall, "Comic Legends Of The '60s - Carl Reiner" is a must-see episode for fans of classic comedy. Between the witty banter and hilarious anecdotes, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of some of the greatest comedic minds of all time.
