Ep 45. Robert Shaw, Paul Williams
- December 14, 1971
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was an American talk show that aired between 1962 to 1992. It was hosted by Johnny Carson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest talk show hosts in history. The show featured a mix of interviews with celebrities, comedians, and musicians, as well as comedic sketches and musical performances.
Season 10 episode 45 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson featured two guests: Robert Shaw and Paul Williams. Robert Shaw was a British actor and novelist known for his work in films such as "From Russia with Love," "A Man for All Seasons," and "The Sting." Paul Williams was an American singer-songwriter and actor who wrote hit songs for artists such as Barbra Streisand, the Carpenters, and Three Dog Night.
The episode begins with Johnny Carson doing his monologue, which includes jokes about current events and pop culture. He then introduces Robert Shaw as his first guest. Shaw talks about his early career in the theater, his experiences working with actors such as Laurence Olivier, and his transition to film acting. He also discusses his role in the film "The Sting" and shares some anecdotes from the set.
After the commercial break, Johnny Carson introduces Paul Williams. Williams talks about his songwriting process and how he comes up with ideas for songs. He also performs a few of his hit songs, including "We've Only Just Begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays." Carson and Williams also engage in some lighthearted banter and play some games.
The episode concludes with Johnny Carson thanking his guests and promoting upcoming episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The show was taped in front of a live studio audience and featured a house band led by Doc Severinsen.
Overall, season 10 episode 45 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a typical episode of the long-running talk show. It featured two interesting and entertaining guests who shared stories and performed for the audience. Johnny Carson was a skilled host who kept the show moving along and engaged in lively conversations with his guests. The episode is a reminder of the golden age of television talk shows and the enduring appeal of Johnny Carson as a host.