Ep 54. Rex Reed
- January 4, 1974
In season 12, episode 54 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Rex Reed appears as the featured guest. Reed, a well-known film critic and journalist, sits down with Carson to discuss his career and share his opinions on the latest movies.
As the show begins, Carson welcomes Reed to the stage, jokingly referring to him as "the man who can make or break a movie." Reed, who has written for numerous publications including The New York Times and Vogue, talks about the evolution of film criticism and his role in shaping public opinion about movies.
Throughout the interview, Reed offers his insights on a variety of topics related to the film industry. He shares his thoughts on the then-current trend of "disaster movies," such as The Towering Inferno and Earthquake, and discusses the impact of television on the movie business.
The conversation also touches on some of Reed's personal experiences in Hollywood. He recounts his interactions with legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, whom he interviewed several times during his career. Reed also talks about attending the Academy Awards and the sometimes unpredictable nature of the ceremony.
Aside from discussing films and Hollywood, Carson and Reed engage in some lighthearted banter. Reed jokes about his love of opera, prompting Carson to comically compare him to a "nerdy professor." The two also play a game in which Reed must guess the titles of various films based on slightly altered taglines.
The episode also features other guests, including comedian George Miller and professional wrestler Eddie Gilbert. Miller performs a stand-up routine, while Gilbert talks about his career in the wrestling world and demonstrates some moves for the audience.
Throughout the episode, Carson displays his trademark wit and charm, keeping the conversation flowing smoothly and eliciting laughs from both the guests and the audience. The show's warm, inviting atmosphere makes it easy to see why The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was such a beloved fixture of American late-night entertainment for decades.
Overall, season 12, episode 54 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson provides an entertaining and insightful look into the world of film criticism, with Rex Reed offering his unique perspective on the industry. Carson's expert hosting skills and the playful tone of the show ensure that this episode is a standout in the series' long and storied history.
