Ep 70. Jonathan Winters, Danny Thomas, Ralph Nader
- January 20, 1976
On episode 70 of season 14 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, viewers are in for a comedic treat as guest Jonathan Winters brings his signature brand of humor to the stage. Known for his improv and character work, Winters improvises a number of hilarious skits with Carson throughout the show, keeping the audience in stitches as the two legends bounce jokes off of each other.
Another guest on this episode is the esteemed comedian and actor Danny Thomas, who is known for his role on the classic TV show Make Room for Daddy. Thomas and Carson discuss their mutual love of golfing, regaling the audience with tales of their experiences on the links. Thomas also shares a personal story about an interaction he had with a famous Hollywood producer while working on a different project.
But the episode isn't all laughs and lightheartedness – the final guest, Ralph Nader, adds a more serious tone to the proceedings. Nader, a renowned political activist and consumer advocate, joins Carson on the show to discuss a variety of pressing issues related to the American political landscape at the time. The two engage in a spirited conversation about government regulation, the importance of civic engagement, and the role of the public in holding corporations accountable.
Despite the disparate tones of the three interviews, Carson's signature charm and wit tie the episode together seamlessly, guiding viewers from one segment to the next with ease. As always, his engaging personality keeps guests and audience members alike entertained throughout the program.
As a whole, episode 70 of season 14 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson offers a captivating mix of comedy and commentary, providing viewers with a broad range of perspectives on topics ranging from entertainment to politics. With such a talented lineup of guests, it's no wonder that this iconic show remains a fixture of American pop culture to this day.