Ep 198. Alan King (guest host), Barbara Walters, Max Shulman, Judith Lowry
- July 26, 1971
As guest host Alan King takes the reins of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, he welcomes a star-studded lineup for season 9 episode 198. First up is legendary journalist Barbara Walters, who discusses her storied career and her upcoming book. Next, author and humorist Max Shulman joins King on set, sharing some hilarious anecdotes and witty commentary. Finally, veteran actress Judith Lowry stops by to chat about her life in show business and her latest projects.
The episode kicks off with King sharing some comedic banter with the audience before welcoming Walters to the stage. The veteran journalist discusses some of the biggest stories she's covered throughout her career, including her infamous interviews with world leaders like Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin. Walters also shares some insights into her personal life, including her relationship with her daughter and her longtime friendship with Hollywood icon Frank Sinatra.
Next up is Max Shulman, who is perhaps best known for his iconic novel "Rally Round the Flag, Boys!" Shulman delights the audience with some hilarious stories and witty observations, riffing on everything from politics to pop culture. King and Shulman share a great chemistry on stage, with both men clearly enjoying each other's company.
The episode concludes with a visit from Judith Lowry, a veteran character actress with a career spanning more than six decades. Lowry shares some wonderful stories from her many years in show business, including her experiences working with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. She also discusses her latest projects, including a recurring role on the hit TV series "The Jeffersons."
Throughout the episode, King proves himself to be a more-than-capable substitute for Johnny Carson, keeping the audience entertained with his quick wit and affable charm. Overall, season 9 episode 198 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson offers a delightful mix of humor, insight, and nostalgia, with a lineup of guests that are sure to appeal to longtime fans of the show.
