The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 10 Episode 210 Jack Benny
- August 3, 1972
On March 29th, 1973, "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" aired its 210th episode of its 10th season, featuring none other than the legendary comedian Jack Benny.
As Carson opened the show, he welcomed the audience and introduced the night's guest with a glowing tribute to the vaudevillian icon's impact on the entertainment industry. Benny came out to an enthusiastic round of applause and jokingly remarked that they had given him the wrong introduction.
The two legends went on to engage in a charming and hilarious conversation, with Benny regaling Carson with stories from his early years in show business and his experience working with luminaries like George Burns and Mary Livingston. Benny, who was famous for his self-deprecating humor, joked about his age and his reputation as a penny-pincher, which Carson playfully teased him about throughout their conversation.
As the interview came to a close, Benny and Carson were joined on stage by actress Barbara Eden, who was promoting her new show "Harper Valley PTA" at the time. The trio performed an impromptu bit in which Eden played a student from Benny's old school who was asking him for donations. The sketch ended with Benny finally opening his wallet and giving Eden a dollar, much to the delight of the audience.
Throughout the episode, Benny delighted the audience with his classic brand of humor and his easy rapport with Carson. The two icons proved to be a perfect pairing, and their chemistry was evident in every moment of the show.
Overall, the 210th episode of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" featuring Jack Benny was a delightful and entertaining hour of television that showcased two of the greatest comedic talents of all time.