The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 12 Episode 110 Anthony Newley (guest host), Bob Newhart
- March 25, 1974
In the 110th episode of the 12th season of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the guest host was Anthony Newley and his guest was comedian Bob Newhart. The show began with Newley joining Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen in the opening monologue, cracking jokes about the typical celebrity news of the day. As the show proceeded, Newley introduced the first musical guest of the night, singer Eydie Gormé, who performed classic tunes like "The Best Is Yet to Come" and "If He Walked into My Life."
After Gormé's performance, Newley welcomed Bob Newhart to the stage. The two had a hilarious conversation about Newhart's career as a comedian, including tales of his early days performing at nightclubs and on television. At one point, Newhart even reenacted one of his classic comedy routines, bringing the audience to laughter and delight.
Newhart also discussed his recent work as a writer and actor, including his role in the television series "Newhart." He quipped about the challenges of writing for television, and how his character on the show became more likable as the series progressed.
Throughout the episode, Newley kept up the energy and humor, frequently engaging both his guests and the audience in playful banter. He also introduced several musical guests, including jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and blues singer Joe Williams, adding a lively variety to the show.
The episode also featured a comic sketch, with Newhart playing a hapless office worker trying to navigate a confusing phone system. The sketch had the audience laughing out loud at Newhart's signature dry humor and impeccable timing.
As the show drew to a close, Newley thanked Newhart and the musical guests for appearing on the show, and thanked the audience for their enthusiasm and support. The episode ended with a musical performance by Newley himself, performing his own hit songs including "What Kind of Fool Am I?" and "Gonna Build a Mountain."
Overall, the 110th episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a lively, entertaining affair, with Anthony Newley filling in as guest host with charm and humor. Bob Newhart provided plenty of laughs with his comedic insights and signature routines, while the music of Eydie Gormé, Dave Brubeck, Joe Williams, and Newley himself added extra sparkle to the episode. It was another strong showing for the long-running talk show, which remained a beloved fixture of the late-night television landscape for decades.