The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 12 Episode 212

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 12 Episode 212 John Davidson (guest host), Cliff Arquette, Rich Little

  • August 14, 1974

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 12 episode 212 featured John Davidson as the guest host, with Cliff Arquette and Rich Little appearing as the evening's guests.

Davidson, who was known for his work as a singer, actor, and game show host, took over hosting duties for the night as Carson was taking a brief break from the show. Davidson was no stranger to the format, having guest hosted The Tonight Show several times before, and he proved to be a capable replacement for the legendary host.

The episode kicked off with Davidson interviewing Cliff Arquette, who was a popular character actor and comedian. Arquette is perhaps best known for his work as the character Charley Weaver, a fictional front-porch philosopher who would appear on various talk shows and game shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Arquette and Davidson had an easy rapport, and their conversation covered a wide range of topics, including Arquette's early career, his time in vaudeville, and his experiences working in Hollywood.

Next up was Rich Little, who was one of the top impressionists of his day. Little had made a name for himself on the nightclub circuit and had also appeared in a number of TV shows and movies. On The Tonight Show, Little performed several of his famous celebrity impressions, including ones of Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and John Wayne. His impressions were spot-on and the audience loved them, as did Davidson, who seemed genuinely impressed by Little's talent.

Throughout the episode, Davidson proved to be a gracious and charming host. He was respectful to his guests, but also had a quick wit and a natural sense of humor that made for some great spontaneous moments. He kept the show moving at a brisk pace, ensuring that there was never a dull moment. Davidson's energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and he made the audience feel like they were a part of the fun.

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 12 episode 212 was a prime example of what made the show so successful for so many years. The mix of celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances was balanced perfectly, and the guest host format allowed for a variety of different personalities to shine. The show was a true showcase for talent, and it was clear that everyone involved, from the guests to the crew, was passionate about creating something special.

At the end of the episode, Davidson thanked the audience for tuning in and introduced the musical guest for the night, who was none other than himself. Davidson took the stage and performed one of his hits, "Everytime I Sing a Love Song". His performance was heartfelt and energizing, and it was clear that his talent as a singer, actor, and all-around entertainer was on full display.

Overall, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 12 episode 212 was a fun, engaging, and entertaining episode of one of the greatest talk shows in television history. The combination of John Davidson, Cliff Arquette, and Rich Little made for a memorable night of television that left audiences feeling satisfied and entertained. Whether you're a fan of classic television or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is definitely worth watching.

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Description
  • First Aired
    August 14, 1974
  • Language
    English