The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 12 Episode 217 Rich Little (guest host), Jack Benny

In season 12 episode 217 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the guest host for the night is none other than impressionist extraordinaire, Rich Little. Little takes over the reins from Carson and presents a hilarious opening monologue filled with his famous impressions, much to the delight of the audience.

After the monologue, Little interviews the legendary comedian and violinist, Jack Benny. Benny has been a frequent guest on The Tonight Show over the years, and tonight he's in fine form as he regales Little and the audience with stories from his storied career. Benny talks about his beginnings in show business, his famous collaborations with other comedians such as Fred Allen and George Burns, and how he came to be known as "the master of the pregnant pause." The two comedians have a great rapport, and there are plenty of laughs throughout their conversation.

After the interview, Little presents a sketch where he portrays different celebrities who have taken over for Carson. He impersonates everyone from Ronald Reagan to Carol Burnett to Frank Sinatra, and the audience eats it up. Little's impressions are spot on, and his comedic timing is impeccable.

Later in the show, Benny returns to his roots as a violinist and performs a few songs for the audience. It's clear that he hasn't lost his touch, and the audience is appreciative of his talents.

Throughout the night, the show also features some of the usual Tonight Show staples, including a visit from Ed McMahon and some hilarious sketches featuring Little and other members of the cast. There's even a game of "Stump the Band," where audience members try to come up with obscure songs for the band to play.

All in all, season 12 episode 217 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a classic episode that showcases the talents of two of the greatest comedians of all time. Rich Little's impressions are as sharp as ever, and Jack Benny is as funny and charming as always. The sketches are hilarious, the music is great, and the overall energy of the show is infectious. It's the perfect episode for anyone who loves classic comedy and wants to see two masters of the craft at work.