The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 9 Episode 81 Bob Hope, Mayor Sam Yorty

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 9 episode 81 features two iconic guests from the world of entertainment and politics- Bob Hope and Mayor Sam Yorty.

The episode begins with Johnny Carson’s monologue that sets the tone for the rest of the show. He jokes about current events and news headlines, delivering his signature wit and charm. He also interacts with the studio audience, asking them questions and listening to their responses, which often elicit laughs from the crowd.

Carson then introduces his first guest, Bob Hope. Hope, often cited as one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, is a frequent guest on The Tonight Show. Carson and Hope share a close friendship, evident in their playful banter and inside jokes. Hope’s appearance is highly anticipated, and he immediately entertains the audience with his quick wit and charm. He shares stories about his travels around the world to perform for American troops, which is a subject near and dear to his heart. Hope also shares his memories of being part of Hollywood’s Golden Age and his experiences working with legendary stars like Bing Crosby and Lucille Ball. Throughout his appearance, Hope receives applause and laughter from the audience, who clearly love and admire him.

After Hope’s interview, Carson turns to his second guest, Mayor Sam Yorty. Yorty, who was the mayor of Los Angeles from 1961 to 1973, is a controversial figure in LA’s political history. He was known for his outspoken views on race relations, crime, and other issues that divided the city. Carson, ever the skilled interviewer, asks Yorty about his record as mayor and his thoughts on the state of the city. The interview gets heated at times, as Yorty defends his policies against accusations of racism and discrimination. Carson also asks Yorty about his opinion of Governor Ronald Reagan, who was considering a run for president. The conversation is insightful, engaging, and at times, tense.

After Yorty’s interview, Carson brings both of his guests back on stage for a fun segment where they play a game called “Johnny’s Dates.” The game involves Carson reading off a year and asking his guests to guess which event happened in that year. The game is filled with humor and playful banter, with Hope and Yorty often exchanging witty remarks. The audience clearly enjoys the segment, and it provides a lighthearted end to an episode that tackled serious issues.

Overall, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 9 episode 81 showcases why the show was so beloved by audiences for decades. Featuring two iconic guests with contrasting backgrounds, the episode provides a mix of humor, insight, and entertainment. Carson’s interviews are insightful and probing, while his interactions with the audience and guests are filled with humor and wit. The episode is a testament to the power of great television as a medium that can inform, entertain, and enlighten viewers.