The Tonight Show was broadcast from New York City, and in 1972, it moved to NBC'S West Coast Studios in Burbank, California. Co-hosts occasionally appearing were Joan Rivers, Joey Bishop, David Brenner, Don Rickles, Burt Reynolds, David Letterman, and the first African-American to host a talk show was Harry Belafonte, whose guests were Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. Also, Kermit the Frog was once guest host with Muppets appearing in skits and regular segments.
This late-night sensation's format consisted of Carson's opening monologue followed by brief conversations between announcer and host, followed by possibly one of Carson's comedy sketches featuring his popular character Carnac the Magnificent or dimwitted Floyd R. Turbo. Sometimes he would appear in bits with the Mighty Carson Art Players. Before interviewing his guests, he would occasionally interact with his audience and orchestra featuring Bandleader Doc Severinsen in Stump the Band.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: The Vault Series consists of a 6-disc set with original shows that can be viewed either with or without vintage commercials. There's also a Bonus feature consisting mostly of Johnny's opening monologues and desk talks between host and announcer.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: The Vault Series discs are strangely labeled, perhaps due to an earlier release or because there is no difference between these discs and the ones that are included in the larger, 12-disc set. They are labeled as follows:
- Disc 7: "Streak Week from March 1974" with guests Suzanne Pleshette, James Garner, Michael Landon, and Carl Reiner.
- Disc 8: "Trip Back to November 1975, Part 1," has guests Buddy Rich, Jack Palance, Steve Allen, Shecky Green, Gene Kelly, and Stockard Channing.
- Disc 9: "Trip Back to November 1975, Part 2," stars Joan Embery and her zoo animals, Orson Bean, Lynda Carter, and Buddy Hackett with Steve Lawrence and Roy Clark performing. This Bonus features a cooking demonstration by Vincent Price.
- Disc 10: is "Hot Comedy from August 1977" again with Joan Embery and her animals, Andy Kaufman, Eugene Fodor, Rich Little and Richard Pryor, who can't stop laughing throughout David Horowitz's entire segment.
- Disc 11: "The Tonight Show in New York from November 1972, Part 1," features Rodney Dangerfield, Lorne Greene, Tony Randall, David Brenner, and Jaye P. Morgan.
- Disc 12: "The Tonight Show in New York from November 1972, Part 2" stars heavyweight champion Joe Frasier, author Truman Capote, Tammy Grimes, Buddy Rich, Marilyn Horne, Margaret Truman and a massage demonstration by Swedish model Gunilla Knutson, the "Take It Off - Take It All Off" girl.
I was anxious to watch The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: The Vault Series, but honestly found the monologues somewhat boring -- but Johnny does have a very easy-going comedy routine. You are cautioned that this is classic television and there may be parts that are imperfect, but as always, I wasn't offended by the quality of the video. Naturally, there were many more guests than what are listed above. Each and every guest was original and entertaining, especially the singers. Andy Kaufman did a fabulous comedy act appearing as Elvis Presley, Joan Embery was also entertaining with her critters, and sadly, author David Horowitz was drowned out by Pryor's laugh-attack. Tammy Grimes and Truman Capote had a difference of opinion about actors, Johnny did a duet with Steve Lawrence, and Lynda Carter talked about her interview for the role of Wonder Woman. All-in-all, I was entertained, but I was disappointed that the shows didn't have the spark I expected. I wanted to see some of the real classics, but I'll wait and see if they are on the larger set. Regardless, Johnny Carson is delightful and it's a treat to see him in his former shows. I definitely want him in my collection, because he is a classic performer.
