Johnny Carson: King of Late Night

Although Johnny Carson was not the first host of The Tonight Show, his 30-year-reign set the format and standard for every late night talk show. Narrated by Kevin Spacey, filmmaker Peter Jones's documentary—aired on PBS's American Masters series—calls Carson the "great American sphinx," because his outward affability masked a deep reserve. The film describes his Nebraska childhood, a somewhat distant relationship with a mother who was slow to show approval, and his early love of magic tricks and performing. Dubbing himself the "Great Carsoni," Carson quickly learned the new medium of television, swiftly progressing through a series of comedy and game shows, before becoming a talk show host where he exhibited mastery of the comedy of reaction and silence, while also displaying an uncanny ability of bringing out the best in his guests. Carson's many marriages were well documented, providing fodder for his Tonight Show routines, although less well known was his persistent drinking problem. Comedians, friends, and TV guests say that Carson felt "everybody wanted a piece of him" and he became increasingly remote and standoffish. A veritable who's who of show business celebrities—including Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, and David Letterman—talk about milestones on The Tonight Show, as well as Carson's little-known generosity, and his talent for tapping into popular culture, which made his show a must-see and water cooler favorite for three decades. Although the documentary perhaps provides a bit too much detail on Carson's love life, the many interview clips, comedy monologues, and sketches easily demonstrate why Carson remains a legend. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)