The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson welcomed the charismatic Dr. Lendon Smith as a guest on a recent episode, and what transpired was pure entertainment gold. Dr. Smith, known for his television show “House Calls,” captivated the audience with his witty banter and insightful views on pediatrics.
During the interview, Dr. Smith shared an amusing anecdote about a book titled “The Go-Betweens” by Lord Trimmingham. The book mentioned a valuable lesson: “The lady is never wrong.” Dr. Smith humorously acknowledged that his wife had been telling him this for years, but he never truly grasped the concept until he read it in print. He emphasized the importance of trusting mothers’ instincts when it comes to their children’s health.
Dr. Smith explained that when a mother brings her child to the doctor, claiming the child is sick, it is crucial to take her seriously. The mother has spent 24 hours a day with the child and knows them best. He emphasized that doctors must investigate until they find the cause of the illness or risk losing patients to other doctors.
The conversation then turned to the topic of fatherhood, and Dr. Smith shared a humorous observation made by his wife. According to her, the bad behavior of their children stems from the “bad genes” on the father’s side of the family. The audience erupted in laughter, relating to the classic nature vs. nurture debate.
As the interview progressed, Dr. Smith enlightened the audience about the current flu season. He referred to the “Russian-type flu” that was causing a sensation at the time. This flu, characterized by high fever and severe headaches, lasted for around ten days. Dr. Smith jokingly mentioned his homemade cough syrup recipe involving bourbon, antihistamines, and molasses. The audience couldn’t help but chuckle at the amusing remedy.
The conversation took a hilarious turn as Richard Pryor and Tim Conway, both fellow comedians, joined in. They shared various funny insights and even attempted a magic trick with a handkerchief, which added another layer of entertainment to the talk show.
Dr. Smith’s expertise in pediatrics eventually led to a discussion on children with behavioral issues. He mentioned how hypersensitive children often face challenges in school. He shared an innovative method he developed to identify these children early on by using a feathered pole. The audience was practically rolling with laughter at the mental image of supine, naked children being tested for sensitivity.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Smith’s charisma shone through as he effortlessly engaged the audience with his medical knowledge and humor. His ability to connect with his patients and the viewers at home was evident in his storytelling and relatability.
In true talk show fashion, the conversation eventually veered off-topic, as the guests delved into their personal lives and shared amusing anecdotes. Even though the interview drifted away from strictly medical topics, the energy remained high, thanks to the comedic talents of Richard Pryor and Tim Conway.
All in all, the episode proved to be an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment. Dr. Lendon Smith charmed the audience with his wit and shared valuable insights into the world of pediatrics, reminding everyone that health and humor go hand in hand.
