On a special Valentine’s Day edition of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, viewers were in for a surprise when a pesky fly decided to steal the spotlight during Johnny’s monologue. Despite the interruption, Johnny managed to keep the audience entertained with his trademark humor and wit.
As the show kicked off, the crowd erupted in applause and the band set the mood with lively music. Johnny seized the moment, thanking the audience for their warm welcome and jokingly apologizing for the sneaky way they were brought into the studio. He even mentioned a sign outside that advertised gasoline for only 50 cents a gallon, setting the humorous tone for the evening.
With the love-filled atmosphere of Valentine’s Day, Johnny couldn’t resist poking fun at the holiday’s romantic expectations. He thanked a lady in the audience for leaving a long-stemmed American Beauty rose in his dressing room, playfully expressing his inability to have her daughter as a guest on the show.
Amidst the laughter, Johnny shared a quip for tourists and passersby on Hollywood Boulevard, warning them not to mistake a man dressed as Cupid for the actual holiday. He humorously revealed that the man was Murray, who apparently dressed that way every single day. Love was truly in the air on Valentine’s Day, as Johnny cautioned the audience to be cautious about falling head over heels for someone they had just met.
In a nostalgic moment, Johnny reminisced about his youth in Nebraska and his first girlfriend, Gina Statutory. He jokingly recalled seeing Gina star in a hygiene film at school called “Don’t Let This Happen to You,” showcasing his ability to weave hilarious anecdotes into his monologue effortlessly.
Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without the tradition of exchanging cards. Johnny marveled at the sweetheart cards made by kids, adorned with lace and big red hearts. He playfully mentioned that even the farmer next door to Billy Carter got in on the action, sending Billy a card that humorously thanked him for watering the roses daily.
Adding a touch of historical humor to the evening, Johnny reminded viewers that it was the 50th anniversary of The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago. He shared an inside joke about NBC, suggesting that the members of its programming department were playfully lined up against a wall and “machine-gunned.” Such witty banter kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout.
Turning his attention to current events, Johnny shared a lighthearted update on the Lee Marvin and Michelle Triola trial. He highlighted the lawyer’s outrageous intention to sue for an additional one million dollars, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. Johnny humorously pointed out that temporary insanity often accompanies declarations of love, countering the notion of fraud.
As the monologue progressed, Johnny smoothly transitioned between topics, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. He discussed President Carter’s visit to Mexico and the amusing exchange with Mexico’s president, Portillo. The humor continued as Johnny subtly referenced Bert Lance, impressing the audience with his comedic timing and delivery.
With sports news on the agenda, Johnny delighted the audience by mentioning Woody Hayes, the former Ohio State football coach who was in town. He shared that Hayes was considering a movie based on his life, playfully saying that they would immortalize him at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre by pressing his fist in cement.
In a whimsical twist, Johnny shared a surprising news item from the Los Angeles Times. Apparently, women had discovered that birth control pills in the soil stimulated the growth of their houseplants. Ever the comedian, Johnny quipped that it also allowed petunias to pollinate without fear of morning sickness.
With a star-studded lineup, including Charlton Heston, Korean comic Johnny Yoon, Blair Brown, and Jack Douglas, the episode promised to be a memorable one. The combination of Johnny Carson‘s charismatic hosting and the energetic atmosphere made for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day edition of The Tonight Show.
Originally aired on February 14, 1979
