Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:11 — 22.5MB)
OK, so it’s only loosely connected to Jack Benny, but it was in my folder of extras relating to him.
Movie producer Fred DeCordova talks about his film career, and the various hits and misses he has made over the years. He had his best success producing TV shows for George Burns, Jack Benny, and Johnny Carson. His best liked was Jack Benny. Get a candid glimpse at Freds outlook on the stars personalities behind the scenes. Fred has published a book, and currently is executive producer for Johnny Carson on the Tonight show.
Fred talks about his autobiography, and some of his personal history. Callers ask about moving the Tonight show back to New York, and its lack of success in England. Why doesn’t he put a date on rerun shows of the Best of Carson shows? An aspiring author wants to pitch her work. What are famous people like when the camera is off? What about Hollywood popularity contests among the Academy Awards? What’s George Burns and Gracie Allen like off stage? The controversy of Richard Dawson walking off the show as guest host. Remembering the show, December Bride.
More callers ask about who might replace Johnny when he retires. Bob Newhart? Gary Shandling? Jay Leno? Remembering appearances of Madonna and controversal celebrities. Out of control moments for Johnny. Was there a live audience on the Jack Benny TV show?
Audio gets more draggy. Fred responds to a caller question about famous stars who never did the show. Does president Regan watch the show, and how does he feel about Johnny’s monologs? What do the greatest monologs have in common? Why was Freddie Prinz banned from the show, and what about the trouble between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers?
Caller questions keep coming. Asking about the noncelebrity guests, and how they find them. What about the writers strike, and will Johnny write his own material? More clarifications on the rift between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers is made. To come full circle, Fred comments again on his new book, and his writing experience with it.
