One of Johnny Carson’s favorite guests was comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks. He appeared on ‘The Tonight Show’ in 1975 to share some laughs with Johnny’s audience.
Johnny starts by explaining that Mel was on his first show ever. He introduces Mel as a ‘Man that can’t be ignored.’ Mel walks out with a huge smile and waves and blows kisses to the crowd.
Mel sits and says, “Guts, you had such guts. Your suits, just everything you wear, is so crazy, you know?” Johnny asks what’s wrong with his suit as he fixes his tan and brown plaid suit jacket. Mel says, “Your nose, nothing is good.”
Mel makes up for it, saying, “I love you. I really love you.” Then, he gets up, grabs Johnny’s face, and kisses his cheek. Mel says he doesn’t fall in love with guys because he’s pretty tough, “But every once in a while, a beauty comes along.”
Johnny asks Mel about the ‘Late General Sarnoff,’ but he assumes they can’t hear that story. Mel surprisingly says he will tell it, and Johnny is excited. Johnny explains General Sarnoff is the father of Robert Sarnoff, who is now deceased, but he was the man who formed the whole radio corporation of America. Mel says he was a “Giant of a man.” Mel noted while he was doing a show, his producer, director, and the General all had a private meeting.
Mel felt he wanted to be in the meeting but wasn’t allowed in. He saw some costumes and suited up. He burst into the room, jumped on the desk, and said, “Lindy landed. He’s in Paris! He made it.” He threw his hat out the window, and the General asked who the crazy kid was before they threw him out.
Two years later, Mel and the General saw each other at an airport, and they nodded at each other. When they made eye contact from afar, the General said, “Lindy landed,’ acknowledging Mel’s previous bit. The story delights Johnny and his audience because of Mel’s incredible delivery and comic timing.
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