Letterman performs Carson's last monologue - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

raveneye · 02-01-2005, 06:15 AM

I didn't get a chance to see the show, but apparently David Letterman last night did a monologue that Johnny Carson wrote just before he died.

Only after he sat down did he tell the audience that it was written by Carson.

I've always thought Letterman was better than Leno, and I'm glad that Carson considered Dave his true heir.

Quote:

Letterman set up one joke by noting scientists had been working on an airplane that flew 50 miles above the Earth. Only two man-made objects were visible at that distance, he said.

"One is the Great Wall of China," Letterman said. "and the other is Donald Trump's hair."

Letterman said Hilton's dog, Tinker Bell, was missing for a few days because it was "with the Taco Bell chihuahua making a sex video."

Another joke noted Democrat John Kerry, under fire for his Vietnam service record, was criticized for throwing away some of his military service medals.

"Not to be outdone, President Bush threw away his National Guard spotty attendance records," he said

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...tterman_carson

warrrreagl · 02-01-2005, 06:26 AM

As soon as the jokes started last night, I looked at my wife and said, "Carson wrote those jokes." They really were speaking from the grave, and there is no way Leno could have delivered those jokes correctly.

I thought Dave's tribute show was much more classy than Jay's, and I felt like Jay was still somehow competing with Johnny during his tribute last week. Ed McMahon looked stiff and uncomfortable with Jay, while Peter Lassaly and Doc were quite at ease and right at home with Dave.

It's also good to know that Doc is still getting high before a show...

Bill O'Rights · 02-01-2005, 06:31 AM

I dunno about Peter Lassaly being at ease. He seemed about as nervous as he could possibly be. But Dave pulled him though. Overall...Dave did a much better job at memorializing Johnny than Leno did. Although, I suppose, the argument could be made that he's had a week to work on it, whereas Leno did his the Monday following Johnnys death. Still, Dave put on a class act last night. And yeah...I can hear Johnny's voice delivering every one of those jokes from Dave's monologue last night. Hands in pockets, and lifting himself up on tiptoe at each and every punchline.

pinkie · 02-01-2005, 07:24 AM

David Letterman is awesome.

warrrreagl · 02-01-2005, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

I dunno about Peter Lassaly being at ease. He seemed about as nervous as he could possibly be. But Dave pulled him though.

You're right, he was pretty nervous. What I was trying to say was that Lassaly didn't seem to have been Shanghai'd into appearing. McMahon looked as if he had a gun to his head, and would have rather been ANYWHERE except sharing the Tonight Show stage with Jay Leno that night.

Suave · 02-01-2005, 12:06 PM

God Letterman sucks ass. I don't care if his tribute was better, it doesn't change the amount of ass-sucking he and his show do.

Top Ten Reasons To Watch Leno:
10)Letterman sucks
9)Letterman sucks
8)Letterman sucks
7)Letterman sucks
6)Letterman sucks
5)Letterman sucks
4)Letterman sucks
3)Letterman sucks
2)Letterman sucks
1)Letterman sucks

Paradise Lost · 02-01-2005, 01:47 PM

I don't ever really catch the late night scene, except for Conan the next day on
Comedy Central, but Letterman has always been better in my mind - shown from the
fact that Johnny still sent Letterman jokes on some sort of regular basis, and, if it weren't
for the big-wigs at NBC, Letterman would most likely be doing the Tonight Show instead
of Leno - something I guarentee he would have put more heart into than Leno ever has
or ever will.

jalora · 02-01-2005, 06:21 PM

David Letterman used to be funny.

Jay Leno has never been funny.

Carno · 02-01-2005, 07:48 PM

I don't really find any of those shows worth watching.

Jeff · 02-01-2005, 07:54 PM

Leno's not funny at all. Horrible interviewer.

Letterman's actually funny.

Though not as funny as Conan.

Suave · 02-01-2005, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carn

I don't really find any of those shows worth watching.

Have you ever watched Late Night With Conan O'Brien?

Sidenote: I'll admit that Leno sucks (but generally gets decent guests), but he sucks in a sort of meek, easy-to-handle manner. Letterman sucks in an annoying, tear-off-my-own-testicles manner.

Rdr4evr · 02-01-2005, 09:35 PM

Leno and Letterman both suck, you want to talk about kiss ass? Leno is king of kissing ass. That said, Conan blows them both out of the water.

Hardknock · 02-01-2005, 09:39 PM

I guess I haven't benn missing much in late night tv.

Carno · 02-02-2005, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suave

Have you ever watched Late Night With Conan O'Brien?

Yeah... don't find him very funny. I mean, the times I watched his show I did have a few laughs, but it was not worth staying up to watch.

Dostoevsky · 02-02-2005, 01:32 PM

I prefer Letterman over Leno and Conan over both of 'em. The Daily Show, though not exactly in the same genre, is my favorite. Jon Stewart is hilarious.

Shpoop · 02-02-2005, 03:22 PM

good thing to hear that everyone here so far prefers conan of them all...i feel the same way. It is absolutely hilarious, but like carn, i cant afford to stay up that late on weekdays. love to watch it on comedy central during the day though.

Blackthorn · 02-02-2005, 03:30 PM

I loved this particular show (Letterman's tribute to Johnny Carson) because of the video clips and bits that they showed of Johnny. Most of them involved Dave so a few of you would bitch about that but that's okay.

Letterman said it right when he said "You can push Regis around which is fun but you could NEVER push Johnny around. He ruled the stage.". Johnny Carson set an intolerably high standard for these people to try and follow.

Rest in peace Mr. Carson. You deserve it. I for one was vastly entertained by you and your work. Thanks for the laughs and for making the world a better place.

jstory · 02-02-2005, 06:47 PM

Both shows suck. Conan can be funny at times.

OFKU0 · 02-02-2005, 08:26 PM

Leno's fake laugh is just a little less ridiculous than Conan's is which, is the main reasons why those two shows don't hold a candle to Lettermen. Stupid giggles from Leno and Conan = bad. Smart remark by Lettermen instead of stupid giggles = good.

Lettermen's show was better than Leno's. For an outfit like the Tonight Show and all their expertise, it looked almost as bad as local cable t.v. That's an exagerration but someone will understand it.

meembo · 02-03-2005, 07:18 AM

Does anybody here remember watching Carson? I'm in my 40's, and I remember watching him for about 15 years. IMO he was better than either Letterman and Leno for one reason -- he never got in the way of a guest. His personality performed during the monologue, but after that, the show was all about the guests. I remember the first time Robin Williams was on as a guest in the chair at the desk. I don't think Johnny said a word for 20 minutes -- he just let Robin Williams go and go, and he leaned back in his chair and laughed. It was great!

Letterman was awesome in the first 5 years or so -- just a sportcoat (no double-breasted suits) and he wore wrestling shoes every night -- he had nothing to lose and was great.

I sudeently feel very old!

Charlatan · 02-03-2005, 07:41 AM

I'm 36 and remeber watching Carson quite a bit... and agree with your assesment of his stage precense...

Letterman *was* awesome in his early years BUT like most people he has matured. I think he *is* Carson's hier.

Others have mentioned that Conan is better... they are looking at this the wrong way.

Conan is Letterman's heir. He is heir to the instanity that was Late Night with David Letterman... Letterman, meanwhile is playing to a different audience... Johnny's audience.

scout · 02-03-2005, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

......Letterman *was* awesome in his early years BUT like most people he has matured. I think he *is* Carson's hier.

Others have mentioned that Conan is better... they are looking at this the wrong way.

Conan is Letterman's heir. He is heir to the insanity that was Late Night with David Letterman... Letterman, meanwhile is playing to a different audience... Johnny's audience.

What he said.

Jonsgirl · 02-03-2005, 10:34 AM

I just miss Johnny.

Cycler · 02-12-2005, 07:27 PM

Yeah I am 30 and I remember watching Carson for many years and his retirement the late night world was never really the same. I can remember being sick as a dog more than a few times growing up and my mom staying up with me watching The Tonight Show and Carson making me laugh in spite of it all. RIP Johnny. I prefer Letterman and then Conan but truthfully watch very little of either nowadays.

02-01-2005, 06:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
warrrreagl pinche vato Location: backwater, Third World, land of cotton	As soon as the jokes started last night, I looked at my wife and said, "Carson wrote those jokes." They really were speaking from the grave, and there is no way Leno could have delivered those jokes correctly. I thought Dave's tribute show was much more classy than Jay's, and I felt like Jay was still somehow competing with Johnny during his tribute last week. Ed McMahon looked stiff and uncomfortable with Jay, while Peter Lassaly and Doc were quite at ease and right at home with Dave. It's also good to know that Doc is still getting high before a show... __________________ Living is easy with eyes closed.

02-01-2005, 06:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	I dunno about Peter Lassaly being at ease. He seemed about as nervous as he could possibly be. But Dave pulled him though. Overall...Dave did a *much* better job at memorializing Johnny than Leno did. Although, I suppose, the argument could be made that he's had a week to work on it, whereas Leno did his the Monday following Johnnys death. Still, Dave put on a class act last night. And yeah...I can hear Johnny's voice delivering every one of those jokes from Dave's monologue last night. Hands in pockets, and lifting himself up on tiptoe at each and every punchline. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt. Last edited by Bill O'Rights; 02-01-2005 at 06:34 AM..

02-01-2005, 12:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
Suave Twitterpated Location: My own little world (also Canada)	God Letterman sucks ass. I don't care if his tribute was better, it doesn't change the amount of ass-sucking he and his show do. Top Ten Reasons To Watch Leno: 10)Letterman sucks 9)Letterman sucks 8)Letterman sucks 7)Letterman sucks 6)Letterman sucks 5)Letterman sucks 4)Letterman sucks 3)Letterman sucks 2)Letterman sucks 1)Letterman sucks __________________ "Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato

02-01-2005, 01:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
Paradise Lost "Afternoon everybody." "NORM!" Location: Poland, Ohio // Clarion University of PA.	I don't ever really catch the late night scene, except for Conan the next day on Comedy Central, but Letterman has always been better in my mind - shown from the fact that Johnny still sent Letterman jokes on some sort of regular basis, and, if it weren't for the big-wigs at NBC, Letterman would most likely be doing the Tonight Show instead of Leno - something I guarentee he would have put more heart into than Leno ever has or ever will. __________________ "Marino could do it."

02-01-2005, 06:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
jalora Tilted Location: California	David Letterman used to be funny. Jay Leno has never been funny. __________________ Like my diamonds? The Devil himself gave them to me...

02-01-2005, 07:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
pinkie Helplessly hoping Location: Above the stars	David Letterman is awesome.

02-01-2005, 07:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
Carno Junkie	I don't really find any of those shows worth watching.

02-01-2005, 07:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jeff And we'll all float on ok... Location: Iowa City	Leno's not funny at all. Horrible interviewer. Letterman's actually funny. Though not as funny as Conan. __________________ For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can't readily accept the God formula, the big answers don't remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command or faith a dictum. I am my own God. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us. --Charles Bukowski

02-01-2005, 09:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
Rdr4evr Banned	Leno and Letterman both suck, you want to talk about kiss ass? Leno is king of kissing ass. That said, Conan blows them both out of the water.

02-01-2005, 09:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
Hardknock Republican slayer Location: WA	I guess I haven't benn missing much in late night tv.

02-02-2005, 01:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dostoevsky Psycho Location: Macon, GA	I prefer Letterman over Leno and Conan over both of 'em. The Daily Show, though not exactly in the same genre, is my favorite. Jon Stewart is hilarious. __________________ Pride is the recognition of the fact that you are your own highest value and, like all of man’s values, it has to be earned. It is not advisable, James, to venture unsolicited opinions. You should spare yourself the embarrassing discovery of their exact value to your listener. Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

02-02-2005, 03:22 PM	#16 (permalink)
Shpoop Curious Location: NJ (but just for college)	good thing to hear that everyone here so far prefers conan of them all...i feel the same way. It is absolutely hilarious, but like carn, i cant afford to stay up that late on weekdays. love to watch it on comedy central during the day though.

02-02-2005, 03:30 PM	#17 (permalink)
Blackthorn Beware the Mad Irish Location: Wish I was on the N17...	I loved this particular show (Letterman's tribute to Johnny Carson) because of the video clips and bits that they showed of Johnny. Most of them involved Dave so a few of you would bitch about that but that's okay. Letterman said it right when he said "You can push Regis around which is fun but you could NEVER push Johnny around. He ruled the stage.". Johnny Carson set an intolerably high standard for these people to try and follow. Rest in peace Mr. Carson. You deserve it. I for one was vastly entertained by you and your work. Thanks for the laughs and for making the world a better place. __________________ What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want?

02-02-2005, 06:47 PM	#18 (permalink)
jstory Crazy	Both shows suck. Conan can be funny at times.

02-02-2005, 08:26 PM	#19 (permalink)
OFKU0 Junk	Leno's fake laugh is just a little less ridiculous than Conan's is which, is the main reasons why those two shows don't hold a candle to Lettermen. Stupid giggles from Leno and Conan = bad. Smart remark by Lettermen instead of stupid giggles = good. Lettermen's show was better than Leno's. For an outfit like the Tonight Show and all their expertise, it looked almost as bad as local cable t.v. That's an exagerration but someone will understand it. __________________ " In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.

02-03-2005, 10:34 AM	#23 (permalink)
Jonsgirl Semi-Atomic Location: Home.	I just miss Johnny. __________________ Someday, someone will best me. But it won't be today, and it won't be you.

02-03-2005, 07:18 AM	#20 (permalink)
meembo Junkie Location: Connecticut	Does anybody here remember watching Carson? I'm in my 40's, and I remember watching him for about 15 years. IMO he was better than either Letterman and Leno for one reason -- he never got in the way of a guest. His personality performed during the monologue, but after that, the show was all about the guests. I remember the first time Robin Williams was on as a guest in the chair at the desk. I don't think Johnny said a word for 20 minutes -- he just let Robin Williams go and go, and he leaned back in his chair and laughed. It was great! Letterman was awesome in the first 5 years or so -- just a sportcoat (no double-breasted suits) and he wore wrestling shoes every night -- he had nothing to lose and was great. I sudeently feel very old! __________________ less I say, smarter I am

02-03-2005, 07:41 AM	#21 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I'm 36 and remeber watching Carson quite a bit... and agree with your assesment of his stage precense... Letterman was awesome in his early years BUT like most people he has matured. I think he is Carson's hier. Others have mentioned that Conan is better... they are looking at this the wrong way. Conan is Letterman's heir. He is heir to the instanity that was Late Night with David Letterman... Letterman, meanwhile is playing to a different audience... Johnny's audience. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

02-12-2005, 07:27 PM	#24 (permalink)
Cycler Float on.... Alright Location: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains, i.e. Oklahoma	Yeah I am 30 and I remember watching Carson for many years and his retirement the late night world was never really the same. I can remember being sick as a dog more than a few times growing up and my mom staying up with me watching The Tonight Show and Carson making me laugh in spite of it all. RIP Johnny. I prefer Letterman and then Conan but truthfully watch very little of either nowadays. __________________ "I'm not even supposed to be here today." "I assure you we're open."