King of the Night page 3 by ric gustafson
October 1 1987 was a special taping of the Tonight Show. It was the show's 25th anniversary. When the hour and a half show was over, the anniversary party began. Johnny normally had the party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. For this year's party, Johnny's nephew Jeff Sotzing suggested the Queen Mary.
Johnny hated public affairs. He came to the party with his new wife Alexis Maas. As shy as he was, he tried to be the perfect host. After a drink or two, Johnny and Alexis walked into the Grand Salon for dinner. At Johnny's table was Ed McMahon, Freddy De Cordova Doc Severinsen and their wives.
After dinner and dessert, A play casino started. Johnny picked up a deck of cards and began doing card tricks for his guests.
Outside of the Queen Mary that night, things were not going well for NBC. General Electric had acquired NBC two years prior. Cameramen and technicians were walking a picket line. They were on strike against NBC.
Inside the Queen Mary on October 1 1987, Johnny Carson was still King of the Night.
research help: ' King of the Night' by Laurence Leamer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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