‘Tonight Show’ Treasures

Great to hear the Carson tapes are now available for those of us who stopped watching late-night talk shows after Johnny retired (“Here’s [Vintage] Johnny,” by Greg Braxton, May 13). He was one of a kind, and none of these current wannabes is even close.

What I liked best about Carson was his humanity. He could trade quips with Bob Hope or Milton Berle all day long, but whenever he had a non-pro guest, like some little old lady who did bird calls and was obviously terrified, he always tried to be very kind and put them at ease. That said a lot about the guy.

CHUCK QUEENAN

Encino

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While no sane person can deny the intelligence, the taste and the humanity of Johnny Carson, the years of enjoyment provided by “The Tonight Show” were not due to him alone.

Carson had a staff of numerous writers, coordinators, and producers working closely with him, influencing and, in turn, being influenced by him (including my late husband, Jim McCawley, who was talent coordinator and co-producer of “Tonight” from 1978 to 1992 and was the subject of a Calendar cover story himself). It only seems appropriate to acknowledge their talent as well as their hard work.

SHARON McCAWLEY

Los Angeles

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While I enjoyed the coverage, the article made little reference to some of TV’s other classic shows that have become available on video. One prominent MIA is “The Carol Burnett Show.” This amazing collection should be required viewing in universities, as it embodies the most complete musical-comedy variety show the airwaves have ever carried.

Burnett, like Carson, was very smart. Both surrounded themselves with the best people around, with the best writers, and made their guests look good. I guess that would explain their longevity.

BRENT EDWARDS

Lakewood