Nighty Night

Last night on TCM (Turner Classic Movies) I was watching some reruns of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The cable channel, known mostly for showcasing older and classic cinema, has been running Carson repeats every Monday evening in July. To call these interviews with great actors and actresses a 'treasure trove' would do them an injustice. I've enjoyed watching them immensely. Last night's broadcast was no exception.

The segment in question was quite delightful. Johnny, his long-time (and long-suffering) sidekick Ed McMahon, and guest Dom DeLuise were in top form. Dom was there to promote his appearance in the (then) new Mel Brooks film Silent Movie. The conversation became really interesting, however, when the subject switched (in true madcap fashion) to the guys' bedtime proclivities.

Mr. DeLuise talked about how he wore a nightgown to bed, sans any type of cap with a tassle. Mr. McMahon wore socks at night with the toes and heels cut out of them. According to his wife, when one sock went missing, it meant trouble for Ed to get to sleep. Mr. Carson acknowledged sleeping with a "little blue blanket," but only when he was single (so, every-other year. I kid, I kid. Kind of). There was much banter and playful ribbing about these nighttime habits.

What I enjoyed so much about the segment was how humanizing it was. We can all relate to bedtime. We each have our nightly rituals, whether we're conscious of it or not. I happen to listen to the radio each night. You, dear reader, probably have your own regular devotional to the bed. It was nice to get a peek into what those three celebrities did when it came time to sleep.