February 11, 1960…Jack Paar Walks Off The “Tonight” Show
February 11, 1960…Jack Paar Walks Off The “Tonight” Show
On February 11, 1960, Jack Paar turned television upside down with a remarkable act of integrity. That I know of, this short audio recording is the only version of the departure segment in its entirety, starting with the NBC announcement at the beginning of the show that was added for the tape’s broadcast that night.
What was the joke the NBC censor took out the night before? Here it is….
“An English lady, while visiting Switzerland, was looking for a room, and she asked the schoolmaster if he could recommend any to her. He took her to see several rooms, and when everything was settled, the lady returned to her home to make the final preparations to move. When she arrived home, the thought suddenly occurred to her that she had not seen a “W.C.”, (short for “water closet”, British for bathroom). So she immediately wrote a note to the schoolmaster asking him if there were a “W.C.” around.
The schoolmaster was a very poor student of English, so he asked the parish priest if he could help in the matter. Together they tried to discover the meaning of the letters “W.C.,” and the only solution they could find for the letters was “Wedding Chapel.” The schoolmaster then wrote to the English lady the following note:
Dear Madam: I take great pleasure in informing you that the W.C. is situated nine miles from the house you will occupy, in the center of a beautiful grove of pine trees surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and it is open on Sunday and Thursday only. As there are a great number of people and they are expected during the summer months, I would suggest that you come early, although there is plenty of standing room as a rule. You will no doubt be glad to hear that a good number of people bring their lunch and make a day of it. While others who can afford to go by car arrive just in time, I would especially recommend that your ladyship go on Thursday when there is a musical accompaniment.
It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the W.C. and it was there that she met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats. The newest attraction is a bell donated by a wealthy resident of the district. It rings every time a person enters. A bazaar is to be held to provide plush seats for all the people, since they feel it is a long felt need. I shall be delighted to reserve the best seat for you if you wish, where you will be seen by all. Hoping to have been of service to you, I remain, Sincerely, The Schoolmaster.”
On March, 7th 1960, Jack, having calmed down in Hong Kong for two weeks, returned to the show to the largest legitimate ovation any host of that show ever received. He came on stage, looked at the audience and stated, “As I was saying when I was interrupted….(Huge Laugh) “When I walked off I said that there must be a better way to making a living than this. Well, I’ve looked, (laugh builds), and there isn’t.” (Another huge laugh).
The night he walked out, the walked into Hurley’s Bar at the corner of 6th Avenue and 49th Street. While he was away, Hurley’s kept a picture of Jack in their window for the duration. I’ll add that rare photo in the Comment section below. Enjoy and share! -Bobby Ellerbee
One plus of being old, is that I watched on TV when Parr left. At that time it was shocking and sad for those who loved his show.
I recall seeing the video of Parr’s departure, so I know it’s around. Not found on Youtube.
I can’t see Paar anymore without sighing, and realizing not only are there no known Paar Tonight Show’s on color videotape, as far as I know there are only snippets on crappy kines. (I’m wondering if they look worse because they were doing black & white kines off a color monitor?)
Wow, that opening comment from the network was interesting.
Here is Paar’s picture in the window at Hurly’s Bar where a vigil was staged and huge pool bet was growing on when, or if he would return.