I heard Johnny Carson and Wayne Newton had a feud. Was this true? If so, what was it about?
Copilot
Certainly! The feud between Johnny Carson and Wayne Newton is well-documented and had its roots in a bitter battle over the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. Let me provide you with the details:
Wayne Newton, known as the “Midnight Idol,” was at the height of his career on the Las Vegas Strip in 1980. He was the No. 1 headliner at numerous hotels, earning millions of dollars a year. Johnny Carson, on the other hand, was NBC’s top late-night talk-show host, responsible for a massive share of NBC’s profits. He also had connections to Las Vegas, owning a local television station and performing stand-up comedy on the Strip. Initially, the two men were friendly and professional. Wayne Newton had made around 30 appearances on Carson’s “Tonight Show.” However, their relationship took a sharp turn when Newton got the upper hand in their battle to buy the mob-controlled Aladdin Hotel. Newton successfully acquired the hotel, which didn’t sit well with Carson. Carson began skewering Newton in his monologues, making jokes about Newton’s masculinity. These jokes were unfounded and hurtful, and Newton felt betrayed by his former friend. Newton attempted to reach out to Carson for a couple of years without success. Frustrated, he walked into Carson’s office unannounced and confronted him, saying, “These jokes about me will stop, and they’ll stop now or I will kick your ass.” Carson’s mean-spirited humor persisted, but Newton’s decision to buy the Aladdin turned into a nightmare. An old friend of Newton’s tied organized crime to the Aladdin once more, damaging Newton’s reputation. Newton eventually won a $5.2 million libel suit against NBC for linking him to organized crime, but the award was overturned in 1990. Carson’s influence played a significant role in the subsequent events, and their feud continued until Carson’s death in 2005. It’s fascinating how personal and professional dynamics can intersect in unexpected ways, even among celebrities. 😊
You
has anyone acquired the rights to this story for production as a movie?
Copilot
As of now, there is no information available indicating that the rights to the story of the feud between Johnny Carson and Wayne Newton have been acquired for production as a movie. The feud has been covered in various articles and reports, but it seems it hasn’t been picked up for a film adaptation yet. It would certainly make for an intriguing plot, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the dramatic events that unfolded between them. If such a project were to be announced, it would likely attract considerable attention given the legendary status of both Carson and Newton in the entertainment industry. 😊
You
write an elevator pitch to this movie.
Copilot
Elevator Pitch: Imagine stepping into the glitzy world of Las Vegas in the 1980s, where neon lights aren’t the only things that clash. “The Midnight Duel” is a gripping drama that brings to life the intense rivalry between two entertainment titans: Johnny Carson, the king of late-night television, and Wayne Newton, the Midnight Idol of Las Vegas.
When Newton outmaneuvers Carson in a high-stakes bid for the Aladdin Hotel, a bitter feud ignites. Carson’s sharp monologues turn personal, targeting Newton’s image, while Newton fights to protect his reputation and empire. Behind the curtain of their public personas lies a battle of egos, betrayal, and the dark underbelly of fame.
This film explores the cost of success and the price of friendship in show business. It’s a tale of power, pride, and the pursuit of the American dream, with all the makings of a classic tragedy. “The Midnight Duel” isn’t just a story about two celebrities—it’s a reflection on the vulnerability behind the spotlight and the resilience needed to stand up against it.
Tagline: “In the city of lights, the biggest stars cast the darkest shadows.”
This pitch encapsulates the essence of the story, aiming to intrigue potential producers and audiences with the promise of drama, conflict, and the allure of vintage Vegas. 😊
You
give us some ideas for who you would cast as Carson and newton.
Copilot
Casting the roles of Johnny Carson and Wayne Newton in a film about their feud would require actors who can capture the essence of these iconic entertainers. Here are some casting ideas:
For Johnny Carson:
Jon Hamm: Known for his suave and charismatic portrayal of Don Draper in “Mad Men,” Hamm could bring the right mix of charm and edge to the role of Carson. Bill Hader: With his impressive range from comedy to drama and his experience on “Saturday Night Live,” Hader could adeptly handle the wit and complexity of Carson’s character. For Wayne Newton:
Rami Malek: His transformative performances and ability to dive deep into a character could make Malek an excellent choice for the passionate and determined Newton. Harry Styles: Styles has shown his acting chops in “Dunkirk” and has the stage presence to embody Newton’s showmanship. These actors could bring depth and nuance to the portrayal of these two entertainment legends, making the story come alive on the big screen. 😊
You
could you please write a supporting role for Larry David
Copilot
Certainly! Larry David, known for his unique brand of humor and his role in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” would be a great addition to the cast. Here’s a supporting role tailored for him:
Character Name: Marty Greenstein Role: Marty Greenstein is a seasoned comedy writer and Johnny Carson’s right-hand man. He’s been in the business for decades and has seen it all. Marty is known for his sharp wit, dry humor, and no-nonsense attitude. Despite his gruff exterior, he’s fiercely loyal to Carson and often serves as his sounding board.
Character Description: Marty is the guy who’s always behind the scenes, the one who punches up the jokes and keeps the show running smoothly. He’s got a knack for cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of the matter, often providing comic relief with his cynical observations. His relationship with Carson is complex; they’re like brothers who bicker and argue but ultimately have each other’s backs.
Scene Idea: In a pivotal scene, Marty confronts Carson about the ongoing feud with Wayne Newton. He’s the voice of reason, urging Carson to let go of the vendetta before it consumes him. The scene is tense, with Marty delivering a monologue that’s equal parts humorous and heartfelt, showcasing Larry David’s signature style.
Marty’s Monologue: “Johnny, you’re the king of late-night, not a Las Vegas pit boss. This thing with Wayne—it’s eating you up. You’ve got the whole country laughing every night, and you’re worried about some hotel? Come on, you’re better than this. And another thing, if I have to write one more joke about Wayne Newton’s hair, I’m gonna start pulling out my own!”
This role would allow Larry David to play to his strengths, delivering comedic yet impactful performances that contribute significantly to the narrative. 😊
I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the concept! If you have any more creative ideas or need assistance with another project, feel free to ask. I’m here to help! 😊