Esther Clavin: Excuse me. With all due respect, Mr. Carson, you didn't tell my son's joke correctly.
Johnny Carson: You're his mother?
Esther Clavin: Yes. And I want you to tell it again and this time put a little life into it.
Johnny Carson: Audience, can you stand to hear this joke again? [applause] Doc is so old...
All: How old is he?
Johnny Carson: ...when he was a kid he never blew out candles on a birthday cake. They didn't have fire yet. [audience groaning]
Esther Clavin: No, no, now tell it again and this time hit the word "have." And it wouldn't kill you to turn on the applause sign.
Johnny Carson: Hit, hit, hit the word "have"?
Esther Clavin: Have.
Johnny Carson: Doc is so old...
All: How old is he?
Johnny Carson: when he was a kid he never blew out candles on a birthday cake. They didn't have fire yet. [cheering and applause]
Esther Clavin: You see, they heard that joke three times and they still laughed. Now, don't tell me my son doesn't know comedy.
Johnny Carson: You- You're a pretty funny lady yourself. Would you like to come down and join me?
Esther Clavin: Ooh, I'd love that. [cheering and applause] Here, hold my purse. Oh, this is so exciting. [giggles]