Critic Shelf
Home
Discover
Sign in
Your rating
Tap a star, half steps count

The Great Toilet Paper Scare

Feb 15, 2020 · 11m
No ratings yet
Documentary
Animation

PLOT

The untold story of a notorious incident involving Johnny Carson, a lot of toilet paper, and millions of fearful Americans. In 1973, as a dire oil crisis plagued the country, Carson made a joke on "The Tonight Show" about a possible paper shortage. This off-hand remark quickly created an actual paper shortage when viewers went and bought up as much toilet paper as they could get their hands on. Compiled entirely of archival footage, and animated sequences based on contemporaneous news reports, the film explores the power and impact of misinformation in the media.

REVIEWS

View reviews

CAST

Brian Gersten
Various Voices
Arlin Golden
Various Voices
Bernadette McVerry
Various Voices
Johnny Carson
Himself
Directed by Brian Gersten

DETAILS

Status
Released
Original language
EN
Budget
—
Revenue
—
Country
US
Critic Shelf
Rate what you watch, show it on shelves, and compare taste with anyone. Film and TV data from TMDB.
ACCOUNT
Sign in
Create account
Delete account
COMPANY
About
Contact
Privacy
Terms
This product uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.
© 2026 Critic Shelf
WATCH · RATE · COMPARE