Week 18: October 20-24

Monday October 20, 1980 - episode pre-taped

The Crew: Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

And Now: "...the best golfer in the world"

 

Dave: Today is Monday, October - what do you think, Frank?

Frank: I'm not sure!

(Dave and Frank both laugh)

Dave mentions show is pre-taped.  Shows off a Coffee Cup Theater mug made by a viewer.

 

Bad Phone Call: Ruth has lost her job and will be moving in with her sister Gwen in Reno, NV, with the problem that her sister knows nothing of this situation.  Gwen is not home, so Ruth receives a can of Winky's Cow Paste.

 

Musical Guest: Lacy J. Dalton sings "Hard Times"

Lacy J. Dalton interview

Musical Guest: Lacy J. Dalton sings "Whisper"

Rich Hall panel and video - vanishing diner in Roosevelt Island

Wil Shriner panel and film

Fred Soyka interview (2 segments)

 

 

Tuesday October 21, 1980

And Now: "...here's a man who knows absolutely nothing about the Oriental art of origami"

Sign in audience: "We Love David"  Dave reminds audience of show from Cresco, IA, airing tomorrow, along with Wil Shriner appearing in NBC Sports' pre-game coverage of Game 6 of the 1980 World Series.

 

Small Town News segment.  Call to Thomas Williams in Osceola, MO.  On first dialing, Dave forgets area code.  2nd attempt doesn't work either.

Dave: I bet Wink Martindale could've done this.

 

Note: going to and coming back from commercial, photos and resumes of staff members are shown.

Father Guido Sarducci interview

Rich Hall theater review segment

Video - Hansom Cab tips

 

Isaac Asimov interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

 

Wednesday October 22, 1980 - Cresco, IA

NBC Announcer: "The following program is pre-recorded"

Goldsworthy Family interview (Howard, Jane, Gina, Gretta)

Dave opens the show in the living room, with the band playing in the corner near the family's upright piano.

Cloris Leachman interview (2 segments).  In 2nd segment, Cloris' daughter Dinah Englund joins Cloris.

Rich Hall video - Pitkinville, MT Pork Festival

Video - tour of Cresco, IA

 

Wil Shriner panel

Stupid Pet Tricks segment

Video - on the streets of Cresco, IA

Postscript: when Wil was a guest on Late Night in 1990, he brought along a picture from the taping:

 

 

Also, during Dave's retirement, Jane Goldsworthy was interviewed in the Des Moines Register.

 

 

 

Thursday October 23, 1980

And Now: "...a man who is both afraid of heights...and widths"

Dave receives standing ovation, with people sitting in the aisles.  Signs in the audience: "We Survived Lettermanland"  "We Want Dave Saved"  "Dave for Prez" "Save David"

 

Guests who won't be on the show segment

Steve Allen interview (4 segments)

New Halloween Products

New Halloween Costumes

Fay & Warren Eckstein interview (2 segments).  In 2nd segment, dog training demonstration.

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

 

 

Friday October 24, 1980

And Now: "...a man who's been replaced by 2 game shows"

Dave receives standing ovation, with people sitting in the aisles.  Signs in the audience: "NBC is a Peacock" "Dave is Keen" "Kill Wink" "Nobody Fills the Gap like David" "Wink Who?" "Save David Letterman from Extinction"

Viewer Mail segment

 

Wil Shriner panel and video

Edwin Newman & Frank Owens interview

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 14th

Stupid Writer Tricks segment

Behind the Scenes tour, includes speaking with Barry Sand, Bill Wendell, Yolanda Rodriguez, Kathleen Ankers, Bob Pook, and Hal Gurnee.

Musical Guest: Harve Mann sings "Las Vegas Gambit"

Week 17: October 13-17

Monday October 13, 1980

The Crew: Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

And Now: "...a man who has lived in America all his life, but still has trouble with the language"

Bad Phone Call: Betsy Albertson selected, was going to record episode for husband but didn't. 

Mary Tyler Moore interview (2 segments)

Gangland segment

 

Gerard Mulligan panel - announces he's fulfilled dream to become notary public

Arnold Roth interview (2 segments)

Andy Kaufman interview (the youtube clip has the wrong date)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave announces winner for at-home contest: the Goldsworthy's of Cresco, IA.

Tuesday October 14, 1980

And Now: "...a man who is a close, personal friend of Santa Claus"

(As Dave walks out, audience is so loud it drowns out the band playing theme, with multiple signs in the audience to Keep Dave on NBC)

Small Town News segment.  Calls Jane Goldsworthy in Cresco, IA to congratulate her on winning the contest.  Going to commercial, the Symphony Orchestra plays "Country Roads"

Musical Guest: Irene Cara sings "Out Here on My Own" (Note: Frank Owens accompanied Irene on the Fame soundtrack recording)

Irene Cara interview

Musical Guest: Irene Cara sings "Hot Lunch Jam"  Audience claps along.

New products review.  Segment goes faster than planned.

Columbus Day Pageant from Mrs. Lerner's 4th Grade Class, P.S. 124, Brooklyn, NY

Tom Wolfe interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Wednesday October 15, 1980

And Now: "...a man who believes coleslaw should be included in the periodic chart of elements"

(Note, during the opening announcement, Bill says "It's the David Letterman Show live, with Jane Pauley and the Frank Owens...David Letterman Symphony Orchestra")

Dave is unable to come out on stage as the doors don't open.  Dave: "That's it for me."  This opening is referenced in Jason Zinoman's book.

Audience is sitting in the aisles.  One member holds up sign "Dave Smells Good."  Dave states the last show is next Friday, which brings boos from the audience.

Dave goes into audience to find help writing comedy for photos.  Sue and Harriett chosen.

Studs Terkel interview (2 segments)

Studs: "I think you're a classy guy, and I think that's why you're being cancelled.  Out there in Radio Land or TV Land there's an intelligence, there's a wit in the American public, as out here.  And I think polls and ratings are barbaric, because they don't represent the intelligence out there.  

Dave: And later, we'll go up to Silverman's office and turn the dump over, what do you say?

(Audience cheers)

Unknown Art Masterpieces segment

Rich Hall - Pitkinville, MT segment ("The Pitkinville Horror")

Andy Kaufman interview

Jane Pauley NBC News Update

Sue & Harriett present jokes to the photos

Thursday October 16, 1980

And Now: "...a man who believes all new shoes should be accompanied with operating instructions"

Guests who won't be on the show segment

Meryle Evans interview (2 segments)

Stupid Pet Tricks segment

Wil Shriner panel and film

Jane Bryant Quinn interview (pre-taped, 2 segments)

Jane Pauley NBC News Update

Dave shows room "697" in the RCA building, a "re-created filling station bathroom"

Friday October 17, 1980 - episode pre-taped

And Now: "...a man who often goes to Funkytown"

Viewer Mail segment.  Includes appearance from Chuck the Human Weasel (writer Ron Richards).

Catherine Deneuve interview (2 segments)

Dave: Would you, one day, give up your world fame and become a married person again?

Catherine: Why not?  Is that an offer?

Video: TWA Flight Simulator

Dave: "I believe I'm ready for my complimentary cocktail"

Items from back of magazines segment.  Includes an egg cuber.

Earl Mindell interview (2 segments)

During the credits, teen girls are seen wearing homemade David Letterman T shirts.

Week 16: October 6-10

Monday October 6, 1980

The Crew: Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

And Now: "...a man who takes his phone calls in your office"

Dave mentions the at-home contest, and that they still haven't picked out a winner.

Bad Phone Call: Bob Lafurno chosen.  He took out a $7,000 loan for college that needs to be repaid, of which his father is unaware.

Dave: Hello, is Charles Lafurno there, please?

Charles: Uh, Dave?

 

Dave: "You knew nothing about this loan for $7,000?"

Charles: "Oh my god."

Bill Murray Interview (3 segments)

Visit to Lettermanland segment

Dr. Quentin Regestein interview (2 segments)

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 13th

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Tuesday October 7, 1980

And Now: "...The Father of Fly Fishing"

Dave reminds viewers that Friday October 10th is Floyd Stiles Day. 

Small Town News segment.  Call to John Bennett at the Franklin Water Utility in Franklin, WI to discuss the flushing of its water mains.

Ruth Warrick interview (2 segments)

Ruth: "I have some meddling I'm going to do at NBC.  Of course, you're nobody 'till somebody cancels you, you know that?  And I have said, I told them when Phoebe Tyler says something, it's right.  It's the wrong time slot.  And I said to Mr. Silverman, 'You look here, Freddy.  You put this man in the right time slot, and you've got the star of stars.'"

Rich Hall video - Traffic Islands vacation

Items from the back of magazines

Andrew Tobias interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  

Wednesday October 8, 1980

And Now: "...the inventor of the napkin"

After opening remarks Dave goes into the audience to select someone to direct the show.   Pat Holsten chosen, taken to control room. 

Dave: This is Hal Gurnee, our director.  One of the few directors without a high school diploma, by the way.

Jane Pauley interview (2 segments).  In 2nd segment, takes questions from the audience.

Dency Nelson interview

Show re-does opening with Pat Holsten directing

Lowell Ponte interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  

Thursday October 9, 1980

And Now: "...a man who never says 'get up and boogie'"

Guests who won't be on the show segment

Fred Rogers interview (2 segments)

 

 

Wil Shriner panel and film

Fall Fashion Show (on the street)

John Stossel interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave calls out Ward Halls who hitchhiked to the show, and passed out pamphlets to save the show along the way.  During the credits, teen girls are seen in the audience wearing homemade David Letterman T shirts.

Friday October 10, 1980 - Floyd Stiles Day

And Now: "...a man who is presently being investigated by Geraldo Rivera"

During opening remarks, Dave tells of how the day came to be from Small Town News segments.

Videotaped arrival of Floyd to NBC

Floyd arrives to studio with personalized backdrop

Floyd Stiles interview

Edwin Newman interview (2 segments).  Going to commercial after the 1st segment, Floyd & his wife receive snacks.

Rusty Draper interview

Musical Guest: Rusty Draper performs "Night Life"

Viewer Mail segment

Ray Linnen interview.  After interview Ray walks backstage and a 500lb bag of who knows what falls where he was seated.

Dave meets with Floyd and Zola, Dave presented with a T shirt and paperweight. 

Dave and Floyd on the streets of New York, introducing Floyd to the citizens of the city.

Week 15: September 29-October 3

Monday September 29, 1980

The Crew: Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

Cold Open: Dave's perspective as he enters studio.  Includes show staff.

And Now:  "...a man who knows the value of a dollar"

Continues with Dave's perspective to first guest, Chuck the Human Weasel (writer Ron Richards).

Tom Synder interview (2 segments)

Tom makes reference of the show's cancellation:

Tom Cochrun interview.  (Tom's name is misspelled in the chyron)  Tom met Dave in TV in Indiana, and discusses his appearance (and his early days with Dave) on his website

 

Bad Phone Call: Jim Elliot, recently fired, asks Dave to call his previous job and boss Tom Ruse to try to get it back.  Tom welcomes Jim back to his old position!

Audience is much more involved and supportive in the call.

Tom: It was a pathetic job in a factory.  But I need the money.

Dave: Looks pretty good now, doesn't it?

Tom: Damn good.

Dave: I have the same feeling myself.

Dr. Gabrielle Brown interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Tuesday September 30, 1980

And Now:  "...a man who thinks yodelers should have their own museum"  

John Tesh can be seen in the audience.

Small Town News segment.  Makes call to Floyd Stiles.  Invites Floyd to New York for Floyd Stiles Day, October 10th.

Steve Martin interview (2 segments)

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 12th

Rich Hall - Vegetable harvesting tips.  Rich says hello to Otis Crenshaw.

Ruth Carter Stapleton interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Musical Guest: Frank Owens and the David Letterman Symphony Orchestra perform "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"

Wednesday October 1, 1980

And Now:  "...a man who doesn't reflect in mirrors"

After opening remarks, Dave mentions they wanted a court sketch artist to sketch the show.  Person didn't show, so Dave goes to the audience.  Selects Barbara Jean Lloyd from the audience to draw.

Dave: It doesn't have to be great.

Barbara: It won't be.

Mary Stuart interview (2 segments)

Mary: You aren't old enough to remember live television.

Dave: This is live TV right here.

Mary: You didn't tell me that!

Video: Jogging Tips (labeled as a public service announcement)

Betty Brown selected from audience to review items from Health Food stores.  Betty makes freeze-dried egg product into an omelette. 

Dave: Do you want me to pour the water in there?

Betty: I could always use help from a handsome man.

(Crowd: Ooooooooh!)

Dave: What have you got planned after breakfast, Betty?

After the break, Betty and Dave try the eggs, but no one else is willing to try them.

Tom Brown Jr. interview (2 segments).  In 2nd segment, Dave (unsuccessfully) again attempts to start a fire.

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Barbara Jean Lloyd shows off her sketches from the show

Thursday October 2, 1980

And Now:  "...a man who invests in roadside reptile farms"

Guests who won't be on the show segment.  Going to commercial, audience members from Springfield, MA are shown holding a David Letterman Show homemade banner.

Robert Klein interview (2 segments).  Robert brings out his dog, Moishe.

Musical Guest: Jay Leonhart (of the Symphony Orchestra) performs "The Lion"

Wil Shriner panel and video

Philip Kingsley interview (2 segments).  In 2nd segment, Willard Scott appears to have scalp reviewed.

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Friday October 3, 1980

And Now:  "...a personal friend of Lou Del Prete"

Viewer Mail segment

Sarah Caldwell interview (2 segments)

Musical Guest: Joan Armatrading sings "All the Way from America"

Rich Hall - Pitkinville, MT segment

Joan Hamburg interview - new products (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Week 14: September 22-26

Monday September 22, 1980

The Crew: Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall 

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

And Now: "...a man who stays awake at the wheel by driving in reverse"

Bad Phone Call: Mary Garland selected to call Tina to tell her she can't play tennis today.  Mary, as winner, receives a year's supply of Winky's Cow Paste. 

Dave: You know, we have a real princess on the show today.

Tina: Who, Mary?

Diane von Furstenberg interview (2 segments)

 

 

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 11th

New International Signs segment

Jon Alpert interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave announces "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest

Later that day, Dave appears on The Tomorrow Show

Tuesday September 23, 1980 

Small Town News segment.  Call to Mrs. Don Saville in Carthage, IN, to discuss clothing made with pig skin.   

Merv Griffin interview (3 segments)

Items from the back of magazines

Arthur Ashe interview

Rich Hall - how a home viewer could be a guest on the show

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave announces "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest 

Wednesday September 24, 1980  

And Now: "...a regular pied piper of Hamelin"

As Dave walks out, he leads Biff Henderson out first.

New wake-up devices (alarm clocks)

Dr. Wayne Dyer interview (2 segments)

Video - tour of 11th floor Rooftop Garden

Wil Shriner panel

Judy Blume interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave announces "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest 

Thursday September 25, 1980

And Now: "...a veritable one-man fun fest"

Guests who won't be on the show segment.  Includes one person listed as "Emil Melman"

Chevy Chase interview (2 segments)

Musical Guest: Chevy Chase performs "Waltz for Debby"

Items that didn't make it

Dave in audience, asking someone to make a Bad Phone Call for him to get out of speeding ticket he received in Mooresville, IN.  Selects Phil Vinson, who calls Judge Knight in Mooresville to say Dave "needs to go to Norway for surgery" and will miss court date.

Phil: He needs to have his gall bladder removed, and I don't believe we can postpone it because he keeps having these attacks.

Judge: You know, one thing about it, we've got television in Mooresville, too.

Yousuf Karsh interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  

Friday September 26, 1980

Cold Open: Dave gets off elevator on 14th Floor to give tour of show's offices.  Includes Kim Carney, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall, staff production assistants, Merrill Markoe, and Barry Sand.

And Now: "...a man who will have just about anything sanforized"

Note: parts of this episode, and multiple episodes in the future are detailed in a profile on Dave from Esquire magazine by Peter W. Kaplan.

Louise Lasser interview (2 segments)

Stupid Pet Tricks - Louise Lasser's dog is the 1st participant. Louise stays out during the entire segment.  

Viewer Mail Segment

Douglas Casey interview (2 segments)

Jane Pauley NBC News Update

(After this episode, NBC cancels The David Letterman Show, with its final episode scheduled on October 24th.)

Week 13: September 15-19

Monday September 15, 1980

The Crew: Edie McClurg, Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall 

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

And Now: "...a man who would rather not get involved"

Dave announces beginning of "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest.  (Date range is originally weekend of November 8th or 15th).  100 words or less, photo of home.  Winner also receives RCA TV and VCR.

Bad Phone Call: Barry Micknick chosen to call mother to apologize for not watering flowers.  Difficult to hear mother Barbara on the phone.

Barbara: (unintelligible)

Barry: Sounded perfectly to me.

Dr. Carlton Fredericks interview (3 segments)

Lettermanland segment.  Dave calls out Bob Pook and Kathleen Ankers for their efforts in the segment

Vance Muse interview

Wil Shriner panel and video

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Tuesday September 16, 1980

And Now: "...a man who thinks things have gone too far already"  

Small Town News segment.  Attempted call to William Reilly in Stem, NC yields silence.

Ann & Art Buchwald interview (3 segments) 

Dave announces "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest

Items from the back of magazines

Dr. Carol Lindemann interview

Rich Hall review of Dressed to Kill

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Wednesday September 17, 1980

And Now: "...a man who knows how to spell NBC"

Unknown Art Masterpieces segment

James Gallant interview.  (2 segments.  In 2nd segment, Dave is taught how to blow glass)

Dave announces "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest  

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 10th

NBC Commissary Etiquette segment.  Merrill Maroke in video.

Tracy Austin interview

Dave in audience - selects Lillian Mitchell from audience to play Jean Dixon (who apparently didn't arrive).  Returns to the audience to give psychic predictions to audience members.

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  

Thursday September 18, 1980

And Now: "...a man who prefers the window seat"

Guests who won't be on the show segment

Jack LaLanne interview (2 segments)

Musical Guest: Jack LaLanne performs "I Gotta Be Me"

Items from the back of magazines  

My New York Video - Wall St.  Hal Gurnee featured in the video

Charles Panati interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave: We're right in the throws of this contest where by we have the show originate in a viewer's home.  Can we count on you to go with us?

Edwin: Absolutely, David.  Implicitly.

Dave announces "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest

Friday September 19, 1980

Cold Open: side of RCA Building, with Dave appearing to climbing the building with guest George Willig until a dog walks by in the shot.

And Now: "...a man who went to school with Barbie and Ken"  

Viewer Mail segment

Julius Fast interview (2 segments)  

Food items that didn't make it

George Willig interview

Edie McClurg panel and video (McClurg's last on-camera appearance)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave announces "Why the David Letterman Show should come to my home" Contest 

Week 12: September 8-12

Monday September 8, 1980

The Crew: Edie McClurg, Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall  (Note: Valri Bromfield still credited as writer)

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

Guests include Mary Ellen Pinkham and Edie McClurg as Mrs. Marv Mendenhall

Segments include a call to Henny Youngman

Tuesday September 9, 1980

And Now: "...a man who still is celebrating the Bicentennial"

Dave walks out with the shot framed by a wreath.  Announces that Christmas special will be recorded today before viewers get tired of them, and so that the staff can have the day off. 

New Christmas gifts segment.  Includes Mr. Mashed Potato Head.

Susan Powell interview

Dave: "Thank you for having the courage for being on the show."

Susan: "You know, I was just thinking that..."

Musical Guest: Susan Powell performs "White Christmas"

On the Street video - Christmas Shoppers

Rich Hall Skiing video

Small Town News segment.  Includes update on Men and their Vegetables Hall of Fame.  Call to John Ritz of Canton, OH, who grew a 337 lb. squash.

Tom Feltenstein interview

Visit from Santa (Willard Scott)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Closing of show includes all the kids from the audience

Wednesday September 10, 1980

And Now: "...a man who's much smarter than he looks"

Dave announces beginning of contest to host program in your own home  

Dr. William Stein interview and rebuttal to Dave's comment that "elevator music" makes him sick to his stomach.  As he speaks, "elevator music" begins to drown him out.  (This is talent coordinator Willie Stein)

Gary Null interview (3 segments).  In 2nd segment, comparison shown of name-brand products and their generic counterparts.  (One item on display, but not referenced, is generic cow paste and Winky's Cow Paste)  In 3rd segment, Olga Fettuccine from audience selected to do a comparison taste test.

Dave in audience, selecting Dorothy to receive a "Barbara Walters"-style interview

Robert Petro interview (2 segments).  In 2nd segment, speaks with the audience giving psychic discussions.

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  (Dave introduces with voice over, and show goes to commercial at end of update)

Dorothy's "Barbara Walters"-style interview

Thursday September 11, 1980

And Now: "...a man who believes in preventive maintenance"

Guests who won't be on the show segment

Dr. Benjamin Spock interview (2 segments).  In the 2nd segment, Dr. Spock takes questions from the audience.

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 9th

Behind the scenes tour - Chyron machine

Eliot Janeway interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  

Friday September 12, 1980

And Now: "...a man who'd rather do it himself"

(In a reversal of fortune, people are now sitting in the aisles)

Viewer Mail segment (includes a letter about the fire on August 27) 

Edwin Newman interview (2 segments)

Video - Tour of NYC street vendors

Directions to Willard Scott's House segment

Margorie & Morton Shaevitz interview

Margorie: Mothers stayed home, and they took care of the kinds of things like washing, cleaning, ironing, kids, the grocery man who didn't show up, or the linoleum man who did, but now...
(audience holding back laughter)
Dave: I think you rang a bell with linoleum there.
(audience free to laugh now)
Margorie: I wonder what the significance of that is?
Dave: I don't know, I think there's an old, cheap, ugly joke involved.

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  

Paul Raley panel

Musical Guest: Harve Mann performs "The David Letterman Show"

Week 11: September 1-5

Monday September 1, 1980

The Crew: Edie McClurg, Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall  (Note: Valri Bromfield still credited as writer)

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

Episode pre-taped as today is Labor Day

And Now: "...a man who counts bridges on car trips"

Dave: "You folks look so familiar to me..."

Bad Phone Call: John Hillsamer from Marion, IN chosen to call parents that he failed to register to the draft.

Dave: John didn't seem to get around to register for the draft, Mr. Hillsamer.

Dad: (laughs)

Mel Fisher interview (2 segments)

Items from the back of magazines

Wil Shriner panel and film

Al DiMeola interview

Musical Guest: Al DiMeola performs "Fantasia Suite"

Larry Cisewski performance and interview


Tuesday September 2, 1980

And Now: "...just one speck in the universe"

Small Town News segment.  Includes column from Lola Boswell on Floyd Stiles' vacation.  Call to Floyd.  He plays Dave a Mitch Miller album (not having a Rusty Draper album handy).

Musical Guest: Mickey Gilley performs "True Love Ways"

Mickey Gilley interview (2 segments)  In 2nd segment, Dave rides mechanical bull.  Gator Conley teaches Dave on how to ride the bull.

 

Travelogue of Hawaii segment

Maggie Scarf interview

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 6th

Rich Hall as Darth Vader segment

Edwin Newman NBC News Update


Wednesday September 3, 1980

And Now: "...a man who went through his Senior year with a milk ring around his mouth"

In opening shots, empty rows of seats are shown.   In opening segment, Art Cooper shows off "Laugh Machine", and in 2nd segment, audience members do radio show with sound effects from the Machine.

Harold Stassen interview (2 segments)

My New York video

As Dave introduces Bob Fellows, a shepherd comes into the studio

Dave: "Ladies and Gentlemen, what you're witnessing here is a good idea gone awry."

Bob Fellows interview and magic tricks (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update


Thursday September 4, 1980

Guests include James Clavelle, Roger Kahn, Back to School tips, and Coffee Cup Theater segment - 7th


Friday September 5, 1980

And Now: "...a man who won't sit on leather in the Summer"

Dave states that the band is really cooking.  Frank is then shown wearing a chef's hat, grilling a chicken.  (This also occurred the day before, with Frank cooking hamburgers)

Viewer Mail segment

Judith Viorst interview (2 segments)

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 8th

New International Signs segment

Dr. Daniel Tortora interview

Rich Hall - Pitkinville, MT segment

Nadine Stewart NBC News Update

Week 10: August 25-29

Monday August 25, 1980

The Crew: Edie McClurg, Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall  (Note: Valri Bromfield still credited as writer)

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

And Now: "...a man who's confused by shrubbery"

During Dave's opening remarks, a child in the audience is seen wearing an NBC The David Letterman Show shirt.

Dave goes into audience, trying to find a tourist.  Finding Mildred from Studio City, CA, gives her money to buy street vendor food.  Mildred says she'd rather see the show.  Chooses Isabelle (from New York) and says "do whatever you want with it."

Dick & Vince Van Patten interview (3 segments)

Bad Phone Call - Connie chosen to see if she'll be teaching in the fall. 

Dr. Lawrence J. Hatterer interview

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 1st

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Isabelle returns with street vendor food

Tuesday August 26, 1980

And Now: "...a man who likes to yell 'soup's on!' when it isn't..."

Small Town News segment.  Includes update to Men & their Vegetables Hall of Fame.  Call to Ethel Cory, who was incorrectly reported as dead.

Ethel: I always enjoy your show.  I heard a rumor you were going off the air.  All the ladies here in Arkansas would miss you very much. 

Louise Nevelson interview.  (4 segments, 1st segment is video on location) 

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 2nd

Fredrick Newman interview

Rich Hall - West Side Story review

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Wednesday August 27, 1980

And Now: "...a man who thinks one hour martinizing is a cruel hoax"

Dave begins in audience, introduces Sam & Betty Cotenoff for their 30th Wedding Anniversary. 

Cheap Vacation segment.  "2nd Honeymoon" for Betty & Sam.  Dave misdials call to Niagara Falls, Ontario. 

Renny interview

Dr. Selma Miller interview (2 segments)

Party guest segment, food is served

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 3rd

Party guest interviews & dancing (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Sparklers set fire to flower petals

Thursday August 28, 1980

And Now: "...a man who won't stop 'till he gets to the bottom of this"

Dave speaks to previous day's show's fire.

Guests who won't be on the show segment

Dr. Edmund Hallberg interview (2 segments)

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 4th

Musical Guest: Frank Owens & The David Letterman Symphony Orchestra play "Ease on Down the Road"

Louise Childers selected from audience to learn how to play drums

Carroll Garner and his cow Joy interview.  Dave milks the cow.

Wil Shriner panel and video

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Friday August 29, 1980

And Now: "...a man who enjoys sand in his bathing suit"

Viewer Mail segment

Edwin Newman interview

Stupid Pet Tricks segment.  Includes dog playing Chopin on piano

Dave: I'm 33, I've been to both coasts and a couple times to Europe, that's the stupidest thing I've ever seen!

Coffee Cup Theater segment - 5th

Dave in audience, asks Bobbie Otis to cover in case Dave has to leave early for Labor Day weekend vacation.

Rich Hall camping video

Dr. Gerald Aronoff interview (2 segments)

Edwin Newman NBC News Update.  As Dave is introducing Edwin, Hal announces Dave's cab has arrived.  Bobbie comes from audience to finish the show.

Week 9: August 18-22

Monday August 18, 1980

The Crew: Edie McClurg, Valri Bromfield, Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall

Announcer: Bill Wendell

Set: #3

And Now: "Here's a man who's annoyed easily..."

Dave walks out and takes a donut from Frank's piano.  When introducing Stephen King from the day's list of guests, Stephen receives big applause.

Bad Phone Call - Ralph Anthony selected to call alter Baker, an organist, to say he won't sing in the choir at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Dave: St. Patrick's Cathedral?  This is a big time thing, huh?

Ralph: He thinks it is.

Stephen King interview (2 segments)

Paul Raley as P.J. Rails segment

Tour of Tom Snyder's dressing room.  Inside dressing room is Valri Bromfield as Lila DeGay, singing, and Paul Raley as P.J. Rails.   This segment aired during Dave's interview on the Tomorrow Show in September, 1980.  Dave's dressing room is then toured, with Gerard Mulligan asleep inside. 

Arline Thomas interview (2 segments).  In second segment, old magazine photo shown with Arline and a young Bobby Rose, the orchestra's guitar player.

Rich Hall Surf Report video

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

In closing show, key light goes out.  Dave gets ladder and walks up to fix it, when he's out of frame, P.J. Rails walks over and takes ladder away.

Tuesday, August 19, 1980

And Now: "A man who shares the title 'vivacious' with Sophie Tucker..."

Dave beings the show out of shot still up in lighting grid. 

Small Town News segment.  Includes Men & their Vegetables Hall of Fame.  Call to Mary Lee Greer to discuss her Hawaiian vacation.

Michael Minton interview (3 segments)

Dave in audience.  Selects Gladys Overby from audience to run a camera.  Hal directs Gladys.

Dave Jenett ("Mr. Fix-It") interview

Rich Hall Pitkinville, MT segment

 

 

 

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

 

 

Wednesday August 20, 1980

And Now: "A man who has nothing better to do..."

Cheap Vacation segment.  Katherine Spooner selected from audience.  "Trip to Mexico"

Werner Erhard interview (3 segments)

Video - tour of 6th Avenue.  Goes inside Hurley's Saloon. 

Frank Garcia interview

Wil Shriner panel and video

Edwin Newman NBC News Update  

Thursday, August 21, 1980

And Now: "A man who doesn't know the meaning of the word 'ceromancy'"

Guests who won't be on the show segment.  At end of segment, ping pong balls fall from ceiling.

Dave: "We seem to have dropped our balls."

Jeff Greenfield interview (2 segments)

Edie McClurg as Mrs. Marv Mendenhall segment

Elevator etiquette segment.  Valri Bromfield as "Helen Melman" and Paul Raley as "Ed Boznakofski"  Bromfield's last on-air appearance.

Chuck Norris interview (2 segments)

 

 

Edwin Newman NBC News Update 

Friday, August 22, 1980

And Now: "A man who says 'let's synchronize our watches' for no reason at all..."

Viewer Mail segment

Sippie Wallace interview

Musical Guest: Sippie Wallace sings "A Man That Don't Want Me"

New International Signs

Dave in audience - selects Helen Deitrich from audience to play Shelley Winters (who apparently didn't show up)

Dave: I know you dated Burt Lancaster for a while, what kind of guy was he?

Helen: He wasn't a bad fella, as they say.

Dr. David Coddon interview

Talking Bird segment - only 1 bird of 4 actually speaks

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Week 8: August 11-15

Monday August 11, 1980

The Crew: Edie McClurg, Valri Bromfield, Paul Raley, Wil Shriner, Rich Hall

Announcer: Bill Wendell joins the show

Dave now walks out to monologue spot each day

Set: #3

 

And Now: "...a man whose nickname is 'Lumpy'"

Walking out, Dave shakes Frank's hand

Bad Phone Call - Ann Lee chosen to call friend Grace Wernock to make sure spaghetti sauce was not left cooking on stove.  Dave gets "No Longer in Service" recording twice before realizing he's dialing the wrong area code.      

Chip Carter interview (2 segments)

Sea Monkey colony update.  Rich Hall appears behind Dave in background making shadow puppets.

Rich Hall - Pitkinville, MT segment

Norman Cousins interview

Musical Guest: Johnny Paycheck sings "In Memory of a Memory"

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Tuesday August 12, 1980

Guests: Marvin Mitchelson, Jimmy Piersall

 

 

Wednesday August 13, 1980

And Now: "...a man who loves the senoritas" 

Walking out, Dave shakes Frank's hand

Dr. Stephen Schwartz interview - goes into audience to show ink blot test.  Final answer by audience member brings out two men in lab coats who escort her out of audience.  (Steve was a creative consultant on the show)

Ellen Goodman interview (2 segments)

Rich Hall segment - at DNC (with still photo behind him)

Video: "My New York" - tour of Dave's favorite locations

Allen Ludden interview (2 segments).  Discusses Smart Alecks pilot among other topics.

Musical Guest: Allen Ludden sings "How Long Has This Been Going On"

Edwin Newman NBC News Update (Edwin receives applause from audience)

Thursday, August 14, 1980

And Now: "...a man that was Sargent at Arms, 2 years in a row" 

Guests who won't be on the show segment

Christie Hefner interview (2 segments)

Wil Shriner panel and video

Dave in audience interviewing DNC delegates in the audience.  Plays Billy Carter montage video.

Edwin Newman interview

Suzanne Ciani interview

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Friday, August 15, 1980

Cold Open: Dave gives "Brain Fever" PSA and encounters technical difficulties

And Now: "...a man who will charter anything he can get his hands on" 

Viewer Mail segment.  Dummy falls from rafters during segment.  Dave gives dummy to audience member.

June Havoc interview (2 segments)

Souvenir foods of New York segment

Edie McClurg panel and video of her dog, sent from KSBW in Salinas

Jimmy Breslin interview

Stupid Pet Tricks segment

Edwin Newman NBC News Update

Dave starts a new ant farm for the set