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