Air Date: Host: Musical Guest: Special Guests: Cameos:
January 17th, 1976
Buck Henry
Bill Withers
Toni Basil
The Blues Brothers
The Muppets
Michael O'Donoghue
Alan Zweibel
Tom Schiller
Anne Beatts
Tom Davis
Al Franken
Neil Levy
Suicide Hotline
Summary: Suicide operator (Chevy Chase) fails to save caller's life and falls to the floor after stepping out of the room for a minute. Transcript
Montage
Buck Henry's Monologue
Summary: After admitting that he wasn't the first choice to host this week's show, a list of other people asked to host scrolls over Buck Henry's speech. Bio: Buck Henry (1930-) hosted "Saturday Night Live" ten times during its glory days, the most of any host during that time span. Henry created the series "Get Smart" with Mel Brooks in the 60's, and scripted popular films such as "The Graduate" and "What's Up, Doc?" He later wrote and starred in the short-lived "The New Show", produced by Lorne Michaels in 1984. Transcript
Samurai Delicatessen
Summary: Mr. Dantley (Henry) orders a sandwich from Futaba (John Belushi). Recurring Characters: Futaba, Mr. Dantley. Transcript
Presidential Foreplay
Summary: Jane Curtin interviews Linda Louise (Gilda Radner), the latest woman who claims to have had an affair with President John F. Kennedy while he was in office. Transcript
Operation: Stumblebum
Summary: President Gerald R. Ford (Chevy Chase) takes a meeting with one of his advisors (Buck Henry). To distract from his clumsy behavior during speeches, Secret Service agents will join him on his falls to the floor. Note: The Oval Office uses the same set as "Suicide Hotline." Transcript
Bill Withers performs "Ain't No Sunshine"
Bio: Bill Withers (1938-) pursued a musical career in 1967, after a nine-year stint in the Navy. He recorded demos while making toilet seats for the Boeing aircraft company.
Weekend Update with Chevy Chase
Summary: Midnight call leads Chevy Chase to Angola janitor at 6 AM. Chevy makes faces during Henry Zuckerman's (Buck Henry) anti-masturbation editorial. Chevy repeats the top story for deceased viewers.
Evelyn Woodski Speed Reader School
Summary: Evelyn Woodski (Laraine Newman) can read fast, but not very well.
Germasol Air Freshener
Summary: the oversized air freshener is perfect for covering old dinner smells in a woman's (Gilda Radner) apartment.
Citizen Kane II
Summary: In odd sequel, Mr. Thompson (Buck Henry) learns of Charles Foster Kane's (Dan Aykroyd) other last words. Transcript
The Muppets
Summary: Scred and Peuta try to operate their new sex toy from Japan.
Triple-Trac
Summary: The three-blade razor is designed for people who'll believe anything they see. Note: Repeat from 10/11/75.
Toni Basil performs "Wham Re-Bop Boom Bam"
Bio: Toni Basil's primary occupation in the world of entertainment has been as a choreographer. She also formed the urban-style dance troupe, the Lockers, and made appearances in films like "Easy Rider." Basil is best-remembered for her 80's one-hit wonder, "Mickey."
Auto Mechanic Bedtime Story
Summary: An auto machanic (Dan Aykroyd) tells his daughter (Gilda Radner) car-related bedtime stories. Note: Uses the same set as "Suicide Hotline" and the Oval Office from "Operation: Stumblebum." Transcript
Why Drugs Are Called "Dope"
Summary: A drug user (Chevy Chase) demonstrates why drugs are referred to as "dope" when he misuses a joint.
Gary Weis Film
Buck Henry takes to the streets of Irvington, New York to find the town's funniest person.
Summary: Mr. Mike (Michael O'Donoghue) does an impression of Mike Douglas with needles in his eyes. Transcript
Wrigley's Gum
Summary: The gum good enough to be enjoyed by the deceased. Note: Repeat from 10/25/75.
American Constipation Society
Summary: Fred (Buck Henry) feels uncomfortable when his neighbors joke about his constipation problem. Note: Uses the same set as "Suicide Hotline", "Auto Mechanic Bedtime Story" and the Oval Office from "Operation: Stumblebum."
Air Date: