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The show opens with a haunting intro by NYC-based character actor Calvert Deforest; the NBC Peacock girls introduce Dave; throughout the night, a welding demonstration is held backstage; a seemingly drunk Bill Murray dances to Olivia Newton-John's hit "Physical"; Dave and Don "Mr. Wizard" Herbert experiment with air compression; Steve Fessler recites lines from the movie "Bowery at Midnight."

Dave selects an audience member named Sally to operate one of the show's cameras. Later, in the first installment of "Limited Perspecitve," Manhattan-based dentist Norman Hoffman reviews "Reds."

After baseball great Hank Aaron is interviewed on the show, he leaves the set and is interviewed again by WNBC-TV's Al "Marv's Brother" Albert, asking him how the earlier interview went.

A woman named Rita Stipo shows her home movies from New Year's Eve, 1954-55; in the first installment of "Stupid Pet Tricks," a dog hugs her owner, another sneezes and answers the phone, and a rabbit rides a skateboard; Joe Flaherty and John Candy plug "SCTV."

As Walter Fairservis, a professor of Anthropology, drones on about his academic interests, a split-screen exposes Dave's hidden thoughts on how this interview is going. Also, a "man on the street"-type segment finds that the populace of New York City couldn't care less if the Empire State Building were demolished.

While being interviewed with Rick Moranis to plug their McKenzie Brothers film "Strange Brew," Dave Thomas falls asleep. Moranis closes the show by singing the national anthem.

Paul introduces the members of his as-yet-named house band; as a Valentine's Day tribute, Harve Mann sings a medley of television theme songs.

The Dave-Cam is introduced, which lets the home viewer see what Dave sees as he enters the studio from backstage, offers his opening remarks, and interviews "Bert the Human Caboose" (Calvert).

When Dave goes backstage to put his tooth in, he invites an audience member named Rosemary to take over for him, and she interviews Dick Cavett.

Tonight on "Small Town News": Dave calls The Dugger Study Club in Dugger, Indiana, and every member there sings "Winter Wonderland" over the phone.

Tony Clifton (thought to be Andy Kaufman but is actually Andy's friend Bob Zmuda) botches a medley of tunes to a mystified audience; Dr. Ruth quizzes the audience on finding a woman's "G-spot."

Students from P.S. 84 present "Little Acorns," a playlet about George Washington.

Tonight on "Audience Point-of-View," Pete Fatovich portrays a disgruntled audience member who talks to himself, annoying the folks around him.

Octogenerian vaudeville comedian Chaz Chase spends his segment with Dave eating a lit cigar, a cigarette, matches, rose stems, and a tiny harmonica before suddenly leaving the set, only to return and eat a paper towel, a cardboard vest, and the show's script. What he won't eat: ham and bacon.

Remote: "Celebrities and their Dry-Cleaning."

Tonight on "Limited Perspective," Dr. Norman Hoffman comes back to review "One From the Heart."

The midway point of the show is highlighted by a high school marching band (complete with cheerleaders and baton twirlers) marching through the studio. Robert Klein calmly waits for them to leave before he continues his chat with Dave.

Tonight's comedy bit is a report on sarcasm. Quoth Dave: "Right, sure, I'm sarcastic."

Dave asks audience member Vonceil Hopper to prepare herself for a Barbara Walters-type interview about herself later in the show. Dave asks, "Ever iron a grilled cheese sandwich?"

Tonight on "Small Town News": Dave calls Agnes and Clifford Woolbright in Weewoka, OK and asks them to describe their extensive Avon bottle collection. Also, filmmakers Jayne Loader and Pierce Rafferty promote their documentary The Atomic Cafe.

Brothers/heavyweight boxers Leon and Michael Spinks discuss their "rivalry."

To Dave's surprise and embarassment, the producers of "Airplane!" air Dave's 1979 screen test for the role that's eventually given to Robert Hayes.

Chris Elliott makes his East Coast network debut appearance, reprising his portrayal of "Garbage" in a comedy bit called "Urban Paranoia" that was mysteriously blocked from East Coast viewing the night before due to a satellite screw-up.

It's the Great Pizza Race, as three members from the audience order pizzas with everything on them from three different pizza places, Original Ray's, Joe G's, and Old Fashioned Pizza. Old Fashioned arrives first during Dave's interview with Ted Turner, followed later by Original Ray's and Joe G's.

"Mork & Mindy" star Robin Williams makes a surprise walk-on when Norman Lear promotes his television special "I Love Liberty".

In a remote called "A Man Called 'Jimmy'," Dave tracks down Jimmy's Bar and Restaurant, Jimmy's Body and Fender Repair, Jimmy's Coffee Shop, and Jimbi's Unisex Hair Salon.

Dave selects audience members to paint a nude model with art instructor Joan Eby.

Tonight's "New Video Games" includes "Who Packed the Parachutes?" "Video Migrant Worker," and "Sink the Love Boat."

Andy Kaufman plugs his upcoming wrestling match with Jerry Lawler on April 5th, instigating a staged blood feud for the ages.

Dave selects two audience members to spend the hour writing funny captions to photographs. James Slusher and Doris Roehrs come through in their segment "How Mr. and Mrs. America Occupy Their Time When They Have Nothing Contructive to Do."

Comedianne Carol Leifer makes her network television debut on Late Night.

A "Dial-It-Services" comedy bit ends with "Dial-a-Sixties-Burnout" as Paul Shaffer answers the line. Also, 60 Minutes' Morley Safer drops by and shows his paintings of hotel rooms.

Dave risks his very first guest walkout by asking Don King, "Everytime I see you, whomever I'm with, asks, 'What do you suppose is the deal with Don's hair?'" Instead, Don laughs.

Dave invites audience member Rick Buckner to report on the NBC Commissary.

During his monologue, Dave asks the folks in the audience to please remove their snow tires. One soon rolls down the aisle.

Dave celebrates his 35th birthday by welcoming 10-year-old Girl Scout Markita Andrews, who sold 3,240 cookies this year.

Before the show, Dave teaches Jerry Garcia how to play "Proud Mary" on the guitar.

Tonight's remote is "My New York: The Wonderful World of Plastics and the World's Largest Humidor."

Jay Leno makes his first of 40 appearances on Late Night, while audience member Clara McAllister wins the show's first Elevator Race, crossing the finish line and interruping an interview with Livingston Taylor.

"Who Asked For It?" makes its debut as actual audience members ask fake questions to Dave. (On later shows, staffers will eventually replace the audience and ask the questions.) Tonight, Ann Ivin wants to see talk show host Virginia Graham fire off an automatic weapon. But because of permit restrictions, Graham shoots at a target with a cross-bow.

"Elevator Etiquette" features Dave's assistant Marie O'Donnell and (in a rare on-screen appearance) then-Late Night writer Tom Gammill.

Tonight on "Viewer Mail": Brian David Sterry asks why Paul always points to the ceiling right before Dave begins his monologue. Paul explains that he's been trying to tell Dave for weeks that stuck in the rafters is Joey Bishop, who acknowledges the studio audience.

Dave chats with Mr. Bill (voiced by Walter Williams). Says Dave: "I'm talking to a wad of clay, folks."

Since drummer Steve Jordan is leaving for three weeks for a tour in Japan, Dave recruits an audience member, Mary Lou Gajdosik, to sit in for him while he's gone. She and the band play "Wipe Out."

Cosmic visionary Ruth "Uriel" Norman claims to have moved to Mars.

It's Late Night's first Friday night 90-minute special, which features the second installment of Stupid Pet Tricks and sex tips from Dr. Ruth.

Synopsis to be added later.

Tonight on "Who Asked For It?": Alex Linsky wants Yankees shortstop Willie Randolph to explain the bunt. Willie isn't available, so instead Peggy Cass explains and demonstrates.

Synopsis to be added later.

Tonight on "Viewer Mail": Kirk Hancock asks if the backdrop behind Dave consists of real glass. A decades-old tradition is thus born as Dave throws a pencil through the window to the sound of breaking glass.

Dave asks an audience member, Betsy Houlihan, to order stuff for the show's "Dial-a-Delivery" project. By the end of the show, fresh fish, dry ice, a rug, popcorn, three sheep, 100 chairs, flowers, and a typewriter arrive.

Synopsis to be added later.

Synopsis to be added later.

Tonight on "Viewer Mail": Paul Fromberg asks for another Bill Murray appearance. Bill calls on the phone and invites Dave to a party, so Dave calls in sick and leaves the set. A "Please Stand By" sign shows up on the TV screen and NBC then broadcasts footage from the 1975 World Series.

Dave throws a pencil to the backdrop to the sound of the "Jaws" theme. Suddenly, a giant pencil appears and tries to poke Dave in the face. Guest Ed Asner, referring to the giant pencil, later tells Dave, "I've seen a lot of those things; I worked with Ted Knight."

Instead of giving his usual nightly monologue, Dave introduces "The Happy Clown" and asks Hal Gurnee to speak. From the control room are the melancholy sounds of "Ho ho ho; ha ha ha."

The "Baseball Hall of Fame" exhibit includes the First Hot Dog (from 1882), Abner Doubleday's original notebook (with drawings of horses and swordplay), and the first blimp shot inside the Astrodome.

Paul Simon appears throughout the entire show as Dave's sole guest, performing "The Late Great Johnny Ace." History repeats itself as circumstances beyond Paul's control (i.e. a rowdy fan) force him to stop the song at the identical place when first performed at Central Park eight months earlier.

Synopsis to be added later.

Synopsis to be added later.

The classic rabid-dog shaving dispenser makes its debut on Dave's "New Gift Items."

Synopsis to be added later.

Special Effects artist John Dykstra demonstrates how he prepared a composite film of a space dogfight in "Star Wars."

Synopsis to be added later.

Synopsis to be added later.

It's the second 90-minute Friday special, called, appropriately, "Dave." Featured is a return visit of the Rainbow Grill Peacock Girls as well as a musical introduction to each guest by Harve Mann. The show is in many ways a tribute to the last morning show aired 20 months earlier.

Grade-schoolers from P.S. 35 perform "The Revolt of the Foolish Molar."

Synopsis to be added later.

Dave visits the 1982 World's Fair, which has somehow centralized itself in the green room; Hank Williams, Jr. is interviewed and sings "A Country Boy Can Survive;" another remote on celebrity hangouts called "Celebrities and Their Auto Repairs;" Elayne Boosler does stand-up; director John Carpenter plugs The Thing.

Allen Ginsberg makes a rare television appearance and performs "Capitol Air."

Synopsis to be added later.

Harrison Ford makes his first guest appearance on Dave, describing his film "Blade Runner": "It's no musical comedy, Dave."

Synopsis to be added later.

Ted Nugent jams with Paul's band from homebase; Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam promote "Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl," then discuss British current events.

It's "Haircut Day," as throughout the show three student barbers cut the hair of audience participants.

For the first time on his show, Dave walks off the set after guest Ruth Westheimer recommends sexual satisfaction with a cucumber.

Tonight is "Elevator Races, Part 2," as former champion Clara McAllister again beats her competitors downstairs and up again.

In a segment called "Dave's Hobby Shop," five volunteers from the studio audience spend the show carving Dave's face from ham, ice, Styrofoam, balsa wood, and wax.

A segment producer's dream pairing: Mr. T and Ron Howard, TV's "Opie," guest on the show. Mr. T stays for three full segments, while Howard is almost bumped.

It's "Win a Date With Former Monkee Peter Tork Night." Also, Dave impersonator and SNL star Joe Piscopo makes his only appearance on Late Night.

Larry Bud sweats through an immortal reading of "The Night Before Christmas" on the show's summer Christmas special.

James Brown wings it with the World's Most Dangerous Band, performing some new material and closing with "Get on the Good Foot."

Larry "Bud" Melman sings and dances to "Give My Regards to Broadway" during "Job Interview Etiquette."

Former Beatle drummer Pete Best guests on Late Night and claims that his bandmates were jealous of his looks.

Dave, the "Better Samaritan," helps Little Susie get ready for camp by making sure she has an ample supply of cigarettes and beer.

Larry "Bud" guest-hosts the show while Dave enjoys his vacation, building a ship model at home. Dave returns to the studio after Larry has attempted for the first time in his life to exercise, shortly after being encouraged by Jack and Elaine LaLanne.

Another installment of "My Dog Bob"; tonight's episode is "The Dream."

In their first public appearance together since their now-legendary fight, comedian Andy Kaufman and wrestler Jerry Lawler create a violent fracas during their chat with Dave.

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New York Yankee pitcher Tommy John guests on the show, to be relieved later by Yankees closer Bill Lee.

In his third appearance in six months, Robert Klein airs his Bar Mitzvah films, then introduces his parents in the audience.

The newest "Dial-It-Services" include Dial-a-Guy-with-a-Bad-Hairpiece ("William Shatner's residence").

A rare treat- tonight, all letters for Viewer Mail were penned by the Late Night writing staff. Newly-hired writer Steve O'Donnell writes Dave and asks if he could meet him sometime.

Dave struggles with a Bad Phone Call; Frank and Moon Unit Zappa appear on Late Night to promote their single, "Valley Girl" (see recap).

In another trip to the Museum of the Hard-to-Believe, stagehand Jimmy Fitzgerald portrays Dale Butterworth, the Incredible Indecision Man, who since 1976 hasn't made up his mind regarding the Pepsi Challenge.

Tonight on Viewer Mail, Dave and Calvert DeForest act out a scene from "The Honeymelmans." Calvert's Ralph Kramden character is named "Bud"; Dave's Ed Norton character is named "Dave."

It's a "Salute to Summer" special as Chris Elliott portrays the show's lifeguard, protecting all who enter the stage area.

"New Gift Items" include The Jack LaLanne Q-tip Dispenser; Elvis Costello & The Attractions performed "Man Out of Time."

Tonight's episode of "My Dog Bob" is titled "The Escape," in which Dave and Merrill try to catch Bob as he sets himself free in Central Park.

Dave invites two members from the studio audience to participate in a "Sitcom Sampler."

Richard Lewis makes his third appearance on Late Night in seven months; Larry Bud interrupts the show to pitch Melman Bus Lines.

The "City of Brotherly Love Players" present their "Salute to Philly" in honor of KYW-TV in Philadelphia.

Dave advises how a studio audience should behave while watching his show, as audience member Larry "Bud" watches "Bonanza" on a portable TV.

Stagehand Jimmy Fitzgerald introduces his "Technician's Corner." Tonight, a discussion on green mike cable.

It's the 90-minute Nothing Special Special, as Brother Theodore, Marshall Crenshaw, and Chuck Yaeger entertain America. Plus, the Elevator Races Rematch, as Clara McAlister wins again.

Steve Allen recreates his "Letters to the Editor" routine on the show.

During Small Town News, Dave spots in the classified section of the brochure "Broom, Brush and Mop" a sale of 12,000 pounds of bristles. He calls the seller, who wants $24,000 for it. Instead, Dave offers him a Chad Everett LP and a container of Late Night Fishsticks.

A rare moment- Calvert DeForest screws up his lines during a segment called "Houseguest Etiquette."

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Tonight in the Museum of the Hard-to-Believe: Leonardo de Vinci's script for the pilot episode to "Love That Bob," and Mr. Time-Warp, a guy who lives 2 1/2 minutes later than the real world. Also, "The People Behind Late Night" profiles sound effects guru Howard Vinitsky.

Late Night Guest Cartoonist Lee Graham pays tribute to KNEZ, Flagstaff, Arizona. Also, Dave declares Paul the "King of Ging."

It's the 90-minute Bar Mitzvah Special, as 13-year-old Barry Weil enters manhood in front of hundreds of American viewers.

William F. Buckley plays a Bach Prelude on the harpsichord. Also, after being bumped from the debut episode of Late Night, Warren Zevon finally appears on the show, performing "Excitable Boy" and "The Overdraft."

It's "Safety Day" on the show, as five-year-old child actress Sarah Michelle Geller (making her first appearance on the show) walks onstage wearing a box on her head.

Ed Subitsky makes another appearance impersonating a celebrity, tonight as Bob Hope.

In a segment called "The World of the Future," an elderly Paul hacks through "Bermuda," while Biff plays Arnold from "Different Strokes"; Jerry Lewis is interviewed for four segments and briefly runs amok in the audience.

Synopsis to be added later.

Synopsis to be added later.

Tonight, it's "Paul's Point of View"; a prototype of "Paul-Cam," the home viewer sees part of the show from Paul's vantage point. Also, Jay Leno displays The Late Night Home Game and a new book, "Davey, We Hardly Know You."

Tonight's comedy bit is "The Shame of NBC Studios": Dave discovers an expired permit in the Green Room and refuses to return to home base.

Larry "Bud" is in his typically hyper state during a segment called "Ball Park Etiquette." In a second installment of "People Behind Late Night," Head Prop Manager Jimmy Fitzgerald explains how he prepares coffee for Dave.

Houston investigative reporter Marvin Zindler discusses his best-known subject, a whorehouse in Texas, which later served as the basis for a certain successful Broadway musical, then film.

Dave has to start the show over after some crazy guy with a briefcase walks onstage during the monologue.

"Chinese Food Delivery Race" combines with "Chinese College Bowl," pitting Hunan Wok University against Szechuan State College; Szechwan delivers first and wins the match.

Dave comments on the World Series; Brother Theodore makes his second appearance on Late Night.

With the aid of a visual bouncing ball, the audience sings an aria from Verdi's "Il Travatore" with guest Luciano Pavarotti.

It's the Late Night Miniature Golf Tournament, as audience participants compete on the green constructed inside and outside the studio. Bartender Pete Fatovich serves drinks at the "10th Hole Lounge" backstage.

fter the second annual Halloween Costumes segment, vandals (Bob Pook and Edd Hall) demand treats. Denied, they trash the set. Jimmy Fitzgerald hands them a mop and bucket to clean up the mess. Also, Tom Dreesen shares an amusing antedote about opening for Frank Sinatra, the first of many.

It's the Amateur Talent Show, as NBC employees display their skills, including one who sings to her goldfish while another, a security guard, is beeped during his performance.

It's Autumn in New England, so Dave calls residents in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to have them describe the colors of the leaves. Dave illustrates with carpet samples.

Tonight on "Limited Perspective": Tony Lupo, Yorkville Driving School Instructor, reviews The Road Warrior.

Tonight on "New Dial-It-Services": "Dial-a-Cow-Playing-the-Saxophone" (sound of a saxophone being played, followed by a "moo").

Dave takes a tour of the "T.V. Museum." Included is an early TV dinner, Dick Van Dyke's ottoman, and the 1960 Presidential debates with Nixon's original clown makeup.

It's election night on the show: Stanley Katzman, principal of Rocco Laurie Intermediate School explains the rules of the election, the teenaged candidates introduce themselves, and they all make stump speeches. Throughout the show, Edwin Newman provides commentary and analyzes the final vote.

Drummer Steve Jordan manages to be involved in all four Viewer Mail letters, including "The Will Lee Show"; Brooke Shields drops by to pick up her weekly allowance from Merv Griffin; Bob Hope drops by to deliver a sandwich to Dave; Captain Beefheart performed "Evening Bell."

Dr. Hunter S. Thompson makes his first appearance on Dave. Flashed on-screen during the interview: "Edited for television."

Ex-SNLer James Downey makes his Late Night debut as the voice of President Martin Van Buren, Animated Man. Later, Grace Jones appears with her clone.

"The Doctors" soap opera actor Alec Baldwin leads two audience members to spy on his set and find out why it's being cancelled. Later in the show, Andy Kaufman, dressed in a diaper, swallows a sword and performs "My Rose Marie."

Dr. Ruth grosses Dave out again; Devo performed "That's Good."

The real Grant Tinker guests on Late Night.

Tonight's remote is the "Hap-Hap-Happy Tour of New York"; the Peace Through Dramatization Players present "Thanksgiving 1999"; Marilu Henner promotes "The Man Who Loved Women"; an audience member wins the Late Night Turkey Raffle.

During a "Having a Baby" segment of "Do's and Don't's with Frank and Fred," Card #5 instead plugs Bob Hope's NBC special later in the week, "Winter Wonderland." Head Stagehand Jimmy Fitzgerald returns the card to Live-at-Five across the hall.

Tonight on "Dave's Grab Bag": Cranberryville Mayor Kathleen Ankers displays her cranberry molds (straight out of a can) as "Lorne Greene" and "Evel Knievel"; bumpers throughout the show show cranberry molds of Vice President George HW Bush, Miss America, and The Incredible Hulk.

Tonight's "Bad Interview": Steve the Fossil Guy fascinates Dave with his bone collection. Dave's voice, however, is lip-synced by writer Andy Breckman.

The audience demands two encores, resulting in an extra Stupid Pet Trick and a two-segment appearance with Martin Short.

Tonight on "Limited Perspective," mortician Bill McCaffery reviews "Creepshow."

Tonight on "Shopping Etiquette," Dave explains the do's and don't's while buying a car. His assistant, Larry Bud, ends the segment by singing Barbra Streisand's "People."

"Dave Looks Back," a retrospective of Late Night's early years, includes Paul singing "Lemon Tree" from February 2, 1962 (as Dave stuffs his ears with cottonballs), a young Richard Pryor (from June 12, 1953), Pablo Picasso (September 29, 1965), and "Cholesterol Corner" from September 12, 1959, with "Corky the Cholesterol Clown" (Paul).

Synopsis to be added later.

Dave apologizes for last Thursday's show, when Eugene Levy was on; no one could remember who played Floyd the Barber on "The Andy Griffith Show." Since finding out, the show pays a special tribute to Howard McNear (who died in 1967).

Synopsis to be added later.

Before the show, Dave and Paul look for John Candy, who's found backstage overfeeding fish. Also, Natassia Kinski realizes that Dave's comments about her hair have some merit to them.

Synopsis to be added later.

Filmmaker/car enthusiast H.B. Halicki promotes The Junkman.

It's "Santa's Work-Out," as a muscleman in a Santa suit (bodybuilder Eric Hunter) promotes his book "Change Your Life Now: Santa's Guide to Total Fitness."

It's another "My Dog Bob" remote: tonight, Dave and Merrill leave their holiday turkey unattended on the kitchen panel as Bob grabs the food and knocks down their Christmas tree.

Paul Shaffer's song "Bermuda" finally gets its due, performed tonight by the Late Night Choir.

Noted film archivist Herb Graff shares a few antedotes about early Hollywood.

"You Asked to Hear It Described" has audience members describing events they'd like to see again. The first one up tonight is a request for Klaus von Bulow's reaction after his not-guilty verdict. All of the band members re-enact the look, with Steve Jordan's coming the closest. Later, Siskel and Ebert play basketball.

Levon Helm is scheduled to be on the show, but he doesn't appear. So Gerard Mulligan takes his place, accepting the audience's applause as he discusses Levon's career.

Another 90-minute Friday night special: Andy Kaufman hugs everyone on the staff and in the audience, then later brings out his parents, as all three sing "Row Row Row Your Boat." Andy follows that performance with a phone call to his grandma in Hollywood, Florida.

Dave's Record Collection includes Leonard Nimoy's "Highly Illogical," "Christmas on the Ponderosa," and "Osteoporosis: The Most Prevalent Bone Disease."

Tonight on "Limited Perspective," Paul Shindell and Carmine Fioccola, insulators and roofing contractors, review "The Verdict." Also, Levon Helm finally makes it on the show and after his interview sits in with the World's Most Dangerous Band.