LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN {PHIL DONAHUE, PENN & TELLER, CHET ATKINS} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of late-night talk shows hosted by David Letterman. This program features guest appearances by guitarist Chet Atkins, who sits in with the band throughout the program, talk show host Phil Donahue, and unorthodox magicians Penn & Teller. The program begins with a "Late Night Quiz" and features the "Top Ten Frozen Dessert Novelties." Guest Phil Donahue discusses his recently published book "The Human Animal." Penn & Teller then introduce what they call a "work-in-progress" and ask Letterman to critique it for them. The act consists of Penn singing "Do You Believe in Magic" while Teller dances around with silk scarves performing magic tricks. Letterman is critical of the act and the magicians feign real disappointment. When Letterman says that the act lacks an element of surprise, Teller picks up the top hat he's placed on Letterman's desk and lets loose 1,000 cockroaches. Also, Chet Atkins performs a song with the "Late Night" band and tells a story about working with Elvis Presley. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: October 17, 1985 12:30 AM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:43:46
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:32611
- GENRE: Comedy/Variety; Talk/Interviews
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy/Variety
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1982-1993
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Jack Rollins … Executive Producer
- David Letterman … Executive Producer, Host
- Hal Gurnee … Director
- Paul Shaffer … Music (Misc. Credits), Music Director, Instrumentalist, Keyboardist
- Chet Atkins … Instrumentalist, Guitarist, Guest
- Penn Jillette … Performer, Guest
- Teller … Performer, Guest
- Phil Donahue … Guest
- Penn & Teller