The 50th episode and 4th episode of Season 3 of Saturday Night Live premiered on October 29, 1977, hosted by actor Charles Grodin, star of the hit films The Heartbreak Kid, Heaven Can Wait, Real Life, Seems Like Old Times, The Great Muppet Caper, Ishtar, Dave, Clifford, Midnight Run, Beethoven and the sequel Beethoven's 2nd with musical guest Paul Simon, who performed "Slip Slidin' Away" and "You're Kind" with The Persuasions as a backing band. Simon also appeared in a sketch singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with Grodin. Simon hastly exited the stage and Art Garfunkel took his place. This was Charles Grodin's only time hosting and Paul Simon's 3rd musical guest appearance on SNL.
Cold Open Sketch Pre-recorded Weekend Update Music Performance Other
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Summary
Unprepared Charles
The cast are upset when Charles Grodin misses dress rehearsal so he can buy gifts for everyone.
Montage
After two episodes, a new montage is introduced. The jumbotron montage has been modified once again. For starters, the SNL logo is completely different, and would go on to use this logo for the rest of the season. The guests’ names are in the same font as the new SNL logo. A new animated graphic of the NBC logo appears in a rolling ball throughout. There are new cast shots, with the cast standing in front of their names, which are spelled out on a jumbotron.
Charles Grodin's Monologue
Charles Grodin confesses that he didn't realize there would be an audience, and he wishes he had put more time aside to rehearse.
Weekend Update Promo
While the rest of the world sleeps, a groggy-eyed Dan Aykroyd stays awake to prepare the next night's news.
Return Of The Coneheads
Back on Earth in time for Halloween, The Conehead Family dispense fried egg embryos and beer to trick-or-treaters.
Charles' Movie
Back on Earth in time for Halloween, The Conehead Family dispense fried egg embryos and beer to trick-or-treaters.
Paul Simon Performs "Slip Sliding Away"
Consumer Probe
Irwin Mainway's (Dan Aykroyd) unsafe Halloween costumes include the Invisible Pedestrian and Johnny Combat.
The "Anyone Can Host" Contest
Bill Murray updates viewers on the contest's progress as Michael O'Donoghue rejects entries for various minor infractions.
Samurai Dry Cleaners
Impressed by the premise, Charles Grodin ruins John Belushi's performance as Samurai Futaba by commenting on it throughout the sketch.
Weekend Update With Jane Curtin & Dan Aykroyd
Entertainment reporter Bill Murray criticizes one-man shows for not being a real theatrical experience. Dr. Willard Jackson (Garrett Morris) shows Dan Aykroyd the bones of famous dead people.
Simon & Garfunkel
Paul Simon is vexed by Charles Grodin's need to do a duet with him while donning an Art Garfunkel wig, which Art Garfunkel himself relinquishes.
The Killer Bees
Thrown by the costumes, Charles Grodin ruins John Belushi's performance as the leader of the Killer Bees and is promptly told off.
The Judy Miller Show
The Judy Miller Show Live from Her Bedroom - SNL
Judy Miller (Gilda Radner), an excitable little girl, hosts a talk show for herself in her bedroom.
The Professional School Of Football
Spokesman (Garrett Morris) quizzes viewers on their potential to become professional football players.
Paul Simon Performs "You're Kind"
Hire The Incompetent
Dress rehearsal absentee Charles Grodin speaks out for the rights of other incompetent people.