Aired December 20, 1975.
Cold opening:"Christmas Eve at the White House":
On Christmas Eve, Pres. Gerald Ford (Chevy Chase) trims his tree and delivers a televised address to the nation.
When he attempts to hang the final ornament, Ford falls off a ladder, taking the tree down with him. The President then announces "Live, from New York, it's Saturday Night!"
Monologue:
Candice Bergen says her previous appearance on the show was "one of the nicest experiences" of her life and that this return appearance is her Christmas present to herself.
Martha Reeves:"Higher And Higher"
This classic R&B song was written by Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner, and Carl Smith and originally recorded by Jackie Wilson. Martha Reeves' version was released the following year on her album The Rest Of My Life.
Commercial:"Mel's Char Palace" #1:
Mel (Dan Aykroyd) tells us about his restaurant where "you find your own cow! You cut your own steaks! You select your cow from over 200 head! You stun it! You cut it! You charbroil it!"
Written by Al Franken and Tom Davis.
A young man named Billy (Chase) calls his parents (Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin) and tells them he's been arrested.
Bergen and Chase tell viewers they can send in home movies if they want them shown on Saturday Night.
Film:"Bee Capades"
Bergen and the bees (the Not Ready For Prime Time Players and some of the show's writers) go ice skating at Rockefeller Center's world famous ice rink and spell out holiday messages.
The exclusive digital ash tray holds up to twelve ounces of butts and tells time!
Polaroid commercial:
John Belushi, dressed as Santa and Bergen, dressed as Rudolph advertise Polaroid cameras.
The Stylistics:"You Make Me Feel Brand New"
This worldwide hit song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 and appeared on their album Let's Put It All Together.
Commercial:"K-Put Price Is Rite Stamp Gun":
Repeat from Episode 5.
"Latent Elf":
Linda (Bergen) learns her brother Terry (Chase) is an elf.
"Weekend Update":
Chevy Chase reports that Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.
Plus, correspondent Laraine Newman reports on New Year's Eve activities in Times Square...on December 20!
And Emily Litella (Gilda Radner) delivers an editorial opposing "firing the handicapped."
Commercial:"Tarn-Off"
Princess Grace of Monaco (Bergen) shills for a tarnish remover.
Laundromat:
A woman (Radner) and a man (Belushi) share a washer in a laundromat and fall for each other.
Pong:
Written by Alan Zweibel.
Tommy, a "pinball wizard" struggles in a game of video pong.
"Land Of Gorch, featuring Jim Henson's Muppets":
King Ploobis (Jim Henson) and his wife Peuta (Alice Tweedie) are upset when their Christmas party is sparsely attended, everyone has gone to the Bees' party.
Their spirits are lifted a bit when Candice Bergen shows up and sings "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" with Scred (Jerry Nelson).
Commercial:Mel's Char Palace #2:
Mel and Mrs. Mel (Radner) continue to promote their restaurant.
Garrett Morris:"Winter Wonderland"
Garrett Morris sings this classic holiday tune, which was was originally recorded in 1934 by Richard Himber and his Ritz-Carlton Orchestra.
Morris is backed up by Bergen and the other Not Ready For Prime Time Players....
...and Howard Shore's "Band Of Angels!"
Commercial:"Don Pardo Digital Gift Catalog #2":
This spot advertises Pardo's Digital Mood Rings.
Minute Mystery:
Written by Michael O'Donoghue.
When a professor is murdered, crime photographer Mike Mendoza challenges the audience to solve the mystery behind the murder in one minute.
Commercial:"Don Pardo's Digital Gift Catalog" #3:
Another Pardo exclusive:The Digital Vest!
Martha Reeves:"Silver Bells"
Reeves performs the Christmas song that was written for the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid and first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1950.
What Gilda Ate:
Radner details everything she at last year on Christmas Day.
The Fritzie Kringle Show:
Fritzie Kringle (Newman) hosts a cooking show but can't cook anything properly because she keeps eating the ingredients.
Commercial:"Mel's Char Palace" #3:
In his final ad, Mel promises "The most satisfying charbroiler YOU'VE ever eaten!
Maggie Kuhn:
Bergen interviews Maggie Kuhn, the founder of the Gray Panthers, an organization that fights for the rights of elderly people. Kuhn says she would like to give "every old, lonely person a new, young friend for Christmas."
Film by Gary Weis:"Homeward Bound"
A film of people arriving at the airport and being greeted by their loved ones, accompanied by the Simon & Garfunkel song of the same name:
Goodnights:
Bergen, the musical guests, Kuhn and the cast gather at home base and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Candice Bergen's appearance in this episode makes her SNL's first repeat host. This may surprise some who might think it was one of the series' "regular" hosts like Buck Henry or Steve Martin.
The "Homeward Bound" film was shot by Gary Weis in the International Arrivals terminal at JFK Airport. Weis filmed there because he "knew international flyers would be more emotional." [1]
Classic moments:
"Mel Char Palace"-One of Dan Aykroyd's best pitchmen, he brings tons of energy to these commercial parodies.
"Christmas Eve at the White House"-This was a great opening sketch. It was also used as the opening for the first ever SNL Christmas Past compilation special.
What stands out:
"Winter Wonderland"-A great lead vocal by Garrett Morris with the entire cast providing nice backup, plus Howard Shore and his band dressed as angels makes this great holiday moment. It feels sort of a like a "video Christmas card" to the viewers.
"Laundromat"-A touching sketch that features no dialogue. Radner and Belushi are excellent here and they communicate so much through nothing but expressions and gestures. It's a nice reminder that they were great actors and not simply comedians.
"Land Of Gorch"-One of the better Muppets sketches, Bergen does a nice job singing with Scred.
"Silver Bells"-Martha Reeves does a nice cover of this Christmas standard.
"Homeward Bound"-A very touching film by Gary Weis.
"Maggie Kuhn"-This is similar to Bergen's conversation with Radner in Episode 4. It's just two intelligent women talking about the stereotypes of older people. I wish the current iteration of SNL would give us moments like this.
J.A. Morris' rating:
SNL's first Christmas episode is a very good one. Bergen has great chemistry with the cast (and the Muppets) and the musical performances are all good. A nice way for Saturday Night to close out 1975.
3 and a half stars.
Footnote:
[1]Interview with Gary Weis, by Steve Stav, Ink 19, 12 Dec 2012.
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