On October 11, 1975, time was ticking.
A new show was scheduled to hit NBC airwaves in less than two hours, but the seats had yet to be filled, the costume changes had not been worked out, the script hadn’t been finalized, and John Belushi had yet to sign his contract.
Jason Reitman’s mythological retelling of one of the most legendary nights in comedy history is dripping with nostalgia and filled to the brim with references to the then-up-and-coming sketches and stars such as Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd and Gilda Radner. It’s hard to imagine the chaotic and somewhat tumultuous 90-minute time frame leading up to the very first broadcast of Saturday Night Live occurred almost 50 years ago!
Still airing weekly, the opening episode would ultimately pave the way for what is arguably the most influential sketch comedy show of all time.
A joint presentation with the Salmar Cinemas, Saturday Night plays at the Salmar Classic Theatre on Friday, Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 pm. You can also catch the film on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 4 and 7:30 pm.
