Saturday Night filmmakers reveal how Billy Crystal supplied the most essential piece of SNL history
In preparing for their biopic Saturday Night, focused on the creation of Saturday Night Live, writer/director Jason Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan interviewed key cast and crew members from the show’s inaugural broadcast on October 11, 1975. They unearthed rare insights, including one of the most crucial pieces of SNL history, courtesy of Billy Crystal.
Crystal, who didn’t appear on the premiere episode, unexpectedly turned out to be the only person who had preserved a copy of the original script from that night. His involvement provided the filmmakers with vital historical material, which played a key role in shaping the authenticity of the film.