We thought it would be fun to wrap this Fast Times 35th anniversary celebration with this Spicoli scene that was not to be. In Cameron’s book, Spicol’s dream sequence occurs on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. After Johnny turned it down, it was written for Merv Griffin, Tom Snyder and finally David Letterman. All of them graciously turned it down for a variety of reasons (more here), so the scene was re-written as a surf competition interview with Stu Nahan. We thought you might like to read the Merv Griffin version. Enjoy!
DARKNESS
We are in the middle of a deep, dark void. After a
moment, a pinprick of light appears in the
distance. We head towards the light. We are being
led somewhere important.
As we draw still closer, curtains suddenly part to
reveal a wildly cheering studio audience. We hear
the voice of Merv Griffin.
MERV GRIFFIN (O.S.)
Will you please give a warm welcome
to… Jeff Spicoli!
The Merv Griffin Show band begins playing a Merv
Griffin Show version of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”.
Someone hands Jeff Spicoli a microphone. He works
the studio audience into a frenzy as he sings the
words to “Highway to Hell”: Merv Griffin show
style.
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