Humans are relatively free to abuse themselves once they sign a release. When a guest appeared who stopped an electric-fan blade with his tongue, Letterman took the precaution of warning the audience not to try duplicating the feat at home. He also had the guest explain how he'd painstakingly developed his talent for three years, beginning by stopping a desk fan with his finger. Finding the civilian guests requires more research for the simple reason that those who believe they're absolutely perfect for Late Night usually aren't. Madeleine Smithberg, a Late Night talent coordinator responsible for civilian recruitment, also collects brochures from fairs and festivals, which she occasionally visits in person.
People have a semireligious fervor about their gourds.
Potential guests sometimes tread a thin line between the charmingly eccentric and the truly crazy. Unlike professionals, civilian candidates aren't accustomed to rejection, so the bookers have learned to be noncommittal when asked for their reaction. Once on the show, however, even the rankest amateurs can come through like troupers. Immediately afterward, backstage, he threw up. Click here to see the picture.