The Absent-Minded Waiter: This 1977 Steve Martin comedy short subject, not currently available for online viewing, is a treat for fans and non-fans. Filmed during the ascension of Stevemania, the comedian's phenomenally successful stand-up period, the seven-minute piece captures a variation on his stage character in a narrative situation. Although the Paramount project received little theatrical exposure, it did become a highly-effective warm-up element shown before his live concert entrances.
The set-up: Patrons at a fancy restaurant, Teri Garr and Buck Henry, endure the zenith of bad service, as professional waiter Steve dishes up his unctuous charm mixed with nanosecond-expiring memory.
Script by Steve Martin. Music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed by Carl Gottlieb.
Updated: 04/08/06
