Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Episode Summary: SUPERFLY #61 - Tommy Boy Turns 30! Release Date: March 28, 2025

Overview

In this special 30th-anniversary episode of Superfly, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade celebrate the enduring legacy of the classic comedy film Tommy Boy by delving deep into its creation, memorable moments, and lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Featuring an insightful interview with Pete Siegel, the director of Tommy Boy, the episode offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the beloved film, enriched with humorous anecdotes and nostalgic reflections.

Segment 1: Introduction and Sponsor Skips

The episode opens with standard sponsor messages from O’Reilly Auto Parts and ADT, which Dana and David promptly skip, indicating their focus on the main content. They briefly discuss their podcast backgrounds and tease the upcoming discussion about Tommy Boy with Pete Siegel.

Segment 2: Behind the Scenes of Tommy Boy

Interview with Pete Siegel

At 19:08, Dana and David welcome Pete Siegel, the director of Tommy Boy, to the show. They begin by exploring the challenges Siegel faced during the hiring process:

Pete Siegel [19:50]: "I had worked with Farley twice before Tommy Boy... I went in and just, you know, guns a blazing, notes, notes, notes. And they looked at me like blank expressions. And it was, bye, bye. And I left."

Siegel recounts his initial rejection and subsequent second chance when Paramount's Sherry Lansing invited him back to discuss his candid feedback more personally.

Segment 3: Filming Challenges and Memorable Moments

Siegel shares numerous behind-the-scenes stories that highlight the complexities and humorous incidents during filming:

• Technical Difficulties: At 24:00, Siegel describes the struggles with the film's physical comedy scenes, such as hitting Chris Farley with a 2x4. Despite attempts to maintain safety, the stunts sometimes resulted in genuine injuries:

  David Spade [24:31]: "I hit him with the hard part of the two by four. And yes, it broke and he went down..."

• Environmental Hurdles: The crew faced extreme cold conditions while shooting in Toronto, leading to frostbite and other hardships:

  Pete Siegel [45:00]: "The most painful one was cow tipping... it must have been zero degrees."

• On-Set Dynamics: Siegel discusses the interactions between cast members, particularly the chemistry between David Spade and Chris Farley, emphasizing the unique comedic synergy they brought to the film.

Segment 4: Editing and Script Development

At 27:51, Siegel delves into the editing process and how initial scripts evolved. He credits Jim Downey and Fred Wolf for their contributions, which were pivotal in shaping the film's final narrative and comedic timing.

Pete Siegel [35:15]: "Fred came up with a miracle scene... And that came in and suddenly I thought, oh, okay, I see how the story can end..."

This segment highlights the collaborative effort required to refine the screenplay and achieve the perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments.

Segment 5: Reflections on Legacy and Chris Farley

Dana and David reflect on Chris Farley’s unparalleled comedic talent and his irreplaceable role in Tommy Boy:

Dana Carvey [48:40]: "There must be at least one point we will. He's just a singularity in comedy in the last 30 years..."

They discuss how Farley's physical comedy and emotional depth made Tommy Boy a timeless classic, reinforcing its place in comedy history.

Segment 6: Anecdotes and Funny Stories

The conversation continues with lighthearted stories and outtakes from the filming process:

• Unscripted Moments: Siegel shares instances where unexpected behaviors from cast members led to memorable scenes, such as Chris Farley's impromptu singing:

  David Spade [38:18]: "He starts singing... and it sounded actually funnier."

• Casting Surprises: The hosts discuss surprising casting decisions, including Blake Lively’s unexpected appearance on set and her seamless integration into the film’s comedic environment.

Segment 7: Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Dana and David express their gratitude to Pete Siegel for sharing his experiences and insights. They reiterate the significance of Tommy Boy and its enduring appeal, celebrating its 30th anniversary with heartfelt appreciation.

David Spade [73:00]: "That's what he's saying. The studio wants a comic."

The hosts conclude by reflecting on the collaborative spirit that brought Tommy Boy to life and its lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Notable Quotes

• Pete Siegel [19:50]: "I went in and just, you know, guns a blazing, notes, notes, notes. And they looked at me like blank expressions. And it was, bye, bye. And I left."
• David Spade [24:31]: "I hit him with the hard part of the two by four. And yes, it broke and he went down..."
• Dana Carvey [48:40]: "He's just a singularity in comedy in the last 30 years..."

Key Takeaways

• The making of Tommy Boy was fraught with challenges, from technical difficulties to harsh filming conditions.
• Pete Siegel played a crucial role in shaping the film's comedic narrative, collaborating closely with writers and actors.
• Chris Farley's unique talent and chemistry with David Spade were instrumental in the film's success and lasting legacy.
• Tommy Boy remains a beloved classic, celebrating its 30th anniversary as a testament to its enduring humor and heart.

Conclusion

Superfly's 30th-anniversary episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of Tommy Boy's creation and legacy. Through candid conversations and hilarious anecdotes, Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Pete Siegel provide listeners with an engaging and nostalgic journey into one of comedy's most cherished films.