Posted by R. Berg on December 23, 2001
In Reply to: Re: Good night nurse posted by ESC on December 23, 2001
: : : Where did the saying "Good Night Nurse!" come from?
: : "Good Night Nurse" is the name of a 1918
silent movie short starring Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle with Arbuckle in
drag as a flirting nurse to Keaton's doctor.
: : But I don't really know if
this is the source for your phrase.
: (See Bruce's post for a photo of the above.)
: GOOD NIGHT NURSE -- From "Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, A-G" by J. E. Lighter: "good night - interj. (used to indicate or comment on a disastrous conclusion; also used to indicate surprise or exasperation). - also constru. With 'nurse,' 'Irene,' etc. ..1918 'Independent' (June 22) 472: 'When he draws a bead on one, it's good night nurse.'"
For a previous answer to the same question, use link below (http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/11/messages/389.html).