Mot Morenzi

Oh, I'm always losing mine in the sheets. Or sometimes the dog is lying on it.

Here's a "Real Life Fred" moment. Last week, Max was frantically looking for his glasses. I'll give you a hint: if they were a snake, they'd have bitten him.

Angelina Devina is vindicated at last!

Luvs, you might be able to answer this: There's a scene which takes place towards the end of I Love Lucy, where Desi's passed out on the set and Lucille worries about him losing the respect of the crew. Vivian then tells Lucy about her and "Paul" (did the Phil Ober estate threaten to sue or something?) spotting Desi, roaring drunk, gambling in Palm Springs. Was this scene written exclusively for the film, or was it sourced from a book? I'm curious if it's based on an actual discussion Lucille and Vivian had.

Happy Birthday, Betty! I hope at some stage she's up to recording a second archive interview - her first one was back in the 90s, and as we all know, she's done a LOT more television since then.

LOL! That's a whole other episode in itself.

Incredibly, I just found the EXACT commercial I described here! It was an ad for the Columbia House subscription series, which began with the pilot...hence the "Tells the Truth" publicity still on the cover. It was so tickling to find something I haven't seen in 25 years or so but could still remember.

What a great idea! Just e-mailed you mine.

I enjoyed "Sax Symbol" moreso this time around than I did a few months ago. The steamer trunk she pulls it out of: could that be the same trunk used on the "I Love Lucy" saxophone episode? I think my perception of this episode was coloured by Fidelman's opinion. He felt the writers missed the boat by not focusing the script around Lucy, and that the story was too sticky and sentimental. Rewatching it made me realise, however, that it was natural for Lucy to want Becky following in her footsteps. Better to acknowledge that Lucy's living with her family rather than just treat them like props! As others have noted, she was carrying too much of the show as it was. I enjoyed Larry and Ann's "Three Stooges" routine. Moments like this prove they had untapped comedic potential. Kevin's friend - Max, right? - Eddie Haskell in training! Luvs, you said awhile back to watch out for him. I think you're right. You just know he grew up into a real asshole!

Lucy Barker's bedroom:

The John Ritter show must've been an absolute blast to attend. The audience is really having a great time. Four entrance applauses in the first few minutes alone: Lucy, Gale, Ruth and John. Ruth Buzzi's appearance is delightful, but I can't help but wonder: why hire somebody so well-known for such a small part? Maybe they intended Mrs. Wilcox to be recurring and play a more substantial role down the line? Lucy's energy level is palpable throughout and Ritter brings a lot of charm. This is probably the most Lucy Show/Here's Lucy-esque episode of the bunch, what with the theme of Lucy inadvertently causing harm to a celebrity, taking said person home and doing her utmost to fix the situation, then ultimately winding up in a high production-values show. The painted backdrop for the play is more lifelike and realistic than most of the canvases impersonating ACTUAL scenery in Lucy episodes! The actress who was originally portraying the nurse quits awfully abruptly, after questioning only two moments of motivation. I guess we're supposed to infer that this has been going on since rehearsals began, but it feels a little underdeveloped. Perhaps they should've had Lucy fiddling about on the stage and accidentally dropping a sandbag on her. That'd better explain the need for a replacement!

I'm currently rewatching the show in production order, and it does make a subtle, but noticeable, difference. For one thing, Ted and Margo's physical appearances evolve more naturally. Margo didn't start wearing the curly hair style until later on, while Ted wore his glasses more consistently in the early episodes. Eventually, you only saw him with glasses when he was reading, then they disappeared almost entirely, as I remember. It's a bit more inconsistent if watched in broadcast order. Personally, I think there should've been more time devoted to Lucy and Curtis settling into the house, and the rest of the family adjusting to their presence. As it is, come episode 2, "Guard Goose," everyone acts as though they've always lived under the same roof. Ted's frustration and scepticism from the premiere is almost completely abandoned from this point forward. At least episodes like "Up a Tree" and "Breaking Up" acknowledged the pitfalls of having to share space with relatives, but a few more episodes chronicling the moving in period would've been nice.

There were at least a few other deleted scenes of note. That shot in the intro of Lucy descending the stairs in her pink date dress while Larry Anderson fans himself must've been cut from "2x4s". As well, "Sax Symbol" ends with Lucy and Becky alone in the basement, with Curtis off fetching the saw to cut the sax off Lucy's hand. The cutting scene was filmed, as I found a publicity still of Gale Gordon holding the saw while Lucy and Becky cringe. I'll try to find that shot again and share it here.

The "Home Magazine" segments in particular were brilliant inclusions. So glad those have been preserved. I also loved the ET clips for their pure 80s aesthetic. The big hair, the music, the insipid questions Lucy was asked...

Here's a promo for the premiere episode. This one's interesting for a few reasons: 1. We get another brief look at the deleted bedroom scene, this time a different shot of Lucy spreading her arms. There's also a sneak peek at "Guard Goose" from an alternate camera angle than what was used in the final edit. 2. Yet again, the "I Love Lucy" theme song is used as underscoring. I wonder if this prevented some promos appearing on the DVD due to additional licensing costs? 3. This illustrates why the DVD promos were so abrupt, as they were indeed paired with promos for other shows.

Bye, Hy, from Fye

Having episodes of significance rebroadcast on notable days would be a nice idea.

Shock Jock Don Imus died on Friday at age 79.

No, they're the syndicated versions of the credits, with no voiceovers listing the guest stars. Also, unlike the episodes themselves, neither the opening titles nor the end credits seem to have undergone any restoration and are quite rough looking. A minor quibble, though, as the shows themselves look pretty good. Yes, the sponsor was featured prominently, but it wasn't Philip Morris. The sponsors in the openings I've seen were Kool-Shake, Minute Rice and Jell-O Instant Pudding. Being used to the radio version, it seems bizarre to have any company besides Colgate Palmolive Peet as sponsor. (LOL at the visual of Walter and the seedy boys sneaking smokes behind the gym!) Here's an example. Personally, I'm not crazy about the childlike cartoon drawing style. Seems more appropriate for a show about an elementary school rather than a high school:

I was fortunate enough to receive both volumes for Christmas. I've only previewed the first episode but it looks terrific, pretty much on par with I Love Lucy...which is fitting, considering who produced the show. Funnily enough, the first episode appears to be based on the first or second radio episode I ever heard, "Arguments." I really hope future seasons see releases as well, but 38 episodes is certainly enough to get me started.

Looking forward to seeing the Paris episode once I'm able to get it Down Under. Speaking of themes for specials, it recently occurred to me that "Sentimental Anniversary" and "Hollywood Anniversary" could make a good double feature for an I Love Lucy Anniversary Special which could be broadcast on October 15th. Nertz, I concur that those two Lucy Show episodes would make a nice change of pace. The colorized DVD set included the Jingle Bells tag scene, beautifully restored. Maybe they could start airing that instead of the I Love Lucy Christmas episode each year? It's gone from being one of the rarest episodes to one of the most over-exposed.

I had a ball writing these ones. Hope you enjoy. Don Juan and the Shallots Lucy makes the mistake of serving a meal containing shallots the night before Ricky shoots an important close-up, completely forgetting about his onion allergy. Unfortunately for Ricky, she threw in so many that he's soon experiencing every symptom in the book. With his face covered in hives and lips swollen bigger than Marilyn Monroe's, Ricky hardly looks like the living end come morning, and it's up to Lucy and Ethel at the makeup table to make him appear presentable. They do a respectable job, and the camera lens at least doesn't crack when focused on him. Unfortunately, midway through a take the internal symptoms kick in, causing the five starlets to head screaming for Holmby Hills at the speed of light. Ricky's Movie Coffer Crafty as always, Lucy sneaks her leftover shallot recipe onto the craft services table, proceeds to throw a huge fit at Dore Schary for allowing MGM to serve Ricky something he was allergic to, and presents him with several demands. Fearing a potential lawsuit, Schary agrees to a hefty payout and allows Ricky time off to recover, thus setting the Ricardos up financially for some time. (He doesn't, however, acquiesce to Lucy's other demand that he grant her a 3-picture deal.) Ethel's Lone Gown Ethel's in a pickle when her one dress gets ruined by the cleaners the day before Ricky's big Hollywood premiere. She and Lucy then sneak into the MGM wardrobe department to find the perfect replacement, with Ethel having her heart set on Vivien Leigh's green curtain dress. When Ethel can't cram her bustle into it, Lucy improvises, resulting in Ethel wearing a pair of actual curtains (complete with rod) to the premiere instead. Ethel's unique red carpet look makes Don Juan costume designer Bob Mackie vow to one day replicate it in a comedy sketch. Concurrently, Lucy tries on the ruby slippers and can't get them off after her feet swell up, forcing Ricky to come to her defense after she gets accosted by security - "The only thing red about her is her hair!" Don Juan is Slammed Ricky regrets Metro deciding not to shelve Don Juan after all when the film is panned by critics and audiences alike. Most reviews specifically target Ricky's accent as being indecipherable, resulting in Lucy imploring Metro to hire Mr. Livermore as dialect coach for his next picture. Livermore agrees on the proviso that he get to sing his "Tippy Tippy Toe" song. After screen-testing Livermore, Metro decides Ricky's not worth it, and recast with Xavier Valdez for Don Juan II: Electric Boogaloo. In Guam Springs Lucy and Ethel accidentally board the wrong plane en route to Palm Springs and wind up in Guam instead. Far from rainfall and their husbands, and surrounded by sunshine and hunks, the girls really cut loose, causing Ricky and Fred to wonder if they'll ever see their wives again. The bathing suit boys lose interest, however, when they spot Lucy and Ethel sans girdles, causing the gals to reconsider the merits of their former lives. The Christmas Horror Show Lucy seeks the services of a feesakeeatrist (Hal March) to help her cope with longstanding nightmares about the vanishing Santa Claus she and the gang encountered years ago. Unfortunately for her, this particular practitioner is an unscrupulous Hollywood wannabe who steals his patients' stories for script ideas. A few months after their first session, Lucy is mortified to see a poster for an upcoming B-horror film, Santa Slays the Redhead! After threatening to sue, Lucy is granted story credit, but the film's negative reviews only ensure that not even Milt Josefsberg would ever hire her. Lucy Learns to Dive Still pining for a Hollywood career after her story writing failure, Lucy invests in comprehensive swimming lessons in the hopes of becoming Esther Williams' stunt double. Unfortunately, Hedda Hopper spots her in the pool, and soon the papers are full of stories about Lucy's dubious water ballet talents. Mrs. McGillicuddy seeks revenge on her "friend's" actions by kicking her semi-cute granddaughter off the Redbluff merry-go-round so Little Ricky can utilize his free pass. Ricky's Queen Test Hoping to expand his versatility, MGM considers Ricky for the lead in their Don Loper biopic, and hires a pair of eccentric acting coaches (Paul Lynde and Gale Gordon) to help accentuate Ricky's fussiness and bitchiness. The lessons work too well, and soon Ricky becomes the cattiest queen imaginable on and off-screen, rolling his eyes at the mere mention of Mrs. Richard Carlson and finally giving him a suitable demeanour to face off against Mrs. McGillicuddy. But he's no match for the real Don Loper, who, unimaginably insulted, retaliates by demanding $500 for Lucy's fashion show dress. ("I expect payment by nooooon!") Bullsh*t Dance Lucy's wish finally comes true when her sterling performance with Van Johnson is witnessed by prominent choreographers Jack Faker and Anita Fello (Jay Novello and Imogene Coca), who decide to make her into Hollywood's next dancing sensation. Unfortunately, they and venomous fishwife Herbert Menwith (Lou Krugman), the director of Waltzing Petunias, soon learn the hard way that Lucy's move set is very limited, and certainly not enough for her to handle the elaborately choreographed picture. After one disastrous rehearsal, Menwith blows his stack at Lucy and threatens to fire her for failing to perform to his satisfaction. Lucy breaks down in tears and flees to her dressing room, but calms down after a pep-talk with Ricky and the wardrobe woman (Vanda Barra). After Menwith cools down as well, he realises both he and the technicolor cameras are absolutely in love with Lucy's fiery red hair. Determined to still use her, he ultimately settles for filming her face only in close ups, with a bewigged Ann Miller serving as body double for the wide shots (resulting in the film being renamed Tap Dancing Petunias). The Dancing Czar Burgeoning starlet Lucy feels threatened by powerhouse Ann Miller, who makes no secret of her displeasure that she's the dance double for a nobody. Miller is soon making overtures to the director to ditch Lucy and make her the star. Determined not to let Ann win, Lucy flies in Madame LeMond to assist Jack and Anita in turning her into the next best thing to Cyd Charisse. Everyone is blown away by Lucy's terpsichorean skills the following week, and it becomes clear that Ann's services are no longer required. Defeated, Miller quits showbusiness and takes a job at the Piggly Wiggly. The Star Upsets Lucy's movie proves to be a far bigger smash than Ricky's, earning rave reviews and enormous box office receipts. It isn't long before fame goes to Lucy's head, and soon she considers Ricky and the Mertzes beneath her attention. Moving out of their "crummy dump" of a room and into Cornel Wilde's former penthouse, Lucy can soon give Tallulah Bankhead a run for her money in the diva department. Furious, Ricky and the Mertzes conspire to teach her a lesson by becoming "anonymous sources" to Hedda Hopper, who's column is soon filled with damning copy about "The Red Rehead!" A chastened Lucy must come back to earth to clear her name before Joseph McCarthy (Jack Webb) and the HUAC. After being acquitted, Lucy promises to behave herself, but aligns with Louella Parsons for future press coverage. The Fashion Dough When one of Lucy's costumes from Tap Dancing Petunias fetches a high price at a charity auction, Fred sees dollar signs and is soon attempting to sell every article of clothing Lucy owns. Outfits such as the starch vat dress, and an ensemble she wore during a health tonic commercial that subsequently went viral, collect scads of money, and soon Fred is rolling in it. The jig is up when Lucy and Ricky catch wind of the scheme and demand repayment for selling her belongings without permission. Fred is forced to pick oranges out in Pomona to help repay the debt, while Lucy is thrilled to go on a shopping spree for a whole new wardrobe (this time, she isn't kidding when telling Ricky she hasn't got a thing to wear). Ethel's Contract Fred and Ethel make a big impression with their bit parts in their vaudeville friend's picture, and are soon offered their own television series by a producer (Phil Ober) hoping to capitalize on their amazing chemistry. Fred is thrilled by the idea, but Ethel less so, as she can't stand the idea of not only having to live with the old poop but work with him every day as well. Ethel ultimately relents after getting Lucy to once again play agent, who lays down the law with a series of strict contractual demands: no scenes in bed together, co-star billing, a glamorous wardrobe, equal pay to Fred, and several hiatuses per year to recuperate in New York. I Heart Honeybunch proves to be a hit, but Ethel leaves after three seasons to settle down in Connecticut with her dashing new beau: 22-year-old cat food salesman John R. Dodds (Rhodes Reason). The retooled show, Fred Sings the Old Ones, doesn't fare so well without his charming child bride of 1934, causing Fred to throw in the towel and become full-time housekeeper for a single father and his three sons. New York, Here We Come The gang leaves Hollywood behind in Ricky's Pontiac, deciding to drive home for one simple reason: to visit "all of the places everyone wanted to see" that they somehow forgot to visit on the way out! Naturally, everything that can go wrong does: Ethel gets lost in the Carlsbad Caverns, Lucy gets stranded while climbing the Ozarks, Fred regrets going to Salt Lake City after being accosted by missionaries, while Ricky loses his elevated shoes to an alligator in New Orleans. They're so defeated by the time they reach Ohio, they greet Mr. Skinner and the One Oak cabin with open arms.

I'll have to re-watch and listen for that!

That would've made a very interesting episode indeed, although probably far too risqué for 1950s television. Hell, there'd be people TODAY who'd consider that to be in bad taste. My mother's rather puritanical in many respects, and she considers the idea of married women or men spending time alone with someone of the opposite sex to be the height of impropriety, no matter the circumstances. Nevertheless, Lucy and Fred heading off to Palm Springs leaving Ricky and Ethel in Hollywood would've been fascinating. Everything could start out fine, but soon Fred's jingling drives Lucy nuts, and then Ricky starts calling Ethel out for her chewing. Then their imaginations start running amuck, with everyone convinced that cheating is going on. Trouble is, they cross paths, and soon Ethel and Ricky are in Palm Springs with Lucy and Fred back in Hollywood. Could've been quite a farcical episode if done right. I know Ethel's in a bad mood for most of "Ricky Sells the Car," but she did show a bit of jealousy over Lucy rubbing Fred's shoulders. "Since when did you and him become so chummy!?" There were certainly enough episodes where Lucy thought Ricky was being unfaithful...Ethel suspecting fat Freddie of wandering could've made for a hilarious change of pace.