Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Chronology - Week 1 - September

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September 1

 

Richard Arlen, guest co-star, Desilu Productions’ Whirlybirds 1960, and Here’s Hollywood 1961, is born this date in 1900.

Lucille Ball’s parents, Henry and DeDe Ball, were married in the Calvary Baptist Church, 200 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, New York, by Reverend Charles D. Reed, attended by approximately 140 persons, the social event of the season, this date in 1910.

Yvonne DeCarlo, guest Desilu Productions' Shower of Stars, 1957, and The Greatest Show on Earth, 1964; with Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz) via archival footage, 50 Years of Funny Females 1995, is born this date in 1922.

Desi Arnaz attended St. Patrick’s High School, Miami Beach, Florida, in 1934.

Chicago Herald-Tribune Town Tattler: “Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are in the Pump Room, popular Chicago watering hole, ‘Cupid Eyes Lucille Ball’ and you can take it from us much meets the eye in Lucille Ball of the movies visit to Chicago to see Desi Arnaz of the Too Many Girls stage show, in 1940.

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears in Universal Picture's, Give Out, Sisters, as Harrison, co-starring Laverne, Patty and Maxene Andrews, Dan Dailey, Donald O'Connor; Irving Bacon and Leon Belasco [uncredited] among many others, released on this date in 1942.

Photoplay, Frank Nugent: “The Bouncing Ball,†a review of a preview: Easy To Wed, in the Westwood Village Theater, her best movie to date after twelve years of trying, and with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, nervously in the audience, expecting the worst, since Lucille was playing ‘the other woman,’ but, hilariously, and the audience loved her in it, published in 1946.

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears in Rainbow Production's comedy, Good Sam, as Mr. Drew, Banker, co-starring Irving Bacon, Gary Cooper, Ruth Roman, Ann Sheridan, among many others, released on this date in 1948.

Jess Oppenheimer held a primary staff ‘get-acquainted’ meeting in his office on the lot, a short but important session discussing the mutual goals and needs-accomplishment during the first critical week, with much hand-shaking, each leaving the meeting feeling buoyant In anticipation, this date in 1951.

Family Circle: Lucy and Desi Make a Movie – “Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz have spent part of the summer vacation from television making a comedy, The Long, Long Trailer, their first motion-picture appearance together since 1940, and Lucille’s return to MGM, where she was under contract in pre-television days, and Desi’s first appearance for that studio since 1942,†published in 1953.

CBS’ (“I Love Lucyâ€) 30-minutes, black & white – [september 1957-September 1959 except June of 1958] - With the show no longer in weekly production, CBS purchases the rights to the show from Desilu Studios and re-runs them in prime time for two seasons. New graphics are made to reflect the new weekly sponsors. After this prime-time run, the show moves to CBS daytime, where it will be re-run until 1967 and then go into syndication and cable . . . forever, beginning this date in 1958.

This Week (New York): “Television Producer, Desi Arnaz . . .†published this date in 1960.

New York World-Telegram and Sun, Bob Thomas, reports: “Vivian, Lucy are Pals Again,†published this date in 1962.

CBS’ The Lucy Show - While each of Lucille Ball’s series has always gone on summer hiatus, selected re-runs of the show are aired in prime time instead of a summer replacement series, commencing March 24. The remaining weeks are re-runs for the first time in color from the series’ last three seasons (1965-68) on this date in 1969.

Desi Arnaz IV, guest co-stars in Dick Clark Productions’ TV, Alan Hamel, as Host, Mantrap, airing this date in 1971.

Lucille Ball appears in article - Photoplay, Leslie Valentine: “Lucy Today: Her Life of Love, Luck & Loneliness,†published in 1973.

People Magazine, by Fred A. Bernstein – Fall Preview - “If Farrah Fawcett Can Play a Nazi Hunter, Anything Can Happen This Season - Debbie Harry Can Make a Comeback; Lucille Ball Can Make a Comeback; Winnie the Pooh Can Make a Comeback; and Reincarnation Zealot Shirley Maclaine Can Just Plain Come Back†posted this date in 1986.

Lucille Ball appears in People Magazine, “Hits and Misses for Fall TV,†where (Life With Lucy) is called a probable hit, this date in 1986.

Melus (Storrs, Connecticut), Paula W. Shirley: “Reading Desi Arnaz in The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love,†published this date in 1995.

Ladies Home Journal readers choose Lucille Ball as one of the top 10 women of TV this date in 1998.

USA Today Magazine, Wes Gehring: “I Love Lucy Turns 50,†published in 2001.

Erie, Pennsylvania hosts a billboard inviting visitors to Lucy’s hometown, a Lucy-Desi Center-funding award from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation this month in 2006.

John Sebastian, lead singer of the popular 60s group, The Lovin’ Spoonful, sang theme song from credits of Welcome Back, Kotterâ€, and during his performance at the 10,000 Maniacs 25th anniversary concert in Jamestown, shared his excitement at visiting the Desilu Playhouse and viewing the tribute to his aunt, Vivian Vance, this day in 2006.

LA Daily News - “Back to the Futureâ€: “As 'I Love Lucy' celebrates its 55th anniversary, the show is more popular than ever!†published in 2006.

Reader’s Digest: Lucille Ball: “I’m not funny. What I am is brave.†and published in September Issue, 2006.

American Road Fall issue - Jamestown’s Lucy-Desi attractions, and a separate feature touting Vitameatavegamin – with a reminder that the “Lucy Does a TV Commercial†episode of “I Love Lucy†was ranked #2 on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest TV Episodes of All Time, 2006.

emmy magazine: Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center’s Legacy of Laughter seminar December 2005 recap - Los Angeles, moderated by Lucie Arnaz, with Executive Producer Marc Cherry (Desperate Housewives) and veteran writer Sam Denoff (The Dick Van Dyke Show, That Girl) on the panel, published in September 2006.

emmy magazine special edition cover - a re-creation of the publicity still for the “California, Here We Come†episode of “I Love Lucyâ€. Inside is a four-page story of how the photo was digitally assembled with the cast of CBS’s How I Met Your Mother, and published in September 2006.

Warner Brothers film library DVD release - Lucille Ball’s classic 1943 film Best Foot Forward, is announced as one of twelve new titles voted by voters at Amazon.com, and is one of two titles that is an Amazon exclusive, during September 2006.

Inside Look community magazine - “Amazing Museums†section, Verizon requests photos from the Lucy-Desi Center to be included in the front of their telephone directories, published in September 2006.

KOA Art Gallery - University of Pittsburgh/Bradford invites the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center to collaborate on an exhibition about Lucille Ball’s life in September of 2006.

 

September 2

 

Marge Champion, half the team of Marge and Gower Champion; appears Desilu Productions' Shower of Stars, 1956; appears, archivally, with Lucille Ball, That's Dancing; with Lucie Arnaz and Lucille, Night of 100 Stars II 1985, is born this date in 1919.

Silver Screen: Lucille Ball, on cover, dressed as a lathe worker supporting the war effort, published in 1943.

Metronome Magazine – by Barry Ulanov – “Arnaz Arrives†– In a July interview, Desi Arnaz (with wife, Lucille Ball), are interviewed regarding Desi’s career and background, photos by RCA-Victor, Zinn Arthur, photographer,†published in 1946.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear, My Favorite Husband “The Elves,†episode #52 with veteran supporting cast members Frank Nelson and Hans Conried, airing this date in 1949.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear, My Favorite Husband, “Husbands are Sloppy Dressers,†episode #95 with veteran supporting cast member, Hans Conried, airing this date in 1950.

Desi Arnaz is privileged to play golf with a fan, President Eisenhower, in 1954.

CBS’ (“I Love Lucyâ€) 30-minutes, black & white – [september 1957-September 1959 except, June of 1958] With the show no longer in weekly production, CBS purchases the rights to the show from Desilu Studios and re-runs them in prime time for two seasons. New graphics are made to reflect the new weekly sponsors. After this prime-time run, the show moves to CBS daytime, where it will be re-run until 1967 and then go into syndication and cable . . . forever, beginning this date in 1957.

The Daily Mirror - Larry Harnisch Reflects on Los Angeles History- 5/22/2010 - The Los Angeles Times File Photo - “Linda Hope, accepts the Award for her father, Bob Hope, from Dorothy Lamour and Lucille Ball accepts Award from Vincent Price at 'Oscar to Wardrobers' dinner honoring Hollywood personalities and costumersâ€, published this date in 1962.

CBS’ 60-minutes, black & white - The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour – The thirteen hour-long specials that Lucille and Desi did for Ford and Westinghouse from 1957-60 are re-run as a summer replacement series. Fresh opening and closing graphics are created to accommodate the new show title and sponsorship this date in 1963.

WNEW-TV, NYC’s Channel 5, announced it plans to cancel its twice-daily broadcast of (“I Love Lucyâ€) and a picket line went up in front of the building, in 1975.

Jay Novello, veteran supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucyâ€) 1951, 1954, 1956; The Lucy 1963, 1964; and Desilu Productions’ The Mothers-In-Law†1967, dies this date in 1982.

Troy Donahue, guest co-star, Desilu Productions’ The Californians 1958, as well as Here’s Hollywood 1962, dies date in 2001.

LA Times, Paul Brownfield: “First and Still Funniest,†published this date in 2001.

Bob Denver, of Gilligan's Island fame; Desilu Productions' Here's Hollywood 1961, Fractured Flickers 1963; Desilu-filmed Make Room for Daddy 1964, and The Andy Griffith Show 1964, dies this date in 2005.

Lucy-Fan Website - The Emmy’s Still Love Lucy and Co.: The prime time Emmy Awards will be telecast September 21. The invitation features 30 pictures of previous Emmy winners, the biggest, and left of center - in black and white, is: Jess Oppenheimer, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz), holding her Best Series Supporting Actress Emmy honoring the 1952-1953 season. (“I Love Lucyâ€) won Best Situation Comedy that year, posted this date in 2008.

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September 3

 

Pat O’Malley, Lucille Ball early-film career co-star, Columbia The Whole Town’s Talking and Behind The Evidence 1935; co-star,William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) J. Edgar Hoover, FBI Director; written book for film, Persons in Hiding 1939; Desilu Productions’ The Californians, 1959; Whirlybirds, 1959; The Untouchables, 1960; Harrigan and Son, 1961; The Greatest Show on Earth, 1964; co-star, Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz) Getting Away From It All, 1972, as well as (“Here’s Lucyâ€) 1973, is born this date in 1890.

Kitty Carlisle Hart, actress - Lucille Ball friend and early-film career co-star, Paramount Pictures Murder at the Vanities 1934; later, many-year panelist, NBC TV’s To Tell The Truth, is born this date in 1910.

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears in Pine-Thomas Production's Wildcat, as Oliver Westbrook, co-starring Buster Crabbe, Richard Arlen, Will Wright; Dick Elliott [uncredited], among many others, released on this date in 1942.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear: Mr. & Mrs. Cugat, (original title changed to My Favorite Husband), an untitled episode regarding Liz’ mother having second thoughts, “Liz’s Mother Gets Engaged,†episode #7, with veteran supporting cast member, John Hiestand, and on which show Lucille Ball met her current and future many-years creator/writer, Jess Oppenheimer and writers Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll, Jr, an exceptional comedy writing team, airing this date in 1948.

Lucille Ball appears in Colliers’ Magazine this date in 1949.

Lucille Ball arrives at General Service Studios Monday morning for the first reading of (“I Love Lucyâ€) fully prepared to be a star, this date in 1951.

Vivian Vance, still not cast as Ethel Mertz, meets Lucille Ball for the first time, this date in 1951.

CBS’ The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour – 60 minutes, black & white – The thirteen hour-long specials that Lucille and Desi made for Ford and Westinghouse are re-run as a summer replacement series. New opening and closing graphics are created to incorporate the new name and sponsorship. This same series in the same format will be used four more times until 1967. There is heavy on-air promotion of the forthcoming The Lucy Show, with Lucille doing voice-overs during the closing credits, reminding folks to tune in come October to her new CBS-TV sitcom this date in 1962.

Nick Muscaraca, Cinematographer, many-year early film-career friend and employee, Lucille Ball, 2 films, 1935; , 2 films, 1936; 1937; 2 films, 1939; with Desi Arnaz, 1942; photographer, Desilu-filmed The Adventures of Jim Bowie 1956; photographer, Desilu Productions' Those Whiting Girls, 7 episodes, 1957, Whirlybirds 1957; photographer Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse 1958; photographer, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour 1959; Lucille's guest, The Lucy Show 1962; with Lucille The Jack Benny Program 1964, dies this date in 1975.

People Magazine: “Desi and Lucy: Before the Laughter,†published this date in 1990.

Biography Magazine published a list of the Top 20 favorite television characters of all time, as voted by readers of its Web site – Lucille Ball came in as Number Two, in 2000.

The Latest from Everything Lucy Website: “Vintage Lucille Ball Movie Posters Donated The movie posters exhibit in Jamestown, NY’s new, and expanded, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum was made possible by NJ collector, Joe Genua, who donated three original 1940’s movie posters from Lucille Ball’s early film-career: a vintage 1944, MGM’s, Meet the People; an original 1946, Universal Studios’, Lover Come Back; and 1947 Lucille’s first at Columbia, Her Husband’s Affairs. Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz fan, Patti Oelrich, contributed two movie posters: an original poster promoting 1968 United Artists’, Yours, Mine & Ours, inspiration for TV series, The Brady Bunch; and 1974, Warner Bros.’ Mame, Lucille’s final filmâ€, posted this date in 2008.

 

September 4

 

L. Pauline Lopus; Lucille Ball’s life-long friend, childhood next-door neighbor, her beloved “Sassafrassa,†- [formed an all-girl band “The Gloomchasers Union, with Lucille and another friend Violet Robbins]; getting her nickname because her father would take her and Lucille to nearby Seneca Indian Land to gather sassafras bark; Pauline tells that Lucille was “moody, kindhearted and helpful;†i.e. one time a train derailed near their home; Lucille filled two pails with water; running to see if perhaps a tramp had been riding the train and hurt in the wreck and was in danger due to the fire; and again, an accident at the same area, Lucille, finding a wristwatch at the scene, where a well-to-do woman was taken to the hospital; Lucille took her the watch when she became well], Pauline is born this date in 1910.

Howard Morris, Lucille Ball guest co-star, (The Lucy Show), 1965, is born this date in 1919.

Lucille Ball stars in RKO Radio Film The Big Street, released this date in 1942.

Lucille Ball appears, with brother, Fred and mother, DeDe, at Republican Congressman Jackson and Investigator Wheeler, LA Office, returning from Labor Day Vacation in Del Mar, to answer House on Un-American Activities Committee’s quesitons regarding her grandfather, “daddyâ€-influenced 1930’s voter registration – receiving afterward 2,237 telegrams and letters at home and at the studio – 24 critical; this date in 1953.

The CBS’ Sunday Lucy Show: 30 minutes black & white: This is a collection of (“I Love Lucyâ€) programs, (beginning April 3 until October 30) - this week’s episode #41. Because so many home viewers requested to see the early episodes, as they did not have television sets when they originally aired, CBS and the Arnazes re-an these shows in the late afternoon on Sundays, this date in 1955.

CBS, which now owns the 179 (“I Love Lucyâ€) films outright, re-titles the last thirteen episodes Lucy in Connecticut and beams it every Sunday night in prime time for the duration of the summer, airing this date in 1960.

CBS’ (“I Love Lucyâ€) – 30-minutes, black & white – For four weeks, CBS airs re-runs of this series to fill a scheduling gap. This is the last prime-time airing of the series in a regular time slot, this date in 1961.

Lucille Ball appears in Time Magazine this date in 1964.

Hubbell Robinson, CBS Vice President of Programming, instrumental in developing Mr. and Mrs. Cugat as a radio series, bringing it to Lucille Ball, dies this date in 1974.

Chicago Tribune, John J. Archibald, reports: “’I Love Lucy’): ‘Ricky’ Recalls Uptight Times on the Set,†published this date in 1989.

Irene Dunn, co-star William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz) 1928; Lucille Ball early-career co-star, 1938, as well as appears with Lucille, via archival footage, Entertaining the Troops 1994, dies this date in 1990.

 

September 5

 

Daryl F. Zanuck, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ long-time friend; Lucille Ball early film-career; producer, United Artists’ The Bowery and Blood Money 1933; Moulin Rouge, Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back, and The Affairs of Cellini, 1934, appears with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Toast of the Town 1958; is born this date in 1902.

Bob Newhart, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ friend, guest, Desilu Productions’ Here’s Hollywood, 1961; guest co-star, Desilu-filmed Fractured Flickers, 1964; with Desi Arnaz IV The Dean Martin Show,1968; as well as Headliner for the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, 1996, Jamestown NY, is born this date in 1929.

Eddie Carroll, guest, Desilu-Productions' and Desilu-filmed Mission: Impossible, 1966; as well as cast guest star, Life With Lucy, directed by Marc Daniels, 1986, is born this date in 1933.

Lucille Ball stars in United Artists film Lured, released this date in 1947.

[‘Research’ Note: This note appears with several dates of importance in prelude to Lucille and Desi’s performances, which made history and will perpetuate.] Trade papers: “A complete staff has been assembled for (“I Love Lucyâ€), published this date in 1951.

Desilu Productions’ The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, starring Hugh O’Brian, 1955-1961, premieres this date in 1955.

Jamestown Post Journal, Jamestown NY - “’Lucille Now Owns The Studio – Lucy, Ann Sothern Have Nicest Film Success Stories – Glamorous Tycoons – Two decades ago, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball were struggling for roles and recognition on the RKO lot. Today, Lucille and Desi are proprietors of the place and Ann is their biggest customer. At the moment, they’re working together. Lucille is appearing in the first Ann Sothern Show of the new TV season to repay Ann’s visit to Ford Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show #1: “Lucy Takes A Cruise to Havana,†a year ago (11/6/57)†published this date in 1959.

Hollywood (AP) Movie-TV Writer, Bob Thomas: “At a recent dinner party, a former co-worker asked Lucille Ball and Ann Sothern if RKO Studios had changed since the days when they worked there together. ‘Yes’, replied Ann; ‘Lucille owns it.’ Lucille added: ‘And Ann made over the wardrobe department for her dressing room’,†published this date in 1959.

Desilu Productions' New Comedy Showcase, “Slezak and Son†starring Leo Slezak, airs this date in 1960.

Variety reports on William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz), sitcom: “Les. My Three Sons†published this date in 1963.

Desilu Productions' Fractured Flickers, with veteran supporting cast (Lucy) member, Hans Conried, Host, [who explains what a 'fractured flicker' is; introduces several wacky segments and interviews guests] co-starring this segment, Edward Everett Horton, which airs on this date in 1963.

TV Guide cover: “The Change in Lucille Ball,†appears in a glamous drawing, this week in 1964.

William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz), appears, in a cameo appearance, CBS' half-hour Summer Playhouse, “The Apartment Houseâ€, starring Steve Allen, Reginald Gardiner; George Gobel, and Fred MacMurray, and Jane Withers, airing this date in 1964.

TV Guide cover: Lucille Ball, with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, appearing this week in 1970.

LA Times, David Shaw: “Celebrities Act in Many Ways to Gain Privacy,†published this date in 1973.

Dick Lane, Lucille Ball’s early film career co-star, 1938, 1939, and 1941, dies this date in 1982.

Allen Funt, Lucille Ball’s guest co-star, “Here’s Lucy†1971, dies this date in 1999.

Gisele McKenzie, appears with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Stars in the Eye, Vivian Vance and William Frawley (Lucy's The Mertzes) also appearing 1952; guest vocalist, Desilu Productions' Cavalcade of America 1952; as well as Toast of the Town, 1956; Desilu-filmed The Jack Benny Program, 1962, dies this date in 2003.

The Post-Journal – Information Center – In Years Past – 50 Years Ago – “At a recent dinner party, a former co-worker asked Lucille Ball and Ann Aothern if RKO Studios had changed since the days when they worked there together. 'Yes', replied Ann, 'Lucille owns it'. Two of Hollywood's nicest success stories concerned these glamorous tycoons. Two decades ago, both were struggling for roles and recognitiion at RKO. Now, Lucille and husband Desi Arnaz were proprietors of the Lot, and Ann was their largest customer. 'I love Lucille, and I know she loves me', Ann remarked. 'I understand her. A lot of people think she is gruff and tough. But, that's just her way. She's soft inside'â€, published on this day in 2009.

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September 6

 

Irving Bacon, Lucille Ball early-career co-star, United Artists’ The Bowery 1933; Columbia’s I’ll Love You Always 1935; William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), stars in Paramount Picture's, Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen, 1934; co-star, Frawley, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1939; Lucille co-star, RKO Radio’s You Can’t Fool Your Wife 1940; A Girl, A Guy and a Gob 1941; Look Who’s Laughing 1941; Mr. Willoughby, (“I Love Lucyâ€), 1952, 1955; as well as Desilu Productions' Cavalcade of America, 1956, is born this date in 1893.

Max 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom, Lucille Ball co-star, Muss'em Up 1936; guest star, Desilu-filmed The Red Skelton Show, 1958, 1960, as well as guest star, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1960; is born this date in 1904.

Fred Hunt (Lucille Ball's maternal grandfather) sold one-half (deceased wife, Florabelle's half) the property now known as Lucy Lane (8th Street, Celoron NY), to his daughters, Lucille's mother, Deseree (sp.) Hunt Ball Peterson and aunt, Lola Hunt Mandicos (Desiree's sister, and Cleo's – whom Lucille considered her 'sister' – mother), on this date in 1927.

Lucille Ball stars, in uncredited role, as flower clerk, RKO Radio film Top Hat, W. Argyle Nelson, long-time associate of Lucille Ball and the Arnazes in later years, as Assistant Director; Pandro S. Berman, Producer; starring Fred Astaire, Edward Everett Horton, Ginger Rogers, as well as Gino Corrado and Dennis O'Keefe, in uncredited roles, among others, film released this date in 1935.

Hollywood Citizen News, James Francis Crow: “Newcomer, Red Skelton, will star in Having a Wonderful Time with Lucille Ball, who gained much favor among studio executives with her work in Stage Door, which, by the way, will be previewed tomorrow night,†published this date in 1937.

NY Times: “Lucille Ball interrupted her personal appearance tour with Maureen O'Hara for a brief visit to the City. She will culminate her stay on Monday, when she will be a guest of honor at the World's Fair, which as been designated as Lucille Ball Dayâ€, published this date in 1940.

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears in Paramount Pictures' Rhythm on the River, as Mr. Westlake, co-starring Bing Crosby, Oscar Levant, Mary Martin, Basil Rathbone, Charles Lane; James Flavin and Janet Waldo, [uncredited], among many others, released on this date in 1940.

Hollywood columnist, Louella O. Parsons: “Lucille Ball separated from ‘Staff Sgt. Arnaz, due to a clash of temperaments,’†reported on this date in 1944.

Jane Curtin, of Saturday Night Live fame, appears with Desi Arnaz, The Hollywood Squares 1972; with Desi Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, IV, Saturday Night Live 1976, with Desi Arnaz IV again 1978; with Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), both archivally, 50 Years of Funny Females 1995; as well as with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, archivally, ABC 2000: The Millennium 1999, is born this date in 1947.

LA Evening Herald Express, Hospital Benefit, Jimmy Starr: “300 Hollywood stars and players were under the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus tent to benefit the St. John’s Hospital Guild, to raise funds for a new 100-room wing. Lucille Ball and other women rode elephants,†published this date in 1948.

“Lucy Thinks Ricky Is Trying to Murder Her,†was not nearly ready to shoot, trouble with the lighting, etc., and suggested they simply postpone filming until the next evening, this date in 1951.

Desi Arnaz and the Desi Arnaz Orchestra record the background music for CBS-TV (“I Love Lucyâ€) Episode #46, which is filmed this date in 1952.

Newspaper Columnist and radio/TV commentator, Walter Winchell reports, Lucille Ball’s 1930’s Communist Party registration and “appearance†before Congress alleging her “communist†ties, which is countered by Ball, as she is quickly cleared of all charges [creating a serious rift between him and the Arnazes for years] reported this date in 1953.

Desi Arnaz was playing poker an hour’s drive away from Chatsworth when Winchell’s broadcast has Lucille in a panic, and raced home, arriving at 1:00 a.m., telling her to calm down; he had known about this for two weeks, when J. Edgar Hoover has spoken with him at the racetrack, showing sorrow; but, adding there was nothing he could do to stop it, this date in 1953.

Rehearsals begin for “Lucy Visits Grauman’sâ€, Desi Arnaz toying with the idea of directing the fifth season; but, appointing Jim Kern instead, to take over where Bill Asher left off in April, this date in 1955.

CBS’ The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour - 60 minutes – black & white – The thirteen hour-long specials that Lucille and Desi did for Ford and Westinghouse are re-run yet again as a summer replacement series this date in 1965.

Quinn Martin, producer Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse 1959; Madelyn Pugh Davis’ [Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ long-time writer] former husband, dies this date in 1987.

Elaine Shepard, co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) 1938; 1946; Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, 1940, 1946, dies this date in 1998.

Jack Manning, Lucille Ball guest co-star, (“Here's Lucyâ€) “Lucy and Donny Osmond†1972 and “Lucy and Uncle Harry's Pot†1973, dies this date in 2009.

 

September 7

 

Peter Lawford, long-time friend of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star MGM’s Ziegfeld Follies 1946, is born this date in 1923.

Hollywood Citizen News, Sidney Skolsky Presents, Watching Them Make Pictures: “Lucille Ball was swapping yarns with other ‘girls’ on the set of Annabel Takes a Tour,†published this date in 1938.

MGM hairstylist Sydney Guilaroff alters Lucille Ball’s brunette hair to its trademark orange/red color, this date in 1942.

Hollywood Citizen News: “Lucille Ball Files Suit for Divorce – The marriage of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz went on the rocks today when she filed for divorce, and stated there is no community property,†published this date in 1944.

LA Examiner, Louella O. Parsons: “After years of wearing hair as red as a fireman’s hat, Lucille Ball has gone down to a reddish brown and is very becoming,†published this date in 1946.

ABC Radio hosts The Screen Guild Theater, (through 5/31/51) 30-minute anthology drama running 527 episodes, commencing this date in 1950.

Jamestown Post Journal, Jamestown NY - Lucille Ball appears in Fancy Pants advertisement, Showing at Shea’s Theatre, and published this date in 1950.

Richard Lee & Ronald Lee Simmons, ‘Baby Ricky’ twins, [appeared, as Baby Ricardo for two seasons – Season Two (“I Love Lucyâ€)- episode they appeared - “No Children Allowedâ€, 3/30/53, filmed 3/20/53, and appear on Life Magazine cover of February 2, 1953], are born this date in 1952.

In spite of the Committee calming her worst fears, Lucille Ball, having been told the day prior she was completely exonerated, newspaper columnist and Radio - TV commentator, Walter Winchell repeats his prior day ‘blind’ accusation, and during rehearsal that day, Desi was informed the Journal-American (New York), Jack O’Brian announced: “Lucille Ball has announced that she intends to retire in two years. It may be a lot sooner than she thinks,†this date in 1953.

(“I Love Lucyâ€) “Lucy Visits Grauman’s†dress rehearsal begins, nerve-rackingly, for and Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, to calm everyone down, invited key personnel back to their studio bungalow for dinner afterward, with Desi, as cook and Lucille, as bartender, this date in 1955.

Desilu Productions' The Adventures of Jim Bowie, Scott Forbes starring, as Jim Bowie, 76 episodes, between 1956-1958, a Western set in the Louisiana Territory 1830s, encountering famous people in New Orleans, relying on the 'knife' (the Bowie) he invents, co-starring Sidney Blackmer, June Carter Cash, Chuck Connors, Lawrence Dobkin, Michael Landon, Maurice Marsac, Peggy McCay, Denver Pyle, William Schallert, and Lurene Tuttle [a veritable line-up of Lucy/Desilu veteran co-stars and cast members] the first episode airing this date in 1956.

CBS’ (“I Love Lucyâ€) 30-minutes, black & white – [september 1957-September 1959 except June of 1958] With the show no longer in weekly production, CBS purchases the rights to the show from Desilu Studios and re-runs them in prime time for two seasons. New graphics are made to reflect the new weekly sponsors. After this prime-time run, the show moves to CBS daytime, where it will be re-run until 1967 and then go into syndication and cable . . . forever, beginning this date in 1959.

CBS’ The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour – The thirteen hour-long specials that Lucille and Desi did for sponsors Ford and Westinghouse from 1957-60 are re-run as a summer replacement series. New opening and closing graphics are created for the shows this date in 1964.

CBS’ Radio Show Let’s Talk to Lucy, came about with the departure of Garry Moore in 1964; was created at Lucille’s 1961 suggestion and discussions, a ten-minute series, with Gary Morton as producer, and featuring Lucille chatting in the studio or on location with fellow performers [but, failed to attract a single sponsor and lasted only one season] premieres this date in 1964.

Desilu Productions' The Mothers-In-Law last episode airs this date in 1969.

Look, Laura Bergquist: Lucille Ball appears on cover “TV: Turn-on or Turn-off?†a picture of Lucille on a TV screen watching as a hand moves to change the channel, and “Lucille Ball: The Star That Never Sets,†published this date in 1971.

Spring Byington, star, Desilu Productions’ December Bride 1954-59, and Westingthouse Desilu Playhouse 1959, dies this date in 1971.

Vivi Janiss, cast member (“I Love Lucyâ€) 1953 and 1954, Desilu Productions' Cavalcade of America 1956, dies this date in 1988.

Dennis Morgan co-star, in an uncredited role, with Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz) 1936; co-star, among others, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) 1939; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) 1947, 1949; 1950; with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, 1954, as well as himself, the Arnazes, archivally, 1983, dies this date in 1994.

 

September 8

 

William Fawcett, Lucille Ball co-star, Columbia Pictures’ The Magic Carpet 1951; cast member, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, 1958, 1959, Desilu Productions’ The Untouchables 1959; Harrigan and Son, 1960; Whirlybirds [unknown year]; The Texan, 1960, The Untouchables, 1961; as well as Mannix, 1968, is born this date in 1894.

Hillary Brooke, co-stars in uncredited role, with Lucille Ball, Stage Door, 1937; starred with The Three Stooges and in My Little Margie, early 1950s; Lucille's guest co-star (“I Love Lucyâ€), 1956, is born this date in 1914.

Sid Caesar, 1950s, 60s half of the comedic team, with Imogene Coca, Your Show of Shows, and Lucille Ball’s guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1968, is born this date in 1922.

Hollywood Citizen News, Reviews of Previews, by James Francis Crow - Stage Door – RKO-Radio picture: “ . . . Lucille Ball is outstanding in this reviewer’s remembrance of a picture which has been thoroughly well acted . . .†published this date in 1937.

Hollywood Citizen News, Reviews of Previews, by James Francis Crow: “Room Service, an RKO-Radio picture, elicited many laughs; but never engendered the comedic delirium characteristic of the best Marx Brothers’ films, also starring Lucille Ball, in one of few female parts,†published this date in 1938.

Jamestown Post Journal, Jamestown NY - Lucille Ball’s Romance Hits Rocks, Suit Filed – Jamestown Actress, Charging Cruelty, Blames Her Red Hair, Hubby’s Latin Temper – Hollywood – (UP) – “Me (Lucillle), I gave it a week . . . after filing suit for divorce,†published this date in 1944.

Jamestown Post Journal, Jamestown NY - Lucille’s Love Warm Last Winter – “ . . . come to parting of the ways, now working on MGM Technicolor film Ziegfeld Follies,†published this date, 1947.

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball: “By the time we filmed the first episode, Desi and I okayed each pillow, picture, pot and pan in the Ricardoapartment to authenticate middle income; we were so excited and happy, planning our first big venture together. I thought that (“I Love Lucyâ€) a pleasant little situation comedy that might even survive the first season,†this date in 1951.

(“I Love Lucyâ€) “Lucy Thinks Ricky is Trying to Murder Her,†- Episode 1 - [not the first episode aired], is viewed by the cast at Marc Daniels’ home in Horseshoe Canyon, except for William Frawley (Fred Mertz), who returned to the Knickerbocker Hotel, his residence, to watch the fights, is filmed this date in 1951.

William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz) appears in Summer Night Theater “Room for Improvement,†for DuMont, this date in 1954.

Desilu Productions’ Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry, Producer - Lucy veteran support cast member, Sean Morgan, 6-episode co-star, between November 1966-November 1968, this episode, “The Man Trapâ€, co-starring regulars DeForest Kelley, Leonard Nimoy, and William Shatner, among many others, premieres on this date in 1966.

Desilu-filmed Police Story, an elite squad of detectives reporting directly to Commissioner handle the city's toughest cases, written by Gene Roddenberry [star Trek fame] starring DeForest Kelley, Malachi Throne, is released this date in 1967.

CBS’ The Lucy Show - While each of Lucille Ball’s series has always gone on summer hiatus, selected re-runs of the show are aired in prime time instead of a summer replacement series, commencing March 24. The remaining weeks are re-runs for the first time in color from the series’ last three seasons (1965-68) on this date in 1969.

John Mylong, supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucyâ€) 1956, and Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse 1959, dies this date in 1975.

Zero Mostel, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ friend and co-star, 1943, dies this date in 1977.

Marco Rizo, member of Desi Arnaz Orchestra, appears in (“I Love Lucyâ€) 1951,1952; as well as Headliner, Lucy-Desi Days, May, 1998, dies this date in 1998.

John Sebastian, founder, Lovin' Spoonful, performed at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, honoring the 10,000 Maniacs, on their 25th Anniversary Show, [information supplied 10/30/09 by James Ewing, Representative, Chautauqua County Arts Council, Jamestown NY], and Sebastian is godson to Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), his appearance occurred on this date in 2006.

Jamestown, NY – “Keith Thibodeaux, aka Richard Keith, who played Little Ricky on ("I Love Lucy") will be Stu Shostak's guest on ‘Stu’s Internet Show’, live this Wednesday, September 10 at 4:00 p.m. PDT (7:00 p.m. EDT). Keith, a drummer since he was two years old, was called a prodigy at age 4 by bandleader, Horace Heidt. He won the role of Little Ricky at age 6 after an impromptu drum audition with Desi Arnaz, which spawned an acting career that lasted into the 1960s. Stu will ask Keith about his years with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, both on and off screen, as well as his other TV appearances,â€, posted this date in 2008.

Army Archerd, columnist for Daily Variety from 1953; appears in Desilu Productions Mannix 1968; Lucille Ball guest co-star (“Here's Lucyâ€) 1970, as himself; Desilu-filmed That Girl, with Marlo Thomas, 1970; as well as with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball [via archival footage] Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's 1997, dies this date in 2009.