Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Chronology - Week 2 - September

[leenorman]

September 9

 

Cliff Robertson, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959, Desilu Productions’ The Untouchables, 1959, is born this date in 1923.

LA Examiner, Louella O. Parsons: “Stage Door uncovers potential stars in even the smallest bits. Lucille Ball, who has been around town for a long time gives an outstanding performance, am told she owes her job to Ginger Rogers, who has plugged her from the beginning,†published this date in 1937.

Lucille Ball stars in RKO Radio film Affairs of Annabel, released this date in 1938.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear, My Favorite Husband “The Auction,†episode #53, with veteran supporting cast member, Jerry Hausner, closely written with episode #96, “Gossipâ€, the basis for (“I Love Lucyâ€) “The Gossip,†airing this date in 1949.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear on CBS Radio’s 30-minute Situation Comedy, My Favorite Husband “Gossip,†episode #96, airing this date in 1950.

Angela Cartwright, a regular on the Danny Thomas Show; Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour guest co-star, 1958, is born this date in 1952.

“Lucy Visits Grauman’s†(“I Love Lucyâ€) writers, Schiller and Weiskopf, two of the three ‘Bobs,’ said: “We worked like the devil on it, and when aired, it sounded as if it were unrehearsed, laughs everywhere, and we were sure everybody would hail us as the new writers; [but, it was not to be, as trade papers, October 3: “hail Lucille as savior for the episode because it is so poorly witten]†wherein, a sightseeing trip discovers John Wayne’s footprints and Lucy takes them as a souvenir, is filmed this date in 1955.

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.

Lucille Ball, in return for his appearance on an episode of The Lucy Show, appears on ABC’s The Milton Berle Show, his first guest co-star upon his return to television after nearly a decade, airing this date in 1966.

Desi Arnaz, announces the sale of his thoroughbred breeding stock - places a center spread, two-page ad in show business trade magazine “Desi Arnaz Announces: 100% Sale of Corona Breeding Farm Broodmares, 2-Y-O Yearlings, Sucklings, at Private Treaty†this date in 1968.

John McGiver, Lucille Ball guest, The Lucy Show 1962; co-star, Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz) 1970, dies this date in 1975.

Lucie Arnaz guest stars, among many other stars having appeared with her parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz over the years, on Universal TV Productions' To Have and Have Not/The Maltese Falcon, airing this date in 1975.

Helen O’Connell, guest, Desilu Productions' Shower of Stars 1956; Desilu Productions’ Host, Here’s Hollywood, 17 episodes, 1961-1962, dies this date in 1993.

Burgess Meredith, Lucille Ball’s friend and early film co-star, 1936; Desilu Productions’ Mannix 1970, co-star, Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), 1972, as well as Host, Desilu Productions' ABC’s Wide World of Entertainment, 1973. dies this date in 1997.

Desi Arnaz, Jr., will introduce the National Equality Award Keynote Speaker and recipient - actress, dancer, singer and friend, Liza Minnelli, during The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Federal Club Inaugural Dinner at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Conference Center on this date in 2006.

Herb Rudley, cast member, Desilu-filmed My Living Doll, 2 episodes 1964; star, Desilu Productions The Mothers-in-Law, dies this date in 2006.

Jamestown, NY – Plaque presented by Desi Arnaz finds its way to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum - “Jamestown-area resident, Patrick Malley, donated a one-of-a-kind plaque presented by Desi Arnaz in 1947, to his father, Thomas Malley, a successful jockey who won the Belmont Stakes, riding Faireno, in 1932. The plaque reads: ‘Presented by Desi Arnaz to Thomas Malley, Winning Jockey on Lighthouse, Tavistock Purse 8-26-47’â€, posted this date in 2008.

 

September 10

 

Paul Harvey, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, United Artists’ Kid Millions and The Affairs of Cellini 1934, Columbia pictures Broadway Bill 1934, The Whole Town’s Talking and I’ll Love You Always 1935, RKO Radio’s The Marines Fly High 1940, MGM’s Easy to Wed 1946, and(“I Love Lucyâ€), 1953, is born this date in 1882.

Lola Hunt [Lucille Ball’s cousin/‘sister’, Cleo’s mother], Lucille Ball’s mother Desiree’s sister, is born this date in 1897.

Edmond O’Brien, Lucille Ball co-star, A Girl, A Guy and a Gob 1941, is born this date in 1915.

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “It’s a term agreement for Lucille Ball at Columbia,†published this date in 1934.

Lucille Ball signs with the short subject department at Columbia Pictures. Her largest role at the Studio is in The Three Stooges Three Little Pigskins, and which contract is signed this date in 1934.

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears in Universal Pictures' Larceny with Music as Mike Simms, co-starring Kitty Carlisle, Leo Carillo (Pancho to The Cisco Kid in later years); Donna, Louise and Yvonne King, the King Sisters; among many others, released on this date in 1943.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, My Favorite Husband, an untitled episode, the Swami, episode #8, “Liz’ Fortune Told†with veteran supporting cast members, John Hiestand and Hans Conried, as well as writing team of Pugh and Carroll, Jr., airs this date in 1948.

Lucille Ball appears on CBS’ The Lux Radio Theatre, “Fancy Pantsâ€, co-starring Bob Hope, on this date in 1951.

Desilu Productions’ filming It’s Always Jan, writer, Bob Schiller, starring Janis Paige, Gerald Mohr, and Darren McGavin, premieres this date in 1955.

Desi Arnaz’s Western Hills Hotel & Indian Wells Country Club Complex opens for business this date in 1957.

NBC Desilu Productions', Colgate Theater, Mr. Tutt, Jerry Thorpe, Director, with Walter Brennan, as Mr. Tutt; Vera Miles, as Judy Gregory, among many others, airs this date in 1958.

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.

Desi Arnaz, Executive Producer, Desilu Productions’ The Mothers-in-Law, directs the first episode, “On Again, Off Again, Lohengrinâ€, series created by Madelyn Davis and Bob Carroll, Jr., co-starring premieres on this date in 1967.

Pier Angeli, guest co-star, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1958, dies this date in 1971.

Lucille Ball appears on ABC, A Salute to Television’s 25th Anniversary, one of the first clip-filled salutes to television’s halcyon days, with scenes from 400 other programs. Lucille is presented with a Silver Medallion of Merit, this date in 1972.

(“Here’s Lucyâ€), “Lucy and Danny Thomas†- Bob O’Brien, writer - guest co-starring Danny Thomas and Hans Conreid, the last time they will work together - Lucy has taken up oil painting and meets a starving artist, who she tries to help, airs this date in 1973.

Lucie Arnaz guest stars on CBS' Tony Orlando and Dawn, as herself, with Art Carney (Lucy), among others, airing this date in 1975.

Lucille Ball appears on Body Language, a CBS’ TV game show, with Charles Nelson Reilly and Tom Kennedy, this day in 1984.

Jane Wyman, friend of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz) 1949, 1950; co-star with Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) 1951, Desilu Productions’ Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse 1960; as well as guest, Desilu Productions’ Here’s Hollywood, 1962; with Lucille Hollywood Without Make-Up 1963, with Lucille Women I Love: Beautiful But Funny 1982; with Lucille Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood 1987; as well as with Desi Arnaz and Lucille (via archival footage) Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's 1997, dies this date in 2007.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Concert Review: Performance's songs, comedy a fine salute to Hamlisch, by Jane Vranish - Saturday, June 04, 2005 – “Painted candy-colored signs reading ‘Happy 10th Marvin’ dotted the sidewalks around Heinz Hall prior to ‘They're Playing My Song’, the final Pittsburgh Pops series of the season. Thursday was conductor Marvin Hamlisch's 61st birthday, but that song was nowhere to be found. Instead, the packed audience was treated to a four-tier program, including a symbolic representation of Hamlisch tunes, a comic turn by the breathtakingly talented Robert Klein and a selection of songs by the vivacious Lucie Arnaz. The fourth tier -- the ultimate point of the whole program -- was to bring the original stars of the Broadway musical, "They're Playing Our Song," together with composer Hamlisch for a rapturous celebration of love and friendship. Rarely has the Pops stage been bedecked with such star power. Arnaz and Klein both know how to make an entrance and hold an audience. It was enchanting to watch them slip into their 25-year-old roles, and in their abbreviated version of the Broadway play. Surrounded by his close friends, his ‘favorite orchestra’ and the songs that made him famous, it was obvious that this was what Hamlisch ‘did for love.’†published this date in 2008.

 

September 11

 

Scott Forbes, guest co-star in Desilu Productions' Cavalcade of America, 1955, and star, The Adventures of Jim Bowie,, as Jim Bowie, 76 episodes, between 1956-1958, is born this date in 1920.

Earl Holliman, star in Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1958; as well as Desilu Productions’ Here’s Hollywood, 1961, is born this date in 1928.

LA Evening Herald Express, Preview by Jimmy Starr: “Stage Door – Rating: Excellent – “Outstanding smaller roles were excellently portrayed by Lucille Ball and others,†published this date in 1937.

Lucille Ball and Milton Berle appear on the cover of TV Guide this date in 1952.

LA Times announces that Lucille Ball has been completely cleared of all communist affiliations, published this date in 1953.

LA Herald-Express: - After camping outside Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz bedroom window: “Lucille Ball a Red,†published this date in 1953.

Times, Hedda Hopper: “Desi says: ‘The only thing red about Lucy is her hair and even that is not legitimate,’†this date in 1953.

(“I Love Lucyâ€) “The Girls Go Into Business,†Episode #68, wherein Lucy buys a dress shop without Ricky’s permission - the first episode filmed at Motion Picture Center, went before the audience this date in 1953.

Lucille Ball releases a statement through CBS: “I am very happy to have this opportunity to reply to unfounded rumors and hope very much the Committee will see fit to release a complete transcript of the information I have given before the House on Un-American Activities Committee,†this date in 1953.

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 #42. 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-ran these shows in the late afternoon on Sundays, this date in 1955.

Paul Douglas, co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) 1952; the Arnazes guest co-star, The Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse Presents the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show 1959, the last installment filmed in front of a studio audience, dies this date in 1959.

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.

Lucille Ball appears on Springfield News-Sun Parade cover 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.

“Lucy Meets the Berles†(The Lucy Show), Bob O’Brien, writer - in which Mooney gives Lucy time off to be secretary to Milton Berle and chaos results, airs this date in 1967.

Chester Morris, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, RKO Radio 1939, dies this date in 1970.

“Lucy’s Big Break†(Here’s Lucy) - a broken leg, that is, (calling for immediate re-working of scripts) with veteran supporting cast member, Mary Jane Croft, and Lucie Arnaz, now performing the physical stunts, and Madelyn Davis and Bob Carroll, Jr., her long-time writers returning part-time, with veteran Lucy supporting cast member, Vanda Barra, airing this date in 1972.

Lucille Ball makes a first guest appearance on Dinah’s Place, The Dinah Shore Show, on this date in 1972.

Lucille Ball appears on Body Language, a CBS TV game show, with Charles Nelson Reilly and Tom Kennedy, this day in 1984.

Lorne Greene, of Bonanza fame, appears in Desilu Productions’ Here’s Hollywood 1961; appears with Lucille Ball in Swing Out, Sweet Land, with many other stars, 1970; dies this date in 1987.

Dane Clark, guest Desilu Productions' Wire Service 1956, 1957; The Untouchables 1962, 1963; as well as with Desi Arnaz IV, Police Story 1976, dies this date in 1993.

John Ritter, Lucille Ball’s guest co-star, 1986, dies this date in 2003.

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – 100 Years Ago – “In 1908, it was a safe wager the Celoron Amusement Company (later re-named Celoron Park; now Lucille Ball Memorial Park) would not have any more burial or resurrection performances on the Celoron grounds. One experience was enough. After the professional hypnotist had been buried, the Celoron ‘folk’ became frightened and hastily dug him up. General Manager Maltby blistered his hands digging. The good people of Celoron roasted to a turn all connected with the undertaking. One woman gave Chief of Police Johnson a tongue-lashing and Mr. Johnson laid down an ultimatum to the hypnotist. ‘Too much disturbance’, he said, and Mr. Maltby added a good Methodist ‘amen’. All this had been amusing to the hypnotist and his crowd for it was seldom they could work up so realistic a performance as to fool an entire community,†published this date in 2008.

Larry Gelbart, screenwriter, Lucille Ball appearance, Opening Night 1962, dies this date in 2009.

[leenorman]

September 12

 

Maurice Chevalier, appears with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz [all via archival footage(s)] Toast of the Town 1948; guest co-star, Lucille, Desi, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley (The Mertzes), The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show, 1958, as well as, (“I Love Lucyâ€) 50th Anniversary Special, 2001, all via archival footage(s), is born this date in 1888.

Ben Blue, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, Thousands Cheer 1943 and Easy to Wed 1946; Desilu Productions’ Harrigan and Son, 1961, as well as Lucille Ball co-star, A Guide for the Married Man 1967, is born this date in 1901.

Local newspaper account: Lucille Ball’s father: “Henry Ball was honored at a corn roast last week, with twenty in attendance, saying farewell to Henry, who had returned from his job move to Ohio,†[a job of short duration, as was the family pattern of the time] published this date in 1903.

LA Evening Herald Express, Jimmy Starr: “Lucille Ball and Virginia Pine were seen at Joe Louis/Max Baer fight,†published this date in 1935.

Hollywood Citizen News, “Lucille Ball has a busy program mapped out for her at RKO-Radio Pictures, having to change her personality four times before she wins a cinema break; has three pictures lined up for her immediate future - Trailer Romance, Pacific Liner, and Annabel and Her Press Agent†published this date in 1938.

Lucille Ball appears on NBC Blue Radio’s Duffy’s Tavern, airing this date in 1943.

LA Examiner, Hollywood Cavalcade Spurs War Bond Sales in New York – 9/11 – “Sellout audience, paying admissions ranging from $25 to $2 million, attend the show at Pennsylvania Station to spur the sale of war bonds in the nation’s ‘Back the Attack’ third war loan campaign,†published this date in 1943.

Amy Arnaz, wife of Desi Arnaz Jr., talented ballerina, businesswoman, is born this date in 1951.

Desi Arnaz and Orchestra record the background music for CBS-TV (“I Love Lucyâ€, Episode #47, which is filmed this date in 1952.

Lucille Ball and Milton Berle appear on TV Guide cover this week in 1952.

LA Times: Bill Henry, a neighbor of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz conducted the interview at the Arnaz’ home - poolside at Chatsworth - regarding the Communist charges. The day before this press conference, the headline read: “Lucille Ball Not Red, Rep. Jackson Declares,†and the headline the day after the press conference was: “Everybody Still Loves Lucyâ€, this date in 1953.

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY - “Lucille Ball Clear of Red Charge –Grandfather’s Request Led to Registration, She Says†– Hollywood (AP), published this date in 1953.

New York Journal-American: “Probers Give Her Clean Slate: Lucille Ball Denies She Ever Was Red,†published this date in 1953.

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY - ‘Only Thing Red About Lucy Her Hair’ Desi Tells Audience - Hollywood (AP) - “It was the most hectic day of her life for Lucille Ball but as TV’s Lucy, she was never funnier,†published this date in 1953.

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, Paula Prentiss and Douglas Fairbanks [via archival footage], which airs on this date in 1963.

“Lucy and George Burns†(The Lucy Show) Bob O’Brien, writer, - after visiting the bank, George is so taken with Lucy, he hires her for his nightclub act - the fifth season opener - this episode is well-received, airing this date in 1966.

Desi Arnaz IV stars in ABC Circle Films’ TV, She Lives, co-starring, among many others, many-time Desilu & Lucy cast member, Eddie Quillan, airing this date in 1973.

Lucille Ball appears on Body Language, a CBS’ TV game show, with Charles Nelson Reilly and Tom Kennedy, airing this day in 1984.

Scholastic Math Magazine: “Bring Lucy Up-to-Date†cover by Shelley Daniels, features a Claymation-type sculpted Lucy Ricardo atop TV set, juggling numbers and math symbols, advertisement for (“I Love Lucyâ€) - a game assisting students in adding and subtracting, issue published this day in 1986.

Frank Nelson, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ long-time friend; veteran of 38 years radio experience, mostly along side Lucille Ball, and supporting cast member (“I Love Lucyâ€) eleven episodes; guest co-star, one episode, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, 1957; guest, Desilu Productions' Shower of Stars 1958; Lucille guest co-star, with Desi Arnaz IV, Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), The Lucy Show, 1963; as well as guest Jack Benny's Twentieth Anniversay Special 1970, dies this date in 1986.

Raymond Burr, of Perry Mason and Ironside television fame, Lucille Ball co-star, The Magic Carpet 1951, as well as with Desi Arnaz, guest star, Ironside 1974; dies this date in 1993.

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears, via archival footage, in Blue Water Entertainment's Hollywood's Magical Island: Catalina, a documentary, revolving around William Wrigley's acquisition of the Santa Catalina Island Company, 1919; the history of the island explored, via archival footage; involving many other resident, historian, and celebrity interviews, airing on this date in 2003.

The Theatre Guild presents it's 36th Cruise, with cast that includes Lucie Arnaz and her husband, Laurence Luckinbill, among others. Cruse On board the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Venice, around Italy to Monte Carlo, Monaco these dates: 12th-24th, in 2008.

 

September 13

 

Ruth McDevitt, Lucille Ball guest co-star, Here’s Lucy 1970, and cameo role in Mame 1974, is born this date in 1895.

Claudette Colbert, Lucille Ball long-time early-career friend; starred in film version of Skylark same time as Desi Arnaz was on stage with Too Many Girls; co-star of Vivian Vance (“I Love Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) The Secret Fury, 1950 - second of two Vance films before her television fame, is born this date in 1903.

Reta Shaw, co-starred with Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) in It Takes Two, Biltmore Theater 1947, directed and produced by George Abbott; Lucille Ball guest co-star, The Lucy Show “Lucy Goes to a Hollywood Premiereâ€, “Lucy Misplaces $2,000â€, with Vivian Vance, “My Fair Lucy†1962; (“Here’s Lucyâ€), co-starring Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz IV 1968, one episode, co-starring Lucie Arnaz, 1972, as well as one episode, 1973, is born this date in 1912.

John Crawford, co-star, Desilu Productions' Sheriff of Cochise, 1956, The Untouchables, 1961; Desilu-filmed Star Trek, 1967; Desilu Productions' Mannix, 1967; Desilu-filmed The Guns of Will Sonnett, 1969, Hogan's Heroes, 1965, 2 episodes, Sale†1966; as well as Desilu Productions' Mission: Impossible, 1967; is born this date in 1920.

Mel Torme, Lucille Ball guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 2 episodes, 1967, is born this date in 1925.

Barbara Bain, co-star, Desilu Productions' The Greatest Show on Earth, 1954; Mission: Impossible, as Cinnamon Carter, 77 episodes, 1966-69; as well as Mission: Impossible, 1968, is born this date in 1931.

The Boston Traveler wrote about the show, in an article titled, “Rehearsals Under Way for Too Many Girls, co-starring Desi Arnaz, the musical numbers including several of the Latin-American type; but Mr. Abbott has not revealed how the rumba and conga found their way to Pottawatomie, though has assigned Diosa Costello and Desi Arnaz, recently featured at LaConga in New York, to the task of executing these numbers,†published this date in 1939.

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “Lucille Ball left last night for Las Vegas, not for the usual reason. She’ll go ahead with her California divorce; denied it was a spur of the moment production,†published this date in 1944.

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz appear on the cover of Quick Magazine this date in 1952.

Lucille Ball appears in the Saturday Evening Post this date in 1952.

Ann Dusenberry, cast member, Life With Lucy “Margoâ€, 1986, is born this date in 1953.

Ed Sullivan, in his Toast of the Town column: “It’s a singularly fortunate thing for Lucille Ballo she’s been a weekly visitor to millions of American living rooms. On those Monday night visits, people have come to know her well. TV cameras being as revealing as they are, so the jury of Public Opinion is an informed jury as it renders its verdict on a silly thing she did seventeen years ago,†this date in 1953.

Variety, Harry Ackerman: “People seem to feel this thing is silly, not serious, and they all love Lucy,†this date in 1953.

NY Journal-American: “She Didn’t Love the Comrades: Lucy No Red Party Member,†published this date in 1953.

An edited print of “Lucy Thinks Ricky is Trying to Murder Her†was complete, and everyone was wondering what they had been so in fear of, this date in 1953.

The 103rd episode “Ricky’s Movie Offer†went into script read-throughs, the first of many shows incorporating Jess, Bob and Madelyn’s original ideas on the Hollywood Trip concocted the previous February and developed during the summer hiatus, commenced this date in 1954.

(“I Love Lucyâ€) “Off to Florida†guest co-starring Elsa Lanchester and Strother Martin, wherein Lucy and Ethel share a car ride south with a strange woman they fear is an axe murderer, is filmed this date in 1956.

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 as a summer replacement series this date in 1965.

Lucille Ball appears on CBS’ Premiere of The Steve Lawrence Show, his only guest, and Lucille rides an elephant into the theatre; then, shows outtakes from her own TV series; airing this date in 1965.

(The Lucy Show) “Lucy at Marineland†- Bob O’Brien, writer - first to air without Vivian Vance [Ethel Mertz]; and the show’s locale moves from Danfield, New York, to Hollywood, California, the first Lucy Show in color, Lucille’s mother, DeDe, and Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz IV, are seen, in uncredited appearances, among the spectators, airing this date in 1965.

(“Here’s Lucyâ€) “Lucy and Flip Go Legit†guest co-starring Flip Wilson, revolving around Lucy talking Flip into appearing in a little theater production of Gone With The Wind, and having her writing team of Davis and Carroll return helped immensely, airing this date in 1971.

Lucille Ball appears as a presenter on CBS The Thirty-Third Annual Emmy Awards, at the Pasadena, California, Civic Auditorium, airing this date in 1981.

Phil Ober, actor and Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) one-time husband and supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucyâ€) 1951, 1955; Desilu Productions’ Whirlybirds (unknown year); Desilu-filmed The Dick Van Dyke Show, 1956-63; Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse 1959; as well as Lucille Ball film 1960, dies this date in 1982.

Lucille Ball appears on Body Language, a CBS TV game show, with Charles Nelson Reilly and Tom Kennedy, this day in 1984.

Bergen Record: “Network Celebrates 50 Years of Emmys,†published this date in 1998.

Lucy-Desi Center Receives Donations from Oppenheimer Family - Jamestown, NY – The family of Jess Oppenheimer, “I Love Lucy†creator, producer and head writer of 153 episodes, recently made two significant donations to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. When a movie projector was needed as a prop for “Home Moviesâ€, episode 86, airing March 1, 1954, Jess Oppenheimer came to the rescue by bringing his personal projector from home. Estelle Oppenheimer, Jess’ widow, [presented by son Gregg, at “More ‘I Love Lucy’ Behind The Scenes,†a special event during the recent Lucy-Desi Days 2006 Memorial Day Weekend Festival] has donated the historic Bell & Howell film projector to the Center for its permanent collection. At a gala party in his honor, upon retiring in 1956, Jess created a special “Oppy Awardâ€, presented to the cast and staff, and son, Gregg, recently donated an original ‘Oppy’ to the Lucy-Desi Center, announced this date in 2006.

The Theatre Guild presents it's 36th Cruise, with cast that includes Lucie Arnaz and her husband, Laurence Luckinbill, among others. Cruse On board the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Venice, around Italy to Monte Carlo, Monaco these dates: 12th-24th, in 2008.

The Latest From Everything Lucy Blog - Lucy-Desi Center Executive Director and Assistant Fired – “Many Lucy Fans have known for several months a scandal had been brewing over a period of several years at the Lucy-Desi Center. Last Fall, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. left, along with others from the board of the Lucy-Desi Center. This, alone, sparked interest and a lot of questions followed. I first reported their departure on this site last year. Now, yesterday, Friday, Ric Wyman and Pat Brininger have been fired! A lot of speculation and rumors abound of the two ‘terrorists’ who brought nothing but grief and misery to the center. During their reign, no laughter was at the Lucy-Desi Center. Through the mishandling of the center and the loss of major donors and support, enough voices were brought together that a separate site was setup to gather testimonials and support from other Lucy fans who also worked at the Center, the Save Lucy-Desi Center. During this last year, the Center lost two very generous donors to the Center, as well as true Lucy fans, Bill and Mary Rapaport. The number of people who voiced discontent were minor to the number of voices of outrage at how the site was managed. Last fall, even Lucie Arnaz tried to resolve the issues constraining the Center but it was met with resistance and deaf ears. As of this past July, even Melody Thomas Scott left, leaving no Founding Board Members in place for the Lucy-Desi Center. In a small town such as Jamestown, it only takes a few to bind together and cause mischief and mahem but in the end, it was Lucy and Desi that won out. But, unfortunately it isn't over yet, one remaining supporter of the ousted duo, Patricia Smith, is now serving as the interim director responsible for the day-to-day operations. It is only a matter of time before everything catches up and she, too, will be gone. Karma is a funny thing. Hopefully, with this firing will come hope and joy and laughter once again to the Lucy-Desi Center. Be sure to visit the forums for the latest up-to-date news as well as the historical background of the misdeeds that ended the rein of Ric Wymanâ€, posted this date in 2008.

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY – ‘You Got Some ‘Splainin’ To Do’ – by Patrick Fanelli – “Lucy-Desi Center Executive Director, Assistant Fired†“The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center is the organization that operates all the destinations in the City dedicated to television icon and Jamestown native, the late Lucille Ball,†[Former Executive Director, Ric Wyman, who had been demoted on orders of Lucie Arnaz in recent past months, was fired Friday afternoon and police-escorted out of the Desilu Playhouse, location of Executive Offices of the organization.] “His assistant of some six and a-half years, Patricia Brininger, was also terminated. [One half the ‘hand-picked’ Board of Directors, Charles Ludwig and Carolyn Seymour, disagreed that they should have been fired. Apparently, Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who resigned as President of the Board of Directors, along with Vice President, Desi Arnaz, Jr., in November of 2007, amidst ‘uncontrollable and unsolvable difficulties’ within the internal leadership of the organization. [All founding members of the Board of Directors have as of July 2008, also resigned; and Wyman and Brininger, some say ‘illegally’, placed friends on the ‘new’ board of directors. Since late April of 2003, when the first employee resigned, upwards of 50 employees, volunteers, and board members, have either resigned or left the organization under ‘less than honorable’ circumstances under the ‘umbrella’ leadership of Wyman and Brininger. “Ironically, Wyman was fired from his original employment in Jamestown, nearly 10 years ago, by the Arts Council of Chautauqua County, and Lucie Arnaz hired Wyman to form the Museum from the Council, as a separate entityâ€, published this date in 2008.

 

September 14

 

Douglas Kennedy, co-starred with William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) in several movies 1940, 1941; Desilu Productions' Cavalcade of America 2 episodes, 1953, The Texan, 2 episodes, 1959, as well as Desilu-filmed The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, as Dave Mather, 1959, is born this date in 1915.

Zurh C., and Bernice Faulkner, take over the mortgage of the property now known as Lucy Lane (8th Street, Celoron NY), [Lucille's childhood home; possibly as early as her 8th year], after a shooting incident on the property, and maintained ownership until the 1990s, on this date in 1928.

Film Daily, Room Service, RKO-Radio: “Sure-fire comedy smash that will delight all strata of pix patrons seeking laughs, with Lucille Ball, as one of the supporting cast, is a stand-out and she deserves a considerable share of the laurels,†published this date in 1938.

Lucille Ball appears on NBC, The Bob Hope Show: The Star Spangled Revue, starring Bob Hope (their first television appearance together), Lucille portraying the Lady mayor; Hope, her house-husband, and Lucille’s friend and (“I Love Lucyâ€) veteran supporting cast member, Mary Wickes, airing this date in 1950.

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY - “Public Still Loves Lucy, Telegrams Show†– Hollywood (AP), published this date in 1953.

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY - Lucy in Many Moods at Press Conference – Lucille Ball is alternately gay and serious as she tells newsmen how she once registered to vote the Communist Ticket to ‘appease an old man’, her Socialistic grandfather. At her side is her husband and co-star, Desi Arnaz. Photos were taken at their suburban Los Angeles home in Chatsworth - (AP) Wirephotos, published this date in 1953.

New York Journal-American: “Fair Play for Lucy,†published this date in 1953.

Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse,â€A Diamond for Carlaâ€, Season 2, Episode 1, guest co-starring Anna Maria Alberghetti and Frank Puglia, airs this date in 1959.

Wayne Morris, guest stars with Desi Arnaz, Screen Snapshots--Hollywood in Uniform 1943; Desilu Productions’ Official Detective 1958, and Desilu Studios’, New Comedy Showcase 1960; as well as with Lucille Ball, Hollywood Without Make-Up 1963, dies 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.

(“Here’s Lucyâ€), “Lucy Meets the Burtons†first episode of the series, guest co-starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton; (highest-rated entry of the series), revolving around Burton’s inability to move about publicly, disguises himself as a plumber; Lucy hires him for a job at her home; finds Elizabeth’s large diamond ring in his pocket; Lucy tries it on; hilarity results - episode, the first written by Davis and Carroll since 1964, called the best - based, in part, on a famous bit from (“I Love Lucyâ€), Episode #30, “The Handcuffsâ€, which in turn, was used previously on My Favorite Husband, also starrring Lucy veteran supporting cast member, Vanna Barra, and airing this date in 1970.

Desi Arnaz IV makes a guest appearance on The Hollywood Squares, on this date in 1970.

Lucille Ball appears on Body Language, a CBS’ TV game show, with Charles Nelson Reilly and Tom Kennedy, this day in 1984.

Bob Carroll, Jr., one of the writers for Lucille Ball’s 1940s radio series, My Favorite Husband; writer for every (“I Love Lucyâ€) episode; The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour; and who penned episodes of The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy, among other Lucille Ball ventures (including the film Yours, Mine, & Ours), will be remembered during the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards September 16, during a special segment saluting those Hollywood notables who’ve passed away recently, announced this date in 2007.

The Theatre Guild presents it's 36th Cruise, with cast that includes Lucie Arnaz and her husband, Laurence Luckinbill, among others. Cruse On board the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Venice, around Italy to Monte Carlo, Monaco these dates: 12th-24th, in 2008.

sitcomboy.com – “In 1974, Lucille Ball was getting ready to end her legendary quarter-century run on television. It would be the last season of Here's Lucy. She also was preparing for the release of her first theatrical movie since 1968's hit, Yours, Mine and Ours: Mame. Mamebecame equally legendary in show-business circles, but for the wrong reasons: it was pegged a bomb, and Lucy got some of the worst reviews of her career, putting forth the belief that she just wasn't right for the character of Mame. That said, there's still much for the Lucy fan to enjoy in Mame. After Darkmagazine even gave her its Ruby Award (named for Ruby Keeler) and a cover for Mameâ€, this date in 2008.

[leenorman]

September 15

 

Fay Wray, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, The Bowery 1933 and Affairs of Cellini 1934, as well as with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball [via archival footage] Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's 1997, is born this date in 1907.

Phil Arnold, cast member, (“I Love Lucyâ€), 2 episodes, 1953, is born this date in 1909.

Joseph Pevney, director, Desilu Productions' Mission: Impossible, 1967, and Star Trek, 14 episodes 1967-68, director, Lucie Arnaz' TV movie, Who Is The Black Dahlia 1975, is born this date in 1911.

Nipsey Russell, Lucille Ball friend, ‘roaster’ of Lucille in 1975’s A Dean Martin Roast: Lucille Ball, is born this date in 1918.

Jackie Cooper, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, The Bowery 1933, and Desi Arnaz’ co-star, The Navy Comes Through 1942; with Lucille, via archival footage, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 1992, is born this day in 1922.

Desi Arnaz’ Columbia recordings: “South American Wayâ€, “La Conga en Neuva Yorkâ€, are released this date in 1939.

LA Examiner, Louella O. Parsons: “Lucille Ball has gone to Las Vegas but not for the hurried divorce, as reported. She’ll get her freedom there,†published this date in 1944.

Lucille Ball appears in Life Magazine this date in 1947.

Lucille Ball stars in RKO Radio film The Fuller Brush Girl, co-starring Chuck Hamilton, character actor/stuntman, among others, released this date in 1950.

Desi Arnaz and Orchestra record the background music for CBS-TV (“I Love Lucyâ€) Episode #2, which is filmed this date in 1951.

Desi Arnaz captained the ‘Arnaz Flying Saucers’, a Charity baseball team, with Gene Barry, Eddie Bracken, Nat King Cole, The Great Gildersleeve, Freddy Martin, Mickey Rooney, and Robert Stack, with ‘bat girls’ Betty Garrett, Dorothy Malone, Helene Stanley and Shelley Winters, held at Gilmore Ball Park. It was the 6th Annual ‘Out of This World’ Baseball Game, sponsored by the Hollywood JuniorChamber of Commerce. Tony Curtis was captain of the opposing team, ‘The Curtis Jets’, including Jeff Chandler, Vince Edwards, Johnny Grant, Al Jarvis, Gordon MacRae, Hugh O’Brian and Danny Thomas, with ‘bat girls’ Polly Bergen, Janet Leigh, Sheila MacRae and Marilyn Monroe, the game taking place on this date in 1952.

(“I Love Lucyâ€) “Job Switching†(the infamous ‘chocolate factory’ episode) comes about with the men staying home, housekeeping, and the girls finding a job in a candy factory, taken in part, from Bewitched, “Samantha’s Power Failure,†and My Favorite Husband “Women’s Rights, Part Two,†judged a fan favorite, largely depending on Lucille-instincts in the scene when the timid candy-wrapper hired for the part, was slapped really hard by Lucille, who knew it would get an immediate reaction of a hard return slap, and did, thus improving the scene and nearly knocking Lucille off her stool, veteran supporting cast member, Elvia Allman, as Candy Factory Foreman, as well as Alvin Hurwitz and Amanda Milligan W. Argyle Nelson, long-time associate of Lucille Ball and the Arnazes, as Production Manager, 135 episodes between 1952-1957, as well as James A. Paisley, Assistant Director, 31 episodes between 1952-53, airng this date in 1952.

Jack Gould, reviewing “Job Switchingâ€: “(‘I Love Lucy’) . . . back in fine fettle – the top program of last season†– [the premiere of the second season]: “ . . . a triumph of familiar nonsense, beautifully-timed. Miss Ball’s comic artistry can easily be missed because she has a way of making it appear deceptively easy . . . Desi Arnaz, who is Miss Ball’s husband both on and off the stage, has improved remarkably as a performer since the series’ premiere a year ago. One thing more: The film production is much the best to come out of Hollywood. As an act of simple charity toward the long-suffering home viewer, Miss Ball and Mr. Arnaz should tell the other TV producers how they do it,†published this date in 1952.

New York Journal-American: “Fans Love Lucy and Coming Baby,†published this date in 1952.

Desi Arnaz travels to New York to explore the possibility of getting a steamship company to help underwrite added expenses of set construction for the ‘transatlantic voyage’ the Ricardos and Mertzes will be taking. In return, the steamship would be mentioned on the episode. The American Export Lines (AEL) and Allison S. Graham, Publicity Director, AEL, kept a ‘diary’ of meetings subsequently held revolving around the ‘deal’, in 1955.

(“I Love Lucyâ€) “Lucy and John Wayne†with guest co-star, John Wayne and the Mayer twins, as Little Ricky, is filmed this date in 1955.

Lucille Ball was a long-time fan of Tallulah Bankhead, her idol, who agreed to fly in from the East to begin rehearsals (for a planned episode “Celebrity Next Door,†originally guest co-starring Bette Davis, who suffered two physically-damaging accidents close together, and had to be replaced), on this date in 1957.

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 stars in Universal Pictures’, Red Sky At Morning, winner of a Golden Globe, co-starring Claire Bloom, Richard Crenna, Harry Guardino, and Strother Martin, among others, airing this date in 1971.

John Hoyt, guest, Desilu Productions' Shower of Stars 1955; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz co-star, Forever, Darling 1956; guest, Desilu-filmed The Adventures of Jim Bowie 1957; guest, Desilu-filmed The Red Skelton Show 1959; archivally, The Scarface Mob, as Capone's Lawyer, 1959; Desilu-filmed The Red Skelton Show 1960; guest, Desilu Productions' Alcatraz Express, uncredited, as Capone's attorney, 1960; archivally, as Capone's Lawyer, The Untouchables 1960; as Capone's Lawyer, The Untouchables 1961; arhivally: Star Trek 1966, dies this date in 1991.

Mark Stevens, Lucille Ball early-career co-star 1942, dies this date in 1994.

USA Today Magazine: “('I Love Lucy') Turns 50,†published in 2001.

The Theatre Guild presents it's 36th Cruise, with cast that includes Lucie Arnaz and her husband, Laurence Luckinbill, among others. Cruse On board the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Venice, around Italy to Monte Carlo, Monaco these dates: 12th-24th, in 2008.

 

September 16

 

Allen Funt, many-year famous host of Candid Camera; Lucille Ball’s guest co-star, (“Here’s Lucyâ€), 1971, is born this date in 1914.

Lawrence Dobkin, (“I Love Lucyâ€), 2 episodes, 1953; 1956; The Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse presents The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show, 1959; and Desilu Productions’ The Untouchables, 3 episodes, 1959, 1960; and Mission: Impossible, 1971, is born this date in 1919.

Janis Paige, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959; Desilu Productions', The Ann Sothern Show, 1960, is born this date in 1922.

Peter Falk, co-stars with Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz) The Great Race, 1965; appears with Desi Arnaz The 26th Annual Tony Awards 1972; appears with Lucille Ball, Sinatra: The First 40 Years 1980; with Lucille,via archival footage, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 1992; with Lucille, via archival footage, TV Guide's 40th Anniversary; 1998, is born this date in 1927.

Jack Kelly, of Maverick fame; guest co-star Desilu Productions’ Cavalcade of America, 1955, and Here’s Hollywood, 1961, as well as The Lucy Show, 1964, is born this date in 1927.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear, My Favorite Husband “Baseball,†episode #54, airs this date in 1949.

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear, My Favorite Husband “Movies,†episode #97, airs this date in 1950.

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY - Lucille Ball stars in Stage Door showing at the Wintergarden Theater, is published this date in 1953.

Desi Arnaz and the Desi Arnaz Orchestra record the background music for CBS-TV (“I Love Lucyâ€) Episode #103, which is filmed this date in 1954.

NBC Colgate Theater and Desilu Productions', Desi Arnaz, Executive Producer, win a ‘special’ Peabody Award for a half-hour pilot anthology TV series, with host and director, Orson Wells, who wrote the plot - [with many long-time Lucy employees and guest supporting players] - ultimately not picked up as a series, this date in 1958.

NBC Desilu Productions', Colgate Theater, Fountain of Youth, Desi Arnaz, Executive Producer; W. Argyle Nelson, long-time associate of Lucille Ball and the Arnazes, as Production Manager; Orson Welles, Host/Narrator, Writer, Director, with Madge Blake, as Journalist; Rick Jason, as Alan Brody, Nancy Kulp, as Stella Morgan, and Joi Lansing as Carolyn Coates, among many others, airs this date in 1958.

Desi Arnaz appears as host for Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, “Six Guns for Doneganâ€, on this date in 1958.

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.

Desilu Productions’ Mannix, starring Mike Connors, premieres this date in 1967.

Lucille Ball appears on NBC’s The Flip Wilson Show, guest co-starring Ed Sullivan and The Osmond Brothers, and the skits, written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, Flip Wilson and others, are hilarious, this date in 1971.

Lucille Ball appears on NBC, Steve and Eydie . . . On Stage, taped at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, this date in 1973.

Lucille Ball is recipient of the Golden Apple Award “Female Star of the Year†this date in 1973.

Rolfe Sedan, veteran of more than 275 films, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, 1934; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) 1934, 1935, 2 films 1937, and 1940; guest, Desilu Productions' December Bride 1954, 1955, 1958; Desilu-filmed The Adventures of Jim Bowie 1956; guest cast member, (“I Love Lucyâ€) 1956; appears with Lucille, Jack Benny's Birthday Special 1969; dies this date in 1982.

The Star: Lucille Ball appears as “Star of the Century,†published this date in 1986.

Gene Nelson, appears with William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) 1947; appears with Lucille Ball That's Dancing 1985; Actor/Choreographer and Choreography, Desilu Productions' Shower of Stars 1954, 1955; as well as Star Trek 1968, dies this date in 1996.

The Chimp Channel TBS Superstation, an all-ape network, will parody classic television series and, yes, (“I Love Lucyâ€) Job Switching, will be the episode, for their purposes “Stolen Memories: TCC Anniversary Show, the monkey treatment to air this date in 1999.

James Gregory, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz guest co-star, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse 1959, Desilu Productions’ The Untouchables 1961, and Mission: Impossible, 1972, dies this date in 2002.

Robert Carroll, Jr., writer for Lucille Ball 1940’s Radio Program, My Favorite Husband, all episodes (“I Love Lucyâ€), many episodes re-written from the radio program; and most all Lucy Shows; and Lucille’s 1968 film, Yours, Mine & Ours, was remembered in tribute segment of Hollywood notables who’ve crossed over recently, during the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards, airing this date in 2007.

The Theatre Guild presents it's 36th Cruise, with cast that includes Lucie Arnaz and her husband, Laurence Luckinbill, among others. Cruse On board the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Venice, around Italy to Monte Carlo, Monaco these dates: 12th-24th, in 2008.