Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Chronology - Week 2 - May

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May 8

 

Rose Carmen Malta, Lucille Ball’s childhood and life-long Jamestown NY friend, her beloved ‘McGillicuddy’ [the name used as Lucy Ricardo’s maiden name], with whom Lucille shared many experiences - Rose having shared a ‘grape-stomping’ event with Lucille when Rose’s father had a large tub full to make wine; Lucille and Rose wanted to stomp them; Rose’s father said 'no' strongly, in Italian] - obviously, a template for Lucy’s famous grape-stomping episode, is born this date in 1911.

 

Don Rickles, legendary comedian; guest star, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, 1956, friend of Lucille Ball and guest star, The Lucy Show, 1967; guest, Desi Arnaz Productions', The Mothers-In-Law, 1969; with Lucille, The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: Lucille Ball, 1975; with Desi Arnaz, Joys, 1976; with Lucille, Happy Birthday, Bob, A Tribute to 'Mr. Television', Milton Berle, and Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: Jimmy Stewart, 1978; with Lucille, Sinatra: The First 40 Years, 1980; archivally, with Lucille, Unrehearsed Antics of the Stars, 1984; as well as with Lucille, NBC’s Happy Birthday, Bob (Hope’s 85th birthday and his 50th Anniversary with NBC), 1988; with Lucille, via archival footage, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, 1992; with Lucille, both archivally, The Carol Burnett Show: A Reunion, 1993; as well as with Lucille and Desi, via archival footage, Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's, 1997; with Lucille, archivally, The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, 1998; as well as with Desi, archivally, The Nightclub Years, 2001, is born this date in 1926.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “One of the scenes in Abbott and Costello In Hollywood will show Lou Costello ‘crashing’ a sound stage and watching Bob Leonard directing Lucille Ball, while she’s filming Early to Wed,” published this date in 1945.

 

[‘Research’ Note: This note appears with several dates of importance in prelude to Lucille and Desi’s performances, moving them toward the now-world-famous pairing of “I Love Lucy” which made history and will perpetuate.] Madelyn Pugh Martin Davis, (long-time writer of all things Lucy) wrote to her mother, from Naples: “. . . picked up a cable from Ben Benjamin [her agent] and he said the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz show was sold for fall. CBS is offering us a lot of money per show to write it. He advised us to accept, and we did,” this date in 1951.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “The Camping Trip,” an episode wherein Lucy and Ethel join the boys on their summer camping trip, which is filmed this date in 1953.

 

CBS’ Sunday Lucy Show: 30 minutes black & white: This is a collection of (“I Love Lucy”) programs, (beginning April 3 until October 30), this date’s episode re-run #24. 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.

 

Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, “Danger At Clover Ridge”, starring Robert Horton, airs on this date in 1956.

 

House and Garden, “Is Lucy Still Lovable?” published in 1957.

 

NY Post, Paul Sann: “Lucy, on Breakup,” published this date in 1960.

 

Laverne Andrews, b. 7/6; of the Andrews Sisters, friends of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Joey Bishop Show, 1964; as well as appears with Lucille, via archival footage, Entertaining the Troops, 1994; dies this date in 1967.

 

Fay Spain, b. 10/6; guest co-star, Desilu Productions’, The Texan, 1958; Here’s Hollywood, 1961; Whirlybirds, unknown years; The Untouchables, 1961; The Greatest Show on Earth, 1963, as well as Mannix, 1967, dies this date in 1983.

 

Lucille Ball graces People Memorial Issue cover: “Lucy, 1911-1989” published this date in 1989.

 

People Magazine – Oh, How She Made Us Laugh, “Combining Wild Flair With Meticulous Control, Ball Filled the 179 Episodes of (“I Love Lucy”) With Classic Moments of Comedy That, Once Seen, Are Never Forgotten”, published this date in 1989.

 

People Magazine – by Brad Darrach – All the World Loved Lucille Ball, published this date in 1989.

 

Lucille Ball graced The Star Magazine cover: “Thanks for the Memories,” published this date in 1989.

 

Lucille Ball appears on People Weekly cover, published this date in 1989.

 

Lucille Ball tri-city memorial tribute is held at 8:00 p.m., Santa Monica, California, St. Monica’s Catholic Church; at New York City’s St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, with Diane Sawyer giving the eulogy; and at Chicago’s Old St. Patrick Church, this date in 1989.

 

Time, Lucy obituary: “A Zany Redheaded Everywoman,” published this date in 1989.

 

Newsweek, Jack Kroll: Lucy obituary: “Everyone Loved Lucy,” published this date in 1989.

 

MacLeans. “Lucy obituary,” published this date in 1989.

 

Ladies Home Journal,” We Remember Mama – Sons of Liz and Lucy Look Back,” published in 1990.

 

Tepper Galleries holds an auction, items from Lucille Ball's NYC apartment, on this date in 1993.

 

X Brands, b. 7/24; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Adventures of Jim Bowie, 1957; Yancy Derringer, 33 episodes, 1958-59; The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, 1957, 1961; as well as Lucille Ball guest star, (“Here's Lucy”), 1970, dies this date in 2000.

 

EverythingLucy.blogspot announces: According to the readers of the News Observer, Raleigh, NC: “Lucille Ball takes first place as ‘The Greatest TV Character of All Time’. In the poll of over 900 voters, Lucy Ricardo picked up 273 and Barney Fife (played by Don Knots) of ‘Mayberry RFD’ fame came in second with 99 votes”, posted this date in 2007.

 

EverythingLucy.blogspot announces: Lucie Arnaz Brings Cabaret Act to Peterborough – Peterborough, NH - Star of stage, screen, radio and television, Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, will perform at the Peterborough Players' Monadnock region theater on Saturday, May 17. “Lucie Arnaz Cabaret” will take place at the Peterborough Players Theatre, where an ongoing 75th anniversary celebration is under way through 2008. The theater’s summer season begins in June with “Harvey,” a comedy by Mary Chase, and will continue through November, with special events planned throughout the season., posted this date in 2008.

 

TheLucyLounge Website – George Harrison's guitar - Gibson - Lifestyles - Legendary Guitar: 'Lucy', George Harrison's Well-traveled Crimson Les Paul – by Jerry McCulley - 5/7/09 “In August of 1968, Eric Clapton gifted George Harrison [The Beatles] with a 1957 Les Paul Standard guitar, factory refinished to cherry red, that already had an impressive rock history and would soon reach even greater heights. Harrison immediately dubbed his new crimson Les Paul ‘Lucy’ in honor of red-headed comedy icon Lucille Ball, then quickly put it to work recording the White Album outtake, “Not Guilty.” Harrison used ‘Lucy’ frequently during final studio recording dates in January, 1969, then played it extensively that summer on the Beatles' swan song, Abbey Road. That’s ‘Lucy’ wailing on the middle of “The End”’s trio of brief guitar solos. George also took the crimson Les Paul on the road briefly later that year. As the legend goes, ‘Lucy’ was originally a late-’50s Les Paul Goldtop that had made its way to the Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian [coincidentally, Vivian Vance's god-son, who made an appearance in Jamestown, honoring Jamestown's 10,000 Maniacs], and other celebrities. The Lovin’ Spoonful, with John Sebastian and ‘Lucy’? Perhaps only ‘Lucy’ knows for sure, and she’s not talking. The fabled red Les Paul was stolen from under the bed of George Harrison’s Beverly Hills home in the early ’70s. Eventually, it ended up at the Guitar Center in Hollywood, where a musician from Mexico purchased the instrument for $650. After a complex set of negotiations involving a third party and a trip to Mexico, ‘Lucy’ was eventually returned to Harrison. “[‘Lucy’] got kidnapped and taken to Guadalajara,” George would later muse, “and I had to buy this Mexican guy a Les Paul to get it back.” His beloved ‘Lucy’ Les Paul would remain a prized part of George Harrison’s collection until his death in 2001,” posted this date in 2009.

 

May 9

 

Edith Meiser, Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) co-star, 1942 Play, Let’s Face It; supporting player, (“I Love Lucy”), 2 episodes, 1952, is born this date in 1898.

 

Fuzzy Knight, co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), Broadway's Here's Howe, 1928; Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, Moulin Rouge, 1934 and Joy of Living, 1938; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) Rancho Notorious, 1952; as well as guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Joey Bishop Show, 1962, is born this date in 1901.

 

Byron Kane, guest cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1954, 1957; as well as guest, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1960, is born this date in 1923.

 

Film Daily, Panama Lady, RKO Radio (Hollywood Preview): “Lucille Ball gets stranded, ‘conned’, and chased by her boyfriend to South America, where a fair melodrama progresses but, with a weak story;” published this date in 1939.

 

Desi Arnaz and Orchestra record the background music for CBS-TV (“I Love Lucy”), Episode #36, which is filmed this date in 1952.

 

Hollywood Reporter: “ . . . Director Daniels’ ‘entirely amicable’ departure from the show, result of a salary dispute,” this date in 1952.

 

Daily Variety: “Marc Daniels, director of 3 of 38 episodes (“I Love Lucy”) withdrawal is prompted by refusal of Desilu to meet his demands for pay increase; but, probably resulted from trouble between he, Lucille and Jess Oppenheimer,” published this date in 1952.

 

Daily Variety: “Desilu announces that Edward Sedgwick, long-time friend and mentor of Lucille Ball, has been signed to direct the second season of the sitcom,” this date in 1952.

 

Desi Arnaz, as Ricardo, The Orchestra Leader, and Orchestra, perform at CBS-TV General Service Studios (“I Love Lucy”) “Harpo Marx,” in which veteran supporting cast member, Doris Singleton, ‘Carolyn Appleby’ delays her Hawaiian vacation to visit Lucy’s suite and see movie stars; Lucy, having stolen her glasses, thinking she won’t realize who is actually there, and guest co-star, Harpo Marx, is brought in by Ricky and Fred, proving to be one of the greatest episodes ever, airing this date in 1955.

 

Desilu Productions', Shower of Stars, “Skits and Sketches”, with Jack Benny, Yvonne DeCarlo, Georgia Gibbs, and Van Johnson, among others, airing this date in 1957.

 

Variety leaked that Desilu was “near closing deal for purchase of RKO-Pathe Studio from General Teleradio. Desilu . . . had long been looking for more space, in addition to its present perch at MPC. Desilu reps were at RKO-Pathe May 8, measuring and surveying facilities,” published this date in 1957.

 

Phil Arnold, b. 9/15; cast member, (“I Love Lucy”) 1953, dies this date in 1968.

 

Lucille Ball is nominated for the Emmy: Best Writing, Comedy for “Lucy Meets the Burtons”; but doesn’t win, and presents with Jack Benny, the Best Supporting Actor Awards, on NBC’s The Twenty-Third Annual Emmy Awards, from the Hollywood Palladium, hosted by Johnny Carson, this date in 1971.

 

Edmund O’Brien, b. 9/10; Lucille Ball early film-careeer co-star, dies this date in 1985.

 

Lucie Arnaz appears as herself, with Joel Brooks, on ABC's The $10,000 Pyramid, Dick Clark, Host, airing this date in 1988.

 

Lucille Ball appears on People Magazine - Memorial Issue cover the fourth largest-selling magazine of 1989, in the category of 400,000-plus subscribers – [later that summer, August 14, People repeats a Lucille Ball memorial Issue] this date in 1989.

 

Tommy Farrell, b. 10/7; guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, 1949; star, This is Alice, 1958; guest, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959; Lucille's guest, The Lucy Show, 1965; Lucille's co-star, A Guide for the Married Man, 1967; (“Here’s Lucy” ), 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, dies this date in 2004.

 

Alan King, b. 12/26 - appears with Lucille Ball, 1960; with Desi Arnaz, 1976; with Lucille, 1978; with Desi Arnaz, IV, 1978; with Lucille and Desi, 1983; with Lucille, 1988; with Lucille, via archival footage, 1992; with Lucille and Desi, via archival footage, 1995; as well as with Desi, via archival footage, 2001, dies this date in 2004.

 

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY – Area News – Desilu Playhouse Editor to Speak May 23 - “It was 50 years ago that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz created The Desilu Playhouse, an anthology series, broadcast on CBS TV between 1958-1960. Two of its episodes spawned The Twilight Zone and The Untouchables, among the most memorable, also widely syndicated in re-runs, and the Anniversary will be celebrated Friday May 23 during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival. Dann Cahn, film editor, will host a film ‘event’ and describe the creation of the three-camera technique before a live audience,” published this date in 2008.

 

Lena Horne, b. 6/30 - appears in film, with Lucille Ball, 1943; with Lucille and William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1946; appears with Lucille, MGM Parade, 1956, and That's Entertainment, 1974, with Lucie Arnaz, The 35th Annual Tony Awards, 1981, and Night of 100 Stars, 1982, with Lucille and Desi, American Masters: Judy Garland: By Myself, 1983; with Lucille, archivally, Entertaining the Troops, 1994; with Desi, archivally, The Nightclub Years, 2001; as well as with the Arnazes, archivally, TV in Black, The First Fifty Years, 2004; dies this date in 2010.

 

May 10

 

Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball long-time friend and early film-career co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) also appears, uncredited, RKO Radio’s, Roberta; with Lucille, Top Hat, 1935; Follow The Fleet, 1936, Show Business at War, 1943; and with Lucille and Frawley, Ziegfeld Follies, 1946; with Lucille and Desi, Toast of the Town, 1954, 1958; guest, Desilu Productions’, Here’s Hollywood, 1961; with Lucille, Magnavox Presents Frank Sinatra, 1973; with Lucille, NBC: The Big Event: TV Guide, The First 25 Years, 1979, with Lucille, Bob Hope's Overseas Christmas Tours: Around the World with the Troops – 1941-1972, 1980; with Lucille, Showbiz Goes to War, 1982; archivally, with Lucille, That's Dancing, 1985; with Lucille, via archival footage, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, 1992; with Lucille, both via archival footage, That's Entertainment! III, 1994; as well as with Lucille and Desi, all via archival footages, ABC 2000: The Millennium, 1999, is born this date in 1899.

 

Desi Arnaz’ parents are married in Santiago, Cuba, ages nineteen and twenty-one, this date in 1917.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Erskine Johnson – “Lucille Ball stars in the added feature Twelve Crowded Hours, after East Side of Heaven, Bing Crosby’s latest picture, and The Saint Strikes Back, the second feature,” published this date in 1939.

 

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears in Paramount Pictures' Opened by Mistake, as Matt Kingsley, co-starring Charles Ruggles; Lloyd Corrigan, Byron Foulger and John Gallaudet, [uncredited]; among many others, released on this date in 1940.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Jimmy Starr: “Lucille Ball was busy washing dishes at the Hollywood Canteen and didn’t notice the man she handed them to for the wiping process – but, when she discovered it was Mayor Bowron, she almost dropped a stack of plates,” published this date in 1945.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “If Lucille Ball finishes the Bob Hope picture in time, she may replace Judy Holiday in Born Yesterday,” published this date in 1949.

 

Daily Variety: “Sponsor Balks at CBS-TV Plan to Kinescope Lucille Ball-Arnaz Show”, in 1951.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “Tennessee Ernie Hangs On”, Tennessee Ernie Ford, guest co-star, still visiting the Ricardos - installments inspire creator/writer, Jess Oppenheimer, for the California segments the following year, with Richard J. Reeves, airing this date in 1954.

Desilu Productions', Shower of Stars, “The Dancers”, co-starring Jack Benny, Marge and Gower Champion, among others, airing this date in 1956.

 

Jamestown Post Journal, Jamestown, NY: “Arnaz Gives $30,000 At Charity Event – Hollywood (AP) – Pacing a star-studded $100,000 fund-raising for Share, Inc., a Coconut Grove, Hollywood charity that helps mentally-retarded chidren,” published this date in 1958.

 

Desi Arnaz appears on The Tonight Show, starring Johnny Carson, this date in 1976.

 

Joan Crawford, b. 3/23 - Lucille Ball long-time friend; guest, Desilu Productions’, Here’s Hollywood, 1962; Lucille's guest star, The Lucy Show, 1968; as well as archivally, with Lucille, 1985, dies this date in 1977.

 

Lucille Ball appears, aiming a few barbs at Stewart, as a pesky neighbor of hers, NBC’s, Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: “Jimmy Stewart,” a star-studded event, airing this date in 1978.

 

Ralph Montgomery, b. 7/4 - co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951; Lucille Ball's guest member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1953; dies this date in 1980.

 

Lucille Ball is hospitalized in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, California, after suffering a stroke; (incensed at being hospitalized, she checks herself out of Hospital; home to private duty nursing assistance by Trudi Arcudi, a much-loved private duty nurse, staying with her through until at least August of 1988), on this date in 1988.

 

Lucie Arnaz stars, as Gloria McClinton, in Who Gets The Friends?, co-starring with Jill Clayburgh, James Farentino, Jenny Lewis, Greg Mullavey (from Buffalo NY), Leigh Taylor Young, and Elizabeth Taylor,appearing as herself, in an uncredited role, among others, on this date in 1988.

 

Susan Oliver, b. 2/13 - Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Barbara Stanwyck Show, 1960; guest co-star, Desilu Productions’, The Untouchables, 1961 and Star Trek, three episodes, 1966; as well as You Don't Say, 1968, dies this date in 1990.

 

Roy Rowan, b. 1/25 - long-time veteran announcer for all Lucy shows, dies this date in 1998.

 

Craig Stevens, b. 7/8 - Lucille Ball guest co-star, 1972, dies this day in 2000.

 

Deborah Walley, b. 8/12 - guest star, Desilu Productions', The Greatest Show on Earth, 1964; as well as Desi Arnaz Productions', The Mothers-in-Law, 1967, 1968, 1969, dies this date in 2001.

 

Newsday Inc. - They still love Lucy – by Hal Smith – “Lucille Ball fans descends on Jamestown, NY, her hometown, for the annual Lucy-Desi Days festival Memorial Day Festival May 25 through 27. Fans will ramble through three facilities: The Lucy-Desi Museum, a storefront building that explores the personal lives of the comedienne and her husband, Desi Arnaz; The Desilu Playhouse, primarily devoted to their sitcom, including exact replicas of studio sets; and The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, stuffed with 800 licensed items. A second celebration, this one in honor of Lucille Ball's birthday, will be held Aug. 3 through 5 in Jamestown,” published this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – 50 Years Ago – “Television tycoon, Desi Arnaz, donated $30,000 to pace a $100,000 fundraising for Share, Inc., a Hollywood charity that helped mentally-retarded children. Every star who could command a Western outfit turned out for the group’s annual BoomTown Party at the Coconut Grove. Most Western-looking was Dean Martin, who flew in from Tuscon, AZ, where he was making Rio Bravo with John Wayne,” published this date in 2008.

 

May 11

 

Phil Silvers, appears with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Toast of the Town, 1956, 1958; Lucille appears on Phil's Show, 1959; with Lucille, Toast of the Town, 1962; Lucille Ball’s guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1966; and co-star, United Jewish Welfare Fund’s All About People, 1967; as well as with Lucille, archivally, NBC's Bob Hope's Bag of Christmas Memories, 1993, is born this date in 1911.

 

Foster Brooks, Lucille Ball’s guest co-star, (“Here’s Lucy”), 1973, is born this date in 1912.

 

John Michael Hayes, writer, prior to Lucille Ball's films, wrote many radio comedies, including Lucille Ball’s Radio Program, My Favorite Husband, is born this date in 1919.

 

Denver Pyle, Desi Arnaz, Executive Director, Desilu Productions', The Texan, 3 episodes, 1959, 1960; guest, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1960; Desilu Productions', Kraft Mystery Theater, 1962; as well as co-stars with Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), The Great Race, 1965; is born this date in 1920.

 

Hollywood Screen Life Magazine, Emily Morris: “Secrets of an ‘Ugly Duckling,’ Boy! What a Knockout is what they say when Lucille Ball walks in; but, she claims that she had only two good points to start with and had to fight for all the rest. Here is the story of the battle . . . Lucille is currently in an RKO film Beauty for the Asking - apparently free of any professional jealousy, she combines an atmosphere of sophistication with a deep sincerity and startling honesty – and, oh yes, those two good things? – her eyes,” published in 1938.

 

Cleveland Press, Jack Warfel interview: “Vivian Vance, (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz), ‘Some Notes on Kissing’ . . . “is approaching her 200th performance in Kiss The Boys Goodbye, and due her 1000th legitimate kiss, at a rate of 5 per show . . .” published this date in 1939.

 

Hollywood Citizen News, Lowell E. Redelings: “Lucille Ball joins Fred Astaire in Yolanda and the Thief, a romantic story with a South American background, Metro announced today,” published this date in 1944.

 

Desi Arnaz and Orchestra perform (“I Love Lucy”) “Lucy’s Last Birthday”; Eliot Daniel, author of the (“I Love Lucy”) theme song; (Harold Adamson added complete lyrics to the song for this episode) when Lucy thinks everyone has forgotten her birthday, joins the “friends of the friendless,” Central Park, ultimately bringing them to the Tropicana as her guests, supporting cast members, Byron Foulger, Jerry Hausner, William R. Hamel, Elizabeth Patterson, Barbara Pepper, and guest cast, Ransom Sherman, airs this date in 1953.

 

Desi Arnaz, Ricky, had to sing a song to Lucy, on her birthday (“I Love Lucy”) “Lucy’s Last Birthday” and a decision is made to use the theme song; but needed lyrics. Harold Adamson came up with the lyrics just right for the song and the rest is history, this date in 1953.

 

Frank Jaquet, b. 3/16; Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, 1938; Desi Arnaz' co-star, 1941; William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) co-star, 1945, 1952; supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucy”)' 1954, dies this date in 1958.

 

Desilu Productions', Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, “Man in Orbit”, guest co-starring Martin Balsam, E.G. Marshall, and Lee Marvin, airs this date in 1959.

 

TV Guide Online: “Insider: Lucy’s Darkside,” posted this date in 2000.

 

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY – Lucy-Desi Days to Celebrate (“I Love Lucy”) Celebrity in Three Events – “Vivian Vance, (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) and roles in other Lucy Shows will be celebrated at three events May 25-27. Sharing memories of her sister, Lou Ann Graham will appear,” published this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Area News – Meals on Wheels Recognizes Volunteers - P-J photo – “Kassie Kum, a fifth-grade pupil at Jefferson Middle School, poses as “Little Lucy” helped Meals on Wheels of the Jamestown Area celebrate its Volunteer Recognition and Annual Meeting, held in the Tropicana Room April 25. “Lucy” helped distribute prizes to many Meals on Wheels volunteers”, published this date in 2007.

 

May 12

 

Katharine Hepburn, Lucille Ball early film-career friend and co-star, Stage Door, 1937, and Without Love, 1944, is born this date in 1907.

 

James Bacon, legendary Hollywood columnist, appears with Lucille Ball, as guest co-star, as himself, (“Here's Lucy”), 1970; appears with Lucille and Desi Arnaz, via archival footages, Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie, 1993; as well as appearing, as himself, with family and all co-stars, The Desilu Story, 2003, is born this date in 1914.

 

Cleo Mandicos (Manning, Morgan, Smith), (Lucille Ball’s beloved cousin/’sister’), and early film co-star, RKO Radio Drama School, Breakfast With Vanora 1936; Having Wonderful Time, 1938; Two Smart People, and Without Love, 1946; Cuban Pete, 1946, with Desi Arnaz; Lucy in London 1966; and producer, (“Here’s Lucy”), 1968, is born this date in 1919.

 

“Cleo-baby” (Lucille Ball’s beloved cousin) turns 16 and Lucille Ball remembers, in her autobiography: “ . . . Cleo . . . was allowed to choose where she wanted to live. She immediately left her father in Buffalo, NY joining us in Hollywood,” by this date in 1935.

 

Tom Snyder, host, The Tomorrow Show, Lucille Ball guest appearing with daughter, Lucie Arnaz, 4/5/81; as well as with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz [via archival footage] Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's 1997; is born this date in 1936.

 

George Carlin, appears with Lucille Ball, A Tribute to 'Mr. Television', Milton Berle, 1978; as well as with Lucille, each archivally, The Funny Business of America, “Honey, I'm Home: Breadwinners and Homemakers”, 2009, is born this date in 1937.

 

LA Evening Herald Examiner, Harrison Carroll: “Here is one that really will surprise Hollywood – Lucille Ball is predicted successor to Lilyan Tashman in pioneering new styles in the film colony, according to Bernard Newman, fashion Designer for RKO: ‘For a long time, I’ve noticed Lucille Ball, on her moderate income, is a lot better dressed than the big stars with their unlimited means. I think this girl has it in her to startle the fashion world.’ Up to now, Lucille Ball has been just one of the contract girls on the RKO lot,” published this date in 1936.

 

Lucille Ball appears, as Lucy, in RKO Radio film, Panama Lady, also starring Donald Briggs and Allan Lane, among others, released this date in 1939.

 

Desi Arnaz and Orchestra, perform (“I Love Lucy”) “The Publicity Agent,” Lucy poses as the Maharincess of Franistan, Ethel as her faithful servant (a lovely testimony to Vivian’s great talent as an actress, which is not easily understood, living in Lucille’s

‘shadow’, which she does, gratefully, for many years), with veteran Lucy supporting cast members, Bennett Green, Desi Arnaz’ stand-in, Peter Leeds, Richard J. Reeves, with guest cast, Gil Herman, airing this date in 1952.

 

Philip Morris, during the weekend, settled the entire matter of ‘a move to New York’, allowing the Arnazes to remain in Hollywood and film their new TV show, in 1952.

 

Variety: “Sedgwick had been signed to direct the upcoming season of (“I Love Lucy”), as Marc Daniels’ replacement; but Bill Asher ‘will reign for a coupla’ episodes,” published this date in 1952.

 

Hollywood Reporter: “Edward Sedgwick joins Desilu, brought aboard to ‘work with Desi Arnaz developing/coordinating original television productions,’” published this date in 1952.

 

Desilu Productions', Shower of Stars, “High Pitch,” starring William Frawley, as Gabby Mullins and Vivian Vance, (Lucy’s the Mertzes), Tony Martin; Jack Albertson, uncredited, as the bartender, among others; airing this date in 1955.

 

Albuquerque Tribune, Aline Mosby: “Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) Will Wear Glamour Clothes on Show,” published this date in 1955.

 

Louis Calhern, b. 2/19; Lucille Ball early-film career co-star, 1934, dies this date in 1956.

 

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, co-stars with Terri Garr, Michael J. Pollard and Paul Reiser, an other comedians, Nuance Productions' “Paul Reiser Out On A Limb”, airing on this date in 1987.

 

Robert Reed, b. 10/19; of the Brady Bunch fame, guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Family Affair, 1966; guest, Desilu Productions', Mission: Impossible, 1972; with Lucie Arnaz, Night of 100 Stars, 1982; as well as with Lucille, archivally, The 41st Annual Primtime Emmy Awards, 1989, dies this date in 1992.

 

The Paley Center for Media Broadcast (formerly The Museum of Television and Radio), on May 9, aired a special honoring TV’s All-Time Funniest, in a variety of categories, and according to the Paley Center, ‘TV fans across the country were asked to choose their funniest characters in eight categories,’ the results tabulated by Nielsen Media Research. Lucille Ball, as Lucy Ricardo, was crowned TV’s No. 1 all-time funniest mom. William Frawley and Vivian Vance, (Fred and Ethel Mertz), with Lucille and Desi Arnaz, as the Ricardos, were chosen as the No. 2, All-Time Funniest Neighbors. In 2005, the Paley Center created the "She Made It" honor, recognizing female achievements in all areas of media. Among the first group of honorees was Lucille Ball, described as leaving her ‘indelible mark’ on the media as a television producer, executive, director and actress,” posted on a Lucyfan Website, this date in 2008.

 

May 13

 

Frank Mitchell, co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), Six Lessons From Madame LaZonga, 1941; guest cast member, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, 1959; as well as Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Red Skelton Show, 1959, 1960, is born this date in 1905.

 

Edward Stevenson, costume designer, Lucille Ball early film-career friend, RKO, That Girl From Paris, 1936; Joy of Living, 1938; Having Wonderful Time, 1938; Beauty for the Asking, Five Came Back, That’s Right – You’re Wrong, and Panama Lady, 1939, You Can’t Fool Your Wife, Dance, Girl, Dance, and Too Many Girls, 1940, Look Who’s Laughing, A Girl, A Guy and a Gob, 1941; Valley of the Sun, 1942; Easy Living, 1949; 35 episodes of (“I Love Lucy”), 1955-1957; The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, 1960; The Facts of Life 1960, for which Edward won his solitary Academy Award for Black and White Costume Design, in tandem with colleague and competitor, Edith Head; Mr. & Mrs., 1964, Lucy In London, 1966, and 34 episodes of The Lucy Show, 1962-1967, is born this date in 1906.

 

Robert Middleton, guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, 1954, The Walter Winchell File, 1957, The Gun of Zangara, 1960; Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1960; Desilu Productions', The Untouchables, 4 episodes, 1960-61, as well as Kraft Mystery Theater, 1962, is born this date in 1911.

 

Bea Arthur, Lucille Ball’s early film-career friend; co-star in Mame, 1974, and as Lucille was, in 1984, Bea, a TV legend of Golden Girls and Maude fame, was honored, as reported by a lucyfanwebsite, December 3, 2008, and inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame; appears with Lucille, CBS: On the Air, 1978; Presenter, appears with Lucille, The 33rd Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards, 1981; appears with Lucie Arnaz, Night of 100 Stars, 1982; appears, as a presenter, with Lucille, NBC’s The First Academy of TV Arts and Sciences Television Hall of Fame, 1984; with Lucille, archivally, The 41st Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards, 1989; as well as with Lucille, both archivally, TV's 50 Funniest Phrases, 2009, is born this date in 1922.

 

Buck Taylor, of Gunsmoke fame, 120 episodes, 1967-1975; guest, Desilu Productions', The Greatest Show on Earth, 1963, 1964, is born this date in 1938.

 

Motion Picture Herald: Panama Lady (RKO-Radio) – Melodrama and Romance: “Lucille Ball stars as ‘Lucy’, a poverty-stricken, discouraged show-girl,” published this date in 1939.

 

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear My Favorite Husband “Anniversary Presents,” episode #44, the basis for (“I Love Lucy”) #10, “The Fur Coat”; produced and directed by Jess Oppenheimer; written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh & Bob Carroll, Jr., featuring Ruth Perrott, as Katy the Maid, Gale Gordon and Bea Benaderet, as Mr. and Mrs. Atterbury; original music by Marlin Skiles; conducted by Wilbur Hatch; announcer, Bob LeMond, sponsored by General Foods, JELL-O; with veteran supporting cast member, Elvia Allman, airing this date in 1949.

 

Hollywood Reporter: “Sedgwick ‘will have no part of’ (“I Love Lucy”) He, in actuality, has been brought on board by Desi Arnaz to convert a trio of episodes into a ninety-minute theatrical motion picture for release in the United States and Latin America, 'did' direct those, including opening and closing sequences, as well as necessary bridges - is well on its way into production; but will never be released (after its preview in Bakersfield, California). The Arnazes made a ‘deal’ to star in The Long, Long Trailer for MGM and the Studio made them promise not to release their “Lucy” picture – too much competition, Metro reasoned, in 1953.

 

Lucille Ball attends Walter Winchell's birthday party, in the company of Betty Grable, Jimmy McHugh, Marilyn Monroe, Louella Parsons, Jane Russell, Winchell, and Darryl Zanuck, at Ciro's, on this date in 1953.

 

Lucille Ball appears in Life Magazine published this date in 1957.

 

RKO-Pathe spokesman declared negotiations “were off” despite a “firm bid,” declined by RKO, on this date in 1957.

 

The entire Arnaz family sets sail aboard the S.S. Liberte luxury liner, for a multi-continent, one-month European vacation, with Cleo and Ken Morgan [her then-husband]; Lucille with forty pieces of luggage and two steamer trunks for the family, using 6 staterooms; return early aboard last voyage of the Ile deFrance - it was the family’s last vacation together - the PR statement was: “Desilu will shoot a picture with French guest stars for next season’s Westinghouse series,” while on a stopover in Paris, this date in 1959.

 

Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse “City in Bondage”, guest co-starring Barry Sullivan and Ed Begley, Sr., airs this date in 1960.

 

Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) appears in My Daughter, Your Son, Booth Theater, 47 performances, a performance for which she is ultimately given widespread excellent reviews from all news media, this date in 1969.

 

Dan Blocker, b. 12/10; guest co-stars in Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959; as well as with Lucille, NBC: The Big Event: TV Guide, The First 25 Years, 1979, dies this date in 1972.

 

Bill Davenport, b. 8/11; occasional episode writer, Lucille Ball's My Favorite Husband radio show, 1948-1951; writer, Desilu Productions', Those Whiting Girls, 1955, The Brothers, 1956; writer, December Bride, 5 episodes, 1956-59; writer, The Danny Thomas Show, 1958; script consultant, Angel, 22 episodes, 1960-1; writer, Angel, one episode, 1961; writer, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Mickey and the Contessa, as well as writer, Hogan's Heroes, 3 episodes, 1967, dies this date in 1989.

 

Lucille Ball, as Lucy Ricardo, appears in the cast - second scene from “Lucy Is Enciente,” dream sequence via wonders of 1990 technology, CBS’ 60-minute The Nanny: “The Wedding,” airing this date in 1998.

 

The Sunday Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Liberace Museum Director in Town for Lucy-Desi Days – “Darin Hollingsworth, Liberace Museum and Foundation Executive Director will host a Tropicana Luncheon May 25, discussion of Lucille Ball and Liberace connection(s),” published this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Jamestown Loves Lucy Street Festival Slated – “The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation and the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center will host the Festival on Memorial Day weekend during Lucy-Desi Days,” published this date in 2008.

 

Lucy-Fan Website - Memorial Day weekend approaches; for Lucille Ball fans there are lots of things to do in Lucille's hometown, Jamestown, NY. During May, for example, the city's James Prendergast Library "has a special exhibit of studio audience radio and TV show tickets related to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The display is from the private collection of Joel Tator. It includes a ticket from 1951 to attend Desi’s radio show, Your Tropical Trip, tickets to attend filmings of (“I Love Lucy”), and a 1977 ticket that would have gained you admittance to Circus of the Stars, featuring our favorite redhead, as Ringmaster. Tator has spent over 50 years amassing more than 40,000 tickets, only some of which are related to Lucy and Desi. Other tickets on exhibit document Lucille Ball’s later series: The Lucy Show, (“Here’s Lucy”) and Life With Lucy; and a ticket to the short-lived 1978 series, The Mary Tyler Moore Comedy Hour (with special guest, Lucille Ball). The exhibit is free and open to the public through May 31. Actresses Diane Vincent and Rhonda Medina, play Lucy and Ethel, throughout the weekend; Wanda Clark (Lucy's personal secretary); and Dann Cahn, (“I Love Lucy”) film editor,” posted this date in 2008.

 

The Post-Journal - Region - 'Lucy' and Lucie - Photo by Carol Johnson - “Local woman, Jane Currie, Dewittville, NY, visited backstage after a performance of 'An Evening with Lucille Ball, Thank You For Asking', in Tampa, FL this winter, presented Lucie Arnaz with a copy of the book Jamestown she has compiled with author Kathleen Crocker of Jamestown. Suzanne LaRusch, Headliner for the Memorial Day Weekend, Lucy-Desi Days, 5/19/2010, portrays Lucille Ball in the one-woman play she co-wrote with Ms. Arnaz,” published this date in 2010.

 

TheLucyLounge Website - 'HarryCarter' - “Lucie and Desi Arnaz, Raul Esparza, and Valarie Pettiford will reprise their "Babalu" show in Miami, in the Arsht Center, July 8-10 [five shows], posted this date in 2010.

 

May 14

 

Jack Rice, veteran of 250-plus films; Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, uncredited, Kid Millions, 1934; uncredited, The Farmer in the Dell, and Dummy Ache, 1936; Stage Door, and Easy Living, 1937; Twelve Crowded Hours, 1939; uncredited, Her Husband's Affairs, 1947; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), uncredited, Blondie's Secret, 1948; Take Me Out to the Ball Game, 1949; as well as guest cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1956, is born this date in 1893.

 

Fred Sherman, co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), Wildcat, 1942; supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1954; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, 1955; guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America “Innocent Bystander”, 1956, The Lineup, 1956, 1957, and The Californians, 1957; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Adventures of Jim Bowie, 1957, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, 2 episodes, 1958; appears with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Sunday Showcase, 1959; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Dick Van Dyke Show, 1961; as well as co-star, Frawley, My Three Sons, 1961. is born this date in 1905.

 

James Flavin, Lucille Ball early-career co-star, UA, Affairs of Cellini, 1934; MGM, Without Love, 1945; MGM, Easy to Wed, 1946; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), Rhubarb, 1952; (“I Love Lucy”) supporting cast member, 1956; guest, Desilu Productions’, Ernestine, 1962, and The Comedy Spot, 1962; Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Jack Benny Program, 1962; as well as an uncredited appearance in Lucille Ball film, Critics’s Choice, 1963; is born this date in 1906.

 

Richard Deacon, guest, Desilu Productions’, The Gun of Zangara, 1960; December Bride 2 episodes, 1956; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Make Room for Daddy, 2 episodes, 1956-61; The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, 1957; The Untouchables, 1960; Guestward Ho! 1961; co-star, Lucille Ball film Critics’s Choice, 1963; guest, Desilu Productions', The Mothers-In-Law, as Roger Buell, unknown episodes, 1968-1969; Lucille guest, The Lucy Show, 2 episodes, 1963; as well as Lucille guest, (“Here’s Lucy”), 1971, 1972, is born this date in 1921.

 

Patty Ann Gerrity, star, as Alice Holliday, Desilu Productions’ This is Alice, 39 episodes, 1958; guest, Whirlybirds, 1958; as well as Desilu Studios-filmed The Betty Hutton Show, 1960, is born this date in 1948.

 

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear My Favorite Husband “Numerology,” episode #88, a revised script from episode #24, with veteran supporting cast members, Hans Conried, Hal March, Jay Novello, the basis for (“I Love Lucy”) “The Séance, airing this date in 1950.

 

Cue Magazine cover story - “Young Man of Property, Desi Arnaz: “ . . . I wouldn’t take $5 million bucks for those films” [160 episodes of (“I Love Lucy”) produced to that date] Desilu Productions was, at that time, grossing $10 million, more filmed product than MGM, Warner Bros., & 20th Century Fox, combined, published this date in 1955.

 

Cue Magazine cover story “Young Man of Property,” features Desi Arnaz in “From Maracas To Millions,” published this date in 1955.

 

Desi Arnaz and Orchestra, perform at CBS-TV General Service Studios (“I Love Lucy”) “Return Home From Europe,” last show in the European series - Jack Aldworth's last of 51 episodes (1954-56) Assistant Director - the season’s final episode - Lucy smuggles cheese in baby blanket, veteran Lucy supporting cast members, Mary Jane Croft and Frank Nelson, the Ramseys, with, Bennett Green, Desi Arnaz’ stand-in, Ray Kellogg, as well as guest cast member, Virginia Law - which episode is creator/writer Jess Oppenheimer’s last, airing this date in 1956.

 

William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz) appears in print, New York Times, Murray Schumach: “William Frawley: Housekeeper of ‘My Three Sons’” published this date in 1961.

 

Vivian Vance, (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz), stars, as Maggie Gordon, on Broadway, Booth Theatre, My Daughter, Your Son, co-starring Robert Alda and friend, Dody Goodman, 47 performances, +25 previews, running through June 21, 1969, beginning this date in 1969.

 

Hugh Beaumont, b. 2/16; of Leave it to Beaver fame, Lucille Ball co-star, 1943; guest, Desilu Productions', The Lineup , 1954; Cavalcade of America, 1956, as well as Mannix, 1968, dies this date in 1982.

 

Lucille Ball’s Memorial gathering is held on Mother’s Day, one month after her death - Mandeville Canyon - once was site of Robert Taylor’s Ranch, this date in 1989.

 

Lucille Ball, via archival footage, and Lucie Arnaz are guest stars on Bob Hope: The First 90 Years, among many other stars, airing on this date in 1993.

 

Frank Sinatra, b. 12/12; friend and Lucille Ball guest co-star; with Lucille, NBC's “A Tribute to ‘Mr. Television’, Milton Berle’”, 1978; with Lucille and Desi Arnaz, American Masters: Judy Garland: By Myself, 1983; with Lucille, archivally, That's Dancing! 1985; with Lucille, via archival footage, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, 1992; as well as, with Lucille, archivally, Bob Hope: Hollywood's Brightest Star, 1996; with Desi and Lucille, via archival footage, Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's, 1997, dies this date in 1998.

 

Robert Stack, b. 1/13; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ friend, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959; guest, Desilu Productions', The Untouchables, 118 episodes, 1959-1963; star, The Scarface Mob, 1959; and The Gun of Zangara, 1960; Lucille Ball guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1966, with Desi Arnaz, IV, 1972; The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts, 1986, honoring Lucille, shortly after Desi’s death – Desi to have presented Lucille with her Honor; Robert filled in for Desi and read Desi’s words in presentation; and with the Arnazes, archivally, The Desilu Story, as himself, 2003, dies this date in 2003.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, reports: “Lucy-Desi Museum Opens New Exhibit,” Legendary Lives, the theme of the new Exhibit, published this date in 2005.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, Penelope Orcutt Hill, reports:

“Making a Point,” Lucy’s relatives set the record straight regarding Lucille Ball’s genealogy, published this date in 2005.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Lucille Ball’s Sister-In-Law To Visit – “Zo Ball, Fred’s widow, will be a special guest during Lucy-Desi Days, Memorial Day Weekend, as hostess aboard the Summer Wind, in and around Jamestown,” published this date in 2008.

 

What's new? – “Memorial Day weekend approaches, and for Lucy fans that means lots of things to do in Lucille's hometown, Jamestown, N.Y. During May, for example, the City's James Prendergast Library ‘has a special exhibit of studio audience radio and TV show tickets related to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’. ‘The display, from the private collection of Joel Tator, includes a ticket from 1951 to attend Desi’s radio show, Your Tropical Trip, tickets to attend filmings of (“I Love Lucy”) and a 1977 ticket which would have gained admittance to Circus of the Stars,’ our favorite redhead as Ringmaster. Tator has spent over 50 years amassing more than 40,000 tickets, only some of which are related to the Lucy and Desi. Other tickets on exhibit document Lucille Ball’s later series: The Lucy Show, (“Here’s Lucy”), and Life With Lucy; Several Bob Hope television specials; and a ticket to the short-lived 1978 series, The Mary Tyler Moore Comedy Hour (with special guest Lucille Ball),” posted on Lucy-Fan Website, this date in 2008.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Scott To Host Event As Part of Lucy-Desi Days – “Melody Thomas Scott, Center Board Member, star of “The Young and the Restless” will host a Talent Show and Lucy Costume Contest at the Reg Lenna Civic Center” published this date in 2008.

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Lucy-Desi Center Re-Establishes JCC Scholarship - “The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown NY has re-established a scholarship at Jamestown Community College in the name of Jamestown native Lucille Ball, with 10 initial donors from across the country, each providing $1,000 to the Chautauqua Regional Community Foundation, launching the new endowment, with an initial memorial donation so the first scholarship could be presented this spring; this, from a NJ gentleman, whose wife was a Lucille Ball Fan, and who recently passed away. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz originally announced their creation of a scholarship at JCC when they visited Jamesotwn in 1956, for the World Premiere of Forever Darling said scholarship continuing until the sale of Desilu Studios in 1967,” published this date in 2008.

 

Frank Aletter, b. 1/14; guest co-star, The Lucy Show 1962; guest, Desilu Productions’, Mannix, 1967; as well as appears with Desi Arnaz IV, Automan, 1984, dies this date in 2009.

 

The Latest From Everything Lucy Website – “The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center has announced plans to close the gift shop, which is located on the corner of North Main and Third streets, and sell the building. All of the gift shop’s inventory has been moved to the nearby Desilu Playhouse and the Lucy-Desi Museum & Gift Shop. The Center plans to sell the gift shop building, primarily because ‘operating out of three buildings doesn't make a lot of sense’ says the Board President. After the Lucy-Desi Days festival later this month, LaTone said the mail-order operation would be moved to the Playhouse", posted this date in 2009.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Struggling Economy Forces Lucy-Desi Center To Close Gift Shop – by Kristen Johnson – “Necessity and a sour economy have forced the Center to close its gift shop, corner Third & Main, and move the contents to the Museum and Gift Shop and Playhouse, other corner of Third Street, in a consolidation move. After Festival, end of this month, the mail-order operation will also be moved to the Playhouse,” published this date in 2009.

 

May 15

 

Joseph Cotton, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz guest, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959; as well as Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Barbara Stanwyck Show, 1961, is born this date in 1905.

 

James Mason, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ co-star, Forever Darling, 1956; appears with Lucie Arnaz, Night of 100 Stars, 1982; as well as with Lucille and Desi, American Masters: Judy Garland: By Myself, 1983; is born this date in 1909.

 

Joseph Wiseman, stars in Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959; Desilu Productions', The Untouchables, 1960, 1961, is born this date in 1918.

 

Doris Dowling, guest star, Desilu Productions', The Greatest Show on Earth, 1964; as well as Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Andy Griffith Show, 1962, and My Living Doll, 5 episodes, as Irene Adams, 1964, is born this date in 1923.

 

Anna Maria Alberghetti, guest, Desilu Productions', Shower of Stars, 1955; starring in Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959; as well as guest co-star, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Fractured Flickers, 1963; is born this date in 1936.

 

Modern Screen, Elisabeth Badger: “The Ball’s a Rollin,” published in 1938.

 

Desi Arnaz is employed and “under contract” to RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., for two motion pictures between 4/23/41 and 10/22/41, as of this date in 1940.

 

George Abbott, Director, Too Many Girls, reportedly, introduced Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at the Hollywood Studios of RKO Pictures’ Commissary, the beginning of ‘history, one lunch time, in 1940.

 

An RKO-sponsored opinion poll, Audience Research Institute, determined, in April 1941, Lucille Ball, while known to radio audiences and in Hollywood, needed more pictures and build-up for the public to become aware of her, so teamed her up with Edgar Bergen in Look Who’s Laughing, and many other RKO ‘radio stars’, a popular choice with the public and profitable for RKO, filmed starting in mid-May, 1941.

 

Love, Lucy, by Lucille Ball: “Desi and I both walked into Jess Oppenheimer’s office, elated – to announce my pregnancy, and that we would have to cancel everything. Jess sat looking at us silently. ‘Why don’t we continue the show and have a baby on TV?’” in 1953.

 

Desi Arnaz and Orchestra record the background music for CBS’ (“I Love Lucy”) Episode 65, filmed this date in 1953.

 

“The Girls Go Into Business” (“I Love Lucy”) is filmed this date in 1953.

 

CBS’ Sunday Lucy Show: 30 minutes black & white: This is a collection of (“I Love Lucy”) programs, (beginning April 3 until October 30) - this date’s episode rerun #25. Because so many home viewers requested to see the early episodes, as they did not have television sets when they originally aired, CBS Radio’s and the Arnazes re-ran these shows in the late afternoon on Sundays, this date in 1955.

 

Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Red Skelton Show, 25 episodes, 1956-57 season; 7 episodes, 1957-58 season; 6 episodes, 1958-59 season; and 10 episodes, 1959-60 season; commencing on or about this date in 1956.

Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Barbara Stanwyck Show, starring Barbara Stanwyck, “The Assassin”, co-starring Peter Falk, among others, with W. Argyle Nelson, Production Supervisor, and James A. Paisley, Production Manager, airs this date in 1961.

 

Final Desilu Studios'-filmed,(1966-67), Family Affair, “The Butler Method”, starring Brian Keith, as Uncle Bill Davis, Sebastian Cabot, as Mr. Giles French, among many others, airs this date in 1967.

 

Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), appears, with Dinah Shore, on syndicated Dinah!, with Lucille Ball and Bert Parks, among others, on this date in 1975.

 

Milton Parsons, b. 5/19; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1941, 1942, 1946, 1947; as well as cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1952, dies this date in 1980.

 

Andrew Duggan, b. 12/28; guest, Desilu Productions', Wire Service, 1957, and The Greatest Show on Earth, 1964; as well as, in his memoriam, with Lucille Ball, The 61st Annual Academy Awards, 1989, dies this date in 1988.

 

Gilbert Roland, b. 12/11; guest, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959, Desilu Productions’ The Greatest Show on Earth, 1963; as well as Land’s End, 1968, dies this date in 1994.

 

Magill’s Survey of Cinema: The Long, Long Trailer, published this date in 1995.

 

Henna Hopper’s Hollywood . . . News From the Wonderful World of Lucy – “CBS’ Television Network announces it has a new made-for-television motion picture developing which will be ‘an inside account of the celebrated, complex, passion and tumultuous relationship of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz,’” earmarked for next season, offering ‘a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creation of (“I Love Lucy”),’ promising to illustrate ‘backstage battles, oversized egos and demands of phenomenal success’ and how they ‘undermined a storybook romance,’ produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, responsible for 2001 ‘Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows,’ as well as for ‘Brian’s Song’ and ‘Cinderella'”, this date in 2002.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Lucille Ball’s ‘Sister’ To Make Three Appearances at Lucy Fest: Celebrating her 88th birthday May 12, Cleo Smith, cousin to Lucille [who always referred to Cleo as her sister] will make a trip to her native Celoron as part of the Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival. Cleo, married to Cecil Smith, retired television critic, was (“Here's Lucy”) producer and executive producer for 1966 CBS’ Special ‘Lucy in London,’” published this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Komedy Kollege Workshops To Be Part Of Lucy-Desi Days – “The Kollege will teach such clown techniques as juggling, clowning and balloon tying, in hour-long classes held each day during the Festival, published this date in 2008.

 

Alexander Courage, b. 12/10; Composer; Orchestrator, the Arnazes film, The Long, Long Trailer, 1953; Composer, 26 episodes, Star Trek, 1966-1986; Composer/Theme Music, Conductor, 82 episodes, Star Trek, 1966-1969; as well as with Lucille Ball, archivally, That's Entertainment! III, 1994, dies this date in 2008.

 

The Latest From Everything Lucy Website – “Lucy-Desi Days Festival - As previously reported, the Lucy-Desi Center main Giftshop will be consolidated with the two existing gift shops within the Desilu Playhouse and the Museum, and the Lucy-Desi Festival, May 22 to 24, will feature many highlights. Lucie Arnaz: "An Evening with Lucie Arnaz"; Komedy Kollege, directed by Diane Vincent; Legend event with Keith Thibodeaux - Meet Keith Thibodeaux, (“I Love Lucy”) Little Ricky - hosted by Tom Watson; Trivia Contest; The Unexpected Guests - Jamestown's own highly-acclaimed improv group pays tribute to America's First Couple of Comedy; "America Alive" a TV Interview with Lucille Ball - a rarely seen 70’s TV show that pays tribute and interviews Lucille Ball, co-hosted by Wanda Clark, Lucille's long-time personal secretary and Michael Stern, proclaimed by Lucy as her number one fan; Orson Wells & Desilu Studios - Enjoy screenings of rare TV episodes featuring Lucy and Orson Wells together - discussions lead by Tom Watson and Dann Cahn; Lucy Town Tours; Fan Reunion Cruise aboard The Summer Wind - hosted by Wanda Clark, Michael Stern, and John Schillner; Tropicana Luncheon: "Fountain of Youth; Lucy Under the Stars; Film Festival ("Life With Lucy") - View three rarely seen episodes from Lucille's final TV series. co-hosted by Michael Stern and Wanda Clark,” posted this date in 2009.

[C L A U D E]

Ok, May 10th, Lucie Arnaz, i'm trying to figure out what you're saying, she was in this movie but how does Liz Taylor factor into all that?

[leenorman]

Ok, May 10th, Lucie Arnaz, i'm trying to figure out what you're saying, she was in this movie but how does Liz Taylor factor into all that?

 

Claude: I went back in and looked at the research material; yep, she was in the movie.... I tried to add a few words to make it less cumbersome....sorry....thanks for pointing it out, though....Bless you, friend. Love, JK

[C L A U D E]

Claude: I went back in and looked at the research material; yep, she was in the movie.... I tried to add a few words to make it less cumbersome....sorry....thanks for pointing it out, though....Bless you, friend. Love, JK

Thanks hon, WHO GOT THE FRIENDS huh, i'll have to find that and see Lizzie make an unbilled appearance. And i notice you say Jenny Lewis was in there too, from Life with Lucy?

[HarryCarter]

Jenny Lewis played Jill Clayburgh's daughter in "Who Gets the Friends?" I've seen the TV movie (several years ago) and, although the IMDB claims she's in it, I extremely doubt Elizabeth Taylor was in it. She may have been seen on a TV or something in the film, but she did not make a live appearance.

[C L A U D E]

Jenny Lewis played Jill Clayburgh's daughter in "Who Gets the Friends?" I've seen the TV movie (several years ago) and, although the IMDB claims she's in it, I extremely doubt Elizabeth Taylor was in it. She may have been seen on a TV or something in the film, but she did not make a live appearance.

That is what thou thinketh! Liz without billing is like gary without his toupee.

[C L A U D E]

Re your REMARK on the Carole Cook thread dearest Joyce about the post counts on your chronology threads . . . .please remember that they show zero until someone posts something on the thread, they do not show how many people looked at it UNTIL someone actually posts something, so even though they show zero or forty, it's not the actual count until someone posts something and then you see the real number of people who have looked at the thread. It wasn't like this in the beginning but that's the way it is NOW. You see, this one said 40, i posted and now it reads as 67.

[leenorman]

Re your REMARK on the Carole Cook thread dearest Joyce about the post counts on your chronology threads . . . .please remember that they show zero until someone posts something on the thread, they do not show how many people looked at it UNTIL someone actually posts something, so even though they show zero or forty, it's not the actual count until someone posts something and then you see the real number of people who have looked at the thread. It wasn't like this in the beginning but that's the way it is NOW. You see, this one said 40, i posted and now it reads as 67.

 

I was concerned about readership; and it's ALWAYS listed the ones who log on and READ only, as VIEWS; there have always been in the hundreds; week 3, May, it showed ZERO views; ZERO replies for several days, until I asked you about it. I was concerned that maybe I had accidentally deleted it; but, on logging on myself, it shows up.

 

I shouldn't be so jumpy. While we're on the subject, what date from the 3rd week was the typO about suffering a stroke; need to change it.

 

No, I don't type these entries; they come over from my original data. That's why I'm being so careful about editing, and thank you for assisting when you give me notes. I haven't gotten to May yet.

 

Thanks for your long-suffering friendship, too....tee hee Love, JK

[C L A U D E]

I was concerned about readership; and it's ALWAYS listed the ones who log on and READ only, as VIEWS; there have always been in the hundreds; week 3, May, it showed ZERO views; ZERO replies for several days, until I asked you about it. I was concerned that maybe I had accidentally deleted it; but, on logging on myself, it shows up.

 

I shouldn't be so jumpy. While we're on the subject, what date from the 3rd week was the typO about suffering a stroke; need to change it.

 

No, I don't type these entries; they come over from my original data. That's why I'm being so careful about editing, and thank you for assisting when you give me notes. I haven't gotten to May yet.

 

Thanks for your long-suffering friendship, too....tee hee Love, JK

Honey, just looked at the whole THIN and could not find it but on May 10th it's correct as SUFFERED a stroke so maybe you've corrected it already, I promise to always give the date when making comments from now on.

[leenorman]

Honey, just looked at the whole THIN and could not find it but on May 10th it's correct as SUFFERED a stroke so maybe you've corrected it already, I promise to always give the date when making comments from now on.

 

 

FOUND IT!!!! On the 16th; will correct....Love, JK

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May 15th, Joseph Cotton, i believe that actor's name is spelled COTTEN, maybe you were thinking of that movie and nightclub, The Cotten Club, LOL!

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May 11th, Foster Brooks, you could have added that he was one of the entertainers who ROASTED Lucy on her Dean Martin roast, he got her good with the following, he was playing her old college sweetheart and remembers going to school with her, he then turns to her and says "LOOSE" and adds THAT'S WAT THE FOOTBALL TEAM CALLED HER. It got one of the most sincere laughs on the show and Lucy took a while to go from suspicious dislike to earnest guffaw.