LIFE WITHOUT GEORGE (1961) by Irene Kampen – was the basis for “The Lucy Show” (1962).  It is the story of two divorcees living in suburban Connecticut. Desi Arnaz purchased the rights to the book for Lucy thinking she and Vivian Vance would be ideal to play the characters, both of whom were recently divorced themselves.  In the series, however, Lucy’s character became a widow and Viv became the first divorced running character on a network TV show.  

“Every time ‘The Lucy Show’ appears on a TV screen, and it appears a lot, I get a royalty check.  I love Lucy.” ~ Irene Kampen (1922-1998)