CHARLES LANE

 January 26, 1905 

Charles Lane was born Charles Gerstle Levison in San Francisco, California. He went on to become one of the most familiar faces in America in more than 350 films and TV shows, specializing in character roles, usually officious businessmen and authority figures. 

He appeared in some of Hollywood’s most-loved films, You Can’t Take it With You (1938), Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939), It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), and The Music Man (1962). 

He appeared in 7 films with Lucille Ball between 1933 and 1949: 

• The Bowery (1933)
• Broadway Through a Keyhole (1933)
• Broadway Bill (1934)
• Joy of Living (1938)
• You Can’t Fool Your Wife (1940)
• Look Who’s Laughing (1941)
• Miss Grant Takes Richmond (1949)

Between 1938 and 1941, Lane appeared in four films with William Frawley (Fred Mertz): 

• Professor Beware (1938)
• Rose of Washington Square (1939)
• Rhythm on the River (1940)
• Dancing on a Dime (1940)

He appeared on four episodes of “I Love Lucy” from 1953 to 1956, all as different characters: 

In “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” (ILL S2;E16) he played expectant father Mr. Stanley (”Nine girls!”).  This was the only time he did not play an authority figure on the series! This was also one of the most-watched television programs in history! 

In “Lucy Tells the Truth” (ILL S3;E6), Lane is a Casting Agent, who suspects that Lucy may be embroidering her resume!   

When Lucy’s household budget gets out of control, Ricky hires Mr. Hickox, “The Business Manager” (ILL S4;E1), to put her in ‘the black.’ His character was named after the Arnaz’s business manager, Andrew Hickox. 

When Lucy takes too many seasickness pills to help Fred navigate the “Staten Island Ferry” (ILL S5;E12), Lane’s by-the-book Passport Clerk (”When the five o’clock whistle blows, so do I.”) nearly doesn’t let drowsy Lucy get her passport! 

When “Lucy Hunts Uranium” (LDCH S1;E3) in a 1958 episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour,” Lane is the Claims Officer who must verify her discovery!  

When “Lucy Goes to Mexico” (LDCH S2;E1) nine months later, she is stopped by an extremely thorough Border Guard, who insists on looking through her trunk!  

Before Mr. Mooney, Lucy Carmichael’s finances were in the hands of Banker Barnsdahl on four episodes of “The Lucy Show.”  

• “Lucy Misplaces $2,000″ (TLS S1;E4) ~ October 22, 1962
• “Lucy Buys a Sheep” (TLS S1;E5) ~ October 29, 1962
• “Lucy is a Kangaroo for a Day” (TLS S1;E7) ~ November 12, 1962
• “Vivian Sues Lucy” (TLS S1;E10) ~ December 3, 1962

This was the last time the two shared the screen.  

Lane died at the ripe old age of 102.