1951
1951 marked the premiere of “I Love Lucy.” Although a pilot episode had been filmed, it was only shown to prospective sponsors and network executives. It was not broadcast until 1990. This is the start of television history!
“The Girls Want To Go To A Nightclub” (ILL S1;E1) ~ October 15, 1951
This was the second episode filmed (on September 15, 1951) but the first to be aired. CBS and sponsor Philip Morris felt that it was more entertaining due to the antics in the hillbilly scene.
The very first image television audiences will have of Lucy and Ethel is of them doing dishes, establishing them as typical American housewives. It was important that Lucy not be thought of as a movie star or a celebrity (which Lucille Ball was) for the series to work.
“Be A Pal” (ILL S1;E2) ~ October 22, 1951
Probably best remembered for Lucy’s imitation of Carmen Miranda singing
“Mamãe Eu Quero.” This was also the first time Lucy used the toaster for comic effect, shooting a piece of toast over Ricky’s newspaper. Rosalind Russell and Theresa Wright were in the audience for the filming on September 21, 1951.
“The Diet” (ILL S1:E3) ~ October 29, 1951
In this episode, Lucy and Desi incorporated part of their pre-series stage show, singing “Cuban Pete / Sally Sweet.” Lucy’s dress became so iconic it is now in a museum. This show marks the only appearance of the Mertz’s dog Butch. Lucille Ball would return to the theme of dieting in each of her subsequent series. Filmed on September 28, 1951.
“Lucy Thinks Ricky Is Trying To Murder Her” (ILL S1;E4) ~ November 5, 1951
The very first episode filmed (on September 8, 1951). The first shot of “I Love Lucy” is actually a close-up of cold-cream on Lucy’s vanity, which she then mixes up for cheddar cheese dip while reading her murder mystery. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice that Lucy’s hairstyle is fuller and that Ethel is more fashionably dressed. There are also a few technical gaffes.
“The Quiz Show” (ILL S1;E5) ~ November 12, 1951
This is the first of three episodes to feature Frank Nelson in the role of Freddie Fillmore, host of the radio quiz show “Females are Fabulous. In early drafts of the script it was called “Women are Wonderful.” The character of Fred Mertz does not appear in this episode. Vivian Vance’s third husband Phil Ober does, however (sitting center). Filmed on October 5, 1951.
“The Audition” (ILL S1;E6) ~ November 19, 1951
Lucy’s baggy-pants Professor act was taken directly from Lucy and Desi’s 1950 live stage tour. Desi’s fishing buddy Pepito the Clown originally taught Lucy the routine but was not available for the filming, so the character was re-named Buffo and played by Pat Moran. The routine was also featured in the un-aired pilot. Real-life CBS executives Jess Oppenheimer, Harry Ackerman have cameos. Filmed November 19, 1951.
“The Séance”
(ILL S1;E7) – November 26, 1951
This was the first episode filmed (on October 19, 1951) after the show’s broadcast premiere on October 15. This episode gave us the now iconic line “Ethel To Tilly.” Lucille Ball’s interest in the the spiritual world came from the mother of her great friend, Carole Lombard, who came to her in a dream when Lucy was wondering whether to leave radio for television. The spirit supposedly told Ball: “Give it a whirl.”
“Men Are Messy”
(ILL S1;E8) ~ December 3, 1951
This episode is probably best remembered for Lucy’s slovenly get-up! It also mentioned their sponsor Philip Morris as well as Look Magazine. Lucy’s cousin-in-law Kenny Morgan had a small role. Ricky sings “Big Straw Hat”. Filmed on October 25, 1951.
“The Fur Coat”
(ILL S1;E9) ~ December 10, 1951
Shortly after this episode first aired, Lucille Ball got her first mink coat. She loved it so much that she, like Lucy Ricardo, wore it all the time. In the 1950s fur was a status symbol and Lucy’s desire for fur (Stone Martens!) would work their way into many future scripts. Lucys Carmichael and Carter also preferred fur. A joke about Lucy being naked under her coat was cut for being too salacious for the TV audience. Filmed November 9, 1951.
“Lucy Is Jealous of Girl Singer”
(ILL S1;E10) ~ December 17, 1951
The title of this episode reflects an earlier script. Rosemary, the ‘girl’ of the title, is a dancer, not a singer. The writers thought Lucy getting involved in a dance number would better capitalize on Lucy’s ability to do physical comedy. They were right! William Frawley (Fred Mertz) does not appear in this episode.
Lucy and Ricky’s long kiss at the end of episode made it past the censors only once. It was cut by 7 seconds for subsequent reruns. The longer kiss was been restored for the DVD release. Filmed November 16, 1951.
“Drafted”
(ILL S1;E11) ~ December 24, 1951
This episode aired on Christmas Eve 1951 so a “Jingle Bells” / Santa Claus tag scene was added to the end. It showed all four main cast members dressed like Santa as they discover a fifth St. Nick who turns out to be the real thing! This tag scene was used many times throughout the series and was the basis for the official Christmas special shot during season 6. The ‘real’ Santa was played by Vernon Dent, who was a staple foil of “The Three Stooges.” The plot of the episode was used again on “The Lucy Show” when Lucy Carmichael was drafted because her name was reported as Lou C. Carmichael. Filmed November 2, 1951.
“The Adagio”
(ILL S1;E12) ~ December 31, 1951
This episode was aired on New Years Eve 1951 and for the first time a preview of the next week’s episode was shown. This was done only until the end of season 1. Interestingly, the episode is titled “The Adagio,” which in dance terms can mean a male / female duet that features lifts and spins. It was probably felt that if they called the episode “The Apache” it would be confused with the Native American tribe. Thinking out loud, Ricky presciently ponders moving to the country, five years before their actual move to Connecticut. The show features references to the film Now Voyager (1942), Andy Gump, and Les Miserables! Filmed November 23, 1951.
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