1954 Part One ~ JANUARY to JUNE
Season three of “I Love Lucy” concludes with another Emmy win for the series and for Vivian Vance. February would see the premiere of the film “The Long, Long Trailer.”
“The Million-Dollar Idea” (ILL S3;E13) ~ January 11, 1954
Lucy takes a page from Jackie Gleason with this get-rich-quick scheme selling salad dressing on television! Frank Nelson is back as yet another TV host, Dickie Davis. Filmed November 26, 1953.
“Ricky Minds the Baby”
(ILL S3;E14) ~ January 18, 1954
Ricky takes a page from “Father Knows Best” when telling a bedtime story to his son. To assure that the potential crying of the Mayer Twins (Little Ricky) didn’t hold up the filming, this is one of the few episodes not filmed in front of a live audience. Filmed December 3, 1953.
“The Charm School”
(ILL S3;E15) ~ January 25, 1954
Best remembered for
Natalie Schafer (”Gilligan’s Island”) as Charm School proprietress Phoebe Emerson.
The week before this episode first aired, Schafer made an appearance on CBS TV’s “Topper” as a character named (coincidentally) Mrs. Vance. Filmed December 10, 1953.
"Sentimental Anniversary” (ILL S3;E16) ~ February 4, 1954
This episode was filmed on December 17, 1953, just two weeks after Desi surprised Lucy with a 13th wedding anniversary party at the Mocambo. Includes real snapshots of Lucy and Desi that were taken from Lucille’s dressing room! Despite the color photo above, the episode was shot and aired in black and white and has not (to date) been colorized.
“Fan Magazine Interview”
(ILL S3;E17) ~ February 8, 1954
This episode marks the first appearance of Kathryn Card as Minnie Finch, although she would be best remembered for playing Lucy’s mother, Mrs. McGillicuddy. Best remembered for a joke about the controversial Kinsey Sex Study. The first episode filmed after the holiday break, on January 7, 1954.
“Sixth Annual Primetime Emmy Awards” ~ February 11, 1954
Only broadcast on local television station KHA (aka KCLA-TV). The series won for Best Situation Comedy, as did Vivian Vance for playing Ethel Mertz. Lucille was nominated but lost to Eve Arden in “Our Miss Brooks” (ironically filmed at Desilu Studios). William Frawley lost to Art Carney as Ed Norton on “The Honeymooners.”
“Toast
of the Town: The MGM Story" ~ February 14, 1954
Lucy and Desi appeared on Ed Sullivan’s show to mark the 30th Anniversary of Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). Three days later, their MGM color film The Long, Long Trailer premiered.
“Oil Wells” (ILL S3;E18) ~ February 15, 1954
It was a bit of a stretch for the Ricardos and Mertzes to strike oil in midtown Manhattan, but that didn’t stop the writers! Featuring Sandra Gould, who is probably best remembered as the second Gladys Kravitz on “Bewitched” (1966-1971). Filmed January 14, 1954.
“What’s My Line? (S2;E25) ~ February 21, 1954
As Mystery Guest, Lucille Ball uses the same voice she created when she played a Martian at the top of the Empire State Building in “Lucy is Envious” (ILL S3;E23). Host John Daly tells the panel that Lucy is speaking Martian. That episode was filmed on February 16, 1954 just five days before this quiz show.
“Ricky Loses His Temper”
(ILL S3;E19) ~ February 22, 1954
Includes an appearance by Madge Blake (Aunt Harriet on “Batman”) as Mrs. Mulford, who owns the hat shop Lucy patronizes. Famed Western ventriloquist Max Terhune makes a brief appearance with his dummy, Elmer Sneezeweed! Filmed January 21, 1954.
“Home Movies” (ILL S3;E20) ~ March 1, 1954
Home movie technology was new in the 1950s, but that doesn’t stop Ricky.
Due to logistics, this episode was filmed (January 28, 1954) without a studio audience. Once the gag reel of Ricky’s audition had been created, the entire episode was shown to an audience and their laughter recorded for the final broadcast. Includes the songs “Vaya Con Dios” and I’m An Old Cowhand (On the Rio Grande)”.
“Bonus Bucks” (ILL S3;E21) ~ March 8, 1954
The episode was inspired by the popular newspaper contests of matching serial numbers on a bill which were called ‘Lucky Bucks’ but due to the show’s sponsorship with Philip-Morris cigarettes, the word ‘Lucky’ [as in Strike] was to be avoided. Once again Lucy tries to outpace a speedy conveyor belt, this time one that leads to a laundry starch vat! Filmed February 4, 1954.
“Ricky’s Hawaiian Vacation”
(ILL S3;E22) ~ March 22, 1954
Hawaii was a favorite get-away for the Arnaz family, but the Ricardos never leave their living room. Includes Frank Nelson reprising his role as quiz master Freddie Fillmore hosting a TV show called “Be A Good Neighbor.” Lots of physical comedy by Lucy adds to the fun! Filmed February 11, 1954, the same day that the show won its second Emmy.
“Lucy Is Envious”
(ILL S3;E23) ~ March 29, 1954
“It’s a moo-moo!” Inspired by Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast, Lucy and Ethel take a promotional gig as women from Mars atop the Empire State Building! Mary Jane Croft makes her first appearance as Cynthia Harcourt, the socialite Lucy is envious of, and Herb Vigran plays the publicity agent who hires the girls. Filmed February 16, 1954.
“Lucy Writes a Novel” (ILL S3;E24) ~ April 5, 1954
Having already tackled a play (”A Tree Grows in Havana” / “The Perils of Pamela”) and an operetta (”The Pleasant Peasant”), Lucy tackles a novel, a roman a clef she titles “Real Gone With the Wind.” Filmed March 4, 1954.
“Lucy’s Club Dance”
(ILL S3;E25) ~ April 12, 1954
This episode was rerun in season five with a new opening that set the rerun up as a flashback. Lucy is back on the sax and TV Guide gets some publicity as a thank you for putting Desi Jr. and Lucy on their first national edition’s cover. Filmed March 11, 1954.
“The Black Wig”
(ILL S3;E26) ~ April 19, 1954
Inspired by the Italian film stars of the time, Lucy wants her hair short and dark. While Ricky disapproves, he (amazingly) fails to recognize her setting off an elaborate charade to test his fidelity; one that ends up with Ethel dressed up “like a trip around the world.” Filmed on March 24, 1954, in black and white, despite the colorized photo above.
“The Diner” (ILL S3;E27) ~ April 26, 1954
This episode and the “The Black Wig” (ILL S3;E26) had their filming and broadcast order switched so that Bill’s Diner ended up becoming the set for Tony’s Restaurant where black wig Lucy and Geisha/American Indian/Eskimo Ethel meet Ricky and Fred for their fake blind date.
The episode ends in true vaudevillian comic style with everyone getting a cream pie in the face.
“Tennessee Ernie Visits” (ILL S3;E28) ~ May 3, 1954
The first of two linked episodes guest-starring country music personality Tennessee Ernie Ford. Not only would he return during season 4, he would guest-star on “The Lucy Show” and “Here’s Lucy.” This is the first mention of Mrs. McGillicuddy, Lucy’s scatter-brained mother. Filmed April 1, 1954.
“Tennessee Ernie Hangs On” (ILL S3;E29) ~ May 10, 1954
Lucy tries everything to get rid of her country-fried house guest. The finale finds Ernie and the gang on television singing “Y’All Come!” Filmed April 8, 1954.
“The Golf Game”
(ILL S3;E30) ~ May 17, 1954
Lucille Ball was a golf widow on camera and off. Desi Arnaz even built a home on a golf course. Even her second husband Gary Morton was addicted to the game. This episode features real-life golf pro Jimmy Demaret. He returned for another golf-themed episode on “The Lucy Show.” Filmed April 15, 1954.
“The Sublease”
(ILL S3;E31) ~ May 24, 1954
So that the Ricky can take a booking in California, the Ricardos sublet their apartment to Mr. Beecher (Jay Novello) who jumps at his own shadow. When the booking falls through, Lucy goes to extremes to get Mr. Beecher out! Filmed April 22, 1954.
ALSO IN 1954…
“THE MILTON BERLE SHOW” (S6;E23) ~ May 4, 1954
Berle’s guests include Vivian Vance and William Frawley from “I Love Lucy” (1951) and singer/actress Janet Blair. Miltie rents a new rehearsal hall from landlords Fred and Ethel Mertz. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz do not appear.
Papermoon Loves Lucy 
Leave a comment