LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION

1954 Part Two ~ JULY to DECEMBER

“I Love Lucy” starts its fourth season at the height of its popularity. The show is gearing up for the trip to Hollywood.

“’A Star is Born’ World Premiere” ~ September 29, 1954

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz attend the world premiere of the film “A Star Is Born” starring James Mason and Judy Garland. This is a live television broadcast of the red carpet interviews by George Fisher (left). It was later described as the biggest world premiere in memory, even bigger than the Academy Awards. Lucy predicts the film will win many Oscars. Although nominated for five, it lost in all categories.

“Toast of the Town: A Tribute to Lucy and Desi” (S3;E8) ~ October 3, 1954

On the eve of the premiere of the 4th season of “I Love Lucy,” Ed Sullivan devotes his entire Sunday evening show to Lucy and Desi, and even includes Bill and Vivian. The first part of the show is a sketch about his impending visit to their California home (filmed in New York). The second half is a formal testimonial to the couple with moving speeches and expressions of thanks.

“The Business Manager” (ILL S4;E1) ~ October 4, 1954

This was the 100th episode filmed (June 17, 1954) and the opening of season four, although for some reason aired out of order. The cast and crew held a party afterward with a cake that said “The first 100 are the hardest.” Character actor Charles Lane returns as the title character, Mr. Hickox, named after Desilu’s actual business manager!

“Mertz and Kurtz” (ILL S4;E2) ~ October 11, 1954

Film star Charles Winninger (Show Boat) plays Fred’s former vaudeville partner Barney Kurtz. When the Arnazes were casting the part of Fred Mertz in 1951, Winninger was considered for the role. The last episode filmed (July 1, 1954) before summer hiatus.

“Lucy Cries Wolf” (ILL S4;E3) ~ October 18, 1954

Urban crime is the theme once again. The first (but not last) time Lucy goes out on the ledge! Filmed June 3, 1954.

“The Matchmaker” (ILL S4;E4) ~ October 25, 1954

Lucy is playing cupid (again) and it won’t be the last time! Lucy sets her bow on Sam the Spider (Milton Frome) and Dorothy the Fly (Sarah Selby). Filmed June 10, 1954.

“Mr. and Mrs. TV Show” (ILL S4;E5) ~ *November 1, 1954

Only about half of the country got to see this episode when it debuted. CBS affiliates chose to air a political commercial from the Republican Party, whereas non-affiliate stations still showed “I Love Lucy.” Affiliates aired the episode five months later on *April 11, 1955.

Since the characters were already in California, a flashback opening had Lucy mentioning the Mr. and Mrs. TV Show as a way to try and get into Ricky’s next gig. On that date non-affiliate stations saw a rerun of “Ricky Loses His Voice” (ILL S2;E9) with the flashback dialogue changed.

Filmed on June 24, 1954.

“Ricky’s Movie Offer” (ILL S4;E6) ~ November 8, 1954

The first hint of the show’s trip to Hollywood starts with this episode, although the gang won’t depart until January 10, 1955. Frank Nelson returns, this time as a talent scout. He is momentarily made to look like Adolf Hitler for the sake of a joke! This was the first episode filmed (on September 16, 1954) after the summer break.

“Ricky’s Screen Test” (ILL S4;E7) ~ November 15, 1954

At the start of the episode, Lucy is giving an uncooperative Little Ricky (the Mayer Twins) impromptu acting and dancing lessons hoping he’ll be the next Jackie Coogan.

Unfortunately, this improvised little scene between mother and son was cut for syndication. Filmed September 23, 1954.

“Lucy’s Mother-In-Law” (ILL S4;E8) ~ November 22, 1954

Mary Emery plays Ricky’s mother. Emery was born in 1896 in Monterrey, Mexico. She would reprise her role in “The Ricardos Visit Cuba” (ILL S6;E9). Filmed September 30, 1954.

“Ethel’s Birthday” (ILL S4;E9) ~ November 29, 1954

For her birthday, Ethel wants a toaster. Instead, she gets hostess pants! The episode ends with the gang at the theatre, crying over a melodrama called “Over The Teacups”. Filmed October 7, 1954.

“Ricky’s Contract” (ILL S4;E10) ~ December 6, 1954

According to a CBS press release, this episode was supposed to be broadcast in color, but ultimately plans to film it in color were abandoned.

Ricky sings “I’ll See You in C.U.B.A.” Filmed October 14, 1954.

“Getting Ready” (ILL S4;E11) ~ December 11, 1954

Viewers get to see the front of the Mertzes apartment building for the very first time. The last new episode aired in 1954, filmed on October 21, 1954.

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