1955 Part One ~ JANUARY to JUNE
Season four concludes with the gang in Hollywood!
“Lucy Learns To Drive” (ILL S4;E12) ~ January 4, 1955
To replace the antiquated Cadillac, Ricky buys a brand new Pontiac. Desilu had a promotional agreement with GM. This is the first non-Philip Morris sponsored episode and introduces Proctor and Gamble as a sponsor. Filmed October 28, 1954.
“California, Here We Come!” (ILL S4;E13) ~ January 10, 1955
The first process shot in TV history shows the gang headed across the George Washington Bridge while singing “California Here We Come.” This is Kathryn Card’s first appearance as Lucy’s Mother, Mrs. McGillicuddy, although we never learn her first name. Filmed November 4, 1954.
“First Stop” (ILL S4;E14) ~ January 17, 1955
Second unit footage and doubles for the actors are used to show the gang driving through Ohio. A special set was constructed for the scene in the dilapidated cabin. The room was built on a set of springs and was shaken to simulate the trains going by. Filmed November 11, 1954.
“Tennessee Bound”
(ILL S4;E15) ~ January 24, 1955
Tennessee Ernie Ford reprises his role of Cousin Ernie. In addition, there is a memorable appearance by the Bordon Twins as Teensy and Weensy singing “Ricochet Romance.” A gas station attendant is played by future mega-producer, Aaron Spelling (above). He would be the driving force behind Lucille Ball’s final sitcom, “Life With Lucy” in 1986. Filmed November 18, 1954.
“Ethel’s Home Town”
(ILL S4;E16) ~ January 31, 1955
Although most of the episodes takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, there is a brief scene at a hotel in Amarillo, Texas, that is usually cut for syndication. There, everyone hears little Ricky’s first words over the telephone. “Ethel Mae Potter – We Never Forgot Her!” Filmed November 25, 1954.
“Hollywood at Last!” aka “L.A. at Last!” (ILL S4;E17) – February 7, 1955
In addition to the scene at the Brown Derby with William Holden, the fake nose on fire gag was also quite memorable. Eve Arden, who beat out Lucille for an Emmy in 1954, does a cameo. Filmed December 2, 1954.
“Don Juan and the Starlets” (ILL S4;E18) ~ February 14, 1955
Lucy reveals that she met Ricky when Marion Strong asked her to go on a blind date with a Cuban drummer 15 years ago. In 1957, this origin story is contradicted in the very first “Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” Filmed December 9, 1954.
“Lucy Gets Into Pictures”
(ILL S4;E19) ~ February 21, 1955
Ricky says that he is going to a meeting with Mr. Minnelli, a reference to Vincente Minnelli (Liza’s dad), who had just directed Lucy and Desi in The Long, Long Trailer. But the episode is probably best remembered for Lucy’s haphazard navigation of an overly-large headdress. Filmed December 16, 1954. Colorized for broadcast December 2, 2016.
“The Fashion Show”
(ILL S4;E20) ~ February 28, 1955
Fashion designer Don Loper played himself, as did a group of Hollywood wives. Filmed December 23, 1954, the last one before the Christmas break. Colorized for broadcast December 24, 2017.
“The
7th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards” ~ March 6, 1955
The first Emmy Awards to be televised nationally (on NBC) live from the Moulin Rouge Nightclub in Hollywood, hosted by Steve Allen. It was not a good night for the series. “I Love Lucy” lost to “Make Room for Daddy” (a Desilu series) and Lucille lost to Loretta Young. Bill Frawley and Vivian Vance also did not win and (as usual) Desi was not even nominated!
“The Hedda Hopper Story” (ILL S4;E21) ~ March 14, 1955
Hollywood gossip maven Hedda Hopper plays herself. Lucy wears a dress (above) designed for The Long Long Trailer. The hotel swimming pool played an integral role in this episode. First episode filmed after the holiday break, on February 3, 1955.
“Don Juan Is Shelved” (ILL S4;E22) ~ March 21, 1955
MGM’s Dore Schary was scheduled to play himself, but withdrew at the last moment. Vivian Vance’s husband Phil Ober (above) took over the role. Filmed February 10, 1955.
“Bull Fight Dance” (ILL S4;E23) ~ March 28, 1955
Fred and Ethel sing “Dear Old Donegal” on the Heart Fund show (in full Irish regalia) but the number is often cut in syndication. Filmed February 17, 1955.
“Hollywood Anniversary” (ILL S4;E24) ~ April 4, 1955
The idea for this episode came from the fact that Desi Arnaz threw a surprise anniversary party for Lucille at the Mocambo on November 30, 1953. The Elois Jensen gown Lucy wears in this episode was later depicted on a postage stamp. Filmed February 24, 1955.
“The Star Upstairs” (ILL S4;E25) ~ April 18, 1955
The star upstairs was Cornel Wilde.
This episode was originally scheduled to star Van Johnson, but he was unable to appear because of a conflict with Philip Morris’s competitor Lucky Strike. When the conflict was worked out, Johnson ended up starring as “The Dancing Star” (ILL S4;E27). Filmed March 3, 1955.
“In Palm Springs” (ILL S4;E26) ~ April 25, 1955
Rock Hudson guest stars as himself. Palm Springs was played by Desilu Studios in Los Angeles. The Arnazes had a home in Palm Springs built on a golf course. Filmed March 17, 1955.
“The Dancing Star” (ILL S4;E27) ~ May 2, 1955
Conflicts worked out with the tobacco companies, Lucy and Desi’s old friend Van Johnson guest stars as himself. A photo from this episode ended up on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. Filmed March 31, 1955. Colorized for broadcast on May 19, 2017.
“Lucy and Harpo Marx” (ILL S4;E28) ~ May 9, 1955
One of the most memorable episodes of the series. Harpo and Lucy repeat Groucho’s mirror routine from
in Duck Soup (1933). After the final take, Harpo remained behind and played the harp for the cast and crew while Vivian Vance sang. Filmed March 24, 1955. Colorized for broadcast on May 19, 2017.
“Ricky Needs an Agent”
(ILL S4;E29) ~ May 16, 1955
“Heeee’s released!” so Lucy poses as Ricky’s new agent to get his job back. Parley Baer plays MGM executive Mr. Reilly. Filmed April 7, 1955.
“The Tour” (ILL S4;E30) ~ May 30, 1955
Richard Widmark guest stars on the final episode of season 4. For the Hollywood bus tour, second unit location footage and actor doubles were used and the Arnaz’s Beverly Hills mansion stood in for Widmark’s home. Filmed April 14, 1955.
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