1955 Part Two – JULY to DECEMBER
“I Love Lucy” enters its fifth season – in Hollywood! Classic episodes with memorable guest stars.
“What’s My Line?” (S7;E5) ~ October 2, 1955
Lucy and Desi are the mystery guests. The panel has trouble identifying that it is a couple, not just one guest. Arlene Francis guesses correctly. Broadcast from New York City. The couple promote the next night’s fifth season premiere of “I Love Lucy.”
“Lucy Visits Grauman’s” (ILL S5;E1) ~ October 3, 1955
Hollywood’s iconic cinema was recreated on a Desilu soundstage, complete with the footprints in the forecourt. A stand-alone episode that is also linked to the following one starring John Wayne. James V. Kern takes over as director. Filmed September 9, 1955. Colorized for broadcast on May 20, 2016.
“Lucy and John Wayne” (ILL S5;E2) ~ October 10, 1955
John Wayne agreed to co-star in return for on-screen promotion of his new film Blood Alley. He also played himself on “The Lucy Show.” Director Kern has trouble coaxing Little Ricky (Michael Mayer) to play in the wet cement. Filmed September 15, 1955. Colorized for broadcast on May 20, 2016.
“Lucy and the Dummy” (ILL S5;E3) ~ October 17, 1955
This episode was running short, so a sneak preview of MGM’s new musical film Guys and Dolls was inserted, although it was only seen once, in its initial airing. Lucy sings “I Get Ideas,” dancing with ‘Raggedy Ricky.’ Filmed September 22, 1955.
“Ricky Sells the Car” (ILL S5;E4) ~ October 24, 1955
When Desi Arnaz first read the script, he didn’t like it. He thought the two new writers, Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, had written it. But he changed his opinion when he learned that the old writers, Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll, Jr., were responsible for the episode. Filmed September 29, 1955.
“The Great Train Robbery” (ILL S5;E5) ~ October 31, 1955
Actual footage of the Union Pacific Domeliner was inserted into the studio shots. Bill Frawley and Vivian Vance actually went on location on the train, but their footage was cut. First time a black actor (Hattie McDaneil’s brother Sam) is featured on the show. Best remembered for the return of Frank Nelson as the train conductor. Filmed October 6, 1955.
“The Homecoming” (ILL S5;E6) ~ November 7, 1955
Sanka coffee is a new sponsor, given title placement. Elvia Allman returns as gossip columnist Nancy Graham, a character loosely modeled on Sheilah Graham, an English-born Hollywood journalist. In the crowd is Little Ricky’s (the Mayer Twins) real mother, Eva Jean Mayer. Filmed October 20, 1955.
“Face to Face” aka “The Ricardos Are Interviewed” (ILL S5;E7) ~ November 14, 1955
“Face to Face” starring Ed Warren (Elliott Reid) is a parody of “Person to Person” with Edward R. Murrow. The episode also features the rousing song “Rancho Grande.” Filmed October 20, 1955.
“Lucy Goes to a Rodeo” (ILL S5;E8) ~ November 28, 1955
This is a very musical show, with Fred and Ethel singing “Birmingham Jail,”
Doye O’Dell singing “The Old Chisholm Trail,” Ricky singings “Texas Pete” (a variation on “Cuban Pete”), and the gang doing a western bell-ringer’s interpretation of “Down By the Old Mill Stream.” Filmed October 27, 1955.
“Nursery School” (ILL S5;E9) ~ December 5, 1955
The teddy bear Lucy smuggles into the hospital for her son was later manufactured for retail sale. Filmed November 3, 1955.
“Ricky’s European Booking” (ILL S5;E10) ~ December 12, 1955
Desi and The Pied Pipers take sing “Forever, Darling,” the theme song of the upcoming Ball-Arnaz picture of the same name, released three months after this episode. This episode kicks off the Europe Trip episodes. November 10, 1955.
“The Passports” (ILL S5;E11) ~ December 19, 1955
Although she had claustrophobia, Lucille Ball actually was inside the closed trunk. This episode is full of references to Ball’s real-life upbringing in Jamestown, New York. Filmed November 17, 1955.
ALSO IN 1955…
“The King and Brooks” (”Our Miss Brooks” S4;E8) ~ November 25, 1955
Desi Arnaz plays himself in Miss Brooks (Eve Arden) dream. The episode also features Gale Gordon and Hy Averback. Lucille Ball does not appear.
Papermoon Loves Lucy 
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