1957
The second half of season six moves the show to Connecticut but means the end of the half-hour episodes.
“Lucy and the Loving Cup”
(ILL S6;E12) ~ January 7, 1957
Jockey Johnny Longden (and his wife) guest star in an episode that takes Lucy on the New York City subway! Lucille Ball had claustrophobia, so the loving cup was designed with eye holes in the design. Filmed November 1, 1956.
“The
Jackie Gleason Show: At 65" ~ January 12, 1957
This program was a tribute to Eddie Cantor upon reaching his 65th birthday (which is actually a few weeks later). Lucille had done Roman Scandals (1933) with Cantor. Burns and Allen and Red Skelton also appeared. Coincidentally, Lucille Ball was on the cover of TV Guide that week.
“Lucy and Superman”
(ILL S6;E13) ~ January 14, 1957
George Reeves guest-stars as his television superhero character, but receives no screen credit in order to preserve the fantasy for children Little Ricky’s age. Also featuring George O’Hanlon (George Jetson of “The Jetsons”) and Madge Blake (Aunt Harriet of “Batman”). Colorized for broadcast in 2015. Originally filmed November 15, 1956.
“Little Ricky Gets a Dog” (ILL S6;E14) ~ January 21, 1957
Fred the dog was played by a Cairn Terrier whose real name was Danny. He was trained by Bob Blair and was owned by Frank Inn.
Noted voice artist June Foray provided his bark (uncredited) for this episode. Filmed November 8, 1956.
“Lucy Wants to Move to the Country” (ILL S6;E15) ~ January 28, 1957
Starting with this episode, the show begins a storyline about the move to Connecticut, although the exact town won’t be revealed until two weeks later. Eleanor Audley and Frank Wilcox play the Spauldings, who own the home the Ricardos buy. Filmed December 6, 1956.
“Lucy Hates to Leave” (ILL S6;E16) ~ February 6, 1957
The last time Lucy and viewers will see the Ricardo apartment. After six years, the show indulges in a rare moment of sentimentality. Filmed December 13, 1956.
“Lucy Misses the Mertzes” (ILL S6;E17) ~ February 11, 1957
This is the first episode to mention the exact Connecticut town the Ricardos have moved to: Westport. This marks the only mention of rock and roll phenomenon Elvis Presley on the series. The last episode filmed (December 20, 1956) before the holiday break.
“Lucy Gets Chummy With the Neighbors” (ILL S6;E18) ~ February 18, 1957
Frank Nelson and Mary Jane Croft are introduced as Westport neighbors The Ramseys. Betty and Ralph have a son, Bruce, played by Ray Ferrell. The episode is best remembered for Lucy’s overspending at the furniture store. Filmed January 10, 1957.
“Lucy Raises Chickens”
(ILL S6;E19) ~ March 4, 1957
Unfortunately, a few baby chicks WERE harmed in the making of this episode. This is the first episode sponsored by Ford Motor Company. Filmed January 17, 1957.
“Lucy Does the Tango” (ILL S6;E20) ~ March 11, 1957
The longest laugh ever recorded on the series – but it is trimmed for broadcast.
During Lucille’s rehearsals for this bit hard boiled eggs were used instead of raw. Filmed February 7, 1957.
“The
9th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards” ~ March 16, 1957
Desi Arnaz hosted the event, aired on NBC. Perhaps this honor was due to the fact that once again he was the only cast member of “I Love Lucy” not nominated. Lucy lost to Nanette Fabray (”Caesar’s Hour”). Pat Carroll and Carl Reiner (also from “Caesar’s Hour”) bested Bill Frawley and Vivian Vance.
“Ragtime Band” (ILL S6;E21) ~ March 18, 1957
Lucy gets to play the sax again, while Ethel plays the piano and Fred the violin (a new skill for him), but instead of a ragtime band, the show ends with a calypso band – singing “Man Smart (Woman Smarter)”. Filmed Valentine’s Day 1957.
“Lucy’s Night in Town”
(ILL S6;E22) ~ March 25, 1957
Desilu was a major investor in the new musical The Most Happy Fella, so “I Love Lucy” promoted the show by having the Ricardos and Mertzes go to Broadway. Although no stage actors were seen on camera, songs from the original cast album were heard. Joseph Kearns returns to the series as the (Imperial) theatre manager. Filmed February 21, 1957.
“Housewarming” (ILL S6;E23) ~ April 1, 1957
A newly-installed intercom causes a major misunderstanding at the Ricardo home. Filmed February 28, 1957.
“Building a B-B-Q”
(ILL S6;E24) ~ April 8, 1957
Lucy’s missing wedding ring is in the newly built (and then rebuilt) B-B-Q. Or is it? Filmed March 14, 1957.
“Country Club Dance” (ILL S6;E25) ~ April 22, 1957
Barbara Eden (”I Dream of Jeannie”) made one of her first TV appearances with this episode. Filmed March 21, 1957.
“Lucy Raises Tulips” (ILL S6;E26) ~ April 29, 1957
Lucy runs rampant on a run-away lawn mower. Eleanor Audley returns as one of the judges of the tulip-growing contest. Filmed March 28, 1957.
“The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue” (ILL S6;E27) ~ May 6, 1957
Contrary to popular rumor, Lucie Arnaz was NOT in the final crowd scene, although Desi Jr. was. Yankee Doodle Dandy Day and the Minuteman Statue were based on actual Westport history. The very last half-hour episode, filmed April 4, 1957.
“Lucy Takes A Cruise To Havana” (LDCH E1) ~ November 6, 1957
The first hour-long episode of what became known in syndication as “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour,” continuing the adventures of the Ricardos and Mertzes. This first episode was actually 75 minutes and told the story of the first meeting of Lucy and Ricky in 1940 Havana. Guest stars include Hedda Hopper, Ann Sothern (above), Rudy Vallee, and Cesar Romero. Filmed June 28, 1957.
“The Celebrity Next Door”
(LDCH E2) ~ December 3, 1957
The title character was supposed to be Bette Davis, but she withdrew after a horse-riding accident and the role went to second choice Tallulah Bankhead. Lucille and Tallu did not get along. Sources say that Bankhead was drinking during the rehearsals which frustrated Ball. Richard Deacon and Elvia Allman are in the supporting cast. Filmed September 27, 1957.
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