1959
As the decade ends, and the “Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” winds down, Lucy and Desi do other projects, many to pay back stars who appeared on their own show.
“Make Room for Daddy: Lucy Upsets the Williams Household” (S6;E14) ~ January 5, 1959
A reciprocal appearance by the Arnazes in return for the cast of “Make Room for Daddy” appearing on “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” Lucy and Desi play the Ricardos, but due to the difference in writers, they behave slightly differently. Rusty Hamer does not appear in this episode.
“Lucy Goes To Alaska” (LDCH E8) ~ February 9, 1959
Red Skelton guest-stars in an episode written to celebrate Alaska finally becoming a state, although the episode was filmed in Hollywood with second unit footage filmed in Lake Arrowhead, California. Skelton and Ball sing “Poor Everybody Else” in tramp costumes (above). Little Ricky does not appear in this episode.
“The
Phil Silvers Show: Bilko’s Ape Man” (S4;E24) ~ March 18, 1959
Lucille Ball does a cameo as an unnamed character that Sergeant Bilko (Phil Silvers) hires to swoon during a body-building contest. Ball speaks just eight words (besides screams) and her screen time lasts just a minute and a half.
“Lucy Wants A Career” (LDCH E9) ~ April 13, 1959
Paul Douglas plays himself, a television host that Lucy Ricardo works for in her attempt to feel gainfully employed. this was the last full episode shot entirely in front of a live studio audience.
“Lucy’s Summer Vacation”
(LDCH E10) ~ June 8, 1959
This is the first complete episode filmed without a studio audience. It features guest stars (and real-life celebrity couple) Howard Duff and Ida Lupino playing themselves. This was the lowest-rated “Comedy Hour” episode to date.
“Milton Berle Hides Out at The Ricardos” (LDCH E11) ~ September 25, 1959
Milton Berle plays himself, promoting his new novel “Earthquake”. The episode includes elaborate stuntwork by Lucille as well as a musical performance ending at Little Ricky’s PTA Follies. As the photo shows, Berle does his drag act while hiding out to finish his next book. Desi Arnaz is credited as director.
“The
Ann Sothern Show: The Lucy Story” (S2;E1) ~ October 5, 1959
Lucille’s old friend Ann Sothern had appeared on the first “Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” but by the time Lucille could appear on Sothern’s show, it had been transformed into a new program with the same cast. Lucille plays Lucy Ricardo, and Sothern her old friend Katy, who runs a Manhattan hotel.
“Sunday Showcase: A Tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt on Her Diamond Jubilee” ~ October 11, 1959
Lucille Ball and dozens of other stars turn out to pay homage to former first lady and humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt. Arthur Godfrey hosts on NBC.
“Sunday
Showcase: The Lucy-Desi Milton Berle Special” ~ November 1, 1959
“Sunday Showcase” was an NBC anthology series featuring various specials. Lucy and Desi play the Ricardos in a reciprocal appearance for Milton Berle’s appearance on their show. This adventure takes the Ricardos to Las Vegas.
There is no mention of Little Ricky or the Mertzes.
“The Ricardos Go To Japan”
(LDCH E12) ~ November 27, 1959
The penultimate “Lucy-Desi” adventure was actually filmed in Hollywood guest starring Bob Cummings. Kathryn Card makes her only appearance on the hour-long series as Lucy’s mother.
“Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse: The Desilu Revue” ~ December 25, 1959
A Christmas special that showcases the new talent Desilu developed through their Desilu Workshop. Lucille, Desi, Vivian and Bill play themselves in a backstory about producing the variety show. The show also features celebrity guest stars working on the Desilu lot at the time. Hedda Hopper appears in return for Lucy being on her forthcoming special, “Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood.”
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