1966 Part Two ~ JULY to DECEMBER
Season Five of “The Lucy Show” begins. A special titled “Lucy In London” takes the show on location for the first (and last time). There’s also appearances with Bob Hope, George Burns, Milton Berle, Phil Silvers, John Wayne, Paul Winchell, Jim Nabors, and Carol Burnett!
“The
Milton Berle Show” (S1;E1) ~ September 9, 1966
Lucille Ball helps Milton Berle kick off his new variety show. Richard Harris was also a guest and sang “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. Filmed at the Hollywood Palace Theatre. Despite much hype, this new ABC-TV show only lasted seven episodes.
“Lucy with George Burns” (TLS S5;E1) ~ September 12, 1966
This episode begins the shortest season of any Lucille Ball series (except for the ill-fated “Life With Lucy”), producing only 22 episodes.
This show was filmed in mid-June 1966, before the cast and crew went on summer hiatus. A new opening title sequence was created but Lucille Ball reportedly hated it, and it was replaced by a revamped version of the kaleidoscope opening.
“Lucy and the Submarine”
(TLS S5;E2) ~ September 19, 1966
The episode employs stock footage of sailors working on a docked submarine and of a sub moving through the water and then resurfacing. Lucille Ball’s voice sounds a bit scratchy, perhaps as the result of illness combined with her heavy smoking.
“Lucy the Bean Queen” (TLS S5;E3) ~ September 26, 1966
This episode was filmed June 30, 1966. It featured Ed Begley Sr. as the founder of Bailey’s Beans. To prepare for this episode, Lucille Ball learned to drive a forklift – in a week!
“A Bob
Hope Comedy Special: Bob Hope’s Leading Ladies” (S17;E1) ~ September 28, 1966
Lucile Ball plays herself and arrives in Bob Hope’s bedroom on a chauffeur-driven adult-size tricycle! During their scene, old friends Ball and Hope continually crack each other up.
“Lucy and Paul Winchell” (TLS S5;E4) ~ October 3, 1966
Ventriloquist Paul Winchell plays himself and brings along his usual cast dummies: Knucklehead Smiff, Jerry Mahoney, Snitchy the Snail, Tessie Mahoney, and (of course) Lucy!
“Lucy and the Ring-a-Ding Ring” (TLS S5;E5) ~ October 10, 1966
Lucy gets Mrs. Mooney’s new diamond ring stuck on her finger – then takes too many sleeping pills! A 16 year-old Lucie Arnaz has a quick cameo as a passing hippie.
“Lucy Flies to London”
(TLS S5;E6) ~ October 17, 1966
This episode is also known as “Lucy Goes to London.” It was filmed on Thursday, September 15, 1966, and was designed as a lead-in to the following week’s CBS special “Lucy in London.” Much of the scene aboard the airplane was taken directly from the unsold pilot “The Victor Borge Comedy Theatre,” which also featured Lucille Ball and Gale Gordon.
“I’ve Got a Secret” ~ October 17, 1966 at 10:30pm
Lucy promotes next week’s CBS special “Lucy in London” talking about her love for London, especially Carnaby Street, and its mod fashions. To see if Americans share her opinion, the show gives 100 audience members voting buttons. Three fashion models come out, and while Lucy describes their outfits, the audience members make their voices heard. Steve Allen is host.
“Lucy in London” ~ October 24, 1966
Although Lucille plays Lucy Carmichael, this is considered a stand-alone special, and is not included in “The Lucy Show’s” syndication package. This was the first time Lucille Ball filmed on location in a foreign country. Ball was supposed to star in three such ‘travel’ specials, but this is the only one produced.
“Lucy Gets a Roommate”
(TLS S5;E7) ~ October 31, 1966
Carol Burnett plays librarian Carol Bradford, the first of many times Burnett will co-star on a Lucille Ball sitcom. This episode was filmed on Thursday, July 14, 1966.
“Lucy and Carol in Palm Springs” (TLS S5;E8) ~ November 7, 1966
Lucille loved Carol Burnett and she loved Palm Springs so she brought the two together in one show. (Of course, Palms Springs was filmed in Hollywood.) Dan Rowan co-stars with musical guests The Vagabonds.
“Lucy Gets Caught Up in the Draft”
(TLS S5;E9) ~ November 14, 1966
Lucy Carmichael gets an induction letter for a ‘Lou C. Carmichael’ telling her to report for military duty. Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) makes a cameo appearance in the show’s final moments.
“Lucy and John Wayne” (TLS S5;E10) ~ November 21, 1966
Just as he did on “I Love Lucy,” John Wayne plays himself making a movie. Milton Berle makes a cameo in the studio commissary scene.
“Lucy and Pat Collins” (TLS S5;E11) ~ November 28, 1966
Real-life nightclub entertainer Pat Collins (billed as ‘the hip hypnotist’) guest-stars and puts Mr. Mooney and Lucy into her act and under her spell. Cher’s mom, Georgia Holt, does a cameo as a fur model.
“Lucy and the Monkey”
(TLS S5;E12) ~ December 5, 1966
Stress-induced hallucinations make Lucy think Mr. Mooney is a monkey. Guest starring Hal March, Lew Parker, and Janos Prohaska as the monkey!
“Lucy and Phil Silvers” (TLS S5;E13) ~ December 12, 1966
Phil Silvers plays an efficiency expert charged with increasing productivity at the bank. To inspire Lucy, he makes her work on a conveyor belt at a toy factory.
Also in 1966…
“The Carol Channing Show” (unsold pilot)
Desi Arnaz created this pilot for a possible series starring Carol Channing. The pilot was written by “I Love Lucy” writers Madelyn Davis and Bob Carroll Jr. and featured Desi and Jimmy Garrett, who played Lucy Carmichael’s son Jerry on “The Lucy Show.” Lucille Ball did NOT appear.
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