LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION

1969 Part One ~ JANUARY to JUNE

image

The first season of “Here’s Lucy” concludes with appearances by Wally Cox, Carol Burnett, Cesar Romero, Victor Buono, Howard Keel, Ernie Ford, and Jack Gilford. For the first time, an episode is shot entirely on location at Los Angeles International Airport. 


“Lucy, the Fixer” (HL S1;E14) ~ January 6, 1969

image

This first episode of 1969 is one of the few to feature just the principal cast members. It is the only one to only include the entire Carter Family. Lucy’s attempt at DIY turns Harry’s home into a disaster area. 


“Lucy and the Ex-Con” (HL S1;E15) ~ January 13, 1969

image

Wally Cox plays Rocky, the ex-con of the title. Lucy goes undercover as Abigail Throckmorton and Rocky as Lydia Perkins (of the Pasadena Perkins’) from the Ladies Civic Betterment Committee.  


“Lucy Goes on Strike” (HL S1;E16) ~ January 20, 1969

image

The date this episode first aired, Richard M. Nixon was sworn in as President of the United States. Mary Wickes plays Lucy’s friend Isabel. 


“Lucy and Carol Burnett” (HL S1;E17) ~ January 27, 1969

image

The only time Carol Burnett played herself on a “Lucy” sitcom. She stars in a musical revue to raise money to build a new gym for Kim and Craig’s high school. 


“Lucy and the Great Airport Chase” (HL S1;E18) ~ February 3, 1969

image

Filmed entirely on location at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This episode was originally written for the final season of “The Lucy Show.” 


“A Date for Lucy” (HL S1;E19) ~ February 10, 1969

image

Cesar Romero plays Lucy’s date Tony Rivera, who turns out to be a jewel thief.  The script for this episode was dated October 17, 1968.


“Lucy the Shopping Expert” (HL S1;20) ~ February 17, 1969

image

Craig gets a part-time job in a supermarket to buy a surfboard. At the same time, Lucy gives Kim some valuable lessons in smart shopping. When the two converge, chaos ensues – naturally!



“Jack
Benny’s Birthday Special”
~ February 17, 1969

image

In a star-studded birthday-themed special, Lucille does a Western sketch that culminates in “Hey Big Spender” (Carole Cook is Lucy’s voice double). This special aired the same night as “Lucy the Shopping Expert.” 


“Lucy Gets Her Man” (HL S1;E21) ~ February 24, 1969

image

The “man” if the title is played by Victor Buono, who everyone suspects to be a spy, but may be just a greeting card writer. Mary Wickes is back. 


“Lucy’s Safari” (HL S1;E22) ~ March 3, 1969

image

Howard Keel guest-stars as a big game hunter who recruits Lucy to help him track down a rare Gorboona (half gorilla, half baboon).  A low-point for the series. The man in the Gorboona suit is Janos Prohaska


“Lucy and Tennessee Ernie’s Fun Farm” (HL S1;E23) ~ March 10, 1969

image

Tennessee Ernie Ford is back, this time as farmer Ernie Epperson. Lucy puts together a variety show to help him financially. All the singing was pre-recorded.


“Lucy Helps Craig Get A Driver’s License” (HL S1;E24) ~ March 17, 1969

image

Jack Gilford plays the driving instructor. The episode uses actual location footage of the road test through the streets of Los Angeles, which was matched in the studio with a rear projection process shot. 



“The
Dinah Shore Special: Like Hep”
~ April 13, 1969

image

Dinah Shore hosts Lucille Ball and Diana Ross in an evening of songs and sketches. Lucille plays a variety of wacky characters, including a dissipated fairy godmother (above).  


ALSO in EARLY 1969…

“The Kraft Music Hall” (S2;E19) ~ March 12, 1969

image

Lucie Arnaz made the first of her three appearances on NBC’s “The Kraft Music Hall”, hosted by Wayne Newton and featuring Judy Carne and Tim Conway. Lucille Ball does not appear.

“Jimmy Durante Presents The Lennon Sisters Hour” ~ May 5, 1969

Desi Arnaz sings a duet with Jimmy Durante: “Jack, Jack, Jack.”  Lucille Ball does not appear. 

Leave a comment