LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION

1987

After the cancellation of “Life With Lucy” and the death of Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball makes precious few appearances on television. 

“Super Password” ~ January 16, 1987

Lucille Ball plays with Betty White and Ann Dusenberry (”Life With Lucy”). This episode was taped on December 2, 1986, the same day Desi Arnaz passed away.

“The
Annual Friars Club Tribute Present a Salute to Liza Minnelli” ~ April
5, 1987

Lucille Ball was directed by Liza’s father Vincente Minnelli. Her life was complicated when her son Desi Jr. had a very public romance and break-up with Liza. Through it all, Lucille Ball said she loved Liza. 

“Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood” ~ May 18, 1987

Lucille Ball was part of an all-star cast (including Ginger Rogers, seen above backstage with Lucy). This was a two-hour special on ABC TV that won an Emmy for editing. 

“Bob
Hope’s High-Flying Birthday Extravaganza” ~ May 25, 1987

On the deck of an aircraft carrier, Bob Hope salutes the US Air Force’s 40th anniversary. Lucy and Bob sing “I Remember It Well.” 

“Hollywood
the Golden Years: The RKO Story – A Woman’s Lot” (S1;E3) ~ July 17,
1987

A six-part series produced and aired on the BBC. Lucille Ball is interviewed about her relationship with RKO, which she later bought and re-named Desilu. In this episode, Lucy talks about life on the lot as an RKO contract player, getting a few lines, meeting people, and learning how to conduct herself on the set.

“Hollywood the Golden Years: The RKO Story – Howard’s Way” (S1;E6) ~ August 7, 1987

This episode concentrates on Howard Hughes’ ownership of RKO. Lucille Ball concludes the six part series with the apocryphal story that as a young contract player she marched onto the RKO lot and said “Some day I’ll own all of this.” Be careful what you wish for! 

“A
Beverly Hills Christmas” ~ December 22, 1987

An evening of Christmas music from stars living in Beverly Hills, California. Lucille Ball, George Burns, Jimmy Stewart, Burt Reynolds, and  Walter Matthau are part of the festivities. [Lucy wears the same gray jacket she wore for the RKO interview.]

“The
Kennedy Center Honors” ~ December 30, 1987

Kennedy Center Honoree Lucille Ball returns to introduce 1987 honoree Sammy Davis Jr. Ball also narrates Davis’s biographical footage. Davis had played himself on a 1970 episode of “Here’s Lucy.”