TV GUIDE: 20 YEARS LATER

March 31, 1973

This issue not only marks twenty years since Lucille Ball and her son Desi Arnaz Jr. appeared on the first national edition of TV Guide, but it also marks Ball’s twenty third time appearing on the cover. She would eventually do 39 covers. The photographic portrait was done by Sherman Weisburd. 

Sherman Weisburd (1938-81) was known for his album cover photos of the 1960s and ‘70s and advertising work of the early ’70s. He worked for Playboy Magazine, TV Guide, and Viva Magazine. He was Grammy nominated in 1965 for his photo of Charles Aznavour, among other honors. 

This was issue #544, volume 21, no. 13, dated March 31, 1973 and it covered listings through April 6th. 

A posed photograph from “The Girls Want To Go To a Nightclub” (S1;E1), the first episode aired on October 15, 1951. 

A photograph from “The Freezer” (ILL S1;E29), first aired on April 28, 1952. 

A photograph from “Lucy’s Italian Movie” (ILL S5;E23) first aired on April 23, 1956. Lucille Ball is pictured with grape stomping actress Teresa Tirelli.  

Coincidentally , the issue also includes an article about Laurence Luckinbill, who was then married to Robin Strasser, but has been married to Lucie Arnaz since 1980. 

Listing for Monday, April 2, 1973, include the re-run “Lucy and Lawrence Welk” (HL S2;E18), first aired on January 19, 1970. 

During this week, local stations programmed the Lucille Ball films The Dark Corner (1946), Critic’s Choice (1963), Best Foot Forward (1943), Sorrowful Jones (1949), The Fuller Brush Girl (1950), and Five Came Back (1939).