HAPPY IN HER NEW DOUBLE ROLE

July 7, 1963

HOLLYWOOD (AP) – The president of Desilu Productions Inc. had a special interest in inspecting the sumptuous new quarters for television’s Dr. Casey, Vincent Edwards. (1)

It was the same building in which the president Lucille Ball had a tiny dressing room when she was an RKO starlet 25 years ago. 

Long the major asset of Desilu, Lucille also took over as president and principal stockholder of the television empire last November. She succeeded her ex husband and co-star Desi Arnaz. 

Two Jobs Easy

A half-year later, she appears to be handling a double career – as corporation boss and series star – with the greatest of ease. 

The success story: 

1. Desilu’s most recent statement snowed gross income up percent to $15,794,836 and net income up to $415,812 from 39-week period. 

2. “The Lucy Show” soared immediately to the top ranks in audience ratings, marking one of to the most successful returns in television. One of her jobs would be enough to keep anyone busy. How does she manage both? Says she: 

Leave Help Alone 

“If I have any method, it’s something I’ve known for a long time: when you’ve got competent people working for you, leave them alone and let them do their jobs.”

She credits the production team smooth operation of Desilu, which operates three large studios, makes its own television series, rents space for other television series – Danny Thomas, Lassie, Joey Bishop – and movies – "The Greatest Story Ever Told” – and syndicates television films. 

Yet Lucille is no mere letterhead president. She described her activities during a luncheon break from her show.  The scene was her dressing room at the Desilu Gower Studio, a colorfully decorated, not over-large suite from which she conducts her business. 

Sees Good Year

Lucille foresees a healthy year for Desilu. Besides her own show, the firm will produce “The Greatest Show on Earth,“ a circus hour in color with Jack Palance; a comedy mystery with Glynis Johns and Keith Andes; and possibly "Fair Exchange.” (2)

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FOOTNOTES FROM THE FUTURE

(1) “Ben Casey” was a medical drama series that aired on ABC from 1961 to 1966 starring Vince Edwards in the title role. It was filmed at Desilu Studios, but produced by Bing Crosby Productions. Edwards did a cameo in “Lucy Goes to a Hollywood Premiere” (TLS S4;E20) aired on February 7, 1966.

(2) “The Greatest Show on Earth” (1963-64) starring Jack Palance and set in a traveling circus. Lucy made a guest appearance on the series in December 1963. 

“Glynis” (1963) starred Glynis Johns and Keith Andes (Lucille’s Wildcat leading man) played an absent-minded private detective and her lawyer husband. 

“Fair Exchange” (1962-63) starred Eddie Foy Jr. and Vic Madden as World War Two buddies who exchange teenage daughters (Judy Carne and Lynne Loring) for a year.  

Robert Joseph Thomas (1922–2014) was a Hollywood biographer and reporter who worked for the Associated Press from 1944. As of 2014, he was twice listed in the Guinness World Records, for the longest career as a reporter, and for the most consecutive Academy Awards shows covered by an entertainment reporter.