MY NEXT HUSBAND at COLUMBIA

July 7, 1948

What My Next Husband Will Be was announced in June 1948 as a vehicle for Lucille Ball.

By October the lead had gone to Rosalind Russell and Ball was assigned to Miss Grant Takes Richmond, a film by the same creative team.  It was Ball’s 72nd film.  

In November, Buddy Adler was attached to produce. Norman Foster signed to direct in December 1948. Fred MacMurray agreed to co star.

The title was changed to Tell it to the Judge in April 1949, by which time Bob Cummings signed to co-star with Russell. By then, Russell’s character had changed from a Broadway star, to a Federal Judge. 

Norman Foster directed the film which started April 5, 1949. In May 1949 Charles Vidor was called in to direct re-takes. It premiered in November 1949.  The uncredited cast featured future “Lucy” cast members Herb Vigran, Jay Novello, Jack Chefe, Bess Flowers, William Newell, and others. 

In 1961, Lucy visits with Rosalind Russell on the set of Gypsy, a role she took from stage star Ethel Merman.  Ten years later, Lucy would steal a role Russell made famous, Auntie Mame, in the movie musical of the stage hit.