THE GRASS WIDOW(S)

August 1, 1948

In July and August during the summer of 1948, Columbia newbie Lucille Ball was playing musical chairs with film roles, swapping a part in the comedy “The Grass Widow” with Rosalind Russell’s next assignment, “Miss Grant Takes Richmond.”  Both pix were to be directed by S. Simon Sylvan. 

Lucille seems ideal for the role of ditzy secretary Ellen Grant, who takes the heart of young realtor / bookie Dick Richmond (Van Johnson).  

By 1948, Lucille was in demand, and studios were lavishing scripts on her. She landed at Columbia. Her parting shot at RKO was first titled “Interference” before being re-named “Easy Living” with Mature and Tufts still on board.  After “Widow” / “Richmond”, Lucy had ideas to do a picture with Desi about a photographer named Robert Capa. Sadly, that film was never made, but it did keep Lucille’s focus on transitioning from radio to television, and bringing Desi with her. 

The reason for the swap (at least the reason given to the press) is that Roz wanted an all-out comedy, which, despite it’s title, “Grass Widows” was.  

Her previous film had been a film adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s stage drama about a Civil War widow, madness, and suicide, based on the ancient Greek drama “The Orestia.”   

Despite the public’s reluctance and the press’s indifference, her role in “Mourning Becomes Electra” earned Roz a Golden Globe as well as an Oscar nomination.  

When all was said and done, Roz passed on “The Grass Widow” which was never made. Ironically, one of Roz Russell’s most famous stage and screen creations was Auntie Mame.  Lucy got to do the musical, even though Roz had nabbed the prime role of Mama Rose in “Gypsy” from the great Ethel Merman.  Ironically, neither Roz nor Lucy were ever known for their vocal skills.  Roz was only four years older than Lucille.  

Instead, Russell returned to Lucy’s old stomping ground RKO and did “The Velvet Touch”, under the direction of Jack Gage.  S. Sylvian Simon, who was supposed to direct “Grass Widow” produced Lucy’s “Miss Grant” and her “Fuller Brush Girl” (he had directed the first film, “The Fuller Brush Man”). His last project before his untimely death was the much-anticipated “Born Yesterday”.  Every star in Hollywood seemed to be mentioned for the female lead of Billie Dawn – including Lucille Ball!  She didn’t get it – but that’s another story!