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LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1967 Part One ~ JANUARY to JULY
Season Five of “The Lucy Show” concludes. The season ends with Lucille Ball as an Emmy winner. Along the way, she has fun with Vivian Vance, Carol Burnett, Zero Mostel, Mel Torme, Don Rickles, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sheldon Leonard, and a trio of chimps!
“Lucy’s Substitute Secretary” (TLS S5;E14) ~ January 2, 1967
Ruta Lee guest stars as the title character. The episode was filmed on November 10, 1966. Lucy appears in a variety of crazy get-ups.
“Viv Visits Lucy”
(TLS S5;E15) ~ January 9, 1967
This is Vivian Vance’s first appearance since the end of Season 3. Vance is now married and living on the East Coast, just like her character. Lucy convinces Viv to go undercover as beatniks / hippies to help a boy from Danfield.
“Carol
+ 2″ ~ January 15, 1967
Carol Burnett’s plus two are Lucille Ball and Zero Mostel, in an evening of songs and sketches. The show was a critical and ratings success and CBS rebroadcast it on January 15, 1967. It was released on DVD on May 17, 2016. In April 2016, MeTV broadcast the special for the first time in 50 years.
“Lucy the Babysitter”
(TLS S5;E16) ~ January 16, 1967
In this case, the ‘babies’ turn out to be a trio of chimpanzees! The episode also featured Mary Wickes, Elvia Allman, The Marquis Chimps, and a baby elephant!
“Main Street U.S.A.”
(TLS S5;E17) ~ January 23, 1967
The first of a two-part musical episode about Lucy saving small town life. Co-starring Mel Torme, Paul Winchell (sans puppets), and John Bubbles.
“Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map”
(TLS S5;E18) ~ January 30, 1967
The same cast returns (with the addition of Carole Cook and Dan Rowan) for the musical conclusion.
“Lucy Meets the Law”
(TLS S5;E19) ~ February 13, 1967
Not the first (nor the last) time Lucy is behind bars. Claude Akins guest stars. The episode was filmed January 6, 1967, the first to be filmed after the holidays.There was no new “Lucy Show” on February 6, 1967. Instead, CBS showed a repeat.
“Lucy the Fight Manager”
(TLS S5;E20) ~ February 20, 1967
Insult comic Don Rickles plays a washed-up prize fighter that Lucy coaches back to the ring. This is the only episode written by Ronald Axe and Les Roberts.
“The Jackie Gleason Show” (S1;E21) ~ February 25, 1967
Lucille Ball joins in the celebrations for Jackie Gleason’s 51st birthday.
“Lucy and Tennessee Ernie Ford” (TLS S5;E21) ~ February 28, 1967
One Lucille Ball’s favorite guest stars returns, this time playing country crooner Homer Higgins. This is director Maury Thompson’s last time working with Lucille Ball, and the final episode filmed for season five.
“Lucy Meets Sheldon Leonard”
(TLS S5;E22) ~ March 6, 1967
This episode was shot on Friday, January 20, 1967, one day later than the show’s usual filming day. Although it aired as the season finale, it was actually filmed before the penultimate episode. Sheldon Leonard (who played himself) was an actor / director who worked extensively on the Desilu lot.
“The
19th Annual Emmy Awards” ~ June 4, 1967
Held at the Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, and broadcast on ABC. Lucille Ball walked away a winner, although the series itself was not nominated. Gale Gordon lost to Don Knotts (”The Andy Griffith Show”). Director Jack Donohue lost to James Frawley (”The Monkees”).
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LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1966 Part Two ~ JULY to DECEMBER
Season Five of “The Lucy Show” begins. A special titled “Lucy In London” takes the show on location for the first (and last time). There’s also appearances with Bob Hope, George Burns, Milton Berle, Phil Silvers, John Wayne, Paul Winchell, Jim Nabors, and Carol Burnett!
“The
Milton Berle Show” (S1;E1) ~ September 9, 1966
Lucille Ball helps Milton Berle kick off his new variety show. Richard Harris was also a guest and sang “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. Filmed at the Hollywood Palace Theatre. Despite much hype, this new ABC-TV show only lasted seven episodes.
“Lucy with George Burns” (TLS S5;E1) ~ September 12, 1966
This episode begins the shortest season of any Lucille Ball series (except for the ill-fated “Life With Lucy”), producing only 22 episodes.
This show was filmed in mid-June 1966, before the cast and crew went on summer hiatus. A new opening title sequence was created but Lucille Ball reportedly hated it, and it was replaced by a revamped version of the kaleidoscope opening.
“Lucy and the Submarine”
(TLS S5;E2) ~ September 19, 1966
The episode employs stock footage of sailors working on a docked submarine and of a sub moving through the water and then resurfacing. Lucille Ball’s voice sounds a bit scratchy, perhaps as the result of illness combined with her heavy smoking.
“Lucy the Bean Queen” (TLS S5;E3) ~ September 26, 1966
This episode was filmed June 30, 1966. It featured Ed Begley Sr. as the founder of Bailey’s Beans. To prepare for this episode, Lucille Ball learned to drive a forklift – in a week!
“A Bob
Hope Comedy Special: Bob Hope’s Leading Ladies” (S17;E1) ~ September 28, 1966
Lucile Ball plays herself and arrives in Bob Hope’s bedroom on a chauffeur-driven adult-size tricycle! During their scene, old friends Ball and Hope continually crack each other up.
“Lucy and Paul Winchell” (TLS S5;E4) ~ October 3, 1966
Ventriloquist Paul Winchell plays himself and brings along his usual cast dummies: Knucklehead Smiff, Jerry Mahoney, Snitchy the Snail, Tessie Mahoney, and (of course) Lucy!
“Lucy and the Ring-a-Ding Ring” (TLS S5;E5) ~ October 10, 1966
Lucy gets Mrs. Mooney’s new diamond ring stuck on her finger – then takes too many sleeping pills! A 16 year-old Lucie Arnaz has a quick cameo as a passing hippie.
“Lucy Flies to London”
(TLS S5;E6) ~ October 17, 1966
This episode is also known as “Lucy Goes to London.” It was filmed on Thursday, September 15, 1966, and was designed as a lead-in to the following week’s CBS special “Lucy in London.” Much of the scene aboard the airplane was taken directly from the unsold pilot “The Victor Borge Comedy Theatre,” which also featured Lucille Ball and Gale Gordon.
“I’ve Got a Secret” ~ October 17, 1966 at 10:30pm
Lucy promotes next week’s CBS special “Lucy in London” talking about her love for London, especially Carnaby Street, and its mod fashions. To see if Americans share her opinion, the show gives 100 audience members voting buttons. Three fashion models come out, and while Lucy describes their outfits, the audience members make their voices heard. Steve Allen is host.
“Lucy in London” ~ October 24, 1966
Although Lucille plays Lucy Carmichael, this is considered a stand-alone special, and is not included in “The Lucy Show’s” syndication package. This was the first time Lucille Ball filmed on location in a foreign country. Ball was supposed to star in three such ‘travel’ specials, but this is the only one produced.
“Lucy Gets a Roommate”
(TLS S5;E7) ~ October 31, 1966
Carol Burnett plays librarian Carol Bradford, the first of many times Burnett will co-star on a Lucille Ball sitcom. This episode was filmed on Thursday, July 14, 1966.
“Lucy and Carol in Palm Springs” (TLS S5;E8) ~ November 7, 1966
Lucille loved Carol Burnett and she loved Palm Springs so she brought the two together in one show. (Of course, Palms Springs was filmed in Hollywood.) Dan Rowan co-stars with musical guests The Vagabonds.
“Lucy Gets Caught Up in the Draft”
(TLS S5;E9) ~ November 14, 1966
Lucy Carmichael gets an induction letter for a ‘Lou C. Carmichael’ telling her to report for military duty. Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) makes a cameo appearance in the show’s final moments.
“Lucy and John Wayne” (TLS S5;E10) ~ November 21, 1966
Just as he did on “I Love Lucy,” John Wayne plays himself making a movie. Milton Berle makes a cameo in the studio commissary scene.
“Lucy and Pat Collins” (TLS S5;E11) ~ November 28, 1966
Real-life nightclub entertainer Pat Collins (billed as ‘the hip hypnotist’) guest-stars and puts Mr. Mooney and Lucy into her act and under her spell. Cher’s mom, Georgia Holt, does a cameo as a fur model.
“Lucy and the Monkey”
(TLS S5;E12) ~ December 5, 1966
Stress-induced hallucinations make Lucy think Mr. Mooney is a monkey. Guest starring Hal March, Lew Parker, and Janos Prohaska as the monkey!
“Lucy and Phil Silvers” (TLS S5;E13) ~ December 12, 1966
Phil Silvers plays an efficiency expert charged with increasing productivity at the bank. To inspire Lucy, he makes her work on a conveyor belt at a toy factory.
Also in 1966…
“The Carol Channing Show” (unsold pilot)
Desi Arnaz created this pilot for a possible series starring Carol Channing. The pilot was written by “I Love Lucy” writers Madelyn Davis and Bob Carroll Jr. and featured Desi and Jimmy Garrett, who played Lucy Carmichael’s son Jerry on “The Lucy Show.” Lucille Ball did NOT appear.
1966, Beans, Carol Burnett, Carol Channing, CBS, Desi Arnaz, Drafted, Ed Begley Sr., Gale Gordon, George Burns, Gomer Pyle, hypnotism, I’ve Got A Secret, Janos Prohaska, Jimmy Garrett, John Wayne, London, Lucille Ball, Lucy in London, Milton Berle, Palm Springs, Pat Collins, Paul Winchell, Phil Silvers, Submarine, Tessie Mahoney, The Lucy Show, The Milton Berle Show, tv -
LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1966 Part One ~ JANUARY to JUNE
“The Lucy Show” finishes its fourth season, the first set in California. It includes Lucille Ball’s favorite episode of the series and has appearances by Mickey Rooney, Art Linkletter, Dean Martin, Bob Crane, Jay North, and Clint Walker.
“Lucy, the Rain Goddess” (TLS S4;E15) ~ January 3, 1966
This is the first new episode aired in 1966. The script was finalized on November 3, 1965. Jamie Farr (”M*A*S*H*) plays a Native American named Vince.
“Lucy and Art Linkletter”
(TLS S4;E16) ~ January 10, 1966
This is the 100th episode of “The Lucy Show” filmed on November 11, 1965. TV host Art Linkletter plays himself.
“Lucy Bags a Bargain”
(TLS S4;E17) ~ January 17, 1966
Lucy wants to buy a new dinette set, but Mr. Mooney won’t give her the money so she takes a job at the department store. Lots of callbacks to previous episodes with Lucy on stilts and skates.
“Lucy Meets Mickey Rooney”
(TLS S4;E18) ~ January 24, 1966
Lucy reprises her Charlie Chaplin pantomime with Mickey Rooney, her acting coach.
“Lucy and the Soap Opera”
(TLS S4;E19) ~ January 31, 1966
Lucy disguises herself in a number of outrageous get-ups to gain access to her favorite soap’s reclusive writer in order to discover how the show will turn out.
“Lucy Goes to a Hollywood Premiere”
(TLS S4;E20) ~ February 7, 1966
Lucy takes a job as a Hollywood cinema usher. Celebrity cameos by Kirk Douglas, Jimmy Durante, Edward G. Robinson, and Vince Edwards (”Ben Casey”).
“The
Dean Martin Show” (S1;E21) ~ February 10, 1966
Dean Martin’s guests Lucille Ball, Kate Smith perform a Vaudeville medley: “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “Wait till the Sun Shines Nellie,” and “Yankee Doodle." This was a reciprocal appearance in return for…
"Lucy Dates Dean Martin”
(TLS S4;E21) ~ February 14, 1966
Dean Martin plays himself and his stunt double Eddie (who wears glasses) – but which one is Lucy dating? Said to be Lucille Ball’s personal favorite episode of the series. Martin sings “Everybody Loves Somebody.”
“Lucy and Bob Crane”
(TLS S4;E22) ~ February 21, 1966
Bob Crane (”Hogan’s Heroes”) plays himself filming a World War One movie. Lucy and Mr. Mooney get into the act. John Banner (Sergeant Schultz) makes a cameo appearance.
“Lucy, the Robot”
(TLS S4;E23) ~ February 28, 1966
Jay North (”Dennis the Menace”) guest stars with Lucy as Major Fun Fun, his new toy soldier robot. North plays Gale Gordon’s nephew after having played neighbor John Wilson in the final years of “Dennis the Menace.”
“Lucy and Clint Walker” (TLS S4;E23) ~ March 7, 1966
Clint Walker (”Cheyenne”) returns as Lucy’s construction worker boyfriend.
The working title of this episode was “Lucy and the Sweater” because the plot revolved around Lucy’s attempt to get his measurements to knit him a birthday gift.
“Lucy, the Gun Moll”
(TLS S4;E24) ~ March 14, 1966
Lucille Ball plays both Lucy Carmichael and Rusty the Gun Moll in a satire of the Desilu series “The Untouchables.” Starring Robert Stack, Bruce Gordon, Steve London, and announcer Walter Winchell.
“Lucy, the Superwoman”
(TLS S4;E26) ~ March 21, 1966
Lucy develops super-human strength. The premise of this episode was taken from a rejected script of “Gilligan’s Island”! [It probably should have remained that way!]
“The
Magic of Broadcasting” ~ May 1, 1966
A one-hour documentary on the history of radio and television aired on CBS TV. Also featuring Arthur Godfrey, Sheldon Leonard, and Rod Serling. Produced by Lee Mendelson (”Peanuts”).
“The
Eamonn Andrews Show” (S2;E34) ~ May 22, 1966
Lucille Ball appears on Eamonn Andrews’ UK-based talk show while she was in England filming “Lucy in London.” She shares the stage with an eclectic panel consisting of Mohammad Ali, Noel Coward and Dudley Moore. The same evening this chat show aired, Ball was nominated for a 1966 Emmy Award which she lost to Mary Tyler Moore (”The Dick Van Dyke Show”). Lucille was not in attendance at the ceremony due to her travel schedule, but did attend CBS’s Emmy Nominee Party a week later on May 28.
Also in 1966…
“USC Pioneer Film Awards” ~ January 30, 1966
Lucille wins an award from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Drama. Bob Crane (”Hogan’s Heroes”) introduces Ball. She is joined onstage by Jim Backus (”Gilligan’s Island”), husband Gary Morton, and co-star Gale Gordon, who each ask Lucille a question about her career for the benefit of the student audience in attendance. Gregory
Peck and Shirley Booth are also awarded. The event was filmed for posterity, but not broadcast. A clip can be seen on the special features of the season two “Here’s Lucy” DVD box set.
“CBS
Affiliates Sketch” ~ May 3, 1966
Not much is known about this event, or if it was broadcast, but affiliates were generally courted for scheduling of network programming. The date indicates that it was likely in promotion of the upcoming fifth season of “The Lucy Show.” Because Lucille was overseas during most of May, the sketch was likely filmed in advance. This type of thing was rarely seen by the public.
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LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1965 Part Two ~ AUGUST to DECEMBER
Finally in color, “The Lucy Show” launches its fourth season!
“Password” ~ August 26, 1965
Lucille and Gary play with and against Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.
Lucy’s mother, Dede Ball, is sitting in the front row.
“The
Steve Lawrence Show” (S1;E1) ~ September 13, 1965
Singer Steve Lawrence kicks off his short-lived variety show with Lucille Ball riding on the back of a pink elephant. In 1973, Lawrence and his wife Eydie
Gormé
will appear on “Here’s Lucy.” This program aired on CBS, one hour after the season 4 premiere of “The Lucy Show.”
“Lucy at Marineland”
(TLS S4;E1) ~ September 13, 1965
Season 4 of “The Lucy Show” kicks off with Lucy Carmichael and Mr. Mooney now living in Southern California. This episode is set at Marineland and features baseball player Jimmy Piersall and Harvey Korman. Featuring Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.
“Lucy and the Golden Greek” (TLS S4;E2) ~ September 20, 1965
The episode was filmed on June 3, 1965. The title of the episode refers to a restaurant, not a character. Mary Jane Croft (above) made her first of many appearances as Mary Jane Lewis, her real married name.
“Lucy in the Music World” (TLS S4;E3) ~ September 27, 1965
Mel Tormé plays Lucy’s neighbor, Mel Tinker, who is a singer/songwriter. They get booked on a TV variety show. Songs include “My Trousseau Just Lies on the Shelf” and “Wing Ding.”
“Lucy and Joan”
(TLS S4;E4) ~ October 11, 1965
Not Crawford (who’d appear in 1968), or Rivers (who’d also appear in 1968), but Joan Blondell (above), playing new neighbor Joan Brenner. Lucy’s Wildcat co-star Keith Andes makes a third appearance.
“Lucy the Stunt Man”
(TLS S4;E5) ~ October 18, 1965
The first of three times Lucy plays ‘Iron Man Carmichael’. A clip from this episode was part of the season four ‘kaleidoscope’ opening title sequence. This was Joan Blondell’s second and last appearance as Joan Brenner. Lucille and Blondell did not get along.
“Lucy and the Countess Have a Horse Guest”
(TLS S4;E6) ~ October 25, 1965
This is William Frawley’s final appearance on television. He died five months later, the first of the “I Love Lucy” cast to pass away. Two live horses and two foals were featured.
“Lucy Helps Danny Thomas” (TLS S4;E7) ~ November 1, 1965
Danny Thomas plays himself. The routine of Lucy coming down a staircase wearing an extremely heavy headdress was recycled directly from the “I Love Lucy” episode “Lucy Gets into Pictures” (ILL S4;E18). Lucy repeats some of the same dialogue and comic business she did in 1955.
“Lucy Helps the Countess” (TLS S4;E8) ~ November 8, 1965
This time, she helps her sell real estate. The Countess (Ann Sothern), Lucy, and Mr. Mooney end up locked in a high rise apartment.
“Lucy and the Sleeping Beauty”
(TLS S4;E9) ~ November 15, 1965
Clint Walker (”Cheyenne”) plays a handsome construction worker who Lucy sets her sights on. Mary Wickes is also in the cast.
“Lucy and the Undercover Agent”
(S4;E10) ~ November 22, 1965
Jack Cassidy plays the title character, who convinces Lucy to go undercover as Carol Channing!
“A
Salute to Stan Laurel” ~ November 23, 1965
After Stan Laurel’s death, this special was rushed into production. Lucille Ball gets to do a sketch with her mentor, Buster Keaton. Harvey Korman also stars.
“Lucy and the Return of Iron Man” (TLS S4;E11) ~ November 29, 1965
The second of three episodes where Lucy takes a job as stuntman ‘Ironman Carmichael.’ This time she’s doing a pirate movie in which she gets shot out of a cannon.
“Lucy Saves Milton Berle” (TLS S4;E12) ~ December 6, 1965
Doing research to play an alcoholic, Milton Berle disguises himself as a drunk. He tells
Lucy that he is Milton Berle’s twin brother, Arthur. Lucy vows to get even with Berle for neglecting his brother.
“Danny
Thomas’ The Wonderful World of Burlesque” ~ December 8, 1965
Lucille appears in a comedy sketch based on the film White Cargo and finishes the show performing an aerial ballet as a butterfly!
“Lucy the Choirmaster”
(TLS S4;E13) ~ December 13, 1965
This is the second (and last) holiday episode of the series. Like the first, it also includes a choir – this one featuring Mr. Mooney!
“Lucy Discovers Wayne Newton”
(TLS S4;E14) ~ December 27, 1965
The previous week, Monday, December 20, 1965, CBS aired a rerun of “Lucy in the Music World” (TLS S4;E3). Wayne Newton performs “Side By Side”, “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You”, and an ode to his cow, “Bessie the Heifer.”
Also in 1965…
“The
Ed Sullivan Show” (S18;E2) ~ September 19, 1965
From Hollywood, Ed Sullivan’s first color telecast features Dino,
Desi & Billy who perform “I’m a Fool” and “Not the Loving
Kind.”
“I’ve
Got a Secret” ~ November 9, 1965
Vivian Vance, who had left “The Lucy Show” and was living on the East Coast, appeared on “I’ve Got a Secret” guest hosted by Steve Allen. Vivian purposely talked very fast because her ‘secret’ was that everything they said was being written down in short-hand backstage.
1965, Ann Sothern, Burlesque, Buster Keaton, Carol Channing, CBS, Clint Walker, Danny Thomas, Desi Arnaz Jr., Dino Desi & Billy, Ed Sullivan, Harvey Korman, I’ve Got A Secret, Jack Cassidy, Joan Blondell, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Marineland, Milton Berle, Password, Stan Laurel, Steve Allen, Steve Lawrence, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Lucy Show, tv, TV Guide, Vivian Vance, Wayne Newton, William Frawley -
LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1965 Part One ~ JANUARY to JULY
Season Three of “The Lucy Show” concludes, the last one aired in black and white and the last season to take place in Danfield, New York.
“Password” ~ January 7, 1965
Lucille Ball is introduced as “the brilliant comedienne and fabulous star of motion pictures and television.” Lucy says that lately she’s been playing golf for relaxation. Ball plays with and against her husband, Gary Morton, and her friend Carole Cook.
“Lucy and the Ceramic Cat”
(TLS S3;E16) ~ January 11, 1965
This is the first new episode aired in 1965. There was no new “Lucy Show” on Monday, January 4, 1965, due to newly re-elected President Lyndon B. Johnson’s televised State of the Union Address. This episode was filmed on November 5, 1964.
Bigelow’s Department Store was named for the biggest department store in Lucy’s hometown of Jamestown, New York.
“Lucy Goes to Vegas”
(TLS S3;E17) ~ January 18, 1965
Lucy and Viv win a trip to Las Vegas from Bigelow’s Department Store for being the one millionth customer through the door. Filmed November 12, 1964.
“Lucy and the Monsters”
(TLS S3;E18) ~ January 25, 1965
The monster characters featured are mostly from the Universal Studios pantheon of monsters. Series Camera Coordinator Maury Thompson and assistant director / associate producer Tommy Thompson came up with the premise for this episode and receive screen credit for the story.
“Lucy and the Countess”
(TLS S3;E19) ~ February 1, 1965
With Vivian Vance doing fewer episodes, Lucille’s friend Ann Sothern is brought on as the Countess Framboise (formerly Rosie Hannigan). Ball and Sothern reprise the drunk bit they did on the first “Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” “Lucy Takes a Cruise to Havana” (1957) and on “The Ann Sothern Show” (1959).
“My Fair Lucy” (TLS S3;E20) ~ February 8, 1965
This episode was filmed on December 3, 1964. This is production #78, exactly halfway through the “Lucy Show” catalog of 156 episodes.
The episode is inspired by My Fair Lady, a 1956 stage musical by Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe that was turned into a major motion picture in 1964.
“Lucy and the Countess Lose Weight”
(TLS S3;E21) ~ February 15, 1965
The routine of Lucy milking the farmer’s cow is pretty much the same as when Lucy Ricardo did it in “Lucy’s Bicycle Trip” (ILL S5;E24). Although Lucille Ball owned a cow at her Chatsworth ranch, she claimed she had never milked a cow before.
“Lucy and the Old Mansion”
(TLS S3;E22) ~ March 1, 1965
This is the final episode for Candy Moore (after 39 episodes) and Ralph Hart (after 44 episodes).
“The Lucy Show” was preempted the previous week (February 22, 1965) for the CBS special “Cinderella” by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
“What’s My Line?” (S16;E27) ~ March 7, 1965
Lucille Ball does a nasal Woody Woodpecker-type voice. Lucy admits she has a television show on at present and Arlene Francis guesses that it is “dazzling redhead” Lucy Ball. Host John Daly tells the audience that she is this year’s Easter Seals Chairman.
“I’ve Got A Secret” (S16;E27) ~ March 8, 1965
Lucille Ball is introduced as the National Chairman for the Easter Seals campaign. Her husband, Gary Morton, is on the panel. Before the show, questions were solicited for Lucille Ball. The panel is asked to answer as if they were Lucy.
“Lucy and Arthur Godfrey”
(TLS S3;E23) ~March 8, 1965
Arthur Godfrey had been a huge television star in the 1950s, but by this time was semi-retired. He was a very influential entertainer and celebrity who made or ended many entertainers careers. They stage a play called “The Founding of Danfield.”
“Lucy and the Beauty Doctor” (TLS S3;E24) ~ March 22, 1965
The previous week (March 15, 1965) “The Lucy Show” was pre-empted for President Lyndon B. Johnson’s address to a joint session of Congress. The beauty treatment turns out to be a hidden camera show gag for a (fictional) TV show called “Boiling Point,” a show modeled loosely on “Candid Camera.”
“Lucy the Stockholder”
(TLS S3;E25) ~ March 29, 1965
This episode was intended to be the season three finale, but due to constant pre-emptions by the network, it turned out to be the second to last instead.
“Lucy the Disc Jockey” (TLS S3;E26) ~ April 12, 1965
A clip from this episode was used in the season 4 kaleidoscope opening.
Pat Harrington (“One Day at a Time”) appears. This is the last episode featuring Vivian Vance as a regular co-star. This is the last new episode to be broadcast by CBS in black and white. This is the last time Lucy and Mr. Mooney will live in Danfield, NY. The pair relocate to California at the start of season four.
“What’s
My Line?” (S16;E47) ~ July 25, 1965
Mystery Guest Lucille Ball answers the questions with the same voice she used as Queen of the Gypsies in “The Operetta” (ILL S2;E5) and the fairy tale witch in “Little Ricky’s Pageant” (ILL S6;E10). Dorothy Kilgallen asks if she has bright red hair and Mike Douglas guesses Lucille Ball. Lucy is in New York City to appear on the series premiere of “The Steve Lawrence Show.” Host John Daly tells viewers that Lucy’s show [which he mistakenly calls “The Lucille Ball Show”] will be on a half hour earlier in the fall, moving from 9pm Mondays to 8:30pm.
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LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1964 Part Two ~ AUGUST to DECEMBER
In addition to kicking off Season Three of “The Lucy Show,” Lucille Ball does specials with Danny Kaye, Bob Hope and Jack Benny.
“Lucy and the Good Skate”
(TLS S3;E1) ~ September 21, 1964
When Lucy fears she isn’t spending enough time with her kids, she takes up roller skating. At the beginning of the 1964–65 season, “The Lucy Show” went through significant staff changes.
This episode was written by Jerry Belson and Garry Marshall.
“Password” ~ September 24, 1964
Lucille Ball is introduced as the comedy star of television, motion pictures, and the Broadway stage.
Vivian Vance, is introduced as “a housewife from Stamford, Connecticut.” They play alongside Gary Morton and Peter Lawford.
“Lucy and the Plumber”
(TLS S3;E2) ~ September 28, 1964
The plumber looks like Jack Benny (and is played by Jack Benny). Bob Hope makes a cameo appearance as the plumber’s assistant. After 59 episodes, this is the first one in which Vivian Vance does not appear.
“The Jack Benny Program: The Lucille Ball Show” ~ October 2, 1964
This was Lucille Ball’s way of repaying Jack Benny for his appearance on “The Lucy Show.” Benny and Ball do a sketch about Mr. and Mrs. Paul Revere. Also starring Arte Johnson (”Laugh-In”) and Benny’s announcer Don Wilson as George Washington.
“Lucy and the Winter Sports” (TLS S3;E3) ~ October 5, 1964
Some sources list this episode as “Lucy Tries Winter Sports.” In reality, Lucy tries a lot of sports, but never gets any closer to a ski slope than her back yard. Keith Andes, Lucille’s Wildcat co-star, returns.
“Lucy Gets Amnesia” (TLS S3;E4) ~ October 12, 1964
This is the first episode written by Leonard Gershe, author of the Broadway hit Butterflies are Free (1969) as well as its movie version in 1972. Broadway favorites Fifi D’Orsay (Follies) and Max Showalter (Hello, Dolly!) appear.
“Bob Hope Presents Chrysler Theatre: Have Girls, Will Travel” (S2;E3) ~ October 16, 1964
Lucille Ball does a cameo as Hope’s wife in a cast of ‘girls’ that includes Jill St. John, Marilyn Maxwell, and Rhonda Fleming as Faith, Hope, and Purity in a comedy set in the old West. Bob Hope plays Horatio Lovelace. The show was used by RCA to sell color televisions.
“Lucy and the Great Bank Robbery” (TLS S3;E5) ~ October 19, 1964
This episode was filmed on June 4, 1964, before the production went on hiatus for the summer. It was aired out of filming sequence. Lloyd Corrigan (left) and John Williams play the respectable robbers, staying with the Carmichael home during the 1964 Worlds Fair.
“Lucy, the Camp Cook” (TLS S3;E6) ~ October 25, 1964
This episode was aired on a Sunday, one day earlier than the show’s usual Monday night time slot. Guest starring Harvey Korman (”The Carol Burnett Show”) and Madge Blake (”Batman”).
“Lucy, the Meter Maid”
(TLS S3;E7) ~ November 2, 1964
This episode was first aired the day before a US Presidential election in which incumbent Lyndon Johnson handily defeated challenger Barry Goldwater.
Taking place on a Danfield city street, the episode employs four different vehicles.
“The Danny Kaye Show” (S2;E7) ~ November 4, 1964
The main sketch imagines what would happen if a snowstorm kept all but two actors in a traveling troupe from arriving at the theatre to perform a Victorian melodrama. Danny Kaye and Lucille Ball perform “The Balloonists,” a song and comedy routine featuring dozens of balloons.
“Lucy Makes a Pinch” (TLS S3;E8) ~ November 9, 1964
Continues the storyline of Lucy taking a job with the Danfield Police Department. After this, the plot will be dropped. This episode was filmed on Thursday, August 20, 1964.
“Password” ~ November 12, 1964
Lucille and Gary play against Lucie and Desi Jr. Gary Morton promotes Lucy’s CBS radio show, “Let’s Talk to Lucy.”
“Lucy Becomes a Father” (TLS S3;E9) ~ November 16, 1964
One of several episodes where widow Lucy strives to be both mother and father to her son Jerry. Lucille has a scene with a live trained bear.
“Lucy’s Contact Lenses” (TLS S3;E10) ~ November 23, 1964
Lucy looses a lens – which she thinks is in one of a dozen chocolate cakes. Nelson, Mr. Mooney’s dog, makes an appearance.
“Lucy Gets Her Maid”
(TLS S3;E11) ~ November 30, 1964
…but in order to afford one, she must become one. With Viv’s help, of course! Norma Varden plays the haughty boss. Her international dinner party devolves into a quick-change act for frantic Lucy and Viv.
“Lucy Gets the Bird” (TLS S3;E12) ~ December 7, 1964
When Lucy is bird-sitting for Mr. Mooney’s prize pet Greenback, the bird flies away, and Lucy and Viv will do anything to get him back. In real life, Lucille Ball had a bird phobia.
“Lucy, the Coin Collector” (TLS S3;E13) ~ December 14, 1964
A still photo from this episode with Lucy and Viv in overalls was featured in the photo collage on the Official Season 3 DVD box.
A scene from this episode was included in “Lucy and Viv Reminisce” (TLS S6;E16), the series’ only clips episode.
“Lucy and the Missing Stamp”
(TLS S3;E14) ~ December 21, 1964
Eleven years earlier, Lucy Ricardo also sold Handy Dandy vacuum cleaners in “Sales Resistance” (ILL S2;E17). The shot of Lucy in the mail bag (above) was prominently featured in the title sequence of season 4.
“Lucy Meets Danny Kaye” (TLS S3;E15) ~ December 28, 1964
Lucy wants to get tickets for “The Danny Kaye Show” but ends up ON “The Danny Kaye Show” instead! Kaye’s appearance was in return for Lucille appearing on his show.
1964, Allen Ludden, Arte Johnson, Bob Hope, CBS, Danny Kaye, Desi Arnaz Jr., Fifi D’Orsay, Gale Gordon, Gary Morton, Harvey Korman, Jack Benny, Jill St. John, John Williams, Lloyd Corrigan, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Madge Blake, Marilyn Maxwell, Max Showalter, Norma Varden, Password, Paul Revere, peter lawford, Rhonda Fleming, The Danny Kaye Show, The Jack Benny Program, The Lucy Show, tv, Vivian Vance -
LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1964 Part One ~ JANUARY to JULY
Season Two of “The Lucy Show” concludes.
“Lucy Plays Florence Nightingale”
(TLS S2;E14) ~ January 6, 1964
Lucy’s hospital co-workers include Kathleen Freeman and Bernie Kopel (”The Love Boat”). The script was finalized on September 30, 1963.
CBS repeated this episode on April 13, 1964, just before the end of the season.
“Lucy Goes to Art Class” (TLS S2;E15) ~ January 13, 1964
Mona Lucy! The art class also is attended by Robert Alda and taught by John Carradine.
“Chris Goes Steady”
(TLS S2;E16) ~ January 20, 1964
…with Mr. Mooney’s son (played by Michael J. Pollard)! The scene in the tree house will be reused in a 1986 “Life With Lucy” which went un-aired when the series was canceled.
“Lucy Takes Up Golf” (TLS S2;E17) ~ January 27, 1964
Lucille Ball had a new husband who was a golf fanatic – Gary Morton so Lucy Carmichael had a new boyfriend who was a golf fanatic – Gary Stewart (played by Gary Morton). Guest starring real-life golfer Jimmy Demaret who also appeared as himself on “I Love Lucy” in “The Golf Game” (ILL S3;E30). This time he is joined by another golfer F.G. Bo Wininger.
“Lucy Teaches Ethel Merman to Sing” (TLS S2;E18) ~ February 3, 1964
Lucy was a big fan of Ethel Merman and offered her this guest spot after her Desilu pilot “Maggie Brown” was not picked up for series.
Vivian Vance understudied Merman in the 1934 Broadway musical Anything Goes.
“Ethel Merman and the Boy Scout Show”
(TLS S2;E19) ~ February 10, 1964
Originally, the two Merman episodes were intended to be just one, filmed on December 5, 1963, but the material seemed rushed and the stars were enjoying the work so it was decided to expand into a second episode. Lucy plays the saxophone!
“Lucy and Viv Open a Restaurant”
(TLS S2;E20) ~ February 17, 1964
“For Sale: Beautiful Restaurant! Great Location! Real Money-Maker! A-1 Condition!” Lucy and Viv hire Kathleen Freeman and Jack Albertson as their staff!
“Lucy Takes a Job at the Bank” (TLS S2;E21) ~ February 24, 1964
The start of Lucy’s relationship with banker Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon) going from depositor to employee, a relationship that will last through the end of “Here’s Lucy.”
“Viv Moves Out” (TLS S2;E22) ~ March 2, 1964
…and singer Roberta Sherwood moves in – at least for the week. Sherwood and Gale Gordon had co-starred in a 1962 pilot titled “The Roberta Sherwood Show.” If the show had been picked up for a series, Gale Gordon would not have been available to portray Mr. Mooney, changing “The Lucy Show” and Ball and Gordon’s career paths.
“Lucy Is Her Own Lawyer”
(TLS S2;E23) ~ March 9, 1964
The introduction of Nelson, Mr. Mooney’s shaggy dog. John McGiver plays the judge and Disney voice artist Pinto Colvig (Goofy and Pluto) does the barks of all the other dogs!
“Lucy Meets a Millionaire”
(TLS S2;E24) ~ March 16, 1964
…played by Cesare Danova. Aired the day before St. Patrick’s Day, Lucy ends the episode Kelly green after falling into a vat of green dye. Unfortunately, although filmed in color, the show is still aired in black and white, so they audience sees a gray Lucy.
“Lucy Goes Into Politics” (TLS S2;E25) ~ March 23, 1964
Mr. Mooney is running for city comptroller and Lucy and Viv are his campaign workers. When Lucy forgets to book the Highland Bagpipers for a rally, she convinces Viv to don kilts and pick up the pipes.
“Lucy and the Scout Trip” (TLS S2;E26) ~ March 30, 1964
The outfit and wig that Lucy wears in this episode is the same one she wore on “The Indian Show” (ILL S2;E24). Barry Livingston (”My Three Sons”) and Desi Arnaz Jr. are among the scouts.
“The
Lucille Ball Comedy Hour” aka “Mr. & Mrs” ~ April 18, 1964
A CBS color special in which Lucille Ball plays the head of a studio trying to track down Bob Hope to star in a TV show about husband and wife television stars. The first half concerns Lucy’s tracking the elusive Hope all around the world. The second half presents the special that they eventually do together.
“Lucy Is a Process Server” (TLS S2;E27) ~ April 20, 1964
Cameo appearances from Stafford Repp (”Batman”) and Keith Thibodeaux (”Little Ricky”). Filmed March 19, 1964.
“Lucy Enters a Baking Contest” (TLS S2;E28) ~ April 27, 1964
This is the final episode of season two and the last episode written by Madelyn Martin and Bob Carroll, Jr. Lucille was not happy with their final script, accusing them of trying to ruin her career. “The Lucy Show” will be replaced for the summer of 1964 with “Vacation Playhouse,” an anthology series.
“Password” ~ May 7, 1964
Lucille Ball plays with and against her husband Gary and children, Lucie and Desi Jr. (above). Host Allen Ludden
implies that there was a question if “The Lucy Show” would be renewed for a third season. Lucy confirms that the show will be back in the fall and that it will start at 9:00pm, a half hour later.
Allen Ludden, bagpipers, Bob Carroll Jr., Bob Hope, Candy Moore, Cesare Denova, Desi Arnaz Jr., Ethel Merman, F.G. Bo Winninger, Gale Gordon, Gary Morton, golf, Jack Albertson, Jimmy Demaret, Jimmy Garrett, John McGiver, Kathleen Freeman, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Madelyn Martin, Michael J. Pollard, Mona Lisa, Mr. & Mrs., Password, Pinto Colvig, Ralph Hart, Robert Alda, Roberta Sherwood, The Lucy Show, Vivian Vance -
LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1963 Part Two ~ JULY to DECEMBER
Lucille Ball agrees to a second season of “The Lucy Show” which dominates the second half of 1963.
“Talent
Scouts” (S2;E12) ~ September 17, 1963
Host
Merv Griffin welcomes celebrity guests Lucille Ball, Phil Silvers,
Glynis Johns, Red Skelton and Bea Benadaret to present the talent
hopefuls in this series finale.
“General Foods Opening Night” ~ September 22, 1963
The stars of CBS’s fall line-up (all sponsored by General Foods) are afraid they will be fired when Phil Silvers gets a new show (“The New Phil Silvers Show”). Starring Lucille Ball (“The Lucy Show”), Jack Benny (“The Jack Benny Program”), Andy Griffith (“The Andy Griffith Show”), Danny Thomas (“Make Room for Daddy”), and Garry Moore (”I’ve Got A Secret”). Lucille performs the ‘Slowly I Turned’ vaudeville routine with Silvers.
“CBS: The Stars’ Address” ~ September 25, 1963
Promotion for the 1963-64 CBS season starring Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance (”The Lucy Show”); Max Baer, Buddy Ebsen, Donna Douglas, and Irene Ryan (“The Beverly Hillbillies”); Eric Fleming and Clint Eastwood (“Rawhide”).
“Password” ~ September 26, 1963
Lucille Ball promotes the second series of “The Lucy Show.”
“Lucy Plays Cleopatra”
(TLS S2;E1) ~ September 30, 1963
Although Desilu filmed this season of “The Lucy Show” in color, CBS insisted on airing the series in black and white. The opening title sequence was changed to stills from previous episodes, including Lucy as Cleopatra. Hans Conreid returns as Dr. Gitterman.
“Kiddie Parties Inc.” (TLS S2;E2) ~ October 7, 1963
Lucy and Viv go into business. The episode features ten child actors, a dog, a pony, and Lucy flying!
“Lucy and Viv Play Softball” (TLS S2;E3) ~ October 14, 1963
After episodes about Little League baseball and pee-wee football, Lucy and Viv play softball! Featuring William Shallert and Herb Vigran.
“Lucy Gets Locked in the Vault” (TLS S2;E4) ~ October 21, 1963
The episode introduces Gale Gordon as banker Theodore J. Mooney. Also featuring Ellen Corby (”The Waltons”) and Barry Livingston (”My Three Sons”).
“Lucy and the Safe Cracker”
(TLS S2;E5) ~ October 28, 1963
Continues the story of the previous episode with Jay Novello as the title character.
“Lucy Goes Duck Hunting” (TLS S2;E6) ~ November 4, 1963
This episode was actually the first one shot for season two but aired out of sequence meaning that it was also the first one ever filmed in color. Lucy’s new boyfriend is played by Keith Andes, who played her love interest in Wildcat on Broadway.
“Lucy and the Bank Scandal” (TLS S2;E7) ~ November 11, 1963
This is the first mention of Mr. Mooney’s wife Irma who will remain off-screen for the entire series. Director Jack Donohue makes a cameo appearance.
“Lucy Decides to Redecorate”
(TLS S2;E8) ~ November 18, 1963
Lucille Ball wanted to give the set a face-lift. The first 22 minutes were filmed before the series went on summer hiatus after season 1. The last scene showing the Carmichael home with its new look was filmed after production resumed in September.
“Lucy Puts Out a Fire at the Bank” (TLS S2;E9) ~ December 2, 1963
This episode was originally scheduled to air on November 25, 1963, but was pre-empted for coverage of President Kennedy’s funeral. Alan Hale Jr. (”Gilligan’s Island”) is featured.
“Lucy and the Military Academy”
(TLS S2;E10) ~ December 9, 1963
After packing her son Jerry (Jimmy Garrett) off to a military academy, Lucy has second thoughts and must face off with a drill sergeant played by Jackie Coogan (”The Addams Family”) to get him back.
“The Greatest Show On Earth: Lady in Limbo” (S1;E13) ~ December 10, 1963
This is Lucille Ball’s first dramatic appearance on television. Ball was cast in the 1949 film of the same name but had to withdraw when she discovered she was pregnant. This ABC TV series starring Jack Palance was filmed at Desilu lot so Lucille was offered a guest spot as horse trainer Kate Reynolds. Billy Mumy (”Lost in Space”) and Roger C. Carmel (”The Mothers-In-Law”) co-starred.
“Lucy’s College Reunion” (TLS S2;E11) ~ December 16, 1963
The action is set a fictional Milroy University.
This episode uses matte paintings to depict the Milroy campus and the bell tower with the statue of Zacharay Milroy.
“The Loophole in the Lease”
(TLS S2;E12) ~ December 23, 1963
A loophole in the lease would allow Viv to take possession of the Carmichael home. Mr. Mooney suggests that they steal the lease from Viv before she acts on the clause, which means Lucy and Mr. Mooney breaking in to Viv’s bedroom from the window over the garage.
“Password" ~ December 26, 1963
Lucille Ball and Gary Morton are the celebrity players. Lucille says that next Monday on “The Lucy Show” she will conduct a 45 piece orchestra.
“Lucy Conducts the Symphony”
(TLS S2;E13) ~ December 30, 1963
This is the only Lucy program ever to have its entire second half performed completely in pantomime, with not a single word spoken. A short clip from this episode was incorporated into the season 3 credit sequence. The episode features The Manhattan Symphony, Wally Cox, and director Jack Donohue as the conductor Lucy replaces.
Also in 1963…
“Hollywood
Without Make-Up”
Over the course of his career, Ken Murray filmed Hollywood hundreds of celebrities using his 16mm home movie camera. Lucille Ball is seen with Rory Calhoun at Sun Valley, with her dogs at her Chatsworth Ranch, and filming Fancy Pants in 1950 with Bob Hope. Available on DVD and later aired on TMC (The Movie Channel).
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LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1963 Part One ~ JANUARY to JUNE
The conclusion of Lucille Ball’s first season of “The Lucy Show.” Would Ball be talked into a second season? Stay tuned!
“Lucy’s Sister Pays a Visit” (TLS S1;E15) ~ January 7, 1963
The title character was played by Janet Waldo (voice of Judy Jetson) who
played Ricky’s teenage fan Peggy Dawson in “The Young Fans” (ILL S1;20). Her fiancee is played by Peter Marshall (”Hollywood Squares”). Despite the above press photo, the episode was filmed and aired in black and white.
“Lucy and Viv Are Volunteer Firemen”
(TLS S1;E16) ~ January 14, 1963
The episode introduces the concept of Lucy and Viv as firefighters. In connection with this episode, Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance were made honorary fire chiefs of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
“Lucy Becomes a Reporter” (TLS S1;E17) ~ January 21, 1963
We learn a lot about Viv in this episode. Her maiden name is Tuttle. Argyle ‘Socks’ Nelson was her first kiss.
Argyle and Viv were cheerleaders together.
She went to Shortridge High School, which was the real life Indianapolis high school of writer Madelyn Pugh Davis.
“Lucy and Viv Put in a Shower” (TLS S1;E18) ~ January 28, 1963
One of the most memorable episodes of the series.
Lucille Ball later stated that she nearly drowned during the filming of this episode. The gag of being trapped in a shower was repeated on “Will and Grace” in 2017.
“Lucy’s Barbershop Quartet” (TLS S1;E19) ~ February 4, 1963
Hans Conreid makes the first of two appearances as voice coach Dr. Gitterman. Carole Cook and Dorothy Konrad fill out the quartet, which is comprised of the Danfield Volunteer Women Firefighters.
“Lucy and Viv Become Tycoons” (TLS S1;E20) ~ February 11, 1963
This get-rich-quick scheme revolves around selling homemade caramel corn.
The plot of this episode is most most directly taken from 1953’s “The Million Dollar Idea” (ILL S3;E13).
“No More Double Dates”
(TLS S1;E21) ~ February 18, 1963
When Lucy and Viv double date there’s an argument about where to go and what to do. They couples fib to each other about their plans and then end up going to extremes to avoid each other all evening.
“Lucy and Viv Learn Judo” (TLS S1;E22) ~ February 25, 1963
Ed Parker (left) was a Hawaiin-born actor and stuntman who was often referred to as the ‘father of American Karate’. Lucille brought him in to teach her and Vivian the judo moves and also appear on screen. Louis Coppola (right) was a protege of Parker and hired after another actor was unable to do the stunts.
“Lucy Is a Soda Jerk” (TLS S1;E23) ~ March 4, 1963
This episode introduces Lucie Arnaz as Cynthia, Chris Carmichael’s best friend. Desi Arnaz Jr. was seen as a patron at the ice cream parlor. This prompted the above promo photo of Lucille and her children.
“Lucy Drives a Dump Truck” (TLS S1;E24) ~ March 11, 1963
This is a huge production for the series, using more than a dozen extras, 160,000 newspapers, an enormous sound stage dressed as a city street, and six vehicles including the title truck. On or around this date Lucille Ball announced that she would return for a second season of “The Lucy Show.”
“Lucy Visits the White House” (TLS S1;E25) ~ March 25, 1963
Scout mothers Lucy and Viv take their troop and their sugar cube White House to Washington DC via train, where they run into a conductor played by Frank Nelson, who played the train conductor in “The Great Train Robbery” (ILL S5;E5). The episode features a live horse and a horse double and a voice double for President Kennedy!
“Lucy and Viv Take Up Chemistry” (TLS S1;E26) ~ April 1, 1963
The afternoon this episode premiered, ABC premiered “General Hospital” and NBC premiered “The Doctors.” “I Love Lucy” favorite Lou Krugman plays the chemistry teacher.
“Lucy Is a Chaperone” (TLS S1;E27) ~ April 8, 1963
This week TV Guide celebrated the 10th anniversary of their first national edition. Just as Lucy was on the cover in 1953, she is on it again this week. Don Grady (”My Three Sons”) and Lucie Arnaz are featured in this episode, set at the beach.
“Lucy and the Little League” (TLS S1;E28) ~ April 15, 1963
Lucy gets banned from her son’s baseball game, resulting in her adopting numerous disguises. The cast features Herb Vigran, William Schallert, Desi Arnaz Jr., and Mary Jane Croft.
“Lucy and the Runaway Butterfly” (TLS S1;E29) ~ April 22, 1963
Lucy will do anything for her son – including tracking down a rare butterfly. The cast includes Lucy’s friend Mary Wickes and Ellen Corby (”The Waltons”).
“Lucy Buys a Boat” (TLS S1;E30) ~ April 29, 1963
Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance do some very athletic physical comedy coping with a boat pitching in a storm. This was intended to be the last episode of “The Lucy Show,” but Ball was also concerned that one season of shows would not sell well in markets that showed daily repeats.
“The
Ed Sullivan Show” (S15;E31) ~ May 5, 1963
Bob Hope and Lucille Ball talk about their movie Critic’s Choice, which premiered April 13, 1963. This would be their last film together and one they both considered a failure.
“What’s My Line?” (S14) ~ May 5, 1963
While in New York promoting Critic’s Choice, Lucy and Hope also appear on the game show “What’s My Line?”
“The 15th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards” ~ May 26, 1963
Held at the Hollywood Palladium and broadcast on NBC. Lucille Ball is nominated for “The Lucy Show,” but loses to Shirley Booth (”Hazel”).
“The Danny Kaye Show with Lucille Ball” is also nominated, but loses to “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”
ALSO IN 1963…
“Bob
Hope Special : TV Guide Awards” ~ April 14, 1963
Lucille Ball is nominated for Favorite Female Performer, along with Loretta Young, Carol Burnett, Shirley Booth, and Donna Reed. Ball and Reed are not present, and a still photo of them is shown instead. The winner is Carol Burnett!
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LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION
1962
By the fall of 1962, Lucille Ball agrees to return to network television in a new show. It is planned for one season in order to help both CBS and Desilu, who are in financial trouble. It would be called “The Lucy Show” and last six seasons.
“The Good Years” ~ January 12, 1962
Based on a best-selling 1960 book by Walter Lord about the years leading up to World War One, the special was a hodge-podge of sketches and musical numbers about the time period 1900 through 1920. Henry Fonda co-starred.
The 90-minute CBS special was a critical failure and has largely been forgotten.
“The 14th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards” ~ May 22, 1962
Lucille Ball was a presenter. Above photo shows nominee Milton Berle giving her a smooch. Carol Burnett (”The Garry Moore Show”) wins her first Emmy. Lucy’s good friend Mary Wickes (”The Gertrude Berg Show”) was also nominated. The event was held at the Hollywood Palladium and broadcast on NBC.
“The Ed Sullivan Show: 14th Anniversary Show” (S14;E41) ~ June 24, 1962
Lucille Ball makes a cameo appearances to wish Ed Sullivan a happy anniversary – riding atop an elephant! Teresa Brewer sings a “Smile” medley with a backup group wearing Ed Sullivan masks.
“CBS’s Opening Night” ~ September 24, 1962
Jack Webb (above) introduces the Fall 1962 CBS line-up and makes the announcement that Lucille Ball will be returning to television in a new series. In a brief sketch, Lucille is found in her dressing room and introduces a clip of the first episode “Lucy Waits Up For Chris” (TLS S1;E1) starring Candy Moore and Vivian Vance.
“Lucy Waits Up For Chris” (TLS S1;E1) ~ October 1, 1962
The series premiere is directed by Jack Donohue and features some specially lit medium shots of the star. Vivian Vance is back as Ball’s sidekick. The highlight: Lucy Carmichael tries to get access to her second story window by bouncing on a trampoline.
“Lucy Digs Up a Date”
(TLS S1;E2) ~ October 8, 1962
Lucy Carmichael was a widower and Vivian Bagley a divorcee.
The episode introduces Dick Martin as Lucy’s boyfriend Harry and Don Briggs as Viv’s boyfriend Eddie. Character actor William Windom also appears.
“Lucy Is a Referee” (TLS S1;E3) ~ October 15, 1962
Lucille’s real children Lucie and Desi Jr. appear as background characters at the football game. Both will have larger roles in future episodes. Lucille’s directors chair (stenciled with her name) is caught on camera in the background.
“Lucy Misplaces $2,000” (TLS S1;E4) ~ October 22, 1962
Lucy and Viv must track down four $500 bills – at a carnival! In the process, they contend with a girthy granny (Reta Shaw) and Sonita the circus elephant. Because Gale Gordon is not available to play Lucy’s banker (he is doing “Dennis the Menace”), “I Love Lucy” favorite Charles Lane takes the role of banker Barnsdahl.
“The
Bob Hope Show” ~ October 24, 1962
Bing Crosby and Juliet Prowse joined Hope and Lucy. In a sketch, Lucille plays a District Attorney and Bob a gangster named Bugsy. The scene features a bit that was frighteningly prescient: a spray of gunfire comes through the window and DA Lucy remarks “Just what I wanted, a Jackie Kennedy hairdo.” A year later, President Kennedy was shot in the head with his wife sitting beside him in an open car. Future broadcasts of the sketch edit out the moment.
"Lucy Buys a Sheep” (TLS S1;E5) ~ October 29, 1962
The opening scene from this episode was used as the audition material for the children. The episode actually employs a dozen sheep, including a black one, which Viv analogizes to her ex-husband, Ralph (a character we never meet).
“Lucy Becomes an Astronaut”
(TLS S1;E6) ~ November 5, 1962
Lucy and Viv spend 24 hours in a simulated space ship as part of a ‘Women in Space’ experiment.
Just eight months after this episode aired, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. Nancy Kulp (”The Beverly Hillbillies”) appears. This episode was captured on Viewmaster slides by GAF.
“The
Danny Kaye Show” ~ November 11, 1962
Danny Kaye and Lucille Ball play a couple visiting restaurants of different cuisines: Japanese, French, and Tahitian. This is Lucille Ball’s first TV appearance in color.
This program was nominated for three 1963 Emmy Awards as well as a Director’s Guild Award.
“Lucy Is a Kangaroo for a Day”
(TLS S1;E7) ~ November 12, 1962
Sid Gould (right) makes the first of his many appearances on “The Lucy Show” and “Here’s Lucy.” Gould was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton. The ‘First Lady of Star Trek’ Majel Barrett and character actor John McGiver also appear.
“Lucy the Music Lover”
(TLS S1;E8) ~ November 19, 1962
This is the first series appearance for Mary Jane Croft, who previously played Betty Ramsey during season six of “I Love Lucy.” She would eventually become a regular character on the series.
“Lucy Puts Up a TV Antenna”
(TLS S1;E9) ~ November 26, 1962
The rooftop of Lucy’s home was only three feet off the studio floor. A matte painting gave it the appearance of being a two-story home for long shots. A colorized image of Lucy on the roof was used in a “Lucy Show” Gold Key comic book and in the season two opening credits.
“Vivian Sues Lucy” (TLS S1;E10) ~ December 3, 1962
The plot of this episode is similar to the Kaufman and Hart play (and subsequent film) The Man Who Came to Dinner. Charles Lane (Mr. Barnsdahl) makes the last of his four appearances. This is the last time Lane will work with Lucille Ball, giving credence to the theory that he was fired to make way for Gale Gordon as Lucy’s banker.
“Lucy Builds a Rumpus Room” (TLS S1;E11) ~ December 10, 1962
Episode #11 was originally meant to be a show titled “Lucy and Viv Fight Over Harry,” but it was shut down during rehearsal, the only episode to be abandoned after rehearsals began. Lucille Ball wanted to keep Lucy Carmichael single and not pursue a romantic plotline. This replacement episode capitalizes on physical comedy when Lucy and Viv get stuck to the cellar wall and then trapped by a coal delivery.
“Lucy and Her Electric Mattress”
(TLS S1;E12) ~ December 17, 1962
Probably one of the series most memorable episodes of the series has Lucy on stilts in order to gain access to an upper bunk after her new electric bed runs amok. This image above was a promotional still and the episode was filmed and aired in black and white.
“Together for Christmas”
(TLS S1;E13) ~ December 24, 1962
One of two Christmas episodes “The Lucy Show” will produce. Like Lucille Ball and Lucy Ricardo, we learn that Lucy Carmichael is from Jamestown, New York, and has a living mother. While Vivian Vance and Ethel Mertz were both raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Viv Bagley hales from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“Chris’s New Year’s Eve Party” (TLS S1;E14) ~ December 31, 1962
The first time Lucille does her Charlie Chaplin imitation on the series. The only New Year’s Eve show of any Lucille Ball sitcom.
Also in 1962…
“The
Victor Borge Comedy Theater” ~ filmed January 1962
This was an unaired pilot for a Desilu anthology series that CBS passed on. The sketch featured Lucille Ball as a nervous flyer on an airplane seated next to a calm businessman played by Gale Gordon. The script was later adapted for a 1966 episode of “The Lucy Show” called “Lucy Flies to London” (TLS S5;E6). The sketch was later made available on video.
1962, Bob Hope, Candy Moore, CBS, Charles Lane, Charlie Chaplin, Danny Kaye, Desilu, Ed Sullivan, Emmy Awards, Gale Gordon, Jack Webb, Jimmy Garrett, Lucille Ball, Mary Jane Croft, Milton Berle, Ralph Hart, Sid Gould, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Good Years, The Lucy Show, Theresa Brewer, tv, Victor Borge, Vivian Vance
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