#seaman jacobs

[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY AND HER PRINCE CHARMING

S5;E12 ~ November 27, 1972

Directed by Coby Ruskin ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

Lucy is dating a handsome man (Ricardo Montalban) who turns out to be royalty. When Harry finds out that the Prince is in love with Lucy, he'll stop at nothing to get the two married!  

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter)

Guest Cast

Ricardo Montalban (Prince Phillip Gregory Hennepin of Montalbania) was born in Mexico City in 1920.  He appeared in hundreds of TV shows and films but is probably best remembered for the mystical Mr. Roarke on “Fantasy Island” (1977-84).  He won an Emmy Award in 1977 for an episode of “How the West Was Won.”  Although he appeared with Lucille Ball on talk and variety shows, this is his only acting appearance with Lucille Ball. Montalban passed away on 2009.  

The Prince is from the Principality of Montalbania, a fictional country the writers named in honor of their guest star.

Iggie Wolfington (Mr. Winstead, a Minister) first won acclaim in the 1952 Broadway production of Mrs. McThing starring Helen Hayes. In 1958, he created the role of Marcellus Washburn in original production of The Music Man for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. In a 1980 revival he played the role of Mayor Shinn opposite Dick Van Dyke as the Music Man.  In 1984 he was awarded the Screen Actors Guild Life Award.  This is his only appearance with Lucille Ball.    

Sid Gould (Waiter) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show” and nearly as many on “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton. 

Gould wears a beard and mustache and adopts an accent for this waiter character.

Gloria Wood (Dowager Soprano) makes her fourth appearance on the series. She played Doris, a member of Lucy’s Canary Club in “A Home is Not an Office” (S5;E4) and was one of Petula Clark’s back-up singers in “Lucy and Petula Clark” (S5;E8).  

Wood is credited as a ‘Dowager’ although there is no indication that she is a widow living on inheritance (the definition of the title).

Bob Harks (Decorator, uncredited) Extra, stand-in, and double Bob Harks was born on September 20, 1927. Harks appeared in his first film in 1968 and was seen in the background of Mame (1974).  In 1970 he popped up on his first television show and was seen in more than a dozen episodes of “Here's Lucy.”  He died at age 83 in 2010.

Robert Hitchcock (Decorator, uncredited) appeared on many TV series’ including on “Bewitched” and ”That Girl.”  He was seen in “Lucy and Phil Harris” (TLS S6;E20) at the piano bar. This is one of his many episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

The string quartet at the 'mock' wedding, a young boy ring-bearer, a young flower girl are all played by uncredited background performers.

The “Lucy” character has been seen with every big Latin star of her generation; 

Desi Arnaz, 

Cesar Romero, 

Fenando Lamas, and now Ricardo Montalban. If Lucille Ball and Ricardo Montalban had been a real-life couple, they might have been known as Lucy & Ricardo, two names that sound good together!  

In 1978, Lucie Arnaz again acted opposite Montalban as a guest star on his long-running series “Fantasy Island.” She co-starred with Ronny Cox and frequent “Lucy” character actor Robert Alda.  

In exchange for convincing Lucy to marry the Prince, he will give Harry 50 thousand grivnies (Montalbanian currency), which is equal to a quarter of a million US dollars. Harry says the Prince is worth $200 million US dollars.  

Harry tells Prince Phillip: “I only regret that I have but one sister-in-law to give to your country!” This is a paraphrase of words attributed to patriotic Revolutionary war spy Nathan Hale (1755-1776): “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”  

When Harry dons an ornate crown to give Lucy a clue about the Prince's occupation, Lucy at first guesses that he is a margarine salesman. This is a reference to a popular series of commercials for Imperial Margarine in which a person who ate something with Imperial on it would instantly have a crown appear on their head (accompanied by a short fanfare). The commercials were spoofed on “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Green Acres,” among others.

When the Prince rings the doorbell, Kim, in a quavering soprano voice, warbles “Someday My Prince Will Come” a song from Walt Disney's 1937 animated movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was written by Larry Morey and Frank Churchill and originally performed by Adriana Caselotti, whom Lucie Arnaz is doubtless attempting to mimic.  

While Lucy is elegantly dining at home with the Prince, Kim says she'll be splitting a veggie burger down at Grubby Bob's Health Food Center.

When Harry enters disguised as a Gypsy violinist, he plays Brahms' “Hungarian Dance No. 5.” Naturally Gale Gordon is miming to a pre-recorded track.  It is odd that he doesn't play the more romantic “Dark Eyes” which is usually associated with strolling violinists in romantic restaurants.

Lucille Ball is out of her cast from her skiing injury and wearing shoes again. The pillows on the floor in front of the restaurant table are there for Lucy to rest her foot on.

Harry (disguised as a female palm reader) tells Lucy she faces the Curse of Ali Baba:

Wild camels will trample your crab grass.

Crocodiles will consume your credit cards.

Locusts will invade your pantyhose.

When Lucy realizes that it is Harry in the harem costume, she dumps a pitcher of water on his head, fulfilling one of “Here's Lucy's” major goals – to get Harry wet!

In this episode, Lucille Ball wears the yellow dress she had made for Lucie Arnaz's 1971 wedding to Phil Vandervort.  

Lucy Ricardo made up an entirely fictional royal family of a fictional country called Franistan in “The Publicity Agent” (ILL S1;E31).  

The Carter Family impersonated the Royal Family of mythical Capazonia in “Lucy's Impossible Mission” (S1;E6). 

Lucy Ricardo had an (off-screen) encounter with another Prince Phillip (Mountbatten) in “Lucy Meets the Queen” (ILL S5;E15).  

After the 'mock' ceremony is abandoned, a soprano (Gloria Wood) enters from upstairs singing “Oh, Promise Me,” an 1887 art song by Reginald de Koven and Clement Scott.  Viv Bagley (Vivian Vance) sang it when Lucy Carmichael's sister got married in “Lucy's Sister Pays a Visit” (TLS S1;E15) in 1963.  

Petal Pushers! A few petals fall off the white roses while Harry and the Prince are doing their mock wedding in the office.  Luckily, the scene fades out shortly afterwards.

Where the Floor Ends!  When Harry enters playing the violin, the camera pulls back to a wide shot revealing where the living room carpet meets the concrete stage floor.  Also, next to the desk, one of the white flowers from the many displays has fallen on the floor.

“Lucy and Her Prince Charming” rates 4 Paper Hearts out of 5

This is an excellent episode showcasing the comic talents of Gale Gordon. While Lucy is basically sedentary due to her healing broken leg, Gordon takes center stage with a variety of comic disguises.  It’s a refreshing welcome back for Gordon, who was absent for the past two episodes.

[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY AND THE GROUP ENCOUNTER

S5;E14 ~ December 18, 1972

Directed by Coby Ruskin ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

Lucy and Harry can't stop bickering, so Mary Jane suggests they join her at her group therapy.  The doctor in charge asks Lucy and Harry to play some games to improve their communication skills, culminating in a day of role reversal at the office.  

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter)

Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter) does not appear in this episode nor does she receive screen credit.  

Guest Cast

Kurt Kasznar (Professor Henderson) was born in Austria so it is fitting that he was nominated for a 1959 Tony Award for originating the role of Max Detweiler in The Sound of Music. It was his twelfth Broadway show.  In 1959, Kasznar did an episode of “The Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse” hosted by Desi Arnaz. 

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane) played Betty Ramsey during season six of “I Love Lucy. ” She also played Cynthia Harcourt in “Lucy is Envious” (ILL S3;E23) and Evelyn Bigsby in “Return Home from Europe” (ILL S5;E26). She played Audrey Simmons on “The Lucy Show” but when Lucy Carmichael moved to California, she played Mary Jane Lewis, the actor’s married name and the same one she uses on all 31 of her episodes of “Here’s Lucy. Her final acting credit was playing Midge Bowser on “Lucy Calls the President” (1977). She died in 1999 at the age of 83.  

Reta Shaw (Rita Forrester) started her career on the stage in such hits as Picnic (1953) and The Pajama Game (1954), for which she also did the film versions. She is best known for playing maids, such as in Disney’s Mary Poppins (1964) and TV’s “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” (1968-1970), which she filmed concurrently with her first appearance on “Here’s Lucy.”  She made three appearances on “The Lucy Show” and she will make one more on “Here’s Lucy.”  

Rita Forrester runs Forrester Publications. Shaw is using a form of her married name, Reta Forester. She was married to actor William A. Forester from 1952 to 1962. 

Romo Vincent (George, the Mailman) was a Broadway performer from 1942 to 1959. He played an airline passenger in “Lucy Flies to London” (TLS S5;E6). This is his second and final episode of “Here’s Lucy.” 

Sid Gould (Hippie at Group Therapy, uncredited) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show” and nearly as many on “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton.  Vanda Barra (Hippie at Group Therapy, uncredited) makes one of over two dozen appearances on “Here’s Lucy” as well as appearing in Ball’s two 1975 TV movies “Lucy Gets Lucky” and “Three for Two”. She was seen in half a dozen episodes of “The Lucy Show.” Barra was Lucille Ball’s cousin-in-law by marriage to Sid Gould.

Mary Jane's handsome Group Therapy partner is uncredited.  

This is the last new episode of calendar year 1972.  The series resumes on New Year's Day 1973.    

The original script was titled “Kim’s Singing Group Encounter.” The final episode featured no singing and no Kim!  

The night this episode first aired “Here's Lucy” had some formidable competition on NBC titled “The Snoop Sisters” starring Helen Hayes and Mildred Natwick. Hayes had guest-starred on “Here's Lucy” at the very start of 1972.  The Snoop Sisters” also starred Kurt Kaszner, who is also on this episode of “Lucy” at the very same time! Iggie Wolfington, another stage star like Hayes and Kasznar, also starred and two weeks earlier was featured as a minister in “Lucy and Her Prince Charming” (S5;E12). “The Snoop Sisters” was not a regular series and would not be seen again for a  full year.

Starting in the fall of 1972, group therapy was also explored on “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-78) which aired on CBS on Saturday nights. In 2014, Newhart performed in Jamestown as part of the Lucy Town Half Marathon and 5K weekend.

When Lucy accidentally sews Harry's jacket to her skirt, he says “would you kindly remove the stitches or should I call in Dr. Marcus Welby.” “Marcus Welby M.D.” (1969-76) was a hour-long medical drama on ABC starring Robert Young. Both “Welby” and “Lucy” filmed their shows at Universal Studios in Hollywood.

Lucy says that if she were stranded on a desert island she would want Clint Eastwood to be there. Eastwood will be mentioned on two future “Here's Lucy” episodes. In mid-1972 Eastwood released the western film Joe Kidd.

This episode seems to incorporate some specially lit medium shots of Lucy and Harry.

In a word association game led by Professor Henderson, Lucy associates 'wolf' with 'money' because Clifford Wolf is the person at the bank who calls her every month to tell her she's over-drawn.  

As “Harry”, Lucy dictates a letter to The Jerry Clifford Company, 1831 Truxton Avenue, Bakersfield, California.  This is a real business at a real address but today is known as The Clifford Family Trust.  It was a real estate property management company.  It is possible that Lucille Ball Productions (LBP) did business with the firm and rewarded them with a mention on the show.

An Austrian therapist (Elliot Reid) also conducted an age regression experiment on Lucy Carmichael, Viv Bagley, and Mr. Mooney in “Lucy the Stockholder” (TLS S3;E25). Sid Gould was also in the episode.

Role reversal (Lucy as the Boss) was also explored in “Lucy Takes Over” (S2;E23) when Harry believes an old IOU means he owes Lucy a large sum of money and gives her control of The Unique Employment Agency.     

These Boots Were Made for Hiding! Although ambulatory, Lucille Ball's white go-go boots seem to be hiding that her leg is still wrapped from her skiing accident at the beginning of season five.  

Pencil Pushers!  As Mrs. Forrester and Lucy are leaving the office, a pencil starts to roll off the desk. Reta Shaw puts her hand out to stop it, but it falls on the floor. She leaves it there and goes off with Lucy.

“Lucy and the Group Encounter” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5 

This is one of those episodes that seemed timely in 1972, but the treatment by the script is a bit shallow and unfulfilling. It is however, good to see Lucy in charge - as she was in real life. Reta Shaw’s feminist publisher is sadly relegated to the episode’s last few minutes. 

[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY’S HOUSE GUEST, HARRY

S3;E20 ~ January 25, 1971

Directed by Charles Walters ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

Harry is having his house redecorated and needs a place to stay. Naturally, he imposes on Lucy, who is increasingly aggravated by her brother-in-law's obnoxious habits.  Rather than ask him to leave, she schemes with Kim to get him to leave on his own accord.

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter)

Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter) does not appear in this episode, but he does receive opening title credit and is mentioned in the dialogue.

Guest Cast

Herbie Faye (Poker Player #1) was a character whose first major acting role (at age 56) was Corporal Sam Fender in “The Phil Silvers Show” (1955). He also appeared with Silvers on Broadway in Top Banana (1951) and also did the film version (1954) with Silvers. He appeared in a 1968 episode of “The Lucy Show.”  This is the second of his four “Here’s Lucy” episodes.

Emile Autuori (Poker Player #2) makes the third of his six appearances on “Here’s Lucy.”  He passed away in early 2017.  He was the uncle of writer / director P.J. Castalleneta.

Autuori introduces the episode on the series DVD.  In the episode, he wears a cardigan sweater monogrammed G.R.

Robert Foulk (Poker Player #3, right) played the policeman on the Brooklyn subway platform in “Lucy and the Loving Cup” (ILL S6;E12) and a Los Angeles Detective in “Lucy Goes To A Hollywood Premiere” (TLS S4;E20).  This is the second of his six characters on “Here’s Lucy,” two which were policemen.

Frank J. Scannell (Poker Player #4, center) played the Burlesque Comic (“Slowly I turn...”) in “The Ballet” (ILL S1;E19).  He had done two films with Lucille Ball in 1945, including Lover Come Back. This is his only appearance on “Here's Lucy.”  

Vince Barnett (Cabbie #1) appeared with Lucille Ball in one of her first films, The Affairs of Cellini in 1934.  He also appeared with her in A Girl, A Guy, and a Gob in 1941. This is his only series appearance.

Sid Gould (Cabbie #2) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show,” and nearly as many on “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton.

Eugene Molnar (Tuba Player) appeared on four episodes of the series. These are his only screen credits.

Molnar has no dialogue. The character is part of a 12-piece marching band that appears in full uniform. The band is uncredited.

Anthony and Cleopatra are Harry's pet parakeets.

Willy the Goat is the mascot of Kim's college.  

This episode was filmed on September 17, 1970. 

Charles Walters makes his series directing debut with this episode.  He directed Lucille Ball in five motion pictures between 1942 and 1945.  He was nominated for an Oscar in 1953 for directing Lili.  He will direct one more episode of “Here's Lucy” as well as the Lucille Ball television movies “Three for Two” (1975) and “What Now, Catherine Curtis” (1976), which was his final screen credit. He died in 1982 at the age of 70.

Sid Gould (Cabbie #2), Robert Foulk (Poker Player #3), and Emile Autuori (Poker Player #3) all appeared in the previous week's episode “Lucy and the Raffle” (S3;E19).  This is the second episode in a row in which Desi Arnaz Jr. does not appear.  Lucy says he is on vacation for two weeks.

This episode was filmed on September 17, 1970. “The Flip Wilson Show” (aka “Flip”) premiered that evening on NBC. Flip Wilson will play himself in the season 4 opener of “Here's Lucy.” In return, Lucy appears on “Flip.” Both shows ended their runs in early 1974.  

Harry balks at paying $40 a day for a hotel room in Los Angeles overlooking the park. “For $40 a day I should overlook Fort Knox!”  Both Harry and Mr. Mooney were fond of punchlines that featured Fort Knox, a Kentucky military installation that is the repository for most of the nation's gold reserves.  In today's money, considering inflation, $40 a day is the equivalent of spending $250 a day; not unreasonable in greater Los Angeles.

Trying to ingratiate himself to Lucy to get her to allow him to stay in her home while his house is being renovated, Harry greets her cheerfully, coyly asking about “dear Kim” and “little Craig.” Lucy says that 'little' Craig is 5'11” and shaves.  'Little Craig' is absent from this episode.

Moving in to Lucy's house, Harry brings his parakeets Anthony and Cleopatra. These are the names of real-life historical figures that also are featured in Shakespeare's play Anthony and Cleopatra. Lucy Carmichael played Cleopatra for the Danfield Community Theatre in 1963.  

Harry’s suitcases are packed with his John Philip Sousa records.  He calls them The Tijuana Brass of his generation.  John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was a composer hailed as “The March King.”  His music was extensively used in “Lucy Goest to the Air Force Academy” Parts 1 and 2. The Tijuana Brass was a modern jazz group led by Herb Alpert.  They had numerous hit records from 1962 to 1969, when they disbanded. In “Lucy and the Bogie Affair” (S2;E13) in 1969, Kim has a photo of Herb Alpert posted inside her school locker!

Harry leads Lucy and Kim through morning exercises to “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” which was written by Sousa in 1897.  It is considered his most famous work and was declared the officially march of the United States of America in 1987.  The tempo is sped up a bit on the soundtrack to add to the comedy of the scene.

When Lucy bemoans Harry turning her home into a gambling joint with the arrival of Harry's poker pals, Kim says “Maybe we could sell out to Howard Hughes.” The real life millionaire aviator was mentioned on several previous episodes, including the very first “Lucy Visits Jack Benny” (S1;E1). In the 1960s Howard Hughes went on a spending spree and bought several Las Vegas casino hotels, including the Desert Inn and the Sands, the setting of a 1958 episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.”  

In light of his poker game, Lucy calls Harry Nick the Greek. Nicholas Andrea Dandolos (1883 -1966), aka Nick the Greek, was a was a professional gambler and high roller from Rethymnon, Crete. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979.  

Harry's decorator is named Poindexter.  On the telephone, Lucy mistakes him for a her.

Kim suggest checking Emily Post for a polite way to get rid of an unwanted house guest. Emily Post (1872-1960) was a writer who's name has become synonymous with proper etiquette and manners. More than half a century after her death, her name is still used in titles of etiquette books.

When the marching band startles awake Harry, Lucy is trying to look nonchalant by reading a magazine. It is Sunset, a monthly lifestyle magazine that focuses on homes, cooking, gardening, and travel, with a focus almost exclusively on the Western United States.  It was first published in 1898 and still is in circulation today.

Harry has fallen asleep reading Boating, a magazine for boat enthusiasts. It began publication in 1966 and is still in print today.  Harry is a boat enthusiast who decorates his home and office with model ships and paintings of vessels.

Harry is allergic to Willy the Goat – and all long-haired animals.  This is consistent with “Lucy and the Bogie Affair” (S2;E13, above) where we learn that Harry is allergic to dogs.  

As Harry is finally is finally about to leave, Lucy has a horrible thought: what if Harry is like Sheridan Whiteside in the play The Man Who Came to Dinner and falls on his way out and must stay with them even longer?  The play, by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, was a comedy that opened on Broadway in 1939.  It starred Lucille Ball's good friend (and “Here's Lucy” performer) Mary Wickes as Nurse Preen.  Wickes was one of several stage actors who recreated their roles in the 1942 film adaptation.

This episode is similar to “Lucy's Mystery Guest” (TLS S6;E10), where Lucy Carmichael's Aunt Agatha (Mary Wickes) turns up on her doorstep and turns her life upside down with exercise at dawn, a health food regimen, and wardrobe requirements.

Gale Gordon also put Lucy and a pal through their paces with vigorous exercise in “Lucy and the Countess Lose Weight” (TLS S3;E21) in which Mr. Mooney helps out at a fat farm to keep the bank from foreclosing and recruits Lucy and the Countess as members.

Party in the Kitchen! Harry's poker pals head into the kitchen for their game, despite the fact that Lucy has a green felt-lined card table in the living room!

Where the Ceiling Begins!  When Harry is leading the morning exercises, the camera pulls back for a long shot and the top of the living room set is visible on the right, with a loop of cable hanging down.  

Where the Floor Ends!  Later, when Kim leads in Willy the Goat, the camera pulls back revealing the edge of the sound stage floor.

This is classic (if not hysterical) situation comedy material. No guest stars, no music, just Lucille Ball and Gale Gordon in a battle of wit(ticism)s.

[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY’S VACATION

S3;E17 ~ January 4, 1971

Directed by Coby Ruskin ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

Lucy wants to chaperone Kim on a trip to Palm Springs, but first needs to convince Harry to fire her.  At the same time, Harry's psychiatrist tells him not to lose his temper with Lucy for a whole week, making getting fired difficult for Lucy.

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter)

Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter) does not appear in this episode, although he does receive screen credit in the opening title sequence.

Guest Cast

Parley Baer (Dr. Sumler Cunningham) previously played MGM’s Mr. Reilly in “Ricky Needs an Agent” (ILL S4;E29) and furniture salesman Mr. Perry in “Lucy Gets Chummy with the Neighbors” (ILL S6;E18). He made five appearances on “The Lucy Show.”  He will return as Dr. Cunningham (alongside Sid Gould) in “Lucy's Bonus Bounces” (S4;E16). Baer is perhaps best known for his recurring roles as Mayor Stoner on “The Andy Griffith Show” and Doc Appleby in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” He died in 2002 at age 88. 

His (unseen) secretary’s name is Miss Murdoch. He charges $50 an hour.

Kimetha Laurie (Jan) makes her ninth (and final) TV appearance with this episode.

Jan is Kim's friend. Her parents have a home in Palm Springs. It might be coincidental, but she resembles Jan Brady (Eve Plumb, inset), a character on “The Brady Bunch,” then in its second season on ABC. 

Sid Gould (Mr. Hilliard) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show,” and nearly as many on “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton.

Mr. Hilliard is a window washer.  

The cashier, waiter, and diners at the luncheonette are played by uncredited background performers.

This is the first episode of calendar year 1971. This year mark's Lucille Ball's second decade on television.

On the DVD introduction to this episode, Lucie Arnaz mistakenly says that Parley Baer played Dore Schary in “Ricky Needs an Agent” (ILL S4;E29) when in fact he played Mr. Reilly (above). Dore Schary was played by Phil Ober (Vivian Vance's husband) in “Don Juan is Shelved” (ILL S4;E21).

Harry keeps file cards of Lucy's excuses for her lateness and absence.

Paul Revere's birthday is January 1st (in the modern calendar), so it would be a holiday anyway. Flag Day is June 14th. 

It is revealed that Kim does needlepoint.  

Kim says that her Uncle Harry has fired Lucy 14 times!

When Dr. Chamberlain asks Harry to iterate all the things Lucy does to irritate him, he remarks that “at $50 an hour, even Howard Hughes couldn't afford that!” Howard Hughes (1905-76) was known during his lifetime as one of the most financially successful individuals in the world. Later in his life, he was also known for his eccentric behavior. This joke gets a round of applause from the studio audience.  

Although he waffles and mumbles quite a bit, Harry does say “...and then she had this ring stuck on her...”  likely referring to when she got Elizabeth Taylor's priceless diamond ring stuck on her finger in “Lucy Meets the Burtons” (S3;E1). He then says “...and I was put in jail...” but nowhere in that episode (or any other) has Harry been jailed. Perhaps Gale Gordon is ad libbing and confusing Harry Carter with Mr. Mooney, who did go to jail once because of Lucy.

Back at the office, Harry asks for the Rylander file but Lucy brings him the Mosier file instead. This is the umpteenth mention of the names Rylander and Mosier by Gale Gordon in both “The Lucy Show” and “Here's Lucy.” Carole Cook played a character named Lillian Rylander in “Lucy, the Part-Time Wife” (S3;E14).

When setting off firecrackers in the wastepaper basket, Lucy says that in China it is the year of the dog. According to Chinese astrology, Lucy is correct, although it will change to the year of the pig three weeks after this episode was first aired.

Trying to goad Harry into firing her, Lucy uses the window washer's sponge to douse him with water.  It wouldn't be “Here's Lucy” if Harry didn't end up soaking wet!

Kim and Jan talk about needing a chaperone to go to Palm Springs. Lucy Carmichael chaperoned her daughter Chris (and her friend Cynthia, coincidentally played by Lucie Arnaz) on a spring break trip in “Lucy is a Chaperone” (TLS S1;E27).  

Lucy, Kim and Craig went to Palm Springs in the second episode of the series. In real life, Lucille Ball had a vacation home in Palm Springs. 

Both Lucy Ricardo and Lucy Carmichael escaped to Palm Springs. In real life, Lucie Arnaz lives there today. 

When Lucy gets up from the booth at the Luncheonette, she collides with a waiter carrying a tray that goes flying into the air, just as Lucy Ricardo did when at the Brown Derby in “Hollywood at Last!” (ILL S4;E16). 

In 1969, Lucy repeated the gag with Johnny Carson standing in for William Holden. In both cases the action was set at the Hollywood Brown Derby.  Carson was covered in drinks instead of cream pies. 

In this episode, however, the next booth is empty. Kim remarks: 

“You see? You haven’t lost your touch!” 

The luncheonette where Lucy meets Kim for lunch is the same one seen in “Lucy and Rudy Vallee” (S3;E12). In that episode, the luncheonette was owned by Vallee and he worked there to pass the time. Naturally, he is nowhere to be seen in "Lucy’s Vacation.”  

Harry wears glasses for most of the episode. Previously, he only wore them when ogling a Playboy centerfold. With glasses, Gale Gordon resembles Alvin Littlefield, owner of the Tropicana, a character he played in two episodes of “I Love Lucy.”

Alphabet Soup!  Lucy brings Harry the Mosier file, but she retrieves it from the file drawer marked “A-D.”  

Props! There is a small blue vase on Lucy's desk with nothing in it that has never been there before. Probably Lucy was supposed to put the plucked orchid in it, but there was not enough stem for it to stay put, so Lucy just lies it on her desk.

“Lucy’s Vacation” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

This episode isn't terribly funny but it does have some minor joys. Gale Gordon gives one of his most interesting performances here and the interplay between him and Lucy is really good. It is also worthwhile for Lucy's outrageous outfit in the second half!  The twist ending is not a surprise, but is fun.

[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY AND LIBERACE

S2;E16 ~ January 5, 1970

Directed by Jack Baker ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

For a high school initiation, Craig goes on a scavenger hunt to retrieve one of Liberace's candelabras. Liberace loans it to him but Lucy thinks he stole it so she recruits Harry to sneak into the star's mansion and return it.  

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter), Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter)

Guest Cast

Liberace (Himself) was born Władziu Valentino Liberace in 1919.  A piano prodigy, he was the son of working-class immigrants, and enjoyed a career spanning four decades of concerts, recordings, television, motion pictures, and endorsements. At the height of his fame, from the 1950s to the 1970s, Liberace was the highest-paid entertainer in the world, with established residencies in Las Vegas, and an international touring schedule. 

Liberace (known informally as ‘Lee’) embraced a lifestyle of flamboyant excess both on and off stage, acquiring the sobriquet "Mr. Showmanship." Prior to this episode, his only appearance with Lucille Ball was the musical film Best Foot Forward (1943). He died at age 67 after a battle with HIV/AIDS.

Ben Wrigley (Williams, Liberace's Butler) was a British actor who appeared in My Fair Lady (1964) and Bednobs and Broomsticks (1971). He previously appeared as a ticket agent in “Lucy Flies to London” (TLS S5;E6).  This is the first of his three episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

Paul Winchell (Carlo, Liberace's Tailor) previously played himself in“Lucy and Paul Winchell” (TLS S5;E4). He was born Paul Wilchinsky in 1922. Coming into the public eye in 1948, he became one of the most famous ventriloquists since Edgar Bergen. He hosted the enormously popular children’s television show “Winchell-Mahoney Time” (1964-68) in which he shared the spotlight with Jerry Mahoney, one of his most popular characters. He played Doc Putnam in “Main Street U.S.A.” (TLS S5;17) and “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (TLS S5;E18). This is the second of his two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”  He died in 2005.

Winchell uses an Italian accent for this character.  

This is the first episode of the new year and the new decade.  

The 1970s will see the end of “Here's Lucy” in 1974, as well as Lucille Ball's return to the silver screen in Mame that same year.  In 1971, Lucie Arnaz will wed Phil Vandervort and Desi Arnaz Jr. made his big screen debut in Red Sky at Morning.  At the end of the decade, Lucie Arnaz made her Broadway debut in They're Playing Our Song (1979).

The date this episode was first aired (January 5, 1970) ABC premiered a new daytime drama called All My Children. Philip Amelio, who played Lucy’s grandson on “Life With Lucy”, appeared on the sudser in 1988. It ceased production in 2013. 

Liberace brought $50,000 worth of his spectacular wardrobe to the set, and Lucille Ball hired a round-the-clock security guard to ensure its safety. The tuxedo jacket that lights up in the dark made its debut on this show; Liberace will use it in his act for the rest of his life.

In the 2013 HBO biopic Behind the Candelabra, an aging Liberace (Michael Douglas) compares his domestic life with partner Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) to an old sitcom. Scott protests: “Why am I the Lucy?”  Douglas' father Kirk made a wordless cameo appearance on a 1966 episode of “The Lucy Show.”

Professor Harkens gave Craig the African mask.

Lucy recalls her initiation into ‘The Swingers’ in high school.  The double entendre of 'swinging' is quickly cleared up by Lucy saying she was in a trapeze club!  For her initiation, she had to get an autographed photo of Rudy Vallee. Rudy Vallee was a singer popular in the 1920s and '30s who made a guest appearance on the first episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” in 1957.  He will guest star as himself during season 3 of “Here's Lucy.”  

Kim guesses that Craig may have to retrieve an item from Engelbert Humperdinck. Lucy replies “What's an Engelbert Dumperhinck?”  Engelbert Humperdinck is an English pop singer acclaimed as one of the finest middle-of-the-road balladeers around. In 1969 he released two albums and had three hit singles. That same year he was the first guest on “The Liberace Show”. 

In Liberace's mansion, he enters and sits at a glass-lid Baldwin grand piano and plays Chopin's “Military Polonaise” (Opus 40, #1) composed in 1838.  

When Liberace tries on the light-up jacket, he says “This'll really turn them on in Pasadena!”  He could be referring to his senior citizen female fans. There was a popular song at the time titled “Little Old Lady From Pasadena.” Later in the episode we learn that the candelabra loaned to Craig was a gift from a Senior Citizen group. 

In a retrospectively ironic line, Liberace says about his many candelabras: “I've got closets full of them.” Although Liberace was flamboyant, his sexual orientation was never discussed publicly (he was ‘in the closet’) until later in his life.  When 17 year-old Craig and Liberace are alone (and Craig's shirt is unbuttoned to the navel) it is difficult not to think of Liberace's romance with 18 year-old Scott Thorson (inset), who later sued the entertainer in America's first same-sex palimony case.

At home, Craig gets a phone call from Bill. This is probably a nod to Desi Arnaz Jr.'s friend and band mate Billy Hinsche.  

Answering the front door, Kim says “It's probably Craig with his arms loaded down with that something he had to get from a big star.” Lucy replies: “Maybe he's got his arms full of Jackie Gleason.”  This is a quick joke about comedy star Jackie Gleason's weight.  Gleason did a cameo as Ralph Kramden in the second episode of “Here's Lucy” (above). 

Harry is reminded that in college he underwent initiation into the fraternity Delta Delta Tau. The joke comes when he gives says their initials – DDT. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a chemical used as an insecticide. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s DDT was frequently in the news regarding its harmful effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment.  DDT was eventually banned.  

The candelabra is inscribed “To Liberace. From his Senior Citizen Fan Club in Pismo Beach.” Along with Cucagmonga, Pismo Beach was often used as a punch-line for jokes about California. It was mentioned in “Lucy Goes on Strike” (S1;E16). Pismo Beach is one of the locations Lucy and Ethel want to visit before returning to New York in “Lucy Gets Into Pictures” (ILL S4;E18).

On their way to return the candelabra to Liberace, Harry holds it forth and says “Lead, kindly light.”  “Lead, Kindly Light” is a hymn with words written in 1833 by John Henry Newman as a poem titled "The Pillar of Cloud."

Sneaking into Liberace's mansion through the back door, Harry's shoes squeak! Lucy says “You'd sure be a goofball on 'Mission: Impossible.’”  The Desilu TV spy show “Mission: Impossible” has been a source of humor for “Here's Lucy,” which even did a whole episode parodying the show: “Lucy's Impossible Mission” (S1;E6, above).  

Harry and Lucy sing while Liberace plays "By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” a song written in 1909 by Gus Edwards and Edward Madden. Lucy says she and Harry first performed the number at the Kiwanis Capers.

When Lucy suggests that Liberace use the whole family on his TV special, Liberace remarks “You're about 83 short of the King Family.” The King Family was a family musical group that had great success on records and television in the 1960s. They had a TV show on ABC that ran until 1969.  

As the big finale, everyone sings and dances to "I'll Be Seeing You," a song written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal in 1938. It was inserted into the Broadway musical Right This Way, which closed after just  fifteen performances.

Lucy and Lee shared the covers of many periodicals of the 1950s. Both had top-rated television programs and were instantly identifiable figures and names. Nearly 20 years later, both are still considered show business royalty. 

Offscreen, Lucy and Desi socialize with Liberace during the height of their fame. 

At the start of the episode, Craig enters wearing an African mask.  The moment is similar to when Ricky Ricardo researched African masks for his Voodoo act during “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” (ILL S2;E16). The scene also begins the 1953 episode. Ricky Ricardo also briefly wore an African mask in “Cuban Pals” (ILL S1;E28) before singing “Similau.”  

Liberace tells Craig not to worry about returning the candelabra as he has a lot of them. Craig replies: “If Los Angeles ever had a black out – you could light the whole city.” This echoes when Liberace was first mentioned by Lucy Ricardo in “The Diner” (ILL S3;E25) in 1954.  

LUCY RICARDO: (about Ricky’s bad mood): “Everything went wrong down at the club last night. Right in the middle of his big number, the lights went out all over the whole neighborhood. Everybody got up and, and left and went into the nightclub across the street.” ETHEL MERTZ: “How’d they manage without electricity?” LUCY RICARDO: “Liberace was playing there.  He does his show by candlelight.” 

“Lucy’s Club Dance” (S3;E25) included the February 26, 1954 issue of TV Guide with Liberace (and a candelabra) on the cover. It was one of many used as set dressing for a corner news stand.  

In “Lucy’s Show-Biz Swan Song” (ILL S2;E12) Lucy and Ethel sing “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and wangles her way into performing with a barbershop quartet.

In “Lucy’s Barbershop Quartet” (TLS S1;E19) Lucy Carmichael and Vivian Bagley sing “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and wangles her way into performing with a barbershop quartet.

Craig's collectibles are no doubt supplied by prop master Kenneth Westcott from the Desilu props supply.  It is likely that all of the items were used in some television program, but the one most recognizable is the female ship's figurehead. It was last seen in the background of the Sunset Strip beatnik hangout in “Viv Visits Lucy” (TLS S5;E15).  

In “Lucy and the Countess Have a Horse Guest” (TLS S4;E6), Lucy Carmichael tells the Countess (aka her old chum Rosie) that since moving to Hollywood she has met Lassie’s hairdresser, the man who used to dry off Lloyd Bridges, and Liberace’s dentist. Liberace was well known for his continual smile.  

In “Lucy Dates Dean Martin” (TLS S4;E21) Lucy Carmichael admires (and later wears) a sequined top once worn by Audrey Hepburn. Dean Martin says “The last time I saw anything that fancy was on Liberace.”  In “Lucy and Liberace” Harry admires and tries on Liberace’s red sequined jacket. 

Math Fail!  Liberace says that the Carters are 83 short of the King Family. There were 39 members of the King family, ranging in age from 7 months to 79 years, who appeared on their television show.  Liberace is exaggerating by 48 Kings!

Where the (Marble) Floor Ends! In the living room scene the camera pulls back to far and reveals the soundstage cement floor.  When this happens in Liberace's mansion, the tape spike marks are clearly visible for centering of the dance numbers and camera positions.

Sitcom Logic Alert! The ending of the episode ditches all pretense of reality and turns into a musical performance for the studio audience, including Liberace waving to the audience as he exits – stage right!  It is jarring and a sign that – once again - “Here's Lucy” is unsure of its identity.  

“Lucy and Liberace” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

Let's face it – even playing himself Liberace is a pretty mediocre actor, so this episode could never be more than a showcase for his talent and opulent wardrobe on which is hung a paper thin plot. The worst thing about the episode is the complete demolishing of the fourth wall during the final number. Shameless, really.  

[papermoonloveslucy]

GUESS WHO OWES LUCY $23.50

S1;E11 ~ December 9, 1968

Directed by Jack Donohue ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

Lucy loans Van Johnson money to fix his car – but the man turns out to be an impostor. In return, Lucy wants the real Van Johnson to fly to Dallas to sing “Happy Birthday” to a cow named Ethel.  

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter), Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter)

Guest Cast

Van Johnson (Impostor / Himself) co-starred in Too Many Girls (1940), the film that introduced Lucille Ball to Desi Arnaz. He was also seen with Lucy in the films Easy to Wed (1946) and Yours, Mine and Ours (1968).  He played himself on one of the most popular episodes of “I Love Lucy,” “The Dancing Star” (ILL S4;E27), a show originally intended for Ray Bolger. He starred in The Romance of Rosy Ridge (1947) and The Caine Mutiny (1954), both mentioned in the dialogue of this episode. He died in 2008 at age 92. 

Jeff DeBenning (Douglas Alamo Davidson, a Dallas Oil Tycoon) was seen on many early TV westerns. This is his only appearance opposite Lucille Ball.

Tommy Farrell (Morgan, Van Johnson's Manager) was on Broadway in three plays between 1942 and 1947. He was seen on “The Lucy Show” twice.  Farrell will appear in five more episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”  He was also in the 1950 film The Duchess of Idaho with Van Johnson.

Farrell is never addressed as “Morgan” on screen.

Nancy Howard (Van Johnson's Secretary) appeared with Lucille Ball in Yours, Mine and Ours (1968), which is mentioned in this episode. This is the second of her four appearances on “Here’s Lucy.” 

Orwin C. Harvey (Security Guard, right) was an actor and stuntman who played one of the singing and dancing teamsters in “Lucy Helps Ken Berry” (TLS S6;E21).  This is the first of his six appearances on “Here's Lucy.”

Harvey has one line, spoken off screen. A second Security Guard goes uncredited and has no lines.

Ray Kellogg (Party Guest, left) played the barking Assistant Director (“Roll ‘em!”) in “Ricky’s Screen Test” (ILL S4;E6) and later appeared in “Bullfight Dance” (ILL S4;E22). He was seen on 7 episodes of “The Lucy Show.” This is the first of his two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Kellogg appeared on a 1972 episode of “Maude” with Van Johnson.  

Although unnamed, Kellogg is the only party guest with dialogue. Alamo calls him “Old Rattlesnake.”

Clark Ross (Party Guest, uncredited) makes the second of his three appearances on “Here’s Lucy.” He is also in the 1974 Lucille Ball film Mame.

Joan Carey (Party Guest, uncredited) appeared in the background of many episodes of “I Love Lucy,” “The Lucy Show,” and “Here’s Lucy,” even serving as Ball’s camera and lighting stand-in for a time. 

Norman Stevans (Party Guest, uncredited) was in the audience of “Over The Teacups” during “Ethel's Birthday” (ILL S4;E8) and at the airport when “The Ricardo's Go To Japan,” a 1959 episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.”  He will appear in one more episode of “Here's Lucy” and in the 1974 Lucille Ball film Mame. 

Uncredited extras play the other party guests.

This episode was written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs, who began writing together during the final season of “The Lucy Show.”  The team will write 25 more episodes of “Here's Lucy.”  The pair were nominated for an Emmy in 1978 writing for George Burns.  

This episode is written for Van Johnson to work in a not-so-subtle plug for Lucille Ball's latest film Yours, Mine and Ours, in which he is a featured player.

Van Impostor: “I loved working with that kooky redhead.” Lucy: “Personally, I thought she was much too young for Henry Fonda.”  

Lucy says she remembers Johnson from his appearance in The Romance of Rosy Ridge (1947).  She later tells him she saw the film 17 times!  The film was Janet Leigh's screen debut.  

Lucy tells Van Johnson that she has a friend who also sings to animals. She says it is a bird and she sings "When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along)" a 1926 popular song written by Harry Woods.  It was sung by Fred Mertz (William Frawley) in “Lucy and Ethel Buy the Same Dress” (ILL S3;E3).  

Alamo's cow Ethel was undoubtedly named after Ethel Mertz, Lucy Ricardo's friend and landlady played by Vivian Vance on “I Love Lucy.”  This episode might have been more creatively titled “Ethel's Birthday”, to reinforce the tribute to Vivian Vance. 

Craig and Kim don't go to the movies because the tickets are too expensive: $3! The average movie ticket today is between $15 and $20.

Kim suggests that she and Craig go over to the Hinsche's to visit because “Annie's got a real cute girl visiting from San Francisco.” This is a reference to Desi Jr.'s band mate Billy Hinsche (left), part of Dino Desi & Billy. Billy's sister Annie Hinsche was married to Beach Boys guitarist Carl Wilson.  

Lucy says she'd get more rest with the LA Rams than in her own home.  The day before this episode first aired, the team lost a home game to the Chicago Bears.

Craig says Van Johnson is the biggest star he's met outside of Annette Funicello (1942-2013).  Funicello who was famous for being one of the Mouseketeers on the original “Mickey Mouse Club” (1955-58). She later teamed with Frankie Avalon for a series of beach party movies.  Although Funicello never guest starred with Lucille Ball, she is mentioned by Avalon on “Lucy and the Starmaker” (TLS S6;E4).  Two weeks before this episode originally aired, Funicello starred with the Monkees in the movie Head.

Thinking that the more the merrier, Lucy suggests getting the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to sing to Ethel.  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a 360 voice choir named after the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It was founded in 1847 and still performs worldwide today.

Harry facetiously suggests another Johnson – Lyndon, who is also from Texas and could use the work!  Lyndon Baines Johnson aka LBJ (1908-73) was born near Stonewall, Texas, and was the 37th President of the United States. He assumed office in 1963 after the assassination of John F. Kennedy and handily won re-election in 1964. He withdrew his bid for a second full term and was succeeded by Richard Nixon, who became President Elect a month before this episode was first aired. This would mean the episode was filmed sometime after August 29, 1968, the end of the Democratic National Convention.

Harry says if Lucy can get Van Johnson, he'll carry her piggyback to Catalina Island. Catalina Island has been the punchline of much humor on “The Lucy Show.”  It was also mentioned in “Lucy and Miss Shelley Winters” (S1;E4).  

About Harry's promised piggyback to Catalina, Lucy says “It's the only way to fly.” This was the advertising slogan for Western Airlines, a US carrier that was in operation from 1926 to 1987, before merging with Delta Airlines. It was used as a punch line in several episodes of “The Lucy Show.”  

When Lucy is escorted out by the studio guards at Van's direction, Lucy says that now she's glad he got court martialed in The Caine Mutiny. This is the second mention of  The Caine Mutiny on the series.  The previous one referred to the book by Herman Woulk that served as the basis for the screenplay.  A stage play adaptation was mentioned on “Lucy Meets Orson Welles” (ILL S6;E3).  

Lucy impersonates a made-up Italian screen star named Gina Linguini.  Van Johnson compares her to Sofia Loren. Loren was born in Rome and in 1962 became the first actor to win an Academy Award for a foreign language film.

As Gina Linguini, Lucy sings a bit of "Luna mezz'o mare" (aka “Cella Luna”), a comic Neapolitan song with worldwide popularity.   

Van Johnson sings “Happy Birthday to You” to Ethel.  This is the second time the traditional birthday song has been heard on “Here's Lucy.”  Although the copyright has since been lifted, in 1968 Lucille Ball Productions (LBP) had to pay a royalty to perform the song.  

Lucy has a long history of impersonating Italians: “The Black Wig” (ILL S3;E26), “Lucy's Italian Movie” (ILL S5;E23), and as 'Lucrecia Carmucci' in “Lucy and the Plumber” (TLS S3;E2).

This is the first (but not the last) episode of “Here's Lucy” to feature live animals. Live cows were seen in “Lucy's Bicycle Trip” (ILL 5;E24), “Lucy and the Countess Lose Weight” (TLS S3;E21)...

...and “Lucy Discovers Wayne Newton” (TLS S4;E14).

An eccentric Texas oil tycoon named Sam Johnson was played by Harry Cheshire in “Oil Wells” (ILL S3;E18).  

Another big shot Texan (played by Robert S. Carson, right) appeared in “Lucy Goes to Vegas” (TLS S3;E17).  

Other celebrities that have played their own doppelgangers on “Lucy” shows include Jack Benny, Dean Martin, Robert Goulet (above, who had two), and Lucille Ball herself will play her double (Lucy Carter) on “Here’s Lucy”!  

FAST FORWARD!

The abstract metal statue in Van’s office will appear again in “Lucy Takes Over” (S2;E23). 

Booking Agent! This is one of the many times the Unique Employment Agency serves as more of a talent agency, booking unusual performers for unusual shows.

Where The Floor Ends! The edge of stage is visible when Craig walks to his drum set at the start of the episode.

Star Status? If Van Johnson is the biggest star he's met outside of Annette Funicello, Craig must not think very highly of Wayne Newton or Jack Benny (above), celebrities who played themselves on previous episodes.  

Out of Order! Both Van Johnson and Lucille Ball get entrance applause from the studio audience in the second scene, indicating the show may have been shot out of sequence.

“Guess Who Owes Lucy $23.50″ rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

Lots of callbacks for Lucy-lovers make this old identical twin plot fun to watch - just don’t think about it too much. 

[papermoonloveslucy]

Lucy and the Starmaker

S6;E4 ~ October 2, 1967

Synopsis

Mr. Cheever gets his nephew (Frankie Avalon) a job at the bank, but the young man has his heart set on a career in show business instead.  After hearing him sing, Lucy sets out to make his dreams a reality by getting a famous movie producer to come to the bank.

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carmichael), Gale Gordon (Theodore J. Mooney), Roy Roberts (Mr. Cheever), Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane Lewis)

Guest Cast

Frankie Avalon (Tommy Cheever) was born in Philadelphia in 1939.  A recording star and musician, Avalon’s movie career took off when paired with Annette Funicello in Beach Party (1963) and its string of sequels. He played Teen Angel in Grease (1978) and considers “Beauty School Dropout” to be his most popular song.  He returned to work with Lucille Ball in a 1973 episode of “Here’s Lucy” titled “The Carters Meets Frankie Avalon.”  

Tommy is Mr. Cheever’s nephew.  His uncle calls him ‘Thomas’ but Lucy calls him 'Tom.’  Tommy calls Mr. Cheever 'Uncle Windy,’ a diminutive of his uncle’s middle name 'Winfield.’  We have yet to learn Mr. Cheever’s first name.  

Lew Parker (Nelson Penrose) is probably best remembered as the restaurateur father of Ann Marie, Marlo Thomas’ character on TV’s “That Girl” (1966-71). This is the second of his five appearances on “The Lucy Show” and he will return for two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” From 1928 to 1973 he appeared in Broadway musicals, which must have come in handy during this especially musical episode.

Penrose is a movie producer at the studio where Mary Jane works.  He is the “Starmaker” of the title.  

George DeNormand (Customer, uncredited) appeared in three films with Lucille Ball from 1937 to 1963. This is the just one of his many appearances on “The Lucy Show” and “Here’s Lucy.”

William Meader (Clerk, uncredited) had appeared as an airport extra in “The Ricardos Go to Japan,” a 1959 episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” He made many appearances on “The Lucy Show,” most times as a clerk in Mr. Mooney’s bank.

Murray Pollack (Customer, uncredited) was seen as one of the party guest in “Country Club Dance” (ILL S6;E25), the episode that introduced Barbara Eden. Coincidentally, he later appeared on half a dozen episodes of “I Dream of Jeannie.” Like William Meader, he was at the airport when “The Ricardos Go to Japan” (1959). He was seen in the 1963 movie Critic’s Choice with Lucille Ball. Here he makes the second of two appearances on “The Lucy Show” and returned for three episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

Joan Carey (Customer, uncredited) was a frequent background player on “I Love Lucy” and “The Lucy Show” where she eventually became Lucille Ball’s camera and lighting stand-in.

Other bank clerks and customers are played by uncredited background performers.

This is the first of three “Lucy Show” episodes co-written by veteran TV comedy writer Seaman Jacobs. Jacobs teamed  with Fred S. Fox, who had previously written for the show.  Jacobs and Fox will return to pen 27 episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Their final draft of “Lucy and the Starmaker” was dated May 15, 1967.

This is another episode that has fallen into public domain. Some unofficial releases title this episode “Catch a Rising Star” or “Lucy the Starmaker.”

The day this episode first aired (October 2, 1967) Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first African-American justice of the United States Supreme Court. It was a year of change on the civil rights front. The first black man to ever play a credited supporting role on a Lucille Ball sitcom was John Bubbles in “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17) and “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;E18). In her personal life Ball was pro civil rights, even insisting that her black maid be able to ride the main elevator at her upscale New York apartment instead of using the service elevator as was mandated.

That same evening on CBS, Lucille Ball made the first of her four guest appearances on “The Carol Burnett Show.”  Burnett had played Carol Bradford on two episodes of “The Lucy Show.”  Lucy considered Burnett a protege. The official Season 6 “Lucy Show” DVD collection features a sketch with Carol and Lucy as feuding car rental agencies at the airport who beat up Tim Conway (above). Carol Burnett will return to “The Lucy Show” for two more episodes, this time playing a character named Carol Tilford.

The day after this episode first aired Disney voice artist Pinto Colvig died at age 75. He was the original voice of Pluto and Goofy and provided all the dog barks in “Lucy is Her Own Lawyer” (S2;E23).  

Frankie Avalon gets a warm welcome from the studio audience.  

Mr. Mooney also had a nephew on the series, Wendell Mooney played by Jay North in “Lucy the Robot” (S4;E23).  

Mr. Mooney offers Tommy a cigarette from a box on his desk and Tommy smokes it.  Unlike “I Love Lucy,” recreational smoking is not a part of “The Lucy Show.”  Smoking is only used if it is part of the comic action of the scene and then only rarely.  Lucille Ball, however, was a life-long smoker off screen.  In 1965, Congress required all cigarette packages carry a health warning. In 1969, cigarette advertising on television and radio was banned.

Lucy’s trusty transistor radio makes yet another appearance.  When she switches it on while having lunch at her desk, it briefly plays a jazzy version of “This Can’t Be Love,” a song from the 1938 Rodgers and Hart musical The Boys from Syracuse.

When Lucy turns on the radio again, she hears a song she says is one of her favorites, “Walking Happy.”  Tommy agrees and performs it for Lucy in the office.  As 'gaffe squad’ members have pointed out, Avalon is poorly lip-syncing the song. It is the title tune from the 1966 Broadway musical Walking Happy with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy Cahn. The show was nominated for six 1967 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, but won none.  The title song was originally meant to be used in the 1963 film Papa’s Delicate Condition, sung by Jackie Gleason, but was dropped before the film’s release. In the lyrics, the words “chappie” and “bloomin'” betray that the show is set in England.  It was based on the play Hobson’s Choice by Harold Brighouse.

When Lucy expresses her thwarted theatrical ambitions, Tommy replies “Well, everyone can’t be another Annette Funicello.” This is an inside reference to former Mousketeer and Frankie Avalon’s frequent co-star on screen.  They were so often paired that the names 'Frankie and Annette’ became one in the public’s mind.  

Lucy’s wacky filing system (a running joke on the series) finds the bottles of lemon pop filed under “C” for “Cold Lemon.”  

After singing for Lucy, Tommy says he never thought he had more than an average voice.  Lucy replies “if that is an average voice Elizabeth Taylor is an average housewife.”  Glamorous movie star Elizabeth Taylor was frequently mentioned on both “The Lucy Show” and “I Love Lucy.”  Taylor married actor Richard Burton in 1964 and the two will appear together as themselves on “Here’s Lucy” in 1970.  

When Mr. Mooney cuts off Tommy’s 'audition’ after a few notes Lucy says “Dizzie Gillespie would have had a better chance with Lawrence Welk!”  John Birks Gillespie (1917– 93) was a jazz trumpeter, composer, and singer. He was particularly known for his bluesy riffs and free-form style. Lawrence Welk (1903-92) was a hugely popular bandleader who would appear as himself on a 1970 episode of “Here’s Lucy.”  He was known for his waltzes, a much more structured and straight-laced musical sound than jazz.  Gillespie would definitely not be a good fit with Welk’s Champagne Music Makers. Welk was previously mentioned in “Lucy and Clint Walker” (S4;E24).  

When Mr. Mooney threatens to send Lucy to Fort Knox to be made into gold bars and carved up ingot by ingot, Lucy says to Tommy: “Who does he think he is? Goldfinger?” Goldfinger was a James Bond film released in the US in early 1965. The title character was a wealthy psychopath (played by Gert Fröbe) obsessed with gold.  Fort Knox, an Army base in Kentucky where most of the US gold reserves are held, is also featured in Goldfinger. Mr. Mooney gets exit applause after laying out his gold-plated plan to fire Mrs. Carmichael.  

After luring producer Penrose to the bank on the pretense of verifying his signature on a check, Tommy sings“I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” written by Harry Woods in 1927 but with original lyrics pertaining to the episode. 

Tommy, with the full bank staff and customers participating, sings “When the Feeling Hits You” by Bobby Doyle.  It was also the title of a 1965 album by Sammy Davis Jr. 

Tommy also plays the trumpet during the number, which is the musical talent that got Avalon into show business as young man.  

Callbacks!

Lucy previously tried to advance the career of a young male singer named Wayne Newton in “Lucy Discovers Wayne Newton” (S4;E14).  

Blooper Alerts!

During some parts of the song “Walking Happy,” you can hear Frankie Avalon singing, but his mouth isn’t moving. It this were “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Avalon would certainly be told to sashay away!  

During the number the camera pulls back too far and we can see where the office carpeting meets the cement sound stage floor.  This is a regular occurrence on “The Lucy Show.”  

Mr. Mooney says Mr. Cheever “owns” the bank!  No one person “owns” a bank. Banks are 'owned’ by investors who may or may not be depositors. Banks are for-profit corporations, with declared earnings paid to stockholders only.  

Lucy tells Tommy that when she came out to Hollywood she wanted to be an actress and it took her a long time to realize she just didn’t have it. In previous episodes it was clear that Lucy’s brushes with show business were more happenstance than the desire to fulfill career goals.  In “Lucy Meets Sheldon Leonard” (S5;E22) the TV producer asks her if she’s ever done any acting and Lucy promptly replies “No, sir.”  

Lucy offers Tommy a “bottle of pop.”  Being raised on the East Coast, Lucy would probably refer to the carbonated beverage as “soda” or “soda pop.”   The bottles also have no labels on them.  

“Lucy and the Starmaker” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5