April 26, 2007

Today Marks a Sad Day 18 Years Ago!


Today is the sad anniversary of Lucille Ball's death. She died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital of a ruptured aorta after a surgery to correct cardiopulmonary problems.

Her last appearance was at the annual Academy Awards in March 1989. She appeared with Bob Hope to a standing ovation. After her death the sign next to CBS Studios at Television City in California read: "They needed a laugh in Heaven. Goodbye Lucy".

She was cremated and her ashes were buried in a masauleum (Columbarium of Radiant Dawn, Court of Remembrance) at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, but she was moved in 2002 to her hometown in Jamestown, New York and is now in Lake View Cemetery along with her family.

You can view all the news of that day about Lucille Ball death on DVD at "Everything Lucy". You must be a registered member to obtain the DVD in the Members Only Store! So be sure to register and get your copy of these historical news shows.

April 25, 2007

Vitameatavegamin Skit Based on Red Skelton's "Gin Guzzler"


According to Branson Critic Online Magazine, the Lucille Ball episode that featured her getting drunk on Vitameatavegamin was based one of the Red Skelton's drinking routines. According to Tom Mullica, who is performing in a Tribute to Red Skelton:

The "Guzzler's Gin" routine, which was hilarious, became the basis for Lucille Ball's unforgettable "Vitameatavegamin" skit! Lucy and Red appeared together in "The Ziegfeld Follies" in 1945, became friends, and Red allowed her to rework the routine into one of her own!

April 24, 2007

Lucy's Really Lost Moments DVD Coming Shortly!


Coming on May 1st is another Lucy DVD, "I Love Lucy: Lucy's Really Lost Moments". This DVD contains extremely rare television footage featuring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. You can find this on Amazon.com for $9.99.

This DVD includes an "I Love Lucy" episode guest-starring Bob Hope; a Westinghouse special featuring Lucy; an episode of the game show "I've Got a Secret," in which Lucy appears with panelist Johnny Carson; and a rarely seen TV pilot starring Lucy.

In Other DVD News previously Released:

Easy to Wed will be featured in the Esther Williams Box Set, "TCM Spotlight: Esther Williams" which is to be released July 17th. Currently this film is not slated to be released separately from this set. The box set will include "Bathing Beauty," "On an Island With You," "Easy To Wed," "Neptune's Daughter" and "Dangerous When Wet." None of these films have been previously released on DVD. The complete set will sale for $49.95.

Lucie Arnaz to Perform in Philadelphia

As reported by Theater Mania, Lucie Arnaz will be featured in the line-up for the 2007-2008 season at the Philadelphia Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Lucie will celebrate her 40th anniversary in show business in "We Love Lucie", which will includes Broadway music as well as recollections of her parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

The show is scheduled to begin March 2-9, 2008. For more information visit the Philly Pops website or call 212-893-1955.

The Long Long Trailer and Forever Darling SoundTracks


As reported on Screen Archives Entertainment, a soundtrack has been released on the musical scores in the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz movies, The Long, Long Trailer as well as Forever, Darling.

No soundtrack albums were released to these films, despite fine orchestral scores and vocal contributions by the stars. The Long, Long Trailer features a short, classy score by British composer Adolph Deutsch based on the pre-existing song, "Breezin' Along With the Breeze," which Lucy and Desi sing during a happy moment. The complete stereo score is included as well as the Lucy and Desi song (also presented in an unused orchestration) and Desi's vocals for a comedy sequence in which he sings a kind of faux-Italian opera.

Bronislau Kaper scored Forever, Darling during a "fairy tale" period in which he also scored The Swan and The Glass Slipper. He provided the irresistibly catchy title song (with lyrics by Sammy Cahn), sung in the film by The Ames Brothers as well as by Desi Arnaz, and magical, impressionistic scoring for the angel's appearances. Almost all of the monaural score is included (some minor cues had to be omitted due to deterioration), including outtakes. As a bonus, this CD includes the 45rpm single Desi Arnaz recorded with his orchestra of "Forever, Darling" (backed by "The Straw Hat Song") and released on MGM Records.

You can find this soundtrack CD on Screen Archives for $19.95. It is currently not available on Amazon.com. There is a limited amount of CDs available

April 23, 2007

Do you remember your first television show?

The La Vista Sun asked the question, "Do you remember your first television show?" from it's readers to find out what family time was like before the explosion of television in the 1950s.

This is in response to the national 2007 TV-Turnoff Week, April 23rd through the 29th in order to encourage children as well as adults to watch less TV.

Lucy's Children Honor Their Mother at 5th Annual TVLand Awards


For those who didn't catch the 5th Annual TVLand Awards Sunday, Lucille Ball was honored with the Legacy of Laughter award by her children, Desi Arnaz Jr. and Lucie Arnaz.

Lucy earned the first ever Legacy of Laughter Award at the event, which taped April 14th in Santa Monica, Calif. Kirstie Alley introduced the award and Carol Burnett presented the Award.

Below are pictured Kirstie Alley during the introductions and Carol Burnett doing her trademark ear-tug:




For those who may have missed the event, you can view it on the 2007 TV Land Awards Show Highlights website! Below are more pictures from that event.



Pictured above are Lucy's children, Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Lucie Arnaz, who played with Lucy as her children Craig Carter and Kim Carter in "Here's Lucy".



Pictured above are Jimmy Garrett, who played Jerry Carmichael in "The Lucy Show" and Keith Thibodeaux, who played Little Ricky in "I Love Lucy".

Other awards that were presented that night were:

"Roots" received the Anniversary Award 30 years after the public first saw the momentous miniseries that took a realistic view at slavery. Forest Whitaker and Morgan Freeman presented the prize to the miniseries' cast.

"Heroes" took the Future Classic Award. Masi Oka and Jack Coleman were among the cast members attending.

"Hee Haw" received Entertainer Award. Willie Nelson performed "On the Road Again" and "City of New Orleans" to honor the variety show. Roy Clark and other cast members accepted the prize.

"Taxi" earned the Medallion Award. The ceremony reunited cast members Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Tony Danza, Carol Kane, Jeff Conaway and Randall Carver.

"The Brady Bunch" won the Pop Culture Award. Accepting the prize were Ann B. Davis, Florence Henderson, Barry Williams, Christopher Knight, Maureen McCormick, Mike Lookinland and Susan Olsen. James Lipton also interviewed the cast.

In another segment, McCormick and Williams sang along with the ceremony's host, Kelly Ripa, who also re-enacted the openings of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "That Girl" and "The Flying Nun" at the beginning of the event. She opened the awards flying onto the stage as The Flying Nun!

April 20, 2007

Vivian Vance's Sister in Jamestown for Lucy-Desi Days


Vivian Vance, the wonderful woman best known as Lucille Ball’s sidekick “Ethel Mertz” in "I Love Lucy", will be celebrated at three events during Lucy-Desi Days 2007 Memorial Day Weekend Festival in Lucy’s hometown, Jamestown, New York.

An actress and singer, Vance had a varied stage career before she defined the role of “second banana” on television. She was nominated for four Emmy Awards and was the first person to win as Best Supporting Actress. Following “I Love Lucy”, Vance was part of the cast in The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour and The Lucy Show. She later made appearances in a number of television programs, as well as playing Maxine, who dispensed Maxwell House coffee in a series of television commercials.

The audience at the Friday, May 25, matinee of the CBS Television special Lucy Calls the President will enjoy Vivian Vance’s final television performance. First airing 30 years ago, the story has Lucy “Whittaker” trying to call President Jimmy Carter to complain about a federal housing project that would destroy a children’s camp. The special features many of the cast members from The Lucy Show.

This Lucille Ball Special is available from "Everything Lucy" as a Members-Only DVD. Register as a member for more information.


Immediately following is Friday afternoon’s Treasure Chest Boat Cruise, departing from Lucille Ball Memorial Park in the neighboring village of Celoron. Vivian Vance’s sister, Lou Ann Graham, will welcome visitors aboard the Summer Wind for a cruise on the same Lake Chautauqua Lucy Ricardo told Ethel Mertz about in “I Love Lucy”. Graham will share rare family artifacts, take questions from the audience, and offer little known background about her famous sister.

Saturday morning, May 26, We Love Lucy Fan Club President Tom Watson will host “A Tribute to Vivian Vance”. The event, sponsored by Jamestown Mattress Company, will feature a special video of Vance’s career highlights, live performance, and some surprises. Lou Ann Graham will share personal memories of her sister and family photos. Over $500 in door prizes are being provided by Aliz International.

Headlining Lucy-Desi Days 2007 will be Lucie Arnaz. Saturday evening, May 26, she will moderate the Legacy of Laughter (LOL) panel, and the next evening the talented singer and dancer will perform a concert in tribute to her father, Desi Arnaz.

Many Festival events are free and some ticketed events have limited admission. For a Festival booklet or to order tickets, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) ext. 203 or visit online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, Lucy-Desi Gift Shop at 300 N. Main, and Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. 3rd - all in downtown Jamestown - are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

April 18, 2007

Desi Arnaz Jr. Just Says "No" to Castro

As reported on TV Guide, Fidel Castro tried to convince Desi Arnaz Jr. to visit his father's homeland.

Desi Arnaz Jr. tells TV Guide Online that he turned down an invitation from Castro to attend Cuba's annual Ernest Hemingway Fishing and Tennis Tournament five years ago. He'd like to one day visit the country but he's not willing to do so as long as Castro's Communist regime remains in power.

"If it ever becomes a free country, I'll have a house there," says Arnaz, 47, who today calls Nevada home. "People want to go back, they just don't want to go back with him."

Pictures from TV Land Award

Tom Watson has posted pictures on his site that were taken at the TV Land Awards that honored Lucille Ball. It's a must see for Lucy Fans:

http://www.lucyfan.com/stillweek271.html

The program will air on TV Land at 9 p.m. Sunday, April 22, and will be rebroadcast on TV Land’s sister network, Nick at Nite, at 11 p.m. April 22. Be sure to check your local Broadcast Channel for actual times in your area.

April 17, 2007

More News on Lucy-Desi Days 2007

Ric Wyman, director of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center reports some additional news on the upcoming Lucy-Desi Days in May at Jamestown, NY.

Lucille Ball's sister-in-law, Zo Ball, will be flying in to take part in the weekend and Cleo Smith (who was Lucy's cousin but referred by Lucy as her "sister") is bringing her son to Jamestown for the festival. Lucy-Desi fans can help celebrate Cleo's 88th birthday at the Lucy-Desi Fan Reunion on Friday, May 25. Ticket information is available at the Lucy-Desi Store.

A very, very special prop from one of Lucy's TV episodes is being donated to the Lucy-Desi Center by the daughter of "I Love Lucy" writer, Bob Carroll, Jr. It will be unveiled as part of the fan reunion event that Cleo Smith will be attending!

In time for the festival, an amazing collection of Lucille Ball handwritten letters, Christmas cards, and more has been added to the new exhibit at the Lucy-Desi Museum! Visit and you'll also see a collection of rare snapshots of Desi and his fishing pal, Pepito (yes—the same "Pepito" that appeared in the pilot and episode 52, "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Son") along with their fishing licenses!

Also just uncovered are two very special "FREE gifts with purchase" that will be offered during the Museum Members Only Party on Saturday morning, May 26th.

For more information, or to attend the Lucy-Desi Days Festival from May 25th through the 27th, visit the Lucy-Desi Museum for tickets, schedule of events and accomodation information!

April 16, 2007

Dance With Me Reading

On Playbill, a free reading of the new musical, Dance With Me, which was inspired by the story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz will be presented April 16th.

Part of the York Theatre Company's Developmental Reading Series, the musical will be presented at 7:30 PM. For reservations, contact the York Theatre Company at (212) 935-5824, ext. 24. A limited number of seats have been put aside for industry professionals; for industry inquiries call (646) 456-3749. The York Theatre Company is located within the Theatre at St. Peter's Church at East 54th Street, east of Lexington Avenue.

TV Land Honored Lucille Ball at Awards


Eighteen years after her death, Lucille Ball, star of the landmark sitcom 'I Love Lucy', was honoured with the Legacy of Laughter Award at the 5th Annual TV Land Awards which are designed to honour classic stars and shows on Saturday, April 14th. The gala premieres on TV Land at 9 p.m. Sunday, April 22, and will be rebroadcast on TV Land’s sister network, Nick at Nite, at 11 p.m. April 22.

Lucille Ball's children Desi Arnaz Jr. and Lucie Arnaz accepted the Legacy of Laughter Award on their mother's behalf, which was presented by Carol Burnett. Read more about the event from Digital as well as from Inside Social.

As president of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Lucie Arnaz created a Legacy of Laughter seminars to explore and celebrate the healing powers of laughter. The Award honored Lucille Ball for her groundbreaking career and enduring sitcom, I Love Lucy and was presented to honor her awe-inspiring work which continues to serve as an inspiration and a guiding force. Her comedy always delivered, from the broadest slapstick to the most nuanced verbal reaction. Her gift is indeed a legacy. It serves as both an ideal for those who have followed her, and also in and of itself - timelessly providing the invigorating, healing power of laughter.

Named by TV Guide as the "Greatest TV Star of All Time," Lucille Ball's groundbreaking work in film and television continues to touch the funny bone of viewers all over the world. Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, N.Y. in 1911 and always wanted to make her mark in entertainment. She entered a New York City drama school and later landed a coveted RKO contract which brought her roles in "Top Hat," "The Big Street" and "Too Many Girls" — the motion picture where she met and fell in love with her husband and "I Love Lucy" co-star Desi Arnaz. Today, I Love Lucy is one of the most successful and longest running programs in television syndication.

Lucy was not only a comedy genius but a power to be reckoned with behind the camera. With her business prowess she laid the groundwork for many of today’s innovative television production methods. In 1951, she became the first woman to run her own production company — Desilu — that produced such television hits as 'Star Trek,' 'The Andy Griffith Show,' 'Mission Impossible' and 'Mannix.' From shooting I Love Lucy on film with three cameras to the creation of re-runs during her real-life pregnancy to starting a successful syndication model, she was truly one of television's first major players.

Celebrities from television, music and film bestowed special tribute awards to some of television's most iconic series and stars at the award ceremony.

Other honourees of the award ceremony were the TV shows 'The Brady Bunch', 'Taxi' and 1970s miniseries Roots.

The Brady Bunch received the Pop Culture Award, while John Amos, Todd Bridges, LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, Leslie Uggams and Ben Vereen took to the stage to claim the Anniversary Award, which was presented to the cast of Roots.

Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Tony Danza and Jeff Conaway were on hand to claim the Medallion Award for American sitcom Taxi, the series which focused on the everyday lives of a handful of New York City taxi drivers working for the Sunshine Cab Company.

The science fiction drama television series Heroes which was first premiered in 2006, received the Future Classic Award.

The mother/daughter country music duo of Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna, reunited to perform to pay tribute to 'Hee Haw', the television variety show hosted by musicians Buck Owens and Roy Clark. Outlaw music singer Willie Nelson also performed a tribute to the program

The Lucy-Desi Center's Legacy of Laughter events fulfill the center’s mission to enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter. These panel discussions, with audience interaction, explore and celebrate the inestimable value of laughter. These are moderated by Lucie Arnaz, and panelists include those who create or perform comedy, who use it in their work, or who have been healed by it. The next LOL will be held in Jamestown during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival on Saturday, May 26. The following evening Ms. Arnaz will perform "Lucie Arnaz in Concert: A Daughter's Tribute."

For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and Lucy-Desi Days, visit www.lucy-desi.com or call 484-0800.

Lee Tannen Book, I Loved Lucy Available


As reported from Oldies.com, Lee Tannen's 240 page book "I Loved Lucy: My Friendship with Lucille Ball", 2007, is available for $4.95!

True Lucy fans call the 1980s "the lost Lucy years" - the last decade of Lucy's life, when she was mostly out of the spotlight, trying to live a private life. It was then that she made one of the best friends she ever had - Lee Tannen, a distant relative of her husband Gary Morton, who was an integral part of Lucy's life until her death in 1989.

Now for the first time, Tannen paints a rich portrait of the real woman behind the legend, revealing how she differed from her zany on-screen persona and yet in many ways matched it precisely. Warm and funny, autocratic and mercurial, maddening and irresistible - that was all Lucy and she's all here on every page.

I Love Lucy Designer's Sketches Viewed Online

Edward Stevenson, costume designer for Desilu Productions now has his sketches online thanks to to Idaho State University's (ISU) Eli M. Oboler Library and the impetus of Connie Smith Bowen, wife of former ISU President Richard Bowen.

The Stevenson Collection includes a vast array of several hundred sketches and renderings of costumes from his early days as an apprentice to his final years. Also included are sketches by other designers, and numerous scrapbooks and photographs of both his family and his Hollywood associations. The collection was a gift to ISU from Stevenson’s family with additional drawings donated by Ball.The sketches, many in color and some including fabric swatches, have been digitized by a joint effort between the Special Collections Department and the Theatre/Dance Department. Each sketch was scanned and described in detail with the assistance of Trent Clegg, a theatre department graduate assistant now completing his thesis on Stevenson. To view the sketches, visit www.isu.edu/library/special/mc111.htm.

Robert Osborne Highlighted Gala Benefit

Robert Osborne, host of Turner Classic Movies shared the spotlight in a Gala that benefited the Bryn Mawr Film Institute on March 31st.

As reported by Lily William, The Bulletin:

He appeared in the pilot for "The Beverly Hillbillies," but turned down an ongoing role on the series because it sounded too silly to him to be successful. He became a contract player for Desilu, where Lucille Ball was impressed enough with Osborne's breadth of film knowledge, especially about character actors, to make him one of her inner circle.

The real turning point in Osborne's Hollywood career, however, came when Ball (who was something of a mentor to him) advised Osborne to forgo acting in favor of writing. "We've got enough actors," she said. "Write a book. It doesn't even have to be good. Just having a published book will bring you respect in the field."

Following Ball's advice, Osborne wrote Academy Awards Illustrated, today considered by many to be the bible of Oscar histories.

Desilu Studios' The Untouchables Available on DVD


As reported on DVD Talk, The UnTouchables, a 1959 crime drama series produced by Desilu Studios is available.

The Untouchables' popularity peaked in 1960, when it reached eighth in the ratings, but criticisms continued to mount against it. Italian-Americans groused about its preponderance of Italian villains, while FBI officials were irked to see many of their real-life victories attributed to the fictionalized Untouchables. Even the Capone estate filed a $1 million lawsuit against Desilu Productions for profiting from the gangster's "likeness." By September of 1963, the show had run its course. ABC ended The Untouchables after 114 episodes.

The two-part pilot and 14 initial episodes are included in this set. You may find it for purchase on Amazon.com for $32.99.

Old Town Auctions Features Lucille Ball Memorabilia

As reported by Antique News, Old Town Auctions will be held May 11-12 at the Grand Venice Hotel & Conference Center in Hagerstown, Maryland and will be structured like a mini convention, featuring hotel room trading and ample opportunities for socializing in addition to the main event: an auction of 1,000 quality lots, with no estimates and no Internet bidding.

Much of the auction inventory has come from private collectors who've been involved in the hobby for many years.

A West Coast consignor who "loved Lucy" was the source for a mind-boggling 1,000-piece collection of Lucille Ball memorabilia. The collection – part I of which will be offered in the May sale – features advertising signs, toys, dolls, paper and ephemera; and practically any Lucy-related item that was made under license. This includes nearly every Lucille Ball movie poster ever made – there are about 20 – promotional pieces from Desilu Studios, one of two known boxed Ricky Ricardo conga drums, and even a Ricky Jr. doll stroller, which was autographed by Keith Thibodeaux, who played Little Ricky on the TV show.

The auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11 and 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. The preview will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday and will take place from 8-9 a.m. on Saturday. While there will be no Internet bidding, absentee and phone bids will be gladly accepted. Room trading is encouraged on Thursday, Friday and Saturday during times when the auction is not in progress, as well as after the auction. Located close to the intersection of Interstates 70 and 81, the Hagerstown Grand Venice is an easy drive from many East Coast and Mid-Atlantic points. Full-color catalogs and additional information on the sale and its contents may be obtained by calling Keith Spurgeon at 781-771-3998. View auction highlights online at www.oldtownauctions.com. To make reservations at the Grand Venice Hotel, call 301-733-0830.

Back with Updated News on Lucille Ball

Back from a sunny, warm and great vacation in Arizona to the cold, rainy East Coast - some new news and updated older news that you all may or may not have heard on our favorite red head.

As always, we post news on Lucille Ball and her career anywhere we hear it from press releases to news feeds and alerts from all over the world. If you have any news to report or would like to contribute, please email everythinglucy@youns.com and we will gladly post or make you a contributing blogger!

April 06, 2007

Lucille Ball's Kids to Accept TV Land Award

Lucille Ball, being honored with the "Legacy of Laughter Award" by TVLand, will have her children, Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Lucie Arnaz accept the award on her behalf.

This award is presented to honor an entertainer whose awe-inspiring work continues to serve as an inspiration and a guiding force: Lucille Ball. Her comedy always delivered, from the broadest slapstick to the most nuanced verbal reaction. Her gift is indeed a legacy. It serves as both an ideal for those who have followed her, and also in and of itself - timelessly providing the invigorating, healing power of laughter.

Named by TV Guide as the "Greatest TV Star of All Time", Lucille Ball's groundbreaking work in film and television continues to touch the funny bone of viewers all over the world. Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, NY in 1911 and always wanted to make her mark in entertainment. She entered a New York City drama school and later landed a coveted RKO contract which brought her roles in Top Hat, The Big Street and Too Many Girls - the motion picture where she met and fell in love with her husband and I Love Lucy co-star Desi Arnaz. Today, I Love Lucy is one of the most successful and longest running programs in television syndication. Lucy was not only a comedy genius but a power to be reckoned with behind the camera. With her business prowess she laid the groundwork for many of today's innovative television production methods. In 1951, she became the first woman to run her own production company - Desilu -- that produced such television hits as Star Trek, The Andy Griffith Show, Mission Impossible and Mannix. From shooting I Love Lucy on film with three cameras to the creation of re-runs during her real-life pregnancy to starting a successful syndication model, she was truly one of television's first major players.

Read more about the Legacy of Laughter Award and Lucy's kids accepting the award!

TV Land Awards to Salute Lucille Ball

TV Land announced that it will salute Lucille Ball, Roots, The Brady Bunch, Taxi and Hee Haw among others at the Fifth Annual TV Land Awards hosted by Kelly Ripa on Saturday, April 14. The gala premieres on TV Land on Sunday, April 22nd at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will be rebroadcast on TV Land's sister network, Nick at Nite that same night beginning at 11 p.m. ET/PT.