Lucy-Desi P.R., Jamestown, NY: The final details are being confirmed for Lucy-Desi Days 2007 (May 25-27) in Jamestown, New York. This year, 40+ events make up the annual Memorial Day Weekend festival - and it’s looking to be the most spectacular weekend ever!
In addition to being able to enjoy both the Lucy-Desi Museum and Desilu Playhouse (the "I Love Lucy" museum) all weekend long, you can take part in a special birthday party (with two of Lucille Ball's relatives), enjoy a FREE concert (with our very, very special headliner!) at the Desi Arnaz Band Shell in Lucille Ball Memorial Park, meet not one but two people who appeared on "I Love Lucy", sign up for Laughter Yoga workshops, celebrate the life of Vivian Vance with a touching tribute and a very special guest, and stand up and be noticed at a special "I Love Lucy" masquerade party at the same theatre where a young Lucille Ball performed! There's also ongoing Lucytown Tours, late night comedy improv with the Unexpected Guests, and our 4th Legacy of Laughter event!
A Lucy-Desi memorabilia auction, Tropicana Luncheon—with a little bit of bling!, a special Friday night anniversary screening (with opening remarks by an "I Love Lucy" insider), a boat cruise on Lake Chautauqua (the same lake Lucy Ricardo talks about on "I Love Lucy"), and late night outdoor film fests! And that's not all!
Stay tuned for more details all next week and see why you'll want to spend May 25-27 in Lucy's hometown this year and take part in a very memorable Lucy-Desi weekend!
Visit here for complete festival details and accommodation information for this festival weekend!
March 27, 2007
Vivian Vance Salute Planned for Lucy-Desi Days!
As reported by Tom Watson on LucyFan, Vivian Vance will be honored with a salute by Tom at this year's Lucy-Desi Days. The yearly event which is held each year in the Spring is slated for Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27 in Jamestown, New York.
The salute to Vivian will include film clips and on-stage conversations with some special guests. This particular event will be held Saturday morning, May 26th.
More information will be released in the upcoming weeks so you can make way and plan your visit!
Guess Who Else Loves Lucy?
As reported on Advertising Age, our last truly elected and popular President, Bill Clinton watches I Love Lucy on TVLand!
President Clinton revealed himself to be a dedicated TV Land watcher himself. "I'm catching up on all my Lucy and Archie Bunker reruns. 'Bonanza' I especially missed. Because the wife's otherwise occupied, I'm home a lot."
President Clinton revealed himself to be a dedicated TV Land watcher himself. "I'm catching up on all my Lucy and Archie Bunker reruns. 'Bonanza' I especially missed. Because the wife's otherwise occupied, I'm home a lot."
March 23, 2007
The Women Who Made Television Funny
A new book by David Tucker, The Women Who Made Television Funny, features Lucille Ball among some of her peers in a wonderful and articulate new book. The book features many photographs, notes within it's 215 pages.
Most of the bright and talented actresses who made America laugh in the 1950s are off the air today, but their pioneering Hollywood careers irrevocably changed the face of television comedy. These smart and sassy women successfully negotiated the hazards of the male-dominated workplace with class and humor, and the work they did in the 1950s is inventive still by today’s standards. Unable to fall back on strong language, shock value, or racial and sexual epithets, the female sitcom stars of the 1950s entertained with pure talent and screen savvy. As they did so, they helped to lay the foundation for the development of television comedy.
This book pays tribute to 10 prominent television actresses who played lead roles in popular comedy shows of the 1950s. Each chapter covers the works and personalities of one actress: Lucille Ball (I Love Lucy), Gracie Allen (The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show), Eve Arden (Our Miss Brooks), Spring Byington (December Bride), Joan Davis (I Married Joan), Anne Jeffreys (Topper), Donna Reed (The Donna Reed Show), Ann Sothern (Private Secretary and The Ann Sothern Show), Gale Storm (My Little Margie and The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna), and Betty White (Life with Elizabeth). For each star, a career sketch is provided, concentrating primarily on her television work but also noting achievements in other areas. Appendices offer cast and crew lists, a chronology, and an additional biographical sketch of 10 less familiar actresses who deserve recognition.
David C. Tucker is a free-lance writer and public library administrator who lives outside Atlanta, Georgia. He has served as a book reviewer for Library Journal.
March 21, 2007
Is "The Lucy Show" Series on DVD Far Behind?
With the recent release of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour on DVD which completes the "I Love Lucy" series, is Lucille Ball's next series, The Lucy Show, far behind?
According to Tom Watson, President and Founder of LucyFan who also was instrumental in putting together the DVD Set for CBS:
So all you fans, get out there and purchase your DVD Set of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour which is released as the Last Season of I Love Lucy. You can find it at any retail store that sales DVDs or help support "Everything Lucy" by purchasing through our web site, The Everything Lucy Store.
According to Tom Watson, President and Founder of LucyFan who also was instrumental in putting together the DVD Set for CBS:
Hopefully, if this package sells well, we will be able to convince the powers-that-be at CBS that there is also a market for The Lucy Show. I'd love to see that series be given its due, along side many of the other sitcoms of the early 1960s.
The 1962-63 "premiere" season alone includes a long list of wonderfully funny shows: "Lucy Waits Up for Chris," "Lucy Puts Up a TV Antenna," "Together for Christmas," "Chris' New Years Eve Party," "Lucy and Her Electric Mattress," "Lucy and Viv Put In a Shower," "Lucy Visits the White House," etc., etc.
So all you fans, get out there and purchase your DVD Set of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour which is released as the Last Season of I Love Lucy. You can find it at any retail store that sales DVDs or help support "Everything Lucy" by purchasing through our web site, The Everything Lucy Store.
March 17, 2007
Happy Birthday to Everything Lucy Blog
On a belated note, Thursday, March 15th we celebrated our two year anniversary with the "Everything Lucy" blog! We have been reporting on all the news that can be found on the internet related only to our favorite red head, Lucille Ball.
Our news comes from a number of PR places and news feeds, but we are always looking for more help in any way we can. If you have news pertaining to Lucy or would like to become a contributor of Everything Lucy, let us know at everythinglucy@youns.com.
This Blog and it's parent site web site, Everything Lucy at youns.com is run and operated by one sole individual whose life is extremely full. As an artist and web designer, there's little room left for anything else - so any help would be extremely greatful.
The Everything Lucy web site has been around for coming up to 7 years now and was one of the first web sites to include everything on Lucille Ball, including all her film and her TV shows all in one place. It still remains one of the few professional sites on the internet. For those that become members of the web site through the member registration - they have a members only site with exclusive offers on DVDs for her TV Specials along with her last TV Comedy, Life with Lucy. So be sure to become a member and browse the Everything Lucy Member Store!
Our news comes from a number of PR places and news feeds, but we are always looking for more help in any way we can. If you have news pertaining to Lucy or would like to become a contributor of Everything Lucy, let us know at everythinglucy@youns.com.
This Blog and it's parent site web site, Everything Lucy at youns.com is run and operated by one sole individual whose life is extremely full. As an artist and web designer, there's little room left for anything else - so any help would be extremely greatful.
The Everything Lucy web site has been around for coming up to 7 years now and was one of the first web sites to include everything on Lucille Ball, including all her film and her TV shows all in one place. It still remains one of the few professional sites on the internet. For those that become members of the web site through the member registration - they have a members only site with exclusive offers on DVDs for her TV Specials along with her last TV Comedy, Life with Lucy. So be sure to become a member and browse the Everything Lucy Member Store!
Lucille Ball Collection and More!
DVD Times has posted more information from the PR/Newswire release on the upcoming Lucille Ball Collection, as reported here earlier. At the bottom of the release they have posted images of the collection along with the individual releases!
As you may remember, one of the movies, Best Foot Forward, was released as an Amazon exclusive last year from a Fan vote earlier in the year. We reported this vote last Spring. Some of the other movies were previously released on VHS, but this is the first time they will appear all together in DVD format.
Threes Company Marathon Features Lucille Ball
To celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Three's Company, TV Land is airing a 24-hour marathon that will feature the first episode, two test pilots, the retrospective episode hosted by Lucille Ball, the pilot episode recounting how it all started and the series finale. Also featured during the marathon will be episodes of the two Three's Company spin-offs: The Ropers and Three's A Crowd. The marathon begins tonight at 8:00 pm.
Fans can log on to tvland.com beginning Friday, March 9 through Friday,
March 30 to register to win a Three's Company DVD box set containing all
the episodes from season eight, as well as "bloopers" and "featurettes:"
"The Best of Jack, Janet, Terri, Larry and Furley," "John Ritter: Working
with the Master" and "Usted Habla Three's Company?"
You can see some great blooper clips from season eight on TV Land as well. Three's Company aired on ABC and remained a top-ten show through its
seven-year run from 1977-1984.
March 08, 2007
LOL Sells Out in Boulder City, Nevada
PR NewsRelease: The audience in a sold-out house laughed and learned at last Saturday (March 3) evening's Legacy of Laughter (LOL) at the Historic Boulder Theatre in Boulder City, Nevada. A program of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York, the event was an interactive celebration and exploration of the healing power of humor.
The LOLs were developed by Lucy-Desi Center president Lucie Arnaz following her and Center vice-president Desi Arnaz, Jr.'s search for a way to explore, extend and celebrate the impact that humor has on the world. Previous LOLs were held in Jamestown - Lucille Ball's hometown - and Los Angeles. For each event, Ms. Arnaz moderates a panel of professionals who write, produce, research or use comedy.
The brother and sister team co-produced the most recent LOL held in the theatre Desi owns. Panelists were:
Desi Arnaz, Jr. - musician, actor, producer, who, with his wife Amy, owns and operates the Boulder City Ballet Company and the Historic Boulder Theatre
Sean Astin - actor (The Goonies, Rudy, Memphis Belle, Lord of the Rings), Academy Award nominated director (Kangaroo Court), and member of the Directors Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Christina Carroll - artist who studied at Connecticut College, DeCordova Museum School, Boston Museum School, and Sir John Cass School of Art in London, and daughter of Bob Carroll, Jr., who, with others, wrote every episode of “I Love Lucy”
Jim Dunnigan - longtime resident of Boulder City and award-winning family and crisis intervention counselor who has helped many people deal with addiction and crisis through application of the 12 Step Program
Sebastien Gendry - author, educator and motivational speaker who is the founder and director of the American School of Laughter Yoga and the Laugh Angeles Foundation
By listening, asking questions, and practicing Laughter Yoga exercises, the audience was informed, inspired and engaged throughout the evening.
Continuing to fulfill the Center's mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter, the next Legacy of Laughter will be held during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 25-27, in Jamestown.
For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and the Legacies of Laughter, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit www.lucy-desi.com.
The LOLs were developed by Lucy-Desi Center president Lucie Arnaz following her and Center vice-president Desi Arnaz, Jr.'s search for a way to explore, extend and celebrate the impact that humor has on the world. Previous LOLs were held in Jamestown - Lucille Ball's hometown - and Los Angeles. For each event, Ms. Arnaz moderates a panel of professionals who write, produce, research or use comedy.
The brother and sister team co-produced the most recent LOL held in the theatre Desi owns. Panelists were:
Desi Arnaz, Jr. - musician, actor, producer, who, with his wife Amy, owns and operates the Boulder City Ballet Company and the Historic Boulder Theatre
Sean Astin - actor (The Goonies, Rudy, Memphis Belle, Lord of the Rings), Academy Award nominated director (Kangaroo Court), and member of the Directors Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Christina Carroll - artist who studied at Connecticut College, DeCordova Museum School, Boston Museum School, and Sir John Cass School of Art in London, and daughter of Bob Carroll, Jr., who, with others, wrote every episode of “I Love Lucy”
Jim Dunnigan - longtime resident of Boulder City and award-winning family and crisis intervention counselor who has helped many people deal with addiction and crisis through application of the 12 Step Program
Sebastien Gendry - author, educator and motivational speaker who is the founder and director of the American School of Laughter Yoga and the Laugh Angeles Foundation
By listening, asking questions, and practicing Laughter Yoga exercises, the audience was informed, inspired and engaged throughout the evening.
Continuing to fulfill the Center's mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter, the next Legacy of Laughter will be held during Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 25-27, in Jamestown.
For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center and the Legacies of Laughter, call (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or visit www.lucy-desi.com.
March 07, 2007
Lucy Desi Comedy Hour DVD Review
Another great review on the upcoming Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour DVD that is being released this coming Tuesday, March 13th by Stuart Galbraith IV in DVD Talk.
CBS's release of The Lucille Ball - Desi Arnaz Show, under the somewhat misleading I Love Lucy: The Final Seasons: 7, 8 & 9 offers all 13 shows in excellent transfers and is supplemented with an overwhelming multitude of extra features.
The Lucille Ball - Desi Arnaz Show looks great, with near-flawless full-frame black and white transfers that are impressively sharp with little signs of wear. "Lucy Takes a Cruise to Havana" reportedly was restored using a recently-discovered 35mm print, but it looks as good as everything else. The 13 shows are spread over four single-sided, double-layered discs, with 3-4 episodes per DVD.
Beyond all the reinstated footage, that show features its original titles and Arnaz's introduction and close. Subsequent episodes use The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour moniker, with voice over by an uncredited Marvin Miller. The shows are complete and not time-compressed.
The impressive line-up of supplements include extensive material on the "Lucy Takes a Cruise to Havana" episode, with alternate versions of scenes used for the cut shown in reruns. "Flubs" notes little goofs that made it into the final cut of episodes and is a neat little feature.
Other highlights include three original Ford Motor commercials; and a 40-minute Desliu/Westinghouse Sponsor Presentation.
Fans of the original I Love Lucy will be especially delighted to see on-set color footage surreptitiously shot on 16mm film by a member of the audience. From his vantage point we see the big, roving cameras and the like swirling around the sets representing Ricky's Tropicana Night Club and the Ricardo's apartment, all in full color. This is integrated with footage from the actual episode, and makes a fascinating historical document.
Also included are a promo for the series' rebroadcast in 1965, new animated titles for I Love Lucy when that series was rerun in the summer of 1957.
You will be able to find this DVD at any retail outlet or directly from the Everything Lucy website through Amazon.com! Help support Everything Lucy by purchasing directly through our website! Your purchase is guaranteed through Amazon.com.
March 06, 2007
Lucy-Desi Center Participates in Major Midwest Travel Show
Late last month, The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center participated in the Ohio Travel Association's 2007 Heartland Travel Showcase in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Now in its 22nd year, Heartland Travel Showcase is recognized as the largest regional motor coach marketplace in the United States. Patricia Brininger, Associate Director of the Lucy-Desi Center, joined hundreds of hospitality/tourism professionals at Cincinnati's Duke Energy Center.
"It was really exciting to have tour companies from Texas to Massachusetts eager to hear about what we have to offer in Lucille Ball's hometown," Brininger noted. Tour operators from across the country made appointments to learn about Jamestown's Lucy-Desi Museum and Desilu Playhouse, the "I Love Lucy" museum. Brininger met with travel industry representatives from Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
Appointment sessions and open trade show times were the forums for group tour operators to interact with representatives from attractions, accommodations and destination marketing organizations. These forums offer tour companies ways to develop new group tour products and sellers the opportunity to tell tour companies about their destination and encourage group travel to their area.
For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop, 300 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN).
Now in its 22nd year, Heartland Travel Showcase is recognized as the largest regional motor coach marketplace in the United States. Patricia Brininger, Associate Director of the Lucy-Desi Center, joined hundreds of hospitality/tourism professionals at Cincinnati's Duke Energy Center.
"It was really exciting to have tour companies from Texas to Massachusetts eager to hear about what we have to offer in Lucille Ball's hometown," Brininger noted. Tour operators from across the country made appointments to learn about Jamestown's Lucy-Desi Museum and Desilu Playhouse, the "I Love Lucy" museum. Brininger met with travel industry representatives from Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
Appointment sessions and open trade show times were the forums for group tour operators to interact with representatives from attractions, accommodations and destination marketing organizations. These forums offer tour companies ways to develop new group tour products and sellers the opportunity to tell tour companies about their destination and encourage group travel to their area.
For more information about the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Gift Shop, 300 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN).
March 05, 2007
Warner to Release 5 Lucille Ball Movies on DVD
Warner Home Video announces the Region 1 DVD release of "The Lucille Ball Collection" for 19th June 2007. Those who 'love Lucy' may be surprised to learn that Ms. Ball had nearly 20 years of big-screen credits prior to launching the TV show that made her a household name, and WHV will debut on DVD five of the films she made from 1940 through 1974: CRITIC’S CHOICE, DANCE GIRL DANCE, DU BARRY WAS A LADY, THE BIG STREET and MAME. In addition, BEST FOOT FORWARD will be available separately for the first time nationally. All the films will include special features such as Oscar® nominated vintage short subjects, featurettes and classic cartoons. Packaged as a collectible gift set, the five-disc Lucille Ball Collection will sell for $49.92 SRP, with individual titles and BEST FOOT FORWARD available for $19.97 SRP.
CRITIC’S CHOICE (1963)
Lucille Ball and Bob Hope shine in this comedy from the Broadway hit by Ira Levin (No Time for Sergeants, Deathtrap). Tossing inspired throwaway lines right and left, Hope is New York theatre critic Parker Ballentine, who loves writing pointed reviews that close insufferable plays. But there’s a new show in town – by his redheaded wife (Ball). Is it bad? Parker better think twice before he writes this time. Rip Torn, Jim Backus and Marilyn Maxwell co-star.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage comedy short CALLING ALL TARS with Bob Hope [1935 WB Short]
Oscar-nominated Cartoon NOW HEAR THIS [1963 WB Cartoon]
Theatrical trailer
DANCE, GIRL, DANCE (1940)
Directed by Dorothy Arzner, classic Hollywood’s sole major female director in the ‘30s and ‘40s, this backstage musical has been embraced by fans for its feminist sensibilities as well as its powerful storytelling. Ball and Maureen O’Hara star as two very different types of women who are in the same chorus line. Judy (Maureen O’Hara) is a serious dancer, willing to suffer for her art, but while her friend Bubbles (Lucille Ball) loves to dance, she’s equally interested in paying the rent. To do that, she swaps her ballet shoes for a G-string…and turns patrons’ fantasies into dollars as burlesque sensation Tiger Lily White. Ball exhibits terrific onscreen chemistry as she vamps onscreen – and grabs the heart with her cynical acceptance of being a woman in a man’s world.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage comedy short JUST A CUTE KID [1940 WB Short]
Classic cartoon MALIBU BEACH PARTY [1940 WB Cartoon]
DU BARRY WAS A LADY (1943)
Lucy stars with Gene Kelly and Red Skelton in this glittery, tune-filled bon-bon featuring lavish sets and costumes, a supporting cast of wags and wits (including the inimitable Zero Mostel) and three Cole Porter songs from the original Broadway smash: Friendship, Katie Went to Haiti and Do I Love You? With Ball playing the glamorous nightclub chanteuse May Daly, who’s transformed into Madame Du Barry opposite Skelton as King Louis XV this is fabulous and fun musical comedy from Hollywood’s Golden Era.
Special Features:
Oscar- Pete Smith specialty short SEEING HANDS [1943 MGM Short]
Classic cartoon BAH WILDERNESS [1943 MGM Cartoon]
Theatrical trailer
THE BIG STREET (1942)
This gutsy, touching melodrama was produced from a Damon Runyon story, the man who wrote Guys and Dolls. Ball and Henry Fonda play brilliantly against type -- Fonda poignant as a timid small-timer and Ball impressive as an icy vixen with an ego twice the size of her soul. Lucy plays haughty nightclub singer Gloria Lyons, a gold digger who doesn’t have time for anyone without money, including Little Pinks (Henry Fonda), the busboy who adores her. All that changes when Gloria is paralyzed after a mobster knocks her down the stairs, and she’s forced to see what and who really matter.
Special Features:
Vintage musical short CALLING ALL GIRLS [1942 WB Short]
Classic cartoon THE HEP CAT [1942 WB Short]
MAME (1974)
This lavish 1974 screen version of the beloved Broadway musical stars Lucille Ball as a high-living grande dame who’s outlandishly eccentric and, when suddenly faced with raising an orphaned nephew, fiercely loving. Veterans of the New York stage original join her: Beatrice Arthur as best friend Vera, Jane Connell as prim governess Agnes Gooch, choreographer Onna White and director Gene Saks. As Mame’s husband Beauregard, Robert Preston (The Music Man) sings Loving You, written specially for the film. Jerry Herman’s songs, from It’s Today to We Need a Little Christmas and If He Walked into My Life, rank among the best show tunes ever.
Special Features:
Vintage featurette LUCKY MAME
Theatrical trailer
BEST FOOT FORWARD (1943)
Ball portrays herself as the attention-seeking glamour girl who accepts an invitation to the prom from a Winsocki Military Institute cadet as a publicity stunt. Costars June Allyson, Nancy Walker and Tommy Dix recreate their Broadway roles, and Harry James and his band play at the prom to make this a snappy frolic.
Special Features:
Vintage musical short THE KNIGHT IS YOUNG, with June Allyson [1938 WB Vitaphone Short]
Classic cartoon ONE HAM’S FAMILY [1943 MGM Cartoon]
Theatrical trailer
CRITIC’S CHOICE (1963)
Lucille Ball and Bob Hope shine in this comedy from the Broadway hit by Ira Levin (No Time for Sergeants, Deathtrap). Tossing inspired throwaway lines right and left, Hope is New York theatre critic Parker Ballentine, who loves writing pointed reviews that close insufferable plays. But there’s a new show in town – by his redheaded wife (Ball). Is it bad? Parker better think twice before he writes this time. Rip Torn, Jim Backus and Marilyn Maxwell co-star.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage comedy short CALLING ALL TARS with Bob Hope [1935 WB Short]
Oscar-nominated Cartoon NOW HEAR THIS [1963 WB Cartoon]
Theatrical trailer
DANCE, GIRL, DANCE (1940)
Directed by Dorothy Arzner, classic Hollywood’s sole major female director in the ‘30s and ‘40s, this backstage musical has been embraced by fans for its feminist sensibilities as well as its powerful storytelling. Ball and Maureen O’Hara star as two very different types of women who are in the same chorus line. Judy (Maureen O’Hara) is a serious dancer, willing to suffer for her art, but while her friend Bubbles (Lucille Ball) loves to dance, she’s equally interested in paying the rent. To do that, she swaps her ballet shoes for a G-string…and turns patrons’ fantasies into dollars as burlesque sensation Tiger Lily White. Ball exhibits terrific onscreen chemistry as she vamps onscreen – and grabs the heart with her cynical acceptance of being a woman in a man’s world.
DVD Special Features:
Vintage comedy short JUST A CUTE KID [1940 WB Short]
Classic cartoon MALIBU BEACH PARTY [1940 WB Cartoon]
DU BARRY WAS A LADY (1943)
Lucy stars with Gene Kelly and Red Skelton in this glittery, tune-filled bon-bon featuring lavish sets and costumes, a supporting cast of wags and wits (including the inimitable Zero Mostel) and three Cole Porter songs from the original Broadway smash: Friendship, Katie Went to Haiti and Do I Love You? With Ball playing the glamorous nightclub chanteuse May Daly, who’s transformed into Madame Du Barry opposite Skelton as King Louis XV this is fabulous and fun musical comedy from Hollywood’s Golden Era.
Special Features:
Oscar- Pete Smith specialty short SEEING HANDS [1943 MGM Short]
Classic cartoon BAH WILDERNESS [1943 MGM Cartoon]
Theatrical trailer
THE BIG STREET (1942)
This gutsy, touching melodrama was produced from a Damon Runyon story, the man who wrote Guys and Dolls. Ball and Henry Fonda play brilliantly against type -- Fonda poignant as a timid small-timer and Ball impressive as an icy vixen with an ego twice the size of her soul. Lucy plays haughty nightclub singer Gloria Lyons, a gold digger who doesn’t have time for anyone without money, including Little Pinks (Henry Fonda), the busboy who adores her. All that changes when Gloria is paralyzed after a mobster knocks her down the stairs, and she’s forced to see what and who really matter.
Special Features:
Vintage musical short CALLING ALL GIRLS [1942 WB Short]
Classic cartoon THE HEP CAT [1942 WB Short]
MAME (1974)
This lavish 1974 screen version of the beloved Broadway musical stars Lucille Ball as a high-living grande dame who’s outlandishly eccentric and, when suddenly faced with raising an orphaned nephew, fiercely loving. Veterans of the New York stage original join her: Beatrice Arthur as best friend Vera, Jane Connell as prim governess Agnes Gooch, choreographer Onna White and director Gene Saks. As Mame’s husband Beauregard, Robert Preston (The Music Man) sings Loving You, written specially for the film. Jerry Herman’s songs, from It’s Today to We Need a Little Christmas and If He Walked into My Life, rank among the best show tunes ever.
Special Features:
Vintage featurette LUCKY MAME
Theatrical trailer
BEST FOOT FORWARD (1943)
Ball portrays herself as the attention-seeking glamour girl who accepts an invitation to the prom from a Winsocki Military Institute cadet as a publicity stunt. Costars June Allyson, Nancy Walker and Tommy Dix recreate their Broadway roles, and Harry James and his band play at the prom to make this a snappy frolic.
Special Features:
Vintage musical short THE KNIGHT IS YOUNG, with June Allyson [1938 WB Vitaphone Short]
Classic cartoon ONE HAM’S FAMILY [1943 MGM Cartoon]
Theatrical trailer
March 02, 2007
Lucy Promotes iPhone During Academy Awards
Apple's iPhone got a plug from Lucille Ball during the Academy Awards. Lucy appeared in the first commercial break as Lucy Ricardo in the "Vitavetavegamin" episode answering her phone saying "Hello". The commercial then followed with a number of movie and TV personalities saying "Hello" into their phones. You can watch the commercial on Apple's iPhone website.
The iPhone is a mobile phone, iPod, eMail, web browsing handheld device. It revolutionizes the concept of mobility and communications.
Lucy's Movies For March
Lucille Ball will be featured in a number of movies in March on Turner Classic Movies. Gene Kelly is this months featured star and appears in three of the films that also features Lucy.
Starting on Monday, March 5th at 11:30pm will be "DuBarry Was A Lady". Red Skelton takes over the role played on Broadway by Bert Lahr, while Lucille Ball steps into the shoes of the original play's Ethel Merman. Gene Kelly appears as Alec Howe/Black Arrow.
On Tuesday, March 6th at 3:15am will be "Thousands Cheer". Gene Kelly appears as Eddy Marsh while Lucy has a cameo appearance along with Red Skelton and many others in this star-studed film.
On Tuesday, March 13th at 6:15pm will be "The Facts of Life". Unlike the typical Bob Hope and Lucille Ball vehicles, The Facts of Life is essentially a domestic drama with comic undertones.
On Monday, March 19th at 6:00am will be "Bunker Bean". Lucy plays Miss Kelly in this film.
On Tuesday, March 20th at 2:00am will be "Ziegfeld Follies". This is the final for the Gene Kelly tribute on Turner Classic Movies for the month. Gene Kelly plays himself along with many other stars from Hollywood. During the opening number, "Meet the Ladies", spotlights a whip-wielding Lucille Ball!
On other TV Networks, Lucy along with her husband, Desi Arnaz will be a part of TV Land Myths and Legends, "Film Frights & Red Scares" that will air on Thursday, March 8th at 1:30am on TV Land. On HBO Signature, "Mame" will be shown Wednesday, March 14th at 5:15am.
Lucy's children will also appear on TV this month. You can see Lucie Arnaz on HBO Family's Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child, "Sleeping Beauty" on Tuesday, March 6th at 7:00am and Desi Arnaz, Jr. will appear on Cinemax's "The Mambo Kings" on Wednesday, March 7th at 7:15pm and several times on the Sundance Channel starting on Thursday, March 8th at 8:30 am in "Red Sky at Morning" and in HBO Signature's, "A Wedding" on Sunday, March 11th at 6:05am.
Starting on Monday, March 5th at 11:30pm will be "DuBarry Was A Lady". Red Skelton takes over the role played on Broadway by Bert Lahr, while Lucille Ball steps into the shoes of the original play's Ethel Merman. Gene Kelly appears as Alec Howe/Black Arrow.
On Tuesday, March 6th at 3:15am will be "Thousands Cheer". Gene Kelly appears as Eddy Marsh while Lucy has a cameo appearance along with Red Skelton and many others in this star-studed film.
On Tuesday, March 13th at 6:15pm will be "The Facts of Life". Unlike the typical Bob Hope and Lucille Ball vehicles, The Facts of Life is essentially a domestic drama with comic undertones.
On Monday, March 19th at 6:00am will be "Bunker Bean". Lucy plays Miss Kelly in this film.
On Tuesday, March 20th at 2:00am will be "Ziegfeld Follies". This is the final for the Gene Kelly tribute on Turner Classic Movies for the month. Gene Kelly plays himself along with many other stars from Hollywood. During the opening number, "Meet the Ladies", spotlights a whip-wielding Lucille Ball!
On other TV Networks, Lucy along with her husband, Desi Arnaz will be a part of TV Land Myths and Legends, "Film Frights & Red Scares" that will air on Thursday, March 8th at 1:30am on TV Land. On HBO Signature, "Mame" will be shown Wednesday, March 14th at 5:15am.
Lucy's children will also appear on TV this month. You can see Lucie Arnaz on HBO Family's Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child, "Sleeping Beauty" on Tuesday, March 6th at 7:00am and Desi Arnaz, Jr. will appear on Cinemax's "The Mambo Kings" on Wednesday, March 7th at 7:15pm and several times on the Sundance Channel starting on Thursday, March 8th at 8:30 am in "Red Sky at Morning" and in HBO Signature's, "A Wedding" on Sunday, March 11th at 6:05am.
Another Lucy Movie Coming to DVD
One by one, they are being released on DVD. Another Lucy Movie is being released on May 29th, "Without Love" stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn in the box-office sensations of 1945, a sparklingly witty wartime comedy about a marriage entered on the theory that love only gums up a relationship.
Lucille Ball co-stars in this film as Katherine Hepburn's cynical secretary, Kitty Trimble, in this film.
This DVD is being sold as a DVD Set from Warner Home Video and Turner Class Movies, "TCM Spotlight: Katherine Hepburn Collection". The studio honors the legendary actress on the anniversary of her 100th birthday. This collection features 6 of her films, "The Corn is Green", "Dragon Seed", "Morning Glory", "Sylvia Scarlett", "Undercurrent", and the Lucille Ball film, "Without Love".
This movie was previously released on VHS and is being offered for the first time on DVD. This box set will sale for $41.99 but you will be able to purchase the single DVD, "Without Love" from Amazon.com for $14.99. Be sure to look for it through the Everything Lucy Store.
Lucy's Hometown Mayor Up For Re-Election
Lucy's hometown of Celeron, outside Jamestown, NY is reporting that the current Mayor, Tom Bartolo, is running for re-election after one term.
Read more from The Post-Journal in Jamestown!
According to Bartolo, village officials have accomplished a lot over the past two years. He points to the recently built Desi Arnaz Bandshell in Lucille Ball Memorial Park across the street as an example — something he hopes to utilize to draw more people to the place that once housed the famed amusement park.
Read more from The Post-Journal in Jamestown!
Lucie and Desi Arnaz Celebrate Lucille Ball
Many years ago, Desi Arnaz, Jr. escaped from Hollywood's fast lane to the quiet community of Boulder City. With his wife, Amy, he operates the Boulder City Ballet Company and the Historic Boulder Theatre.
This Saturday, March 3rd at 7PM, Desi will be joined by sister Lucie Arnaz for Legacy of Laughter, a celebration of comedy and fond remembrance of its most famous woman, Lucille Ball. The guest roster also includes actor Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, The Goonies), and Christina Carroll, the daughter of I Love Lucy writer Bob Carroll, Jr.
Legacy of Laughter begins at 7PM at the Boulder Theater. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 702-293-1161.
This Saturday, March 3rd at 7PM, Desi will be joined by sister Lucie Arnaz for Legacy of Laughter, a celebration of comedy and fond remembrance of its most famous woman, Lucille Ball. The guest roster also includes actor Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, The Goonies), and Christina Carroll, the daughter of I Love Lucy writer Bob Carroll, Jr.
Legacy of Laughter begins at 7PM at the Boulder Theater. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 702-293-1161.
Lucille Ball's Spirit Speaks at the Oscars?
It seems like alot of gossip is circulating the blogosphere about Lucille Ball's spirit speaking to Oscar Host, Ellen DeGeneres! It seems everyone is talking about Psychic, Kenny Kingston who held a seance after this weeks Oscars.
Kenny Kingston, who has billed himself as America's Top Psychic and Legendary Psychic to the Stars has been a medium and spirtualist for decades. As a spiritualist medium and expert in the field of psychic phenomena, Kingston has given psychic messages and readings to celebrities from all over the world including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, John Wayne, the Duchess of Windsor and even presidents Eisenhower and Truman. He was once hired to guide Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe spiritually. Kingston's psychic life began at the age of four with tea readings and from that his remarkable clairvoyance has catapulted him into the spotlight with books, infomercials and all the trappings of fame.
After Sunday's Oscar Awards, Kingston spoke with a number of dead celebrities, among them was Lucille Ball. All of the spirits spoke highly of Ellen and had nothing but praise for the way DeGeneres hosted the Academy Awards.
Kingston says, "Lucille Ball was particularly complimentary about Ellen and told me she thought Ellen should be the permanent host of the Oscars." He went on as Lucy surprised him, "I wasn't expecting it, but Lucille Ball revealed that Ellen was her own mother's mother two lifetimes ago. It seems the roles were reversed in a past life. That might explain why Ellen and her mother, Betty, who often appears on her TV show, are so close."
Wow! Ellen was her own grandmother! Think about the comedy routines out of that one!
March 01, 2007
The Golden Age of Comedy
An audio CD from "The Golden Age of Comedy" of Laurel and Hardy features guest stars, Lucille Ball, Edgar Kennedy and Patsy Moran is available from Oldies.com.
This audio features three tracks; Mr. Slater's Poultry Market, The Marriage of Stan Laurel and This is Your Life. The price is only $6.95 from Oldies.com.
One Younger Fan's View on Lucy
For one member of the younger generation, television's golden years hold their luster.
Read more on his take on Lucille Ball and "I Love Lucy". It's interesting and great to know that the generation that didn't grow up with Lucy can still become loyal fans - long after her last appearance on TV and long after many of these kids were even born! It speaks to the fact that Lucille Ball is timeless and will go down in history as the greatest female TV comedian of all time!
For most teenagers the names Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz mean nothing. They may faintly recognize the names, or they may even be able to place them with old television. For me, these names mean one thing: my stars.
Read more on his take on Lucille Ball and "I Love Lucy". It's interesting and great to know that the generation that didn't grow up with Lucy can still become loyal fans - long after her last appearance on TV and long after many of these kids were even born! It speaks to the fact that Lucille Ball is timeless and will go down in history as the greatest female TV comedian of all time!
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