The Queen of Comedy, Lucille Ball!
On Monday, October 15, 1951 at 9 PM Eastern Standard Time, in the early days of television, a program premiered that would revolutionize the television sitcom comedy for generations to follow. Never has there been a program so fascinating, funny and phenomenal as "I Love Lucy"! In this mini-tribute to the queen of comedy and her comedic sidekicks Ricky (Desi Arnaz), Ethel (Vivian Vance) and Fred (William Frawley), we’ll explore some fascinating facts about the world’s hysterical foursome! We have also put together an entire show by show guide from Episode 1 to Episode 179, including the "Lost Pilot". What’s most amazing is that the program almost never aired! Unlike modern television, to get your show on the air you needed a sponsor. Fortunately for Lucy & Desi, cigarette smoking was still fashionable and "safe" in the early 50’s. Their sponsor was Phillip-Morris cigarette’s. Too bad Hollywood doesn’t hold the same sponsor requirements for today’s programming - maybe we could eliminate half the junk on television! Lucille Ball Timeline February 26, 1887 - William Frawley is born.Lucille Ball.........."Lucy Ricardo"
Desi Arnaz........."Ricky Ricardo"
Vivian Vance........."Ethel Mertz"
William Frawley....."Fred Mertz"
August 6, 1911 - Lucille Ball is born.
July 26, 1913 - Vivian Vance is born (her maiden name was Bagley)
March 2, 1917 - Desi Arnaz is born.
November 30, 1940 - Lucille Ball weds Desi Arnaz.
October 15, 1951 - "I Love Lucy" premiered on CBS Television. The program would change the lives of millions on Monday nights at 9pm for the next 6 years!
May 4, 1960 - Lucy & Desi divorce after more then 19 years of marriage.
March 3, 1966 - William Frawley passes away.
August 17, 1979 - Vivian Vance passes away.
December 2, 1986 - Desi Arnaz passes away.
April 26, 1989 - Lucille Ball passes away.
"I Love Lucy Program Listing" Compiled from various resources including the book reference, we have compiled an episode listing of all "I Love Lucy" shows. The listings include:Direct links so you may purchase select programs
- Original air date
- Original filming date
- Episode number & name
- Season number
Many classic episodes are available for purchase on
VHS Video! If you are interested in collecting all the programs, you can do so
from Columbia House Video Club. Their prices (as of April, 1999) are $19.95 (plus
shipping and handling for a total close to $25) for a 3 episode tape. You can also
purchase several "packaged collections" such as the California & Europe trip
series. We have provided as much detail as possible. Please email if you find
an omission or error!Where Can You Purchase "I Love Lucy" Video's? Click Here To Check Out Our Complete "I Love Lucy" Episode Guide Featuring Links to Classic Programs Available For Sale on VHS Video!
Book Suggestions
(Click on any title or cover for more
details or to purchase)
The Other Side of Ethel Mertz:
The Life Story of Vivian Vance
Much of our timeline
information can be found
in "The 'I
Love Lucy' Book" by Bart Andrews.
Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
Meet the
Mertzes:
The Life Stories of I Love Lucy's Other Couple
Return To Our Entertainment Gallery Main Menu
May We Also Suggest
A Visit to this fabulous Lucille Ball site at Geocities:
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Set/4895/Photo.html
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Laughs,
Luck...and Lucy: