I want to support Lucy, but... to be honest ... those kids were so forgettable. They didn't stand out at all, while most every "Lucy" fan (myself included) would have loved to see Doris. We KNEW she had the stuff to elevate the show.
newagetojo Ironically the same thing could be said for her kids. Sorry to be sounding harsh... I could go on, but their lives are fine as people now.. it’s not fine to compare a longtime experienced working actress in your post, a comedienne working with the best , to two ( at the time) teenagers who happened to be Lucy’s children. Not fair to them as well.
I am in the middle of watching all the Here's Lucys on tubitv. I really think Desi Jr. was very talented, especially his musical ability, though I never understood why they didn't play up his sex appeal, the way David Cassidy was being played up on the Partridge Family. Desi's sexiest episode was the one he did when he performed with Ann-Margret (the "Country Magic" song). There should have been more episodes like that. And Lucie's talent really grew as the series progressed and you can see why she went on to doing live stage work and musicals after Here's Lucy went off the air. I always believed that Lucy needed either a husband or steady boyfriend on both The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. And yes if Viv wasn't available Doris would have made a good best friend besides Mary Jane Croft. I never really warmed up to Vanda Barra who appeared fairly regularly on Here's Lucy.
I think Lucy was good in her time, different, fresh. But quite honestly I don't think she was a really funny person. I don't think she had a natural sense of humor that many comedians do. I don't think she could write her own funny lines like, say, a standup comedian does. I also think she actually became a worse actress as she got older, which is odd. One of her last dramatic roles was in the 1980's called "The Stone Pillow". It was a terrible made for TV movie. Could not sit through it.
@@marjoriemargel1567 What? They couldn't act worth beans. I'm sure they knew it themselves, the entire time. They weren't TRYING to be good, they weren't trying to be actors. They were getting their paychecks, and that's what counted. I truly doubt that any of their self-worth is tied up in their acting talent, they probably laugh about it. Why would they be offended? They did other things with their lives.
I understand and appreciate Lucy looking out for her children by trying to give them a break and help them get into show business, but to the expense of others. If Doris Singleton was promised a role in the show, she should have have had her contract honored. My guess is that if contracts were signed, they had to buy out her contract, so at least Ms. Singleton got her money. On the other hand, I think that Lucy should have let her know ahead of time what was going on.
My husband worked with Lucy and Desi many times Ashe was a character actor, I heard many stories of Lucy from him. She was very serious almost a task master! She was a genius at knowing what would work and the business side too! A chain smoker that had 4 cigarets going on sound stage at once, so she could grab a smoke any area of the set. Not warm and fuzzy at all! But if she liked you, you got more gigs with her! My hubby was20+ years older than I so his stories were golden about Clark Gable and the big stars, I miss his stories!
First off, I loved Lucie and Desi, Jr in the show, but I also loved Doris Singleton in I Love Lucy. She was one of those characters that you liked to dislike. I can definitely understand why Lucy would want to showcase her two children, but it is a shame that she couldn't have handled Doris more courteously and appropriately. Great Info Rick. Thank you.
Yes absolutely she should have told her I mean that's just common courtesy. And frankly I'm surprised she would want her kids acting I think that business at least in this day and age is horrible I wouldn't want my kids anywhere around it. Maybe it was different back then.
@newagetojo You cannot say to what degree her co-stars Fred and Ethel had a career or would have had a career. William Frawley had been in Vaudeville long before I Love Lucy. Good Lord, that guy was old when he did that show so you don't know what type of career he had or really what was considered successful in that day and age. In his later years, after Lucy, William Frawley went on to play on My Three Sons until his death. I am not meaning to be a cheerleader for Frawley. I am just pointing out that this was so long ago, you really do not know the success level of Vivian Vance or what would have become of her or any of them. As far as Desi, it was Lucy who always said he was the brains of the business, not the actor so much.
Thats normal with any business. Healthcare seems great but there is so much politics. Finance, real estate, restaurant businesses is cutthroat. Politics is politics. Its in every career, you just gotta have thick skin. That comes with experience
I’m a diehard Lucy fan and always will be, but from what I know about her, which is extensive, she became an increasingly bitter and sad woman as she aged. I don’t believe she had much happiness in her life at all, especially after “I Love Lucy,” and she lived a lonely, isolated existence, like we see Ellen living now. I know someone who was married to a Sardi’s bartender and he said she was an absolute horror to deal with. Read Lee Tannen’s book on Lucy. You’ll see how truly sad she was in her final decade, and also that beneath it all, she really did love and appreciate her true fans, and feel things deeply. I’m glad she at least had a friend like Lee to make her happy and give her some respite from her demons - and she nearly ruined that friendship, too. I believe this story about Doris completely. Doris Singleton was a talented woman of remarkable class, and Lucy was lucky to have her.
I think your assessment is 100% correct. She changed completely after the divorce. She became bitter and bitter. I think the only time she was happier was when she was filming Mine, yours & ours. Anyways, she became bitter and angry that things turned out the way they did with Desi. She never recovered from that blow.
@@usforsarahYes, you’re right to mention the divorce - I think she saw it as a personal and public failure, deeply resented Desi (rightly so) and kept on loving him all the while. Talk about mixed emotions! And she was doing all this while venturing to places no woman had ever gone before in her industry. All she really needed was one man to be strong and faithful, to give her what no one else could, but she ultimately didn’t have that - she had to go it on her own and be strong for herself. Gary Morton may have been a kind man and a good companion, but he was certainly not able to protect Lucy - the little advice he did give her was self-serving, dreadful and even devastating, in fact. He was no Desi. How could he be?
@@rudypalma1250 I agree. I don't like Gary, he was an opportunist imo. From what I've read Vivian didn't like him and Lucie wasn't his biggest fan... I think Lucy was aware of it, but she didn't mind being his sugar mommy as long as he didn't cheat. There's one episode of Password and she sort of takes a dig at Gary "all he cares about is golf". His appearance on The Lucy Show wasn't good (I don't think the audience was very fond of him), and I know Lucy initially started doing her podcast in the 60's so he could have an occupation and be the producer.... needless to say he failed and her cousin ended up producing it. What a stooge.
Had Doris Singleton been in the show it certainly would have added more to the show. (I always enjoyed it when she appeared on I Love Lucy.) I don't know about everyone else Rick but I can't even watch Here's Lucy. Most of the plots I find flat and not very funny. But at the time people really did love Lucy and wanted to see her. It's too bad her comedy didn't evolve so her later shows could have achieved the same greatness as I Love Lucy.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who found her post I Love Lucy show unfunny and even at times embarrassing. It's not humorous to see a woman in her 50s and 60s portray a 12 year old emotionally complete with pratfalls. No her character did not evolve/ grow beyond her Lucy Ricardo period
The trouble with most of these people is that they begin to believe their own PR. Arrogant, self-centered, and never the 'generous' star they are often portrayed as in the press.
I remember Dick Cavett commented to Lucille Ball, due to her position as Head of Desilu, that she must have to fire people. He asked like it was a status position. She got very quiet and said, if she had to let somebody go, she fretted and often cried over it, that it was always something difficult for her to do.
Very unprofessional of Lucille Ball. Desi Arnaz Jr. had gotten a girl pregnant when he was 15 allegedly so maybe she felt this was the only way she could keep the kids out of more trouble.
Of course, but we don't really know what happened. This video is one version, perhaps based on Mrs. Singleton's side of the story. Maybe other insiders would remember things a little differently.
All I know is that I once had a great friend -- at least I thought I did. We knew each other for years, worked together for years, retired the same year. Then, she dumped me -- no explanation, nothing. This just goes to show you don't really know your so-called best friend.
I have read several books on Lucie & Desi, including their autobios. Lucy was not at all like the character she portrayed on I Love Lucy. She was a tough lady & her insecurities became worse after she & Desi were divorced. She was a work-a-holic & not nice to people. She wanted everything done her way. The only one she trusted & listened to was Desi. Even after their divorce, she would ask him for his advice. But, even to close friends & family, she could be cold. Her other two shows were never as good as I Love Lucy.
There's a long, ignoble history of "nepo" babies, and this is just one example. In the U.S especially, movies, TV, music, and politics are filled to the brim with them.
Very interesting video Rick. I remember her character and always wondered what happened to her. Thank you for sharing. I hope Falco is on the men. Have a great day. Blessings - Judith
@@lazyhomebody1356 yes. This is true.. She was tough in business.. But fair.. And whether unintentional or not... Who comes between a "mother" and her children without suffering the consequences??
Very good video 👍😊 it is very interesting to learn more about these classic television shows and learn about the history surrounding them I think Lucy could have been more upfront about it though thanks for a great video
I'll preface this by saying that I've always been a big fan of Lucille Ball; I've loved her work on TV and in movies. But for as brilliant a comedienne and actress as she was, I've heard a great many stories about how difficult she could be and that she was often extremely rude and very unkind--to people both in and out of the business.
I'd take that with a grain of salt. Today, assertive women are still called b!tches. I can only imagine how badly her position of power would rankle the nerves of so many people. She was famously UNFUNNY off stage, I've read that a million times.
I think she was very direct or even blunt. Even when she gave compliments, she got to the point. When Mary Tyler Moore was rehearsing a scene as Laura Petrie at Desilu, Lucy turned to her as she was leaving and said, "You're very good." Mary said later,"Not a lot of flowers" to it, but she was thrilled that Lucy liked her work.
@@barbraseville8984 And she hated running the studio. She wanted to perform. She kind of got stuck doing it after Desi was out of the picture. But she felt an obligation to the employees.
I have heard that Lucille Ball was always very gracious and giving to her fans. Also, someone who is supposedly so rude - she had people from her days in radio (Gale Gordon - her writers Madelyn Pugh, Bob Caroll Jr. etc etc. who knew her for decades kept working for her.) Also, people like her personal female attendant who traveled all around with her and was with her for decades too, as well and drivers and handyman. Day in and day out exposure - yet never had a bad word to say about her. Also, the story about Sammy Davis is awful. Also, after his appearance on The Lucy show, he gave an introduction talk when she was given an award - absolutely lovely and laudatory, starting with, "The sun never sets on Lucille Ball" Why would anybody who had such distaste for her have done that?
Sammy Davis describes how he once worked with Lucy a couple of months after he lost his eye so he was wearing a prosthetic one .During one scene he describes how she kept trying to poke the eye out with a stick as a joke, of course Sammy didn't think it was funny at all.Her ex Desi Arnez described her as being cruel at times
Well, if you notice on the 1962 Lucy Show, the three kids (Ralph Hart, Candy Moore and Jimmy Garrett) had prominent roles during the first season but then they were drastically reduced during the 2nd and 3rd seasons and they were then written out of the series completely. Lucy was happy when her favorite, Gale Gordon joined the cast at the beginning of Season 2. When Viv left after Season 3, she added Mary Jane Croft as a regular character. I think 2 of the kids are STILL annoyed about being let go because they were NOT interviewed for the Lucy Show DVDs, but Jimmy Garrett was.
rtususian I read that Candy Moore had stated that Lucille Ball actually was afraid of Candy’s stardom. She extremely popular with younger viewers and Lucille felt that it was taking away the focus from her. Also, Vivian Vance was tired of commuting from Connecticut to do the show, and wanted to reduce her time the show or even quit. This all came ahead at the end of third season when Vivian decided to retire from the series and this enabled Lucille revamp the series by the having the character of “Viv” remarry. The boys go off the military school and “Chris” enter college and her character relocate to California.
John Michael Gunner my FAVE episode with Mary Jane Croft was the return from Europe one. She’s sitting next to Lucy on the plane. Lucy’s “baby” is a big hunk of cheese. Lol.
@@eduardoramirezjr4403 It's funny, on the Lucy Show Candy Moore was considered one of the main steady characters, but a lot of the time her storylines and dialogue were kind of brief. But on the Donna Reed Show, where she was only an occasional actor, she played Jeff's girlfriend, it seems that she had a lot more to do in each of the episodes she was in. She wasn't in every episode, mind you, but the ones she was in she had a lot more dialogue than any of the Lucy Shows she was in. That was one of the things I didn't like about the Lucy Show, every single episode had to focus on Lucy instead of giving some of the other characters a main story.
After the divorce from Desi, Lucy became a bitter miserable person!!.. Just ask any flight attendant to ever had the unfortunate task of having her on their flight!!.. In today's terms we would would refer to her as a "KAREN"!!!
The Superman episode in I Love Lucy was one of my favorites as well. Its unfortunate that Doris Singleton didnt work out. Even if she wasnt a good fit I think it was a bit shady the way she was dropped with no initial explanation.
BTW if you remember when The Lucy Show started in 1962 Gale Gordon was not on it as bank president Mooney. The great Charles Lane played her boss, Mr. Barnsdahl. He had done several I Love Lucy episodes. Gordon was unavailable in 1962 due to he was playing Mr. Wilson on Dennis the Menace, which ended it's run in 1963, he became available and Charles Lane was out. Lane never held a grudge as Lucille Ball cast him in several other shows.
Lucy was extremely loyal to family. Her father died when she was, I believe, 4 and her grandfather lost the farm due to unfortunate accident. She vowed that she would take care of her family, but she took care of close personal friends as well. On the other hand, she could be fierce, being a woman in an executive capacity. She expected Lucy and Desi, jr to be able to support themselves without her influence. This was the way of life in California.
It seems that such a strong women would have been more upfront. I once worked for a female business owner that did similar to me. goes to show, even the strongest people have their major weaknesses
Well, this happens from time to time. "We decided to go in a different direction" happens. Not saying it was right or wrong but look at Doris Day. She had a show for 5 seasons, all high in the ratings. Denver Pyle was in the first 2 seasons as her farmer dad, but then the focus moved to Doris as a city worker with the great Rose Marie as her friend for Seasons 2 and 3. Then, Doris called Rose and told her "moving in a new direction, want to keep the show fresh" so Rose Marie was out as her friend, and Jackie Joseph was in for the last 2 seasons. Also, McLean Stevenson was her boss in seasons 2 and 3, then he was out and John Dehner was her boss for seasons 4 and 5. In Show Biz an actor has to have a thick skin from what I've seen.
Yeah, the format of The Doris Day Show changed every flipping season. Once the Mary Tyler Moore Show became popular, Doris's show followed suit and became more urbane and sophisticated.
Outside of Fran Ryan who played Ms. Days housekeeper part of the first year of the program I have heard of any bad blood between Ms. Day and any of her many co stars .
Here is another situation where people love Doris Day. I always loved the format of her living in San Francisco with her son's and the father still apart of her life. The support cast was great too. Why change it? Season 4 and 5 not so good.
I do remember Doris Singleton on an episode of All in the Family when Edith was on Jury Duty. Doris played a wealthy juror who snubbed her nose at Edith. I wonder if she took the part to spite Lucille Ball who hated All in the Family
Oh God Jerry, I never knew that! Maybe Doris did in part for that reason. I do know that (early) All in the Family episode was one of THE best of the entire series because of Doris, and her interaction with Jean Stapleton. She really had star billing in that episode. She was also a beautiful woman and today when I watch that episode I like the contrast of seeing her in both the '50s and the '70s.
I remember that episode of "All in the Family". Doris Singleton was also in two different episodes of "The Dick Van Dyke" show (my favorite line she says to her son as they're leaving the Petrie house: "What's the MATTER with you, getting chocolate all over Mr. Petrie!") I think she was also in an episode of "Hazel". I love watching reruns of old TV shows and have seen her now and then in some of them.
Rick, it is simply NOT correct to say that Doris and Lucy never worked together again. Wrong! In 1980 Doris appeared in the Lucille Ball Special, Lucy Moves to NBC. Did you know that? Doris played Lucy's longtime secretary, Wanda Clark. If there was any animosity between Lucy and Doris--and i am not sure that there was--then it wasn't reflected in the kind tributes Doris gave on television when Lucy died in 1989.
I don’t know that I believe Doris’s story. Signed contracts and she was legally committed? That means that the show was legally committed back to her too. Contracts work two ways and obligations flow in both directions. I cannot imagine what kind of a contact would exist that over time she suddenly realized she’s not on the show. What was in the contract?
This doesn't surprise me. I've heard what a difficult person Lucille Ball was. And her shows after "I Love Lucy" were never all that successful. People wanted to see Lucy and Desi (Ricky) much more than they wanted to see just Lucy. That was the elephant in the room, as Lucy soldiered on alone. Her shows attracted gradually less and less of an audience as time went on. I was a huge "I Love Lucy" fan. I never watched Lucy's subsequent shows because I wanted to remember the show at its best.
It’s never an easy conversation to tell someone some bad news, but as a friend, she should’ve told her. Maybe she was concerned about how it would effect their friendship, but I think she made things worse by not telling her.
Her kids were average actors, but they did not have the comedic flair that their mom did. It's funny how in The Lucy Show, she had kids other than her own play her kids and also had Vivian Vance come back to play opposite of her. Gale Gordon was good, but I'm glad he was never picked for Fred Mertz.
I think Lucille Ball would be rather difficult to get along with on a personal and professional level and she probably would not consider people's feelings to much extent in her decisions and actions. I also agree with Martin's post about the Here's Lucy and I would add the Lucy Show. I found them boring and it was awkward to watch her try to carry the entire comedic weight herself without Desi and the others from I Love Lucy.
Wow! I never knew this story. But as already commented by other viewers, what was in her (Singleton) contract? She had to have one. But, regardless, Lucy should have had a meeting with Ms Singleton to break the news. So sad. I know what it's like to be 'dumped' by a so-called best friend.
It is sad to hear of Lucy’s life being so intense all the time. She really copped it from everyone. Despite this she rose. I loved everything she did creatively. Often it’s hard to get the balance right. I feel the balance was more in her favour. She’s only one person. She did pretty good! She’s absolutely unforgettable.
She could of made Doris’s role different and given her a part as well as her kids. Been fair to a friend and fellow actor. A meeting would of been appreciated to explain the different roles. She could of asked Doris to help her kids with learning the trade. Very sad.
If Lucy had struck a deal with Doris to appear as a regular recurring member of the cast on Here's Lucy and contracts were signed. Then I think it was wrong for Lucy to not tell Doris that she'd changed her mind. It does not surprise me and I believe Doris when she says the reason for being cut out was to benefit Lucie and Desi Jr.
I am surprised that Lucy would go back on an offer to a valued colleague like Doris; especially if legal contracts were signed did Doris get compensated? From interviews of have seen, Doris never said anything about this and Lucy said she brought her children on to keep tabs on them; Desi Jr. did have a bit of his father in him.
They acted like they didn’t want to be there at all. Today, Lucie still appears in stage shows, and she not a bad singer and dancer, but people remember her Mom much more
Doris should have known how show business works. One day you're on top, the next day you're waiting by the phone. It happens all the time - don't blame Lucy!
Neither of the kids went on to do anything. Such a shame for Doris Singleton, she was a great actor and probably needed the work (and money) that the kids would never need.
The kids never went on to do anything??? Are you serious? Desi Jr. worked for years in movies and TV long after his time on "Here's Lucy" -- many movies and TV movies, and starring in the cult TV series, "Automan." After years of showbiz pressure that led him into addiction problems, he finally conquered his demons and got the hell outta Dodge in order to live a peaceful life, along with his beloved wife, far away from the L.A. parties and the relentless tabloid spotlight. They were married for three decades, until her unfortunate loss to cancer a couple years ago. And Lucie pursued a long career on stage, which is what she wanted to do. She has spent the better part of her career on Broadway, London's West End, and most recently touring the United States in "Pippin" a couple years ago, as Berthe. She has also had a successful career as a cabaret singer, and most important to her, as a devoted wife and mother (she's been married to Laurence Luckinbill for 40 years). I was planning to see Lucie's one-woman show in Los Angeles in March but I couldn't get a ticket because the show was SOLD OUT. I thought I would have no problem purchasing a ticket a full month in advance, but no, tickets to her show were ALL GONE. She has a following. But then coronavirus happened anyway and shut everything down. Since her "Here's Lucy" days, Lucie Arnaz has won or been nominated for a number of awards for her stage work, and also won an Emmy Award as a producer.
Lucy should have said something up front. I am sure she felt awkward about saying we are going with my kids instead of you, but it still should have been said. Oh well, Lucy was just as human as any of us.
The Lucy shows after "I love Lucy" were, in my opinion, unfunny. Lucy was too old to play the same scatterbrained character that worked so well in the black and white early episodes. Her children were not a good addition either.
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That's what happened to many stars that tried to hang on. It was quite evident that they didn't have it anymore, and their claim to fame was long gone. And, they embarrassed themselves something awful to prove it.
You are entitled to your opinion but Lucy was on the air for years and that was due to her popularity. The shows actually did really well maybe not as funny as I LOVE LUCY but I would watch them just because of Lucy. I did miss the chemistry they all had on I love Lucy! The cast was fantastic.
Not to mention they recycled many of the comical bits from I love Lucy....the physical comedy looked particularly dangerous for a older lucy as well...
@@MrMd217 You just kind of made that poster's point. The show was second rate and it was only because of Lucy's past, when she was younger, fresh, times in the nation were different, when she was at her peak that she was watched. It was because of a memory of a once good, fresh show, not the one you were watching with an older, sad actress who tried to hang on. There was a sad story Lucy told in an interview once. She was in an elevator and a young adult got in. They started talking and the young woman asked "What do you do?" Her answer was."I used to be on TV."
Well, "blood is Thicker than Water!" However, I think the show could have made room for Doris. She was a fantastic actress. The actress that portrayed "Mary Jane had a reoccurring role on "Here's Lucy. " Well, that's showbiz!"🎬🎭
It is well known that Ms. Ball was difficult to work with. Vivian Vance had to maintain a higher weight to make her look older (Vance was actually younger than Lucy). It is true that as the various shows continued, each got worse. She never could recreate the chemistry from I Love Lucy.
Viv was two years older than Lucy. Viv was born in 1909, Lucy in 1911. Incidentally, Gale Gordon was born in 1908 and Desi Sr in 1917. And I was born in 1961. LOL
No it was not in her contract that was a running joke that Vivian who was 2 years older had to maintain a certain weight. Also please remember that Vance was passive aggressive and she was the one who constantly complained that she had to be married to "that old man". Btw Wm Frawley was hired first so why did she take the part. Her statements about Frawley she let be known loud and clear - thus setting up the animosity between them. Vivian Vance was married 4x, 3rd marriage was abusive and Lucy helped her thru it, and her 4th marriage which lasted the longest, her husband was a homosexual.
Ridiculous. Nepotism is always bad be it the movies, music, sports,modeling,etc. I've seen too many people pushed into these things where they'll never be on their parent(s)level no matter what. The Arnez children, Katie Austin, Sailor Brinkley(Christie Brinkley daughter), Chloe Olsen(Kathy Ireland daughter), Charlotte Flair(Ric Flair), Curtis Axel( Mr Perfect wrestler), Kaia Jordan Gerber (Cindy Crawford daughter), they all weren't/never be on their parents level. Most, if not, all of them, were pushed into these professions by their folks eager to recreate themselves through their kids which is a wrong and dumb approach to life.
As a wrestling fan I would argue that Charlotte is well on her way to carving out a place in history as one of the best and most decorated female wrestlers - there's no surpassing her dad of course, but she is definitely living up to her name
The parents should encourage other fields they can be successful in. When you have a parent that "big" in a certain arena, those are big shoes to fill. They should encourage their children's other interests to forge their own successful path.
I really like learning tidbits,about entertainment shows and all this Drama that’s behind the scenes.....How you find this info and share it I like too....I believe being an actor would give me anxiety.
Once people get a little recognition they tend to forget about others. It's a shame Doris was handled that way. I enjoyed her in all the Lucy shows. I hope she was able to continue in show business.
That's what I was just commenting to another person about the money went to her head she divorce Desi Arnaz showed she can be her own boss and just let it go to her head and started treating other people like crap and I think it was just wrong I seen her in a different light as I got older😔
Ive been watching the Ricky takes care of the baby episode. And I have notice that there is another blooper in it. When Ethel goes to shomut tge door she leavea with abpurse in her hands and when she comes back there is no purse. Thank you Maryanne
as some One who was born in 1960 - this was My Back & White TV watching Days of the mid to late 60's / early 70's....ahh memories...I remember her Fondly, and of Course LUCY...and her kids....dam time flys!! Turning 60 in July
and YES as someone who Grew up With Lucy...I think she should have been MORE Upfront and frank....its only Right....but maybe she was scared of Confrontation in some sort? We all know - they can and ARE Messy....whether you want them to be or not sometimes...
She should have kept Doris and ditched her children... they were terrible actors and had zero screen presence... Even though the show lasted 6 seasons, it was awful... mostly because of the horrible writing, but the children added NOTHING!!!
If Doris Singleton had a signed contract that actually itemized how many lines she'd get and/or how many episodes she's be in, then she should've brought that to Desilu's attention. I've seen many interviews with Lucille Ball where she stated that she liked to work with "pros" only -- that little trick that Lucy pulled doesn't sound very professional to me. I don't care WHOSE kids they are! They shouldn't get top billing over a seasoned actress like Ms Singleton. Lucy should be ashamed smh....
Sorry to learn Doris' role had been eliminated from the show. I always felt she added so much so every scene she was in from the "I Love Lucy" days. I wonder if Lucille Ball ever regretted this decision.
Hey Rick, Thanks for this video. I really love your content. This story does not surprise me at all. Despite her crazy, zany persona on screen, Lucille Ball was strictly business. I recall Lucie Arnaz once in an interview saying that, for her Mom, show business trumped family; whereas it was just the opposite for Desi. Perhaps, in Here's Lucy, it was a way for Lucy to make up for lost time with her children. Also, Rick, I see that you conducted a live stream a few nights ago. I was able to join for a short while. Are these live streams just spontaneous? Or are they scheduled? If so, how do I learn when they're scheduled for? Best, Paul+
@@ricknineg So, Rick, I'm kinda new to following someone on UA-cam, so I have a couple of questions... When did you announce the last live stream, was it during your prior video (the Hogan's Heroes Nimrod video)? And where do I find the Notification Bell? Is that the same bell when one subscribes? Thanks for your patience...😇 Paul+
@@PaulTesta Since YT never notifies ME, even though I have my bells on, what I do is check my Subscriptions. Rick usually posts 4 or 5 hours before a Livestream, that he will be doing one. Always Sundays, I think.
That's just not right. I've been in business for myself and a few times I took a financial loss in order to "keep my word" and "reputation" as a reliable, credible person. I have always had a real disdain for "nepotism". I dealt with it when I worked for "other people" before I went solo. Let her stupid kids find their own way instead of "turning" on an old reliable friend. I just can't stand "bosses sons". From my all too numerous experiences they are lazy, opinionated without facts or experience, pushy because they know they can't be fired and generally obnoxious clowns.
I felt the same way about my bosses' wives. They always came to the office and acted like they were just as much our boss as their husbands were. I couldn't stand any of them.
Nepotism will always win out in every single situation. Lucy definitely should have been more forthcoming. But this happened so long ago and it comes down to a one person’s word against another’s. Think about it this way... Six people witness an event, but there will be six different stories. No one is lying, it’s just that everyone’s perception/comprehension of the situation or event is remembered differently. There’s Lucy’s side of the story, Doris’ side of the story and somewhere in the middle is the truth. I always enjoy watching your videos, l think your videos are worth their weight in gold! 😉 On a different note. How is your little buddy Falco feeling? I can’t stop thinking about you guys after that horrific sickness he went through. I’ve been praying for the both of you and I hope he’s still on the mend. 😊
Contracts were signed, so Doris was probably still getting paid, but I am sure she wanted the on camera exposure also. Lucy was the boss, so it was her call to make. To somewhat quote a line from "The Godfather", "It's not personal Doris, it's strictly business". Common courtesy would have been to let Doris know things had changed and that she would still be getting paid and was free to pursue other opportunities.
Well, I think a lot of people would disagree because the first 2 seasons of The Lucy Show (1962-64) were mostly written by her original writers, Bob Carroll Jr. and Madelyn Martin/Pugh/Davis. After they left at the end of Season 2, the writing did kind of go downhill and the situations more forced and too far-fetched. And her show became more of a sketch comedy show which is not the right format for Lucy in my opinion.
Well didn’t the same thing happen on the Lucy show with actors that played the 3 kids , they had no warning either , just dropped and didn’t see it comming at all , very sad .
I was always disappointed when Lucy specials came on TV, I always wanted to see what the 3 kids from the Lucy Show looked like in the present, but they were never shown. And when the Lucy Show DVDs came out, only Jimmy Garrett was interviewed, not Candy Moore and not Ralph Hart. I have a feeling both of them are still annoyed by the way they were treated.
@@joemanzo4453 I am just guessing, I can't imagine the DVD people NOT asking them, since they did get Jimmy Garrett to participate. If they got Jimmy to participate, why wouldn't they at least ask Candy and Ralph? The visuals would be nice too having all three sitting together.
Stan G. made a good point. My Dad was a professional Thoroughbred Jockey and rode for Mr. Arnez. Apparently he and my dad got along together. My Mom was at the races this one day and sat with Ms. Ball up in the Grand Stand in a privet box. My Mom was a friendly / cordial type of person and realy liked Lucy. When she went to introduce herself ( my Dads riding her husbands horse that day), but my Mom said Ms. Ball was very cold and stand offish. Yes she couldve just had a bad day but it didnt leave a very good memory after that. I think the lunchen my parents had with Sammy Davis Jr. and his wife more then made up for that. She said that was a beautiful memory and the Davis's were just wonderful.
There were several continuity errors on all of Lucy's shows. In I Love Lucy in the camping episode, Ethel says she drove a station wagon but a couple years later when they are going to California we find out that Ethel doesn't know how to drive! On a 2nd season episode of The Lucy Show, "Lucy's College Reunion", just by the title it is understood that Lucy graduated from college, but in an episode a few years later, she discovers that she never received her high school diploma!
Yes, in the early episodes, she was Lillian Appelby, but when the character visited Lucy in Hollywood, her name mysteriously became, Caroline and remained Caroline for the rest of her appearances on the show.
Here's another crazy continuity error that will blow your mind -- JIMMY GARRETT played JERRY CARMICHAEL on the Lucy Show. When he made a singular appearance in a 4th season episode, Lucy kept calling his character by his real first name Jimmy during rehearsals, but the writers kept trying to correct Lucy but Lucy kept insisting his character name was Jimmy, and that was that!!
Hi Rick. Very interesting video. If this is really how Lucy handled the situation, she would have been very unprofessional. It does beg the question of what did the contract say? And what about her agent? It seems to me that something is missing here. Not from you but from what Doris said. She was great as Lillian/ Carolyn Appleby! I enjoyed Lucy’s other shows as a child but as an adult I find the plots quite lame. I Love Lucy will always be my favorite. Sadly, the more I read and hear about Lucille Ball, she doesn’t come off as being very nice. Even in some of her own interviews. Thanks for another great video.
Lucy was famous for being the worst airline passenger in the history of the industry! She was horribly abusive to the crews and ground personnel.. It was back when United was about the only airline that served Hawaii and Lucy flew back and forth often. The United crews and other employees were in such revolt that finally United banned her from traveling on their airline for life! The way a people treat underlings and servants always reveals their real characters.
One of the most brilliant comedians of all time. That being said, it is no secret the Lucy was a very difficult and even at times cruel person to work with or be around.
She could have called or written her a note to tell her the decision she'd made. She was brave to straight up ask Lucy the reason. I wouldn't want to butt heads with THAT redhead! LOL She was one tough cookie!
As a follow-up to my previous comment and for those of you who are familiar with the Meyers Briggs personality assessment, I suspect Lucy was an ISTJ which would explain alot!
Rick. Please correct me if I am wrong. I heard about this, but it was for "The Lucy Show" in the 1960s and not "Here's Lucy" in the 1970s. I heard that Doris Singleton was cast for "The Lucy Show" to be Mr. Mooney's efficient Morning Secretary while Lucy was to play Mr. Mooney's scatter-brained Afternoon Secretary.
Absolutely Doris should have been told when the final decision came about that they weren't going to go with her. I mean just tell the woman so she can go about her life and find other work if she could. Would have been administratively professional had it been carried out. I enjoyed her acting and chemistry on ILL. Sad to know this is how it ended for her.
I really liked both Doris Singleton and Mary Jane Croft as Lucy's sidekicks and would have loved to seen more of them. Lucy's kids, though, were actually very likable in the show. Too bad they couldn't make room for EVERY body!
This may sound sexist but Lucy needed a husband on The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. She needed someone to have to answer to, a banker who is unrelated to you (despite Uncle Harry being Lucy's brother-in-law on Here's Lucy), is not the same as a husband. It started to get ridiculous when Lucy would screw things up for Mr. Mooney yet he always was asking her for a favor, or to do something for him, and when he actually hired her to work directly under him, I always asked myself, why the hell would he want her to be around him all the time if she's such a screw-up?? Didn't make sense. Gomer Pyle annoying Sgt. Carter all the time was different because they really didn't have much of a choice about working together, they were in the military.
rick nineg you do a wonderful job on the video, I like you voice and how you throw in tid bits about the series, great job man. thanks Doris was ok but Lucy held the pay check so I get her point, and I would have done the same thing. Sorry that is life. Doris could have done more if she had auditioned or tired, she did not.
I have only ever seen I Love Lucy, not her other TV shows. I was just a kid at the time and really enjoyed it. Looking back at the simple humor of those days is still fun but I suspect Lucille Ball's character in the show was a lot nicer than she was in reality; I get the impression she was a tough cookie and could be very stand-offish. I know she was in a lot of movies in her younger days but the only one I saw her in was Mame. She was by then 63 and looking even older. Whatever effects they used to soften her face in close-ups made for the blurriest shots I had ever seen in a film. Where was CGI when she needed it? She should have made the movie 10 years earlier. That would have put her at about the same age as when Rosalind Russell made the enjoyable Auntie Mame. More generally the clip reminds me of shows I enjoyed way back then. A few years later I was an avid TV watcher of shows such as Leave it to Beaver*, Wagon Train*, Have Gun Will Travel*, Perry Mason*, Cheyenne, Sugarfoot*, 77 Sunset Strip, Hawaiian Eye, The Rifleman and Bonanza. I was not so fond of Maverick* or Gunsmoke but boy westerns were big in the black and white era. * Amazingly, all the shows marked with an asterisk were launched in the same year - 1957. The following year both 77 Sunset Strip and The Rifleman commenced and the long run of Bonanza started in 1959.
Lucy was not a fan of Patty Duke, she much preferred Desi dated someone like Liza Minnelli, in fact Lucy said in interviews she knew Liza before she even had her own children.
Considering what a huge asset Doris was to any show of Lucy’s,, cutting her out of the show behind her back was really a heartless move.
I want to support Lucy, but... to be honest ... those kids were so forgettable. They didn't stand out at all, while most every "Lucy" fan (myself included) would have loved to see Doris. We KNEW she had the stuff to elevate the show.
newagetojo Ironically the same thing could be said for her kids. Sorry to be sounding harsh... I could go on, but their lives are fine as people now.. it’s not fine to compare a longtime experienced working actress in your post, a comedienne working with the best , to two ( at the time) teenagers who happened to be Lucy’s children. Not fair to them as well.
I am in the middle of watching all the Here's Lucys on tubitv. I really think Desi Jr. was very talented, especially his musical ability, though I never understood why they didn't play up his sex appeal, the way David Cassidy was being played up on the Partridge Family. Desi's sexiest episode was the one he did when he performed with Ann-Margret (the "Country Magic" song). There should have been more episodes like that. And Lucie's talent really grew as the series progressed and you can see why she went on to doing live stage work and musicals after Here's Lucy went off the air. I always believed that Lucy needed either a husband or steady boyfriend on both The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. And yes if Viv wasn't available Doris would have made a good best friend besides Mary Jane Croft. I never really warmed up to Vanda Barra who appeared fairly regularly on Here's Lucy.
I think Lucy was good in her time, different, fresh. But quite honestly I don't think she was a really funny person. I don't think she had a natural sense of humor that many comedians do. I don't think she could write her own funny lines like, say, a standup comedian does. I also think she actually became a worse actress as she got older, which is odd. One of her last dramatic roles was in the 1980's called "The Stone Pillow". It was a terrible made for TV movie. Could not sit through it.
The kids couldn't act their way out of a brown paper bag.
They had other fine qualities.
@@marjoriemargel1567 What? They couldn't act worth beans. I'm sure they knew it themselves, the entire time. They weren't TRYING to be good, they weren't trying to be actors. They were getting their paychecks, and that's what counted.
I truly doubt that any of their self-worth is tied up in their acting talent, they probably laugh about it.
Why would they be offended? They did other things with their lives.
I understand and appreciate Lucy looking out for her children by trying to give them a break and help them get into show business, but to the expense of others. If Doris Singleton was promised a role in the show, she should have have had her contract honored. My guess is that if contracts were signed, they had to buy out her contract, so at least Ms. Singleton got her money. On the other hand, I think that Lucy should have let her know ahead of time what was going on.
She should have told Mrs. Singleton. It was the professional thing to do.
My husband worked with Lucy and Desi many times Ashe was a character actor, I heard many stories of Lucy from him. She was very serious almost a task master! She was a genius at knowing what would work and the business side too! A chain smoker that had 4 cigarets going on sound stage at once, so she could grab a smoke any area of the set. Not warm and fuzzy at all! But if she liked you, you got more gigs with her! My hubby was20+ years older than I so his stories were golden about
Clark Gable and the big stars, I miss his stories!
Wow! Just, wow!
First off, I loved Lucie and Desi, Jr in the show, but I also loved Doris Singleton in I Love Lucy. She was one of those characters that you liked to dislike. I can definitely understand why Lucy would want to showcase her two children, but it is a shame that she couldn't have handled Doris more courteously and appropriately. Great Info Rick. Thank you.
Yes absolutely she should have told her I mean that's just common courtesy. And frankly I'm surprised she would want her kids acting I think that business at least in this day and age is horrible I wouldn't want my kids anywhere around it. Maybe it was different back then.
I never knew anything like this happened, but it’s very interesting. I love these Lucy videos Rick, keep up the great work!
Given their history & long friendship Lucille could have been a little more kind. I'm sure they could have adjusted the show so everyone was involved.
@newagetojo You cannot say to what degree her co-stars Fred and Ethel had a career or would have had a career. William Frawley had been in Vaudeville long before I Love Lucy. Good Lord, that guy was old when he did that show so you don't know what type of career he had or really what was considered successful in that day and age. In his later years, after Lucy, William Frawley went on to play on My Three Sons until his death. I am not meaning to be a cheerleader for Frawley. I am just pointing out that this was so long ago, you really do not know the success level of Vivian Vance or what would have become of her or any of them. As far as Desi, it was Lucy who always said he was the brains of the business, not the actor so much.
@newagetojo why so angry?
Of course sorry to say Lucy was kind of a b@&ch in real life a perfectionist and so on. Just ask Joan Crawford from the grave Lol
Hi Rick, yeah it would have been nice if Lucy told her friend what happened. Thank you for sharing
There are ugly realities behind the bright and happy façade of show business, and there always have been. The music business is much the same, too.
Thats normal with any business. Healthcare seems great but there is so much politics. Finance, real estate, restaurant businesses is cutthroat. Politics is politics. Its in every career, you just gotta have thick skin. That comes with experience
Yes, That Is True. However It Is Wrong To Keep People In The Dark.
@spooky katt Some People Have Got Class And Some People Have Got No Class At All. People Show Their True Colours.
Interesting.
So true!
I’m a diehard Lucy fan and always will be, but from what I know about her, which is extensive, she became an increasingly bitter and sad woman as she aged. I don’t believe she had much happiness in her life at all, especially after “I Love Lucy,” and she lived a lonely, isolated existence, like we see Ellen living now. I know someone who was married to a Sardi’s bartender and he said she was an absolute horror to deal with. Read Lee Tannen’s book on Lucy. You’ll see how truly sad she was in her final decade, and also that beneath it all, she really did love and appreciate her true fans, and feel things deeply. I’m glad she at least had a friend like Lee to make her happy and give her some respite from her demons - and she nearly ruined that friendship, too. I believe this story about Doris completely. Doris Singleton was a talented woman of remarkable class, and Lucy was lucky to have her.
Lee Tannen is interesting to listen to because he knew her during a time when few did.
I think your assessment is 100% correct. She changed completely after the divorce. She became bitter and bitter. I think the only time she was happier was when she was filming Mine, yours & ours. Anyways, she became bitter and angry that things turned out the way they did with Desi. She never recovered from that blow.
@@usforsarahYes, you’re right to mention the divorce - I think she saw it as a personal and public failure, deeply resented Desi (rightly so) and kept on loving him all the while. Talk about mixed emotions! And she was doing all this while venturing to places no woman had ever gone before in her industry. All she really needed was one man to be strong and faithful, to give her what no one else could, but she ultimately didn’t have that - she had to go it on her own and be strong for herself. Gary Morton may have been a kind man and a good companion, but he was certainly not able to protect Lucy - the little advice he did give her was self-serving, dreadful and even devastating, in fact. He was no Desi. How could he be?
@@rudypalma1250 I agree. I don't like Gary, he was an opportunist imo. From what I've read Vivian didn't like him and Lucie wasn't his biggest fan... I think Lucy was aware of it, but she didn't mind being his sugar mommy as long as he didn't cheat. There's one episode of Password and she sort of takes a dig at Gary "all he cares about is golf". His appearance on The Lucy Show wasn't good (I don't think the audience was very fond of him), and I know Lucy initially started doing her podcast in the 60's so he could have an occupation and be the producer.... needless to say he failed and her cousin ended up producing it. What a stooge.
So good to finally see a Rick Nineg video! !! Hope ur doing well. And as usual, great content ;)
I post every other day so make sure to check back
Had Doris Singleton been in the show it certainly would have added more to the show. (I always enjoyed it when she appeared on I Love Lucy.) I don't know about everyone else Rick but I can't even watch Here's Lucy. Most of the plots I find flat and not very funny. But at the time people really did love Lucy and wanted to see her. It's too bad her comedy didn't evolve so her later shows could have achieved the same greatness as I Love Lucy.
Totally agree
I always blame the writers! Or give them most of the praise if the show is good
I don't like Here's Lucy either. The kids were not interesting enough. Doris would have been a better co-star (IMHO).
I'm glad I'm not the only one who found her post I Love Lucy show unfunny and even at times embarrassing. It's not humorous to see a woman in her 50s and 60s portray a 12 year old emotionally complete with pratfalls. No her character did not evolve/ grow beyond her Lucy Ricardo period
The trouble with most of these people is that they begin to believe their own PR. Arrogant, self-centered, and never the 'generous' star they are often portrayed as in the press.
Doris Singleton was in an episode of All In The Family which is on UA-cam.
I remember that. She wasn't impressed with Edith's story about Hostess Twinkies.
I remember Dick Cavett commented to Lucille Ball, due to her position as Head of Desilu, that she must have to fire people. He asked like it was a status position. She got very quiet and said, if she had to let somebody go, she fretted and often cried over it, that it was always something difficult for her to do.
The kids didn’t add anything to the show.
That drum episode I would have thrown those drumsticks out the window I don't care if I was the parent or not🤒😠
the boy did only two seasons the girl all six seasons. Both had good careers after the show
They don't on most shows.
I agree. Lucy carried that whole show on her back along with the guest stars. Her kids couldn't act.
Very unprofessional of Lucille Ball. Desi Arnaz Jr. had gotten a girl pregnant when he was 15 allegedly so maybe she felt this was the only way she could keep the kids out of more trouble.
Lucy should have told Doris in a better way, simply displaying common courtesy!
Pastor Henry Brash You would wake up and stop living in a dream world.
@ Pastor Henry Brash. I agree! It’s a way to do things, and this was not the way!
Lucy was known to have people "fired" with no notice and no explanation given....people she had worked with for years.
Of course, but we don't really know what happened. This video is one version, perhaps based on Mrs. Singleton's side of the story. Maybe other insiders would remember things a little differently.
All I know is that I once had a great friend -- at least I thought I did. We knew each other for years, worked together for years, retired the same year. Then, she dumped me -- no explanation, nothing. This just goes to show you don't really know your so-called best friend.
I have read several books on Lucie & Desi, including their autobios. Lucy was not at all like the character she portrayed on I Love Lucy. She was a tough lady & her insecurities became worse after she & Desi were divorced. She was a work-a-holic & not nice to people. She wanted everything done her way. The only one she trusted & listened to was Desi. Even after their divorce, she would ask him for his advice. But, even to close friends & family, she could be cold. Her other two shows were never as good as I Love Lucy.
She was all those things. She was also a great success, and Desilu Studios cultivated and supported a lot of careers.
Hello! Great shows, awesome times, thank you & take care.
There's a long, ignoble history of "nepo" babies, and this is just one example. In the U.S especially, movies, TV, music, and politics are filled to the brim with them.
Very interesting video Rick. I remember her character and always wondered what happened to her. Thank you for sharing. I hope Falco is on the men. Have a great day. Blessings - Judith
Yeah, that was definitely a mistake by Lucy. She should have let her know even if it was uncomfortable.
So wrong of Lucy, at least she could have told her.
Unfortunately, that's show biz but right, Lucy should have confronted Doris. At least, she could have have some tidbits of dialogue sent Doris' way.
Lucy was not known for being a very nice person.
@@ajs11201 She had to be tough! She had to be as mean as the men, otherwise they would have thought she was weak
@@lazyhomebody1356 yes. This is true.. She was tough in business.. But fair..
And whether unintentional or not... Who comes between a "mother" and her children without suffering the consequences??
@@ajs11201 money went to her head
It is sad that she was treated so shabbily. Sad, but that is Hollywood. And, for that matter, that is life.
H'wood is a cesspool.
Very good video 👍😊 it is very interesting to learn more about these classic television shows and learn about the history surrounding them I think Lucy could have been more upfront about it though thanks for a great video
I'll preface this by saying that I've always been a big fan of Lucille Ball; I've loved her work on TV and in movies. But for as brilliant a comedienne and actress as she was, I've heard a great many stories about how difficult she could be and that she was often extremely rude and very unkind--to people both in and out of the business.
Lucy was determined not to lose her claim to fame She clawed her way to the top & was determined not to lose it to anyone.
I'd take that with a grain of salt. Today, assertive women are still called b!tches. I can only imagine how badly her position of power would rankle the nerves of so many people.
She was famously UNFUNNY off stage, I've read that a million times.
I think she was very direct or even blunt. Even when she gave compliments, she got to the point. When Mary Tyler Moore was rehearsing a scene as Laura Petrie at Desilu, Lucy turned to her as she was leaving and said, "You're very good." Mary said later,"Not a lot of flowers" to it, but she was thrilled that Lucy liked her work.
@@barbraseville8984 And she hated running the studio. She wanted to perform. She kind of got stuck doing it after Desi was out of the picture. But she felt an obligation to the employees.
I have heard that Lucille Ball was always very gracious and giving to her fans. Also, someone who is supposedly so rude - she had people from her days in radio (Gale Gordon - her writers Madelyn Pugh, Bob Caroll Jr. etc etc. who knew her for decades kept working for her.) Also, people like her personal female attendant who traveled all around with her and was with her for decades too, as well and drivers and handyman. Day in and day out exposure - yet never had a bad word to say about her. Also, the story about Sammy Davis is awful. Also, after his appearance on The Lucy show, he gave an introduction talk when she was given an award - absolutely lovely and laudatory, starting with, "The sun never sets on Lucille Ball" Why would anybody who had such distaste for her have done that?
Sammy Davis describes how he once worked with Lucy a couple of months after he lost his eye so he was wearing a prosthetic one .During one scene he describes how she kept trying to poke the eye out with a stick as a joke, of course Sammy didn't think it was funny at all.Her ex Desi Arnez described her as being cruel at times
WOW! That's harsh! Poking someone's eye.
Well, if you notice on the 1962 Lucy Show, the three kids (Ralph Hart, Candy Moore and Jimmy Garrett) had prominent roles during the first season but then they were drastically reduced during the 2nd and 3rd seasons and they were then written out of the series completely. Lucy was happy when her favorite, Gale Gordon joined the cast at the beginning of Season 2. When Viv left after Season 3, she added Mary Jane Croft as a regular character. I think 2 of the kids are STILL annoyed about being let go because they were NOT interviewed for the Lucy Show DVDs, but Jimmy Garrett was.
rtususian I read that Candy Moore had stated that Lucille Ball actually was afraid of Candy’s stardom. She extremely popular with younger viewers and Lucille felt that it was taking away the focus from her. Also, Vivian Vance was tired of commuting from Connecticut to do the show, and wanted to reduce her time the show or even quit. This all came ahead at the end of third season when Vivian decided to retire from the series and this enabled Lucille revamp the series by the having the character of “Viv” remarry. The boys go off the military school and “Chris” enter college and her character relocate to California.
Mary Jane Croft....what was her relationship w Lucy? Anyone ever viewed videos of her discussing her experiences working w Lucy?
John Michael Gunner I believe they were friends in real life. Mary Jane was also on I Love Lucy quite a bit.
John Michael Gunner my FAVE episode with Mary Jane Croft was the return from Europe one. She’s sitting next to Lucy on the plane. Lucy’s “baby” is a big hunk of cheese. Lol.
@@eduardoramirezjr4403 It's funny, on the Lucy Show Candy Moore was considered one of the main steady characters, but a lot of the time her storylines and dialogue were kind of brief. But on the Donna Reed Show, where she was only an occasional actor, she played Jeff's girlfriend, it seems that she had a lot more to do in each of the episodes she was in. She wasn't in every episode, mind you, but the ones she was in she had a lot more dialogue than any of the Lucy Shows she was in. That was one of the things I didn't like about the Lucy Show, every single episode had to focus on Lucy instead of giving some of the other characters a main story.
Great vlog Rick ty for sharing lucy😂🇨🇦🇨🇦
After the divorce from Desi, Lucy became a bitter miserable person!!.. Just ask any flight attendant to ever had the unfortunate task of having her on their flight!!.. In today's terms we would would refer to her as a "KAREN"!!!
Unfortunately yes, she was heartbroken and never recovered from the divorce. She went on to be content but not happy. Her salvation was her work.
The Superman episode in I Love Lucy was one of my favorites as well. Its unfortunate that Doris Singleton didnt work out. Even if she wasnt a good fit I think it was a bit shady the way she was dropped with no initial explanation.
Thanks for your information about Doris Singleton &Lucy.I always like to learn behind the scenes facts.
I don't think it was professional or right the way she told Doris Singleton.they all could've been on the show.that surprised me about Lucy.
BTW if you remember when The Lucy Show started in 1962 Gale Gordon was not on it as bank president Mooney. The great Charles Lane played her boss, Mr. Barnsdahl. He had done several I Love Lucy episodes. Gordon was unavailable in 1962 due to he was playing Mr. Wilson on Dennis the Menace, which ended it's run in 1963, he became available and Charles Lane was out. Lane never held a grudge as Lucille Ball cast him in several other shows.
Lucy was extremely loyal to family. Her father died when she was, I believe, 4 and her grandfather lost the farm due to unfortunate accident. She vowed that she would take care of her family, but she took care of close personal friends as well. On the other hand, she could be fierce, being a woman in an executive capacity. She expected Lucy and Desi, jr to be able to support themselves without her influence. This was the way of life in California.
Lucy knew it was an awkward situation and avoided telling her until she asked. Not cool on Lucy's part!
Exactly! She just kept putting it off like any of us would.
It seems that such a strong women would have been more upfront. I once worked for a female business owner that did similar to me. goes to show, even the strongest people have their major weaknesses
Well, this happens from time to time. "We decided to go in a different direction" happens. Not saying it was right or wrong but look at Doris Day. She had a show for 5 seasons, all high in the ratings. Denver Pyle was in the first 2 seasons as her farmer dad, but then the focus moved to Doris as a city worker with the great Rose Marie as her friend for Seasons 2 and 3. Then, Doris called Rose and told her "moving in a new direction, want to keep the show fresh" so Rose Marie was out as her friend, and Jackie Joseph was in for the last 2 seasons. Also, McLean Stevenson was her boss in seasons 2 and 3, then he was out and John Dehner was her boss for seasons 4 and 5. In Show Biz an actor has to have a thick skin from what I've seen.
Yeah, the format of The Doris Day Show changed every flipping season. Once the Mary Tyler Moore Show became popular, Doris's show followed suit and became more urbane and sophisticated.
Outside of Fran Ryan who played Ms. Days housekeeper part of the first year of the program I have heard of any bad blood between Ms. Day and any of her many co stars .
Here is another situation where people love Doris Day. I always loved the format of her living in San Francisco with her son's and the father still apart of her life. The support cast was great too. Why change it? Season 4 and 5 not so good.
Excellent point, but at least Denver Pyle directed a handful of episodes in season 3.
You didn’t give us Lucy’s side of the story.
Right you are my dear. Right you are.
I'm going to be interviewing her next month, I will ask her.
I do remember Doris Singleton on an episode of All in the Family when Edith was on Jury Duty. Doris played a wealthy juror who snubbed her nose at Edith. I wonder if she took the part to spite Lucille Ball who hated All in the Family
Oh God Jerry, I never knew that! Maybe Doris did in part for that reason. I do know that (early) All in the Family episode was one of THE best of the entire series because of Doris, and her interaction with Jean Stapleton. She really had star billing in that episode. She was also a beautiful woman and today when I watch that episode I like the contrast of seeing her in both the '50s and the '70s.
@@robmcgowan4034 I did however see her on an episode of Here's Lucy a few years later. Perhaps Lucille Ball softened a bit by then Rob
I remember that episode of "All in the Family". Doris Singleton was also in two different episodes of "The Dick Van Dyke" show (my favorite line she says to her son as they're leaving the Petrie house: "What's the MATTER with you, getting chocolate all over Mr. Petrie!") I think she was also in an episode of "Hazel". I love watching reruns of old TV shows and have seen her now and then in some of them.
Rick, it is simply NOT correct to say that Doris and Lucy never worked together again. Wrong! In 1980 Doris appeared in the Lucille Ball Special, Lucy Moves to NBC. Did you know that? Doris played Lucy's longtime secretary, Wanda Clark. If there was any animosity between Lucy and Doris--and i am not sure that there was--then it wasn't reflected in the kind tributes Doris gave on television when Lucy died in 1989.
I don’t know that I believe Doris’s story. Signed contracts and she was legally committed? That means that the show was legally committed back to her too. Contracts work two ways and obligations flow in both directions. I cannot imagine what kind of a contact would exist that over time she suddenly realized she’s not on the show. What was in the contract?
This doesn't surprise me. I've heard what a difficult person Lucille Ball was. And her shows after "I Love Lucy" were never all that successful. People wanted to see Lucy and Desi (Ricky) much more than they wanted to see just Lucy. That was the elephant in the room, as Lucy soldiered on alone. Her shows attracted gradually less and less of an audience as time went on. I was a huge "I Love Lucy" fan. I never watched Lucy's subsequent shows because I wanted to remember the show at its best.
It’s never an easy conversation to tell someone some bad news, but as a friend, she should’ve told her. Maybe she was concerned about how it would effect their friendship, but I think she made things worse by not telling her.
I was a flight attendant back in the day. She (Lucy) was nasty to the flight crew when I flew with her.
Her kids were average actors, but they did not have the comedic flair that their mom did. It's funny how in The Lucy Show, she had kids other than her own play her kids and also had Vivian Vance come back to play opposite of her. Gale Gordon was good, but I'm glad he was never picked for Fred Mertz.
I think Lucille Ball would be rather difficult to get along with on a personal and professional level and she probably would not consider people's feelings to much extent in her decisions and actions. I also agree with Martin's post about the Here's Lucy and I would add the Lucy Show. I found them boring and it was awkward to watch her try to carry the entire comedic weight herself without Desi and the others from I Love Lucy.
David l didn't like Here's Lucy one bit! Without Desi something was missing 😞
Doris was a professional actress and brought a lot to the show. Her kids, not so much.
egomaniacal ....?
You got some splainin to do lucy baal
BladeStar 775 Love your " splainin" sum up!!!!
I grew up on I love Lucy.still watch the show now.
Wow! I never knew this story. But as already commented by other viewers, what was in her (Singleton) contract? She had to have one. But, regardless, Lucy should have had a meeting with Ms Singleton to break the news. So sad. I know what it's like to be 'dumped' by a so-called best friend.
I love your videos and I love Lucy! Keep doing what you love 💕
Wow! That was a really odd way for Doris to find out that she was out considering how Lucy and she had worked together.
Show biz is a BIZ! Period. No need for public outcry.... these things are taken care of by agents, managers, PERIOD.
It is sad to hear of Lucy’s life being so intense all the time. She really copped it from everyone. Despite this she rose. I loved everything she did creatively. Often it’s hard to get the balance right. I feel the balance was more in her favour. She’s only one person. She did pretty good! She’s absolutely unforgettable.
PS...The Carolyn Appleby episode where they compete over their children was actually one of my favorites of the series.
She could of made Doris’s role different and given her a part as well as her kids. Been fair to a friend and fellow actor. A meeting would of been appreciated to explain the different roles. She could of asked Doris to help her kids with learning the trade. Very sad.
Could OF ,would OF ....Americans' English.
Nothing could help those kids. LOL
The Lucy show sucked, Not funny at all It would of been better with Doris on the show. Lucy kids are just not actors. No talent like mom and dad!
@@davidmjaramilloAt least their hard work parlayed into the American success story...
Could *have, would *have. Grab a book once in a while, for Pete's sake!
If Lucy had struck a deal with Doris to appear as a regular recurring member of the cast on Here's Lucy and contracts were signed. Then I think it was wrong for Lucy to not tell Doris that she'd changed her mind. It does not surprise me and I believe Doris when she says the reason for being cut out was to benefit Lucie and Desi Jr.
I am surprised that Lucy would go back on an offer to a valued colleague like Doris; especially if legal contracts were signed did Doris get compensated? From interviews of have seen, Doris never said anything about this and Lucy said she brought her children on to keep tabs on them; Desi Jr. did have a bit of his father in him.
They acted like they didn’t want to be there at all. Today, Lucie still appears in stage shows, and she not a bad singer and dancer, but people remember her Mom much more
Kindness isn’t excluded just because it’s “show business” it would have just been considerate of Lucy to let Doris know she was being replaced.
Doris should have known how show business works. One day you're on top, the next day you're waiting by the phone. It happens all the time - don't blame Lucy!
Neither of the kids went on to do anything. Such a shame for Doris Singleton, she was a great actor and probably needed the work (and money) that the kids would never need.
@newagetojo Im sure having his father's name helped a lot .
The kids never went on to do anything??? Are you serious? Desi Jr. worked for years in movies and TV long after his time on "Here's Lucy" -- many movies and TV movies, and starring in the cult TV series, "Automan." After years of showbiz pressure that led him into addiction problems, he finally conquered his demons and got the hell outta Dodge in order to live a peaceful life, along with his beloved wife, far away from the L.A. parties and the relentless tabloid spotlight. They were married for three decades, until her unfortunate loss to cancer a couple years ago. And Lucie pursued a long career on stage, which is what she wanted to do. She has spent the better part of her career on Broadway, London's West End, and most recently touring the United States in "Pippin" a couple years ago, as Berthe. She has also had a successful career as a cabaret singer, and most important to her, as a devoted wife and mother (she's been married to Laurence Luckinbill for 40 years). I was planning to see Lucie's one-woman show in Los Angeles in March but I couldn't get a ticket because the show was SOLD OUT. I thought I would have no problem purchasing a ticket a full month in advance, but no, tickets to her show were ALL GONE. She has a following. But then coronavirus happened anyway and shut everything down. Since her "Here's Lucy" days, Lucie Arnaz has won or been nominated for a number of awards for her stage work, and also won an Emmy Award as a producer.
@newagetojo I remember Doris on some other TV shows like Perry Mason, but she will always be best remembered as Lucy Ricardo's "frenemy".
Lucy should have said something up front. I am sure she felt awkward about saying we are going with my kids instead of you, but it still should have been said. Oh well, Lucy was just as human as any of us.
I just love all the ”Lucy” information you present. I would love to see you do some things with The Waltons 😊
And Bewitched please.
The Lucy shows after "I love Lucy" were, in my opinion, unfunny. Lucy was too old to play the same scatterbrained character that worked so well in the black and white early episodes. Her children were not a good addition either.
That's what happened to many stars that tried to hang on. It was quite evident that they didn't have it anymore, and their claim to fame was long gone. And, they embarrassed themselves something awful to prove it.
You are entitled to your opinion but Lucy was on the air for years and that was due to her popularity. The shows actually did really well maybe not as funny as I LOVE LUCY but I would watch them just because of Lucy. I did miss the chemistry they all had on I love Lucy! The cast was fantastic.
I agree not a fan of that show
Not to mention they recycled many of the comical bits from I love Lucy....the physical comedy looked particularly dangerous for a older lucy as well...
@@MrMd217 You just kind of made that poster's point. The show was second rate and it was only because of Lucy's past, when she was younger, fresh, times in the nation were different, when she was at her peak that she was watched. It was because of a memory of a once good, fresh show, not the one you were watching with an older, sad actress who tried to hang on. There was a sad story Lucy told in an interview once. She was in an elevator and a young adult got in. They started talking and the young woman asked "What do you do?" Her answer was."I used to be on TV."
Well, I read that Lucy's mother said "Lucy can be a bitch!"...
They should of told her! They can't do that now the actor can sue!
Well, "blood is Thicker than Water!" However, I think the show could have made room for Doris. She was a fantastic actress. The actress that portrayed "Mary Jane had a reoccurring role on "Here's Lucy. " Well, that's showbiz!"🎬🎭
It is well known that Ms. Ball was difficult to work with. Vivian Vance had to maintain a higher weight to make her look older (Vance was actually younger than Lucy). It is true that as the various shows continued, each got worse. She never could recreate the chemistry from I Love Lucy.
Viv was two years older than Lucy. Viv was born in 1909, Lucy in 1911. Incidentally, Gale Gordon was born in 1908 and Desi Sr in 1917. And I was born in 1961. LOL
No it was not in her contract that was a running joke that Vivian who was 2 years older had to maintain a certain weight.
Also please remember that Vance was passive aggressive and she was the one who constantly complained that she had to be married to "that old man". Btw Wm Frawley was hired first so why did she take the part. Her statements about Frawley she let be known loud and clear - thus setting up the animosity between them. Vivian Vance was married 4x, 3rd marriage was abusive and Lucy helped her thru it, and her 4th marriage which lasted the longest, her husband was a homosexual.
Ridiculous. Nepotism is always bad be it the movies, music, sports,modeling,etc. I've seen too many people pushed into these things where they'll never be on their parent(s)level no matter what. The Arnez children, Katie Austin, Sailor Brinkley(Christie Brinkley daughter), Chloe Olsen(Kathy Ireland daughter), Charlotte Flair(Ric Flair), Curtis Axel( Mr Perfect wrestler), Kaia Jordan Gerber (Cindy Crawford daughter), they all weren't/never be on their parents level. Most, if not, all of them, were pushed into these professions by their folks eager to recreate themselves through their kids which is a wrong and dumb approach to life.
As a wrestling fan I would argue that Charlotte is well on her way to carving out a place in history as one of the best and most decorated female wrestlers - there's no surpassing her dad of course, but she is definitely living up to her name
The parents should encourage other fields they can be successful in. When you have a parent that "big" in a certain arena, those are big shoes to fill. They should encourage their children's other interests to forge their own successful path.
I really like learning tidbits,about entertainment shows and all this Drama that’s behind the scenes.....How you find this info and share it I like too....I believe being an actor would give me anxiety.
Once people get a little recognition they tend to forget about others. It's a shame Doris was handled that way. I enjoyed her in all the Lucy shows. I hope she was able to continue in show business.
That's what I was just commenting to another person about the money went to her head she divorce Desi Arnaz showed she can be her own boss and just let it go to her head and started treating other people like crap and I think it was just wrong I seen her in a different light as I got older😔
@@GalaxyIsADork Do you even know all the hurt and pain Desi caused Lucy?
@@01chippe Exactly, he was a womanizer and an alcoholic.. Mean tempered when he drank. Neck to neck with Bill Frawley when it came to boozing it up..
Ive been watching the Ricky takes care of the baby episode. And I have notice that there is another blooper in it. When Ethel goes to shomut tge door she leavea with abpurse in her hands and when she comes back there is no purse. Thank you Maryanne
as some One who was born in 1960 - this was My Back & White TV watching Days of the mid to late 60's / early 70's....ahh memories...I remember her Fondly, and of Course LUCY...and her kids....dam time flys!! Turning 60 in July
and YES as someone who Grew up With Lucy...I think she should have been MORE Upfront and frank....its only Right....but maybe she was scared of Confrontation in some sort? We all know - they can and ARE Messy....whether you want them to be or not sometimes...
She should have kept Doris and ditched her children... they were terrible actors and had zero screen presence... Even though the show lasted 6 seasons, it was awful... mostly because of the horrible writing, but the children added NOTHING!!!
I hope Doris Singleton at least got a good buyout amount for having her contract terminated.
If Doris Singleton had a signed contract that actually itemized how many lines she'd get and/or how many episodes she's be in, then she should've brought that to Desilu's attention. I've seen many interviews with Lucille Ball where she stated that she liked to work with "pros" only -- that little trick that Lucy pulled doesn't sound very professional to me. I don't care WHOSE kids they are! They shouldn't get top billing over a seasoned actress like Ms Singleton. Lucy should be ashamed smh....
If contracts was signed, I would have sued her (Lucy). Give me my money & I'll go away.
Sorry to learn Doris' role had been eliminated from the show. I always felt she added so much so every scene she was in from the "I Love Lucy" days. I wonder if Lucille Ball ever regretted this decision.
Hey Rick,
Thanks for this video. I really love your content.
This story does not surprise me at all. Despite her crazy, zany persona on screen, Lucille Ball was strictly business.
I recall Lucie Arnaz once in an interview saying that, for her Mom, show business trumped family; whereas it was just the opposite for Desi.
Perhaps, in Here's Lucy, it was a way for Lucy to make up for lost time with her children.
Also, Rick, I see that you conducted a live stream a few nights ago. I was able to join for a short while.
Are these live streams just spontaneous? Or are they scheduled? If so, how do I learn when they're scheduled for?
Best,
Paul+
I announce livestreams on UA-cam and if you hit the notification bell, it’ll tell you when I go live
@@ricknineg
So, Rick, I'm kinda new to following someone on UA-cam, so I have a couple of questions...
When did you announce the last live stream, was it during your prior video (the Hogan's Heroes Nimrod video)?
And where do I find the Notification Bell? Is that the same bell when one subscribes?
Thanks for your patience...😇
Paul+
@@PaulTesta Since YT never notifies ME, even though I have my bells on, what I do is check my Subscriptions. Rick usually posts 4 or 5 hours before a Livestream, that he will be doing one. Always Sundays, I think.
That's just not right. I've been in business for myself and a few times I took a financial loss in order to "keep my word" and "reputation" as a reliable, credible person. I have always had a real disdain for "nepotism". I dealt with it when I worked for "other people" before I went solo. Let her stupid kids find their own way instead of "turning" on an old reliable friend. I just can't stand "bosses sons". From my all too numerous experiences they are lazy, opinionated without facts or experience, pushy because they know they can't be fired and generally obnoxious clowns.
I felt the same way about my bosses' wives. They always came to the office and acted like they were just as much our boss as their husbands were. I couldn't stand any of them.
Nepotism will always win out in every single situation. Lucy definitely should have been more forthcoming. But this happened so long ago and it comes down to a one person’s word against another’s. Think about it this way... Six people witness an event, but there will be six different stories. No one is lying, it’s just that everyone’s perception/comprehension of the situation or event is remembered differently. There’s Lucy’s side of the story, Doris’ side of the story and somewhere in the middle is the truth.
I always enjoy watching your videos, l think your videos are worth their weight in gold! 😉
On a different note. How is your little buddy Falco feeling? I can’t stop thinking about you guys after that horrific sickness he went through. I’ve been praying for the both of you and I hope he’s still on the mend. 😊
Contracts were signed, so Doris was probably still getting paid, but I am sure she wanted the on camera exposure also.
Lucy was the boss, so it was her call to make.
To somewhat quote a line from "The Godfather", "It's not personal Doris, it's strictly business".
Common courtesy would have been to let Doris know things had changed and that she would still be getting paid and was free to pursue other opportunities.
That's showbiz!
after I love Lucy she was never as funny in the other shows..just a diff style and writing not as clever either
Well, I think a lot of people would disagree because the first 2 seasons of The Lucy Show (1962-64) were mostly written by her original writers, Bob Carroll Jr. and Madelyn Martin/Pugh/Davis. After they left at the end of Season 2, the writing did kind of go downhill and the situations more forced and too far-fetched. And her show became more of a sketch comedy show which is not the right format for Lucy in my opinion.
Dezi was the one who knew her the best and made the est lines for her. :(
I miss them
Well didn’t the same thing happen on the Lucy show with actors that played the 3 kids , they had no warning either , just dropped and didn’t see it comming at all , very sad .
I was always disappointed when Lucy specials came on TV, I always wanted to see what the 3 kids from the Lucy Show looked like in the present, but they were never shown. And when the Lucy Show DVDs came out, only Jimmy Garrett was interviewed, not Candy Moore and not Ralph Hart. I have a feeling both of them are still annoyed by the way they were treated.
rtususian OMG that happened over 55 years ago! If they’re still annoyed at this point that’s pretty sad
@@joemanzo4453 I am just guessing, I can't imagine the DVD people NOT asking them, since they did get Jimmy Garrett to participate. If they got Jimmy to participate, why wouldn't they at least ask Candy and Ralph? The visuals would be nice too having all three sitting together.
@@joemanzo4453 Some people do hold long time grudges! Have you ever binge watched FORENSIC FILES? LOL
I loved the way George Reeves said "And they call me Superman"
Stan G. made a good point. My Dad was a professional Thoroughbred Jockey and rode for Mr. Arnez. Apparently he and my dad got along together. My Mom was at the races this one day and sat with Ms. Ball up in the Grand Stand in a privet box. My Mom was a friendly / cordial type of person and realy liked Lucy. When she went to introduce herself ( my Dads riding her husbands horse that day), but my Mom said Ms. Ball was very cold and stand offish. Yes she couldve just had a bad day but it didnt leave a very good memory after that. I think the lunchen my parents had with Sammy Davis Jr. and his wife more then made up for that. She said that was a beautiful memory and the Davis's were just wonderful.
In some episodes of I Love Lucy, Caroline Appleby's character was called Lillian Appleby instead. A bit of a continuity error from the writing staff.
There were several continuity errors on all of Lucy's shows. In I Love Lucy in the camping episode, Ethel says she drove a station wagon but a couple years later when they are going to California we find out that Ethel doesn't know how to drive! On a 2nd season episode of The Lucy Show, "Lucy's College Reunion", just by the title it is understood that Lucy graduated from college, but in an episode a few years later, she discovers that she never received her high school diploma!
I just watched an interview with Doris today and she herself did not know why they changed her character's name from Lillian to Caroline.
Yes, in the early episodes, she was Lillian Appelby, but when the character visited Lucy in Hollywood, her name mysteriously became, Caroline and remained Caroline for the rest of her appearances on the show.
Here's another crazy continuity error that will blow your mind -- JIMMY GARRETT played JERRY CARMICHAEL on the Lucy Show. When he made a singular appearance in a 4th season episode, Lucy kept calling his character by his real first name Jimmy during rehearsals, but the writers kept trying to correct Lucy but Lucy kept insisting his character name was Jimmy, and that was that!!
Hi Rick. Very interesting video. If this is really how Lucy handled the situation, she would have been very unprofessional. It does beg the question of what did the contract say? And what about her agent? It seems to me that something is missing here. Not from you but from what Doris said. She was great as Lillian/ Carolyn Appleby! I enjoyed Lucy’s other shows as a child but as an adult I find the plots quite lame. I Love Lucy will always be my favorite. Sadly, the more I read and hear about Lucille Ball, she doesn’t come off as being very nice. Even in some of her own interviews. Thanks for another great video.
Lucy was famous for being the worst airline passenger in the history of the industry! She was horribly abusive to the crews and ground personnel.. It was back when United was about the only airline that served Hawaii and Lucy flew back and forth often. The United crews and other employees were in such revolt that finally United banned her from traveling on their airline for life! The way a people treat underlings and servants always reveals their real characters.
real class is how one treats others
One of the most brilliant comedians of all time. That being said, it is no secret the Lucy was a very difficult and even at times cruel person to work with or be around.
She could have called or written her a note to tell her the decision she'd made. She was brave to straight up ask Lucy the reason. I wouldn't want to butt heads with THAT redhead! LOL She was one tough cookie!
As a follow-up to my previous comment and for those of you who are familiar with the Meyers Briggs personality assessment, I suspect Lucy was an ISTJ which would explain alot!
Rick. Please correct me if I am wrong. I heard about this, but it was for "The Lucy Show" in the 1960s and not "Here's Lucy" in the 1970s. I heard that Doris Singleton was cast for "The Lucy Show" to be Mr. Mooney's efficient Morning Secretary while Lucy was to play Mr. Mooney's scatter-brained Afternoon Secretary.
I have ❤️'d this show forever!!! She did have a presence to her, recognizable voice and maybe this made Lucy a little insecure.
Absolutely Doris should have been told when the final decision came about that they weren't going to go with her. I mean just tell the woman so she can go about her life and find other work if she could. Would have been administratively professional had it been carried out. I enjoyed her acting and chemistry on ILL. Sad to know this is how it ended for her.
I really liked both Doris Singleton and Mary Jane Croft as Lucy's sidekicks and would have loved to seen more of them. Lucy's kids, though, were actually very likable in the show. Too bad they couldn't make room for EVERY body!
I wasn't a big fan of Here's Lucy - it certainly could have used Doris Singleton's talent to improve the show!!
I never watched it.
Agreed. Here’s Lucy was awful most of the time
linda handley you’re lucky
This may sound sexist but Lucy needed a husband on The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. She needed someone to have to answer to, a banker who is unrelated to you (despite Uncle Harry being Lucy's brother-in-law on Here's Lucy), is not the same as a husband. It started to get ridiculous when Lucy would screw things up for Mr. Mooney yet he always was asking her for a favor, or to do something for him, and when he actually hired her to work directly under him, I always asked myself, why the hell would he want her to be around him all the time if she's such a screw-up?? Didn't make sense. Gomer Pyle annoying Sgt. Carter all the time was different because they really didn't have much of a choice about working together, they were in the military.
rick nineg you do a wonderful job on the video, I like you voice and how you throw in tid bits about the series, great job man. thanks Doris was ok but Lucy held the pay check so I get her point, and I would have done the same thing. Sorry that is life. Doris could have done more if she had auditioned or tired, she did not.
I have only ever seen I Love Lucy, not her other TV shows. I was just a kid at the time and really enjoyed it. Looking back at the simple humor of those days is still fun but I suspect Lucille Ball's character in the show was a lot nicer than she was in reality; I get the impression she was a tough cookie and could be very stand-offish. I know she was in a lot of movies in her younger days but the only one I saw her in was Mame. She was by then 63 and looking even older. Whatever effects they used to soften her face in close-ups made for the blurriest shots I had ever seen in a film. Where was CGI when she needed it? She should have made the movie 10 years earlier. That would have put her at about the same age as when Rosalind Russell made the enjoyable Auntie Mame.
More generally the clip reminds me of shows I enjoyed way back then. A few years later I was an avid TV watcher of shows such as Leave it to Beaver*, Wagon Train*, Have Gun Will Travel*, Perry Mason*, Cheyenne, Sugarfoot*, 77 Sunset Strip, Hawaiian Eye, The Rifleman and Bonanza. I was not so fond of Maverick* or Gunsmoke but boy westerns were big in the black and white era.
* Amazingly, all the shows marked with an asterisk were launched in the same year - 1957. The following year both 77 Sunset Strip and The Rifleman commenced and the long run of Bonanza started in 1959.
So, Not only was she the Queen of Comedy, but also NEPOTISM!
Wow... Lucy, was all kinds of special.
Lucky was not the person she acted like on the show. Lucy was a prude. She was not nice to patty duke while she was dating Jr.
Lucy was not a fan of Patty Duke, she much preferred Desi dated someone like Liza Minnelli, in fact Lucy said in interviews she knew Liza before she even had her own children.
She shouldve told her in person as soon as she made the decision...It was her show however and Family first...