Posted Nov 20th 2009 at 4:12 am in Open Thread |
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Lucille Ball, one of the early powerful women in tinsel town
Does anyone remember her story about hearing Japanese spys on a radio in her dental fillings? I don't believe her, so if it is a lie, what ws the point?
With Oprah leaving her show and going to her own satellite, Will Breitbart's idea of a red state Oprah with Sarah Palin materialize? I am not really enamored of her for politics, but for pop cultural influence? absolutely
A.Men - November 20th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
McCain praising his losing, sniping campaign staff — inexcusable. Palin is the credible CONSERVATIVE here.
Lucille Ball was the great female physical comic – there really is no close #2 – maybe Mabel Normand or one of the silents. But who else rivals Lucy? And if you've seen "The Big Street" or "Five Came Back" – a talented dramatic actress as well as comedienne. There are episodes of "I Love Lucy" I would still watch over anything else on TV today. (Anyone else know all the words to the Phipps Department Store jingle?)
L.B. "Oscar" Mayer - November 20th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
She was talented and capable and glamorous and fun.
"I LOVE LUCY" made her 'immortal'.
She had had a good film career, but I can't think of a film that the public at large remembers her for now. She has no signature film. Pity.
I like
THE BIG STREET – with Henry Fonda – good drama in a Damon Runyon story
BEST FOOT FORWARD – in which she plays herself at a boy's military academy
THE LONG, LONG TRAILER- lotta fun – she and hubby Desi Arnaz travel crosscountry in a huge 40 ft trailer on their honeymoon.
I have to admit that I know very little about Lucy. However, I can say that she is one of the very few people in Hollyweird that I had the desire to meet. She was not only beautiful, but extremely talented and smart. I have no idea what she may have been like in "real life", but she did a fantastic job at entertaining in every respect.
Back in an era of actual acting – not the 2 second cut scenes they film today and splice together. I have serious doubts about the skill of any modern top-billed "actor/actress" in that regard.
How to tell true talent – her shows are still funny to this day – surviving for decades and setting a standard for a sit/com is a testament to her talent. My children even find "I Love Lucy" to be funny. To me, that speaks volumes.
Talent sorely lacking in the Hollyweird types of today…
Ballerina - November 20th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Good Morning all. If anyone travels to the Western NY area, south of Buffalo in the city of Jamestown is the Lucy and Desi Museum. Every year in late May-early June they've established an annual Lucy and Desi Festival, celebrating her life and history. Her daughter Luci Arnez is always a regular attendee and graciously makes herself available to the public. A regular event is the Lucy and Desi "look-a-like" contests that are a big draw.It really is a good time and it's even safe to bring your children!
Enjoy your weekend, and now let's get ready for the 10 hour Senate debate on the Health Insurance /Care Bill. Oh, joy beyound compare…she said sarcastically.
Professor Turgeson - November 20th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
'Splain me somethin', Lucy.
Since we are almost all agreed that the shooter, Herr Doktor Major Hasan was a traitorous terrorist intent on damaging the United States, then it follows that his victims in uniform are entitled to the PURPLE HEART, no?
Had troops in uniform in Iraq or Afghanistan, or any other place on earth besides our own soil been shot in identical fashion by a hate-filled jihadi shouting "Allah-u-Akbar!," there would be no question that they would have been wounded by the enemy. No one would question awarding them the PURPLE HEART!
Get the ball rolling, citizens!
NutsnBolts - November 20th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Even before listening we all know Who.
Oh, and surprisingly easy? Pick any recording of Him and play it.
you know I'm not sure, and now my nasal linings are all mad at me
my eyes are watering, I'm gonna have to change my shirt
all because I didn't want a hot chocolate
sheesh
When she was in the pre TV days, doing movies she was just smokin' hot. When I first happened upon a movie with her (I have no idea which one) I could not believe my eyes. Off to IMDB!
I read once that when the idea for "I Love Lucy" was being floated, the original idea was for her character to be the performer, and Desi to play the wanna-be who was "trying to get into the show." I just can't fathom that; the formula they ended up using just worked so well.
L.B. "Oscar" Mayer - November 20th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
One of my favorite scenes is when he tries to back the trailer up the driveway at Lucy's aunt's house and everyone is screaming at him giving him directions. Brutal! That sequence was shot on the old MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS backlot at MGM.
This film would make a good double feature with THE WAGES OF FEAR.
L.B. "Oscar" Mayer - November 20th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
In 1943's BEST FOOT FORWARD she plays herself attending a prom at a boy's military academy for publicity purposes. She's young and beautiful and glamorous in Technicolor, but as they head into the dance, one of the cadets says to her, "Gee, Miss Ball. I bet this makes you feel young again". She stops, strikes a pose and gives the cadet a withering glance and says to him, "Yes, it does, you dear boy."
LOLx10. Too funny.
L.B. "Oscar" Mayer - November 20th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I know the melody, I know it was sung by Fred and Ethel ("Oh, Fred and Eaaathul") during the "Breakfast with Ricky and Lucy" episode (at least, I think so). I can remember a few lyrics but not the whole thing. Ok…here goes…"From the top floor to the bottom, da da da da Phipps has got 'em" and "Down at Phipps, your credits great…da da da da da da da." This is going to drive me crazy.
chambers - November 20th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I completely agree with your observation concerning Lucille Ball and physical humor. One of the reasons she was always great was her skill with a sight gag and her willingness to take a pratfall. She was one of the most powerful persons (male or female) in show biz but she never had any problem taking a pie in the kisser. My choice for #2 on this score would be Carol Burnett who was a huge fan of Lucy and also knew how to take a fall. Of course none of today's hip female comics would ever lower themselves to something like that.
I don't know too much about Lucy outside the TV show, either, but remembered seeing her in a movie wit Bob Hope, and she was *terrific*! So I did a little Google search and the first thing that came up was four (count 'em, 4!) movies with Bob Hope. "Fany Pants" was the one I was thinking of, but I'd love to get all four.
The TV show was terrific — highlight for me was probably when Harpo was on and he and Lucy reprised the mirror scene from "Duck Soup." Lucy really was a good physical comedienne, and that may be why she worked so well with Harpo in that episode. The other episode: the one where she was all wrapped up in bandages and somehow the place got set on fire and she fell out the window. Man! When you describe it, it sounds absolutely sadistic…but it wasn't. It was SO funny! Good show, and Desi and Vivian and Bill were all so good, too.
(2 B cont…)
chambers - November 20th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
My favorite Lucy role was in "The Dark Corner", a superior film noir with Ms. Ball playing Gril Friday to Mark Stevens exceptionally hard-boiled private eye. And she was part of one of the best casts of all time in 1937's "Stage Door." (And what a cast – Katherine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Eve Arden, Gail Patrick, Constance Collier and a 17-year old Ann Miller.) Her versatility probably worked against her in the long run and prevented her from obtaining that really "big" role. Still she had her revenge in a way when Desilu bought out the old RKO studios property in the late 1950's.
Murphy's Law says you always spot the typo after it's posted: it's "Fancy Pants," of course.
Not changing the subject, but there was a comedienne in Abbott and Costello's "Hold That Ghost" who was excellent, too: Joan Davis. She's really in Lucy's class in that movie, and I marvel at how well she and Lou Costello work together with physical comedy and one-liners, culminating that unforgettable "Blue Danube" dance. Anyway, Joan got her own TV show with Jim Backus (of "Mr. Magoo" and "Gilligan's Island" fame, and plenty else, too), called "I Married Joan" and it came out a year after "I Love Lucy" debuted as a direct challenge to "Lucy." I checked it out via Netflix after seeing "Hold That Ghost" and didn't really like it much, but it did run for 98 episodes (just about half the lifetime of "I Love Lucy") and it might be worth watching to give you an idea of just how good that show of Lucy and Desi's really was in those times.
chambers - November 20th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Lots of commentary on why the Obama Justice Department is opting for a civilian criminal trial for KSM and the other terrorists in New York. My view is that the decision is purely governed by policaly and tactical considerations. Obama and Holder would dearly love to prosecute Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld et at for war crimes concerning the Gitmo interrogations both to demonstrate their own lofty virtue and also to appease the lunatic Left (is there any other kind?) However they can't risk the political fallout or set that sort of precedent. The next best thing is to provide a platform that will enable the defense team to put the Bush Administration on trial for their interrogation tactics. The defense will subpoena everyone from President Bush on down concerning this issue and the Justice Department will do very little to stop it. They are betting that the discovery phase of the proceedings and the direct examination of Bush officials will once again establish Bush as the all-purpose villain they have come to know and love. They have decided to run the risk that KSM and the others may be found "not guilty."
McCain and his clowns ran a lazy (weekends OFF?) unfocused lousy campaign. The only bright spot was Palin and deserve ZERO credit for that. He's people should wander the political desert for the next 40 years.
I loved Lucy too, but dont all you people remember-she was a registered COMMUNIST! I swear to God! She followed her grandfathers lead and declared herself that to vote..Look it up!
Whatever happened to those people on here who were convinced there was no Carrie Prejean sex tape? And why no follow up? Look I like Carrie. I don't even think she is a hypocrite, but shouldn't there have been some follow up on here after she copped to the tape? Now there may be as many as eight.
C'mon guys a little balance. No mention of the Larry King interview?
If we sit here and complain how the media is implicitly biased largely do to things they choose to cover, or more accurately, not cover, is it not fair for me to make the same complaint when "Big Hollywood" seems to do the same in this case?
Thoughts?
L.B. "Oscar" Mayer - November 20th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Her excuse was plausible and from what I have read, a lot of young, idealistic, unsophisticated people thought in the early 30s (at the depths of the Depression) that this system called Communism might be a workable thing and not necessarily at odd with out own political system/s.
Lucy had some of the best writers around – even to writing this little jingle – but the comic bit that went before it, with Ricky in the pitch meeting is also terrific. Everyone knows that Arnaz was a tough businessman (read up on how Robert Stack got The Untouchables) – but he was also a pretty deft comedian with a wonderful sense of timing. These are the lyrics as I recall them –
When we go on shopping trips
Where else would we go but Phipps
From the top floor to the bottom
If it's bargains Phipps has got 'em
Down at Phipps your credit's great
Ask today for a Phipps-o-plate
First on your list of shopping tips (or trips)
Put P-h-i-p-p-s- Phipps.
And did you catch the flubs? On the second run of the song, they flubbed a line; also, the door hadn't completely closed and started to swing open and Desi/Ricky very smoothly moves over to close it without disrupting the scene. They just kept going. Troopers, all four of them.
In my opinion, by her and Desi pioneering the three camera method of filming before a live audience, they invented the sit-com.
L.B. "Oscar" Mayer - November 20th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I believed there was a tape.
Larry King is an old clown.
Prejean isn't obligated to reveal that there may have been more tapes.
What kind of follow-up do you seek when the information is all over the news anyway?
If some think it is a flaw on her part, why would they want to talk it up?
She wasn't a poster girl for me and my causes, so I have no level of disappointment in the fact that she unwisely did some sex tapes for a low life 'boyfriend' and even if she was Miss Champion of My Cause 2009, I would not freak out over normal, playful sexual activity.
Now – where do i buy that DVD?
patrick - November 20th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Wow, what a talent, so clever and simple. Just the other day, I overheard my friend on the phone talking about casting somebody for a show, and I naturally did the bit where Ricky was talking about casting a showgirl: "You want a readhead? (Lucy pulls on hair.) Oh, a brunette (Lucy displays roots.)" My friend almost fell on the floor because he knew exactly what I was doing. I suppose Lucy is so iconic due to all the reruns. I hope that this does not dissipate with the plethora of entertainment options now, as opposed to the four channels when I was groing up!
Because it was completely different from what they envisioned.
True genius comes not from meticulous planning, but from spur of the moment inspiration.
The story I heard about their show was it was first rejected because studio big wigs thought no one would believe a red headed American girl would marry a Cuban.
In my mind's eye, I can almost see their jaws hitting the floor. "Duh, we are married."
L.B. "Oscar" Mayer - November 20th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Joan Davis was exceptionally talented and funny in her films and even in her TV series which w/o her, has no reason to exist. Not a good show, but her physical comedy is marvelous.
Lucille Ball was not a comedienne, but a comic actress, when required. The only pre "I Love Lucy" film I can think of which is a comedy is BEST FOOT FORWARD (but there's got to be more. "Miss Grant takes Richmond"?) She's very funny in BBF – and playing herself, too.
OTOH – Joan Davis responds like a comedienne and a 'funny lady'.
Interesting comparisons.
Nuttygirl - November 20th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
My parents HOA (we live with my parents while my husband is finishing pharmacy school) called this morning to see if it was us or our neighbor that put up a anti-health care reform poster. I am afraid he will have to take it down but it has supported the point of many people posting comments on this blog.
He has had a form of it up for about 3 months. It has been ripped up twice, and the other day someone stuck a "I voted for Obama" sticker on it. Obviously someone has complained now. I don't know the rules of our neighborhood, but do you think someone would have complained and requested it be removed if it had been a "Vote for Healthcare reform now, Our children need it" poster, or a "Obama is the greatest" poster. Maybe, but I don't think it would have been ripped up a couple of times first.
RobertB - November 20th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
There was no sex tape. She was alone in the video. If what Bill Clinton did with Monica Lewinsky was not "sex", then whatever Prejean did by herself certainly wasn't. Yet the media continues to claim it was a "sex tape", leading people to the false assumption that it was akin to the Pamela Anderson/Tommy Lee homemade porno. Why do you think they do that?
So strange to see Lucille Ball back when she was young and babe-ilicious. I am reminded of the time I watched THE COURT JESTER starring Danny Kaye, and was disoriented to see (and admire) the seductive curvy pulchritude of actresses Angela Lansbury (whom I had previously seen only as the octogenarian detective on MURDER SHE WROTE) and Glynis Johns (whom I had previously seen only as the special guest super-villainess Lady Penelope Peasoup on the television version of BATMAN.)
It is like seeing a lithograph of your grandmother when she was sixteen, shaped like Sophia Loren, and visiting Coney Island wearing nothing but a bathing suit, bright red lipstick, and a broad straw hat.
Who knew that they had ever been young and (gulp!) gorgeous? Who knew?
Green Week Report: the "Community" edition: It seems that every NBC show I watch (I know, jeers for me watching anything on the channel, but at least I'm not a Nielsen) has taken a very half-hearted approach to Green Week: "Chuck" gave the line to Big Hollywood's Adam Baldwin, who used it to say, "Take a shower, hippie."; "Heroes" this week gave the line to the villain, who had it thrown back in his face by one of the heroic characters. "Community" did a bit more with it by making it the focus of the entire opening scene, but again, it didn't seem calculated to indoctrinate the viewer.
The dean of the community college, who has been established as a very silly character, proudly announces the new tradition of Green Week to tepid response from the students he is addressing in the school's cafeteria. Chevy Chase's character says, "What? First we give a month to black history and now we're blowing seven days on the Irish?" The dean then announces that the school is temporarily changing its name to Envirodale, which prompts a student to yell out, "We are already called GREENdale!" The flustered dean then pulls out the big guns by announcing a free Green Day concert (turns out later, it's an Irish band called Greene Daeye, which I would welcome any day over the "real" Green Day). Again, tepid response. He then tell his assistant to redo the posters she has had printed. She says, "We already printed 5000!" He says, "Well, print 5000 more! I'm trying to save the planet here!"
That last bit is probably the biggest bit of propaganda, since the response from the viewer is supposed to be, "Ha! He's a hypocrit because he's harming the environment by using more paper." I don't know about the rest of you, but if I have a need to print 5000 posters, flyers or anything else, the last thing on my mind will be the phantom impact to the environment.
That scene was it for the enviromessage. It didn't harm my appreciation of the series and it was a good episode overall.
I didn't vote for either clown for president. Obama's own actions are more than enough proof as to why. And McCain's legislation violates the first amendment. In my opinion neither were worthy of the office.
But if I could have voted just for Palin alone, I would have in a heart beat.
An interesting little piece of history, it was Desliu studios that green-lighted Star Trek ….so, were it not for Lucille Ball there would be no "Space, the final frontier…"
Believe it or not, from what I could tell, Parks and Recreation did nothing!
The Office featured Dwight's Recyclops character only in the teaser and that was it – and it was actually funny.
30 Rock… yeah… it actually wasn't their finest hour and I don't even think that had anything to do with Green Week – it just wasn't a great episode (the highlight was Dr. Spaceman's return).
StartSplainin! - November 21st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
True, she was coerced by her grandfather to register that way, but when it came out in the '50s, it was quickly "hush-hushed" by TPTB, which always disturbed me. Was there something else to it? Why didnt she ever have her party affiliation? Was she afraid Desi would be deported or something? Makes you go HMMM?
It’s the kind of movie “best” lists were made for, and over the years it’s been on plenty of them: Best Movie Quote, Best Song, Best Villain, Most Thrills. It boasts both the most famous car in movie history and what novelist Anthony Horowitz once called “perhaps the...
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Lucy was beautiful, what are her children and grandchildren doing?
Lucille Ball, one of the early powerful women in tinsel town
Does anyone remember her story about hearing Japanese spys on a radio in her dental fillings? I don't believe her, so if it is a lie, what ws the point?
With Oprah leaving her show and going to her own satellite, Will Breitbart's idea of a red state Oprah with Sarah Palin materialize? I am not really enamored of her for politics, but for pop cultural influence? absolutely
McCain praising his losing, sniping campaign staff — inexcusable. Palin is the credible CONSERVATIVE here.
America, He's Just Not That Into You
Who is he into? As far as I know, himself.
I edited the first two audios to include only sentences where he uses the word I. It was surprisingly easy.
Can you guess who HE is?
Lucille Ball was the great female physical comic – there really is no close #2 – maybe Mabel Normand or one of the silents. But who else rivals Lucy? And if you've seen "The Big Street" or "Five Came Back" – a talented dramatic actress as well as comedienne. There are episodes of "I Love Lucy" I would still watch over anything else on TV today. (Anyone else know all the words to the Phipps Department Store jingle?)
She was talented and capable and glamorous and fun.
"I LOVE LUCY" made her 'immortal'.
She had had a good film career, but I can't think of a film that the public at large remembers her for now. She has no signature film. Pity.
I like
THE BIG STREET – with Henry Fonda – good drama in a Damon Runyon story
BEST FOOT FORWARD – in which she plays herself at a boy's military academy
THE LONG, LONG TRAILER- lotta fun – she and hubby Desi Arnaz travel crosscountry in a huge 40 ft trailer on their honeymoon.
GOOD FREAKIN' MORNING TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!
Lucyyyy…you got some splainin to do!
A real beauty when she was on “The Three Stooges.”
Maybe Lucy can 'splain things to Sully.
UTERUS!: A New Musical by Andrew Sullivan
http://naturalfake.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/uteru...
I have to admit that I know very little about Lucy. However, I can say that she is one of the very few people in Hollyweird that I had the desire to meet. She was not only beautiful, but extremely talented and smart. I have no idea what she may have been like in "real life", but she did a fantastic job at entertaining in every respect.
Back in an era of actual acting – not the 2 second cut scenes they film today and splice together. I have serious doubts about the skill of any modern top-billed "actor/actress" in that regard.
How to tell true talent – her shows are still funny to this day – surviving for decades and setting a standard for a sit/com is a testament to her talent. My children even find "I Love Lucy" to be funny. To me, that speaks volumes.
Great comedic talent.
Excellent business sense.
She gave us Carol Burnett, too.
RIGHT BACK AT YOU
Good morning, Sunshine!
Why she's a Class Act: no Frat-Boy jokes, no profanity, no nudity, and STILL able to make people laugh out loud.
And I have always believed that…
Imagine what the horror would have been if Palin HADN'T been added? The depth of the loss?
He should be hiding around the back of Sarah's extremely nice-fitting skirt, and hoping no one notices the old man behind the behind…
And that bit with Harpo Marx? Priceless!
The woman was gorgeous…and I'll bet a lot of fun to be around…
Talent sorely lacking in the Hollyweird types of today…
Good Morning all. If anyone travels to the Western NY area, south of Buffalo in the city of Jamestown is the Lucy and Desi Museum. Every year in late May-early June they've established an annual Lucy and Desi Festival, celebrating her life and history. Her daughter Luci Arnez is always a regular attendee and graciously makes herself available to the public. A regular event is the Lucy and Desi "look-a-like" contests that are a big draw.It really is a good time and it's even safe to bring your children!
Enjoy your weekend, and now let's get ready for the 10 hour Senate debate on the Health Insurance /Care Bill. Oh, joy beyound compare…she said sarcastically.
I LOVED the long long trailer.
It was hilarious.
What are you doing drinking Dr Pepper in the morning for?
I really DID Love Lucy.
'Splain me somethin', Lucy.
Since we are almost all agreed that the shooter, Herr Doktor Major Hasan was a traitorous terrorist intent on damaging the United States, then it follows that his victims in uniform are entitled to the PURPLE HEART, no?
Had troops in uniform in Iraq or Afghanistan, or any other place on earth besides our own soil been shot in identical fashion by a hate-filled jihadi shouting "Allah-u-Akbar!," there would be no question that they would have been wounded by the enemy. No one would question awarding them the PURPLE HEART!
Get the ball rolling, citizens!
Even before listening we all know Who.
Oh, and surprisingly easy? Pick any recording of Him and play it.
you know I'm not sure, and now my nasal linings are all mad at me
my eyes are watering, I'm gonna have to change my shirt
all because I didn't want a hot chocolate
sheesh
The Long, Long Trailer is awesome.
Wow, Lucy was absolutely stunning….
I've just been rickrolled for the first time in my life. Andrew Klavan, my hat's off to you!
When she was in the pre TV days, doing movies she was just smokin' hot. When I first happened upon a movie with her (I have no idea which one) I could not believe my eyes. Off to IMDB!
I read once that when the idea for "I Love Lucy" was being floated, the original idea was for her character to be the performer, and Desi to play the wanna-be who was "trying to get into the show." I just can't fathom that; the formula they ended up using just worked so well.
"TRAILER BRAKES!!!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5qFqmayrWk
THE LONG, LONG TRAILER movieposter
http://www.moviegoods.com/Assets/product_images/1...
One of my favorite scenes is when he tries to back the trailer up the driveway at Lucy's aunt's house and everyone is screaming at him giving him directions. Brutal! That sequence was shot on the old MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS backlot at MGM.
This film would make a good double feature with THE WAGES OF FEAR.
In 1943's BEST FOOT FORWARD she plays herself attending a prom at a boy's military academy for publicity purposes. She's young and beautiful and glamorous in Technicolor, but as they head into the dance, one of the cadets says to her, "Gee, Miss Ball. I bet this makes you feel young again". She stops, strikes a pose and gives the cadet a withering glance and says to him, "Yes, it does, you dear boy."
LOLx10. Too funny.
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I know the melody, I know it was sung by Fred and Ethel ("Oh, Fred and Eaaathul") during the "Breakfast with Ricky and Lucy" episode (at least, I think so). I can remember a few lyrics but not the whole thing. Ok…here goes…"From the top floor to the bottom, da da da da Phipps has got 'em" and "Down at Phipps, your credits great…da da da da da da da." This is going to drive me crazy.
I completely agree with your observation concerning Lucille Ball and physical humor. One of the reasons she was always great was her skill with a sight gag and her willingness to take a pratfall. She was one of the most powerful persons (male or female) in show biz but she never had any problem taking a pie in the kisser. My choice for #2 on this score would be Carol Burnett who was a huge fan of Lucy and also knew how to take a fall. Of course none of today's hip female comics would ever lower themselves to something like that.
I don't know too much about Lucy outside the TV show, either, but remembered seeing her in a movie wit Bob Hope, and she was *terrific*! So I did a little Google search and the first thing that came up was four (count 'em, 4!) movies with Bob Hope. "Fany Pants" was the one I was thinking of, but I'd love to get all four.
The TV show was terrific — highlight for me was probably when Harpo was on and he and Lucy reprised the mirror scene from "Duck Soup." Lucy really was a good physical comedienne, and that may be why she worked so well with Harpo in that episode. The other episode: the one where she was all wrapped up in bandages and somehow the place got set on fire and she fell out the window. Man! When you describe it, it sounds absolutely sadistic…but it wasn't. It was SO funny! Good show, and Desi and Vivian and Bill were all so good, too.
(2 B cont…)
My favorite Lucy role was in "The Dark Corner", a superior film noir with Ms. Ball playing Gril Friday to Mark Stevens exceptionally hard-boiled private eye. And she was part of one of the best casts of all time in 1937's "Stage Door." (And what a cast – Katherine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Eve Arden, Gail Patrick, Constance Collier and a 17-year old Ann Miller.) Her versatility probably worked against her in the long run and prevented her from obtaining that really "big" role. Still she had her revenge in a way when Desilu bought out the old RKO studios property in the late 1950's.
(…dis B cont)
Murphy's Law says you always spot the typo after it's posted: it's "Fancy Pants," of course.
Not changing the subject, but there was a comedienne in Abbott and Costello's "Hold That Ghost" who was excellent, too: Joan Davis. She's really in Lucy's class in that movie, and I marvel at how well she and Lou Costello work together with physical comedy and one-liners, culminating that unforgettable "Blue Danube" dance. Anyway, Joan got her own TV show with Jim Backus (of "Mr. Magoo" and "Gilligan's Island" fame, and plenty else, too), called "I Married Joan" and it came out a year after "I Love Lucy" debuted as a direct challenge to "Lucy." I checked it out via Netflix after seeing "Hold That Ghost" and didn't really like it much, but it did run for 98 episodes (just about half the lifetime of "I Love Lucy") and it might be worth watching to give you an idea of just how good that show of Lucy and Desi's really was in those times.
Lots of commentary on why the Obama Justice Department is opting for a civilian criminal trial for KSM and the other terrorists in New York. My view is that the decision is purely governed by policaly and tactical considerations. Obama and Holder would dearly love to prosecute Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld et at for war crimes concerning the Gitmo interrogations both to demonstrate their own lofty virtue and also to appease the lunatic Left (is there any other kind?) However they can't risk the political fallout or set that sort of precedent. The next best thing is to provide a platform that will enable the defense team to put the Bush Administration on trial for their interrogation tactics. The defense will subpoena everyone from President Bush on down concerning this issue and the Justice Department will do very little to stop it. They are betting that the discovery phase of the proceedings and the direct examination of Bush officials will once again establish Bush as the all-purpose villain they have come to know and love. They have decided to run the risk that KSM and the others may be found "not guilty."
McCain and his clowns ran a lazy (weekends OFF?) unfocused lousy campaign. The only bright spot was Palin and deserve ZERO credit for that. He's people should wander the political desert for the next 40 years.
Long trailer…that was her "signature" film IMHO.
I loved Lucy too, but dont all you people remember-she was a registered COMMUNIST! I swear to God! She followed her grandfathers lead and declared herself that to vote..Look it up!
watch out, the backlash is coming
Lucy was not a natural redhead, either.
Whatever happened to those people on here who were convinced there was no Carrie Prejean sex tape? And why no follow up? Look I like Carrie. I don't even think she is a hypocrite, but shouldn't there have been some follow up on here after she copped to the tape? Now there may be as many as eight.
C'mon guys a little balance. No mention of the Larry King interview?
If we sit here and complain how the media is implicitly biased largely do to things they choose to cover, or more accurately, not cover, is it not fair for me to make the same complaint when "Big Hollywood" seems to do the same in this case?
Thoughts?
Her excuse was plausible and from what I have read, a lot of young, idealistic, unsophisticated people thought in the early 30s (at the depths of the Depression) that this system called Communism might be a workable thing and not necessarily at odd with out own political system/s.
Lucy had some of the best writers around – even to writing this little jingle – but the comic bit that went before it, with Ricky in the pitch meeting is also terrific. Everyone knows that Arnaz was a tough businessman (read up on how Robert Stack got The Untouchables) – but he was also a pretty deft comedian with a wonderful sense of timing. These are the lyrics as I recall them –
When we go on shopping trips
Where else would we go but Phipps
From the top floor to the bottom
If it's bargains Phipps has got 'em
Down at Phipps your credit's great
Ask today for a Phipps-o-plate
First on your list of shopping tips (or trips)
Put P-h-i-p-p-s- Phipps.
And did you catch the flubs? On the second run of the song, they flubbed a line; also, the door hadn't completely closed and started to swing open and Desi/Ricky very smoothly moves over to close it without disrupting the scene. They just kept going. Troopers, all four of them.
In my opinion, by her and Desi pioneering the three camera method of filming before a live audience, they invented the sit-com.
I believed there was a tape.
Larry King is an old clown.
Prejean isn't obligated to reveal that there may have been more tapes.
What kind of follow-up do you seek when the information is all over the news anyway?
If some think it is a flaw on her part, why would they want to talk it up?
She wasn't a poster girl for me and my causes, so I have no level of disappointment in the fact that she unwisely did some sex tapes for a low life 'boyfriend' and even if she was Miss Champion of My Cause 2009, I would not freak out over normal, playful sexual activity.
Now – where do i buy that DVD?
Wow, what a talent, so clever and simple. Just the other day, I overheard my friend on the phone talking about casting somebody for a show, and I naturally did the bit where Ricky was talking about casting a showgirl: "You want a readhead? (Lucy pulls on hair.) Oh, a brunette (Lucy displays roots.)" My friend almost fell on the floor because he knew exactly what I was doing. I suppose Lucy is so iconic due to all the reruns. I hope that this does not dissipate with the plethora of entertainment options now, as opposed to the four channels when I was groing up!
Because it was completely different from what they envisioned.
True genius comes not from meticulous planning, but from spur of the moment inspiration.
The story I heard about their show was it was first rejected because studio big wigs thought no one would believe a red headed American girl would marry a Cuban.
In my mind's eye, I can almost see their jaws hitting the floor. "Duh, we are married."
Joan Davis was exceptionally talented and funny in her films and even in her TV series which w/o her, has no reason to exist. Not a good show, but her physical comedy is marvelous.
Lucille Ball was not a comedienne, but a comic actress, when required. The only pre "I Love Lucy" film I can think of which is a comedy is BEST FOOT FORWARD (but there's got to be more. "Miss Grant takes Richmond"?) She's very funny in BBF – and playing herself, too.
OTOH – Joan Davis responds like a comedienne and a 'funny lady'.
Interesting comparisons.
My parents HOA (we live with my parents while my husband is finishing pharmacy school) called this morning to see if it was us or our neighbor that put up a anti-health care reform poster. I am afraid he will have to take it down but it has supported the point of many people posting comments on this blog.
He has had a form of it up for about 3 months. It has been ripped up twice, and the other day someone stuck a "I voted for Obama" sticker on it. Obviously someone has complained now. I don't know the rules of our neighborhood, but do you think someone would have complained and requested it be removed if it had been a "Vote for Healthcare reform now, Our children need it" poster, or a "Obama is the greatest" poster. Maybe, but I don't think it would have been ripped up a couple of times first.
There was no sex tape. She was alone in the video. If what Bill Clinton did with Monica Lewinsky was not "sex", then whatever Prejean did by herself certainly wasn't. Yet the media continues to claim it was a "sex tape", leading people to the false assumption that it was akin to the Pamela Anderson/Tommy Lee homemade porno. Why do you think they do that?
So strange to see Lucille Ball back when she was young and babe-ilicious. I am reminded of the time I watched THE COURT JESTER starring Danny Kaye, and was disoriented to see (and admire) the seductive curvy pulchritude of actresses Angela Lansbury (whom I had previously seen only as the octogenarian detective on MURDER SHE WROTE) and Glynis Johns (whom I had previously seen only as the special guest super-villainess Lady Penelope Peasoup on the television version of BATMAN.)
It is like seeing a lithograph of your grandmother when she was sixteen, shaped like Sophia Loren, and visiting Coney Island wearing nothing but a bathing suit, bright red lipstick, and a broad straw hat.
Who knew that they had ever been young and (gulp!) gorgeous? Who knew?
You're welcome!
Green Week Report: the "Community" edition: It seems that every NBC show I watch (I know, jeers for me watching anything on the channel, but at least I'm not a Nielsen) has taken a very half-hearted approach to Green Week: "Chuck" gave the line to Big Hollywood's Adam Baldwin, who used it to say, "Take a shower, hippie."; "Heroes" this week gave the line to the villain, who had it thrown back in his face by one of the heroic characters. "Community" did a bit more with it by making it the focus of the entire opening scene, but again, it didn't seem calculated to indoctrinate the viewer.
The dean of the community college, who has been established as a very silly character, proudly announces the new tradition of Green Week to tepid response from the students he is addressing in the school's cafeteria. Chevy Chase's character says, "What? First we give a month to black history and now we're blowing seven days on the Irish?" The dean then announces that the school is temporarily changing its name to Envirodale, which prompts a student to yell out, "We are already called GREENdale!" The flustered dean then pulls out the big guns by announcing a free Green Day concert (turns out later, it's an Irish band called Greene Daeye, which I would welcome any day over the "real" Green Day). Again, tepid response. He then tell his assistant to redo the posters she has had printed. She says, "We already printed 5000!" He says, "Well, print 5000 more! I'm trying to save the planet here!"
That last bit is probably the biggest bit of propaganda, since the response from the viewer is supposed to be, "Ha! He's a hypocrit because he's harming the environment by using more paper." I don't know about the rest of you, but if I have a need to print 5000 posters, flyers or anything else, the last thing on my mind will be the phantom impact to the environment.
That scene was it for the enviromessage. It didn't harm my appreciation of the series and it was a good episode overall.
I didn't vote for either clown for president. Obama's own actions are more than enough proof as to why. And McCain's legislation violates the first amendment. In my opinion neither were worthy of the office.
But if I could have voted just for Palin alone, I would have in a heart beat.
"just say 'Change' about a 100 times" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siNsydDwCeA&fe...
An interesting little piece of history, it was Desliu studios that green-lighted Star Trek ….so, were it not for Lucille Ball there would be no "Space, the final frontier…"
Also, the first female to run a movie/tv studio.
JamesB,
LOVE the Exodus reference… that is good sir!
What is better than a hot, smart, and funny redhead?
Nothing…
With those teeth of hers she could pull in radio stations… story she told and a Mythbusters episode to boot.
HMMurdock –
Believe it or not, from what I could tell, Parks and Recreation did nothing!
The Office featured Dwight's Recyclops character only in the teaser and that was it – and it was actually funny.
30 Rock… yeah… it actually wasn't their finest hour and I don't even think that had anything to do with Green Week – it just wasn't a great episode (the highlight was Dr. Spaceman's return).
True, she was coerced by her grandfather to register that way, but when it came out in the '50s, it was quickly "hush-hushed" by TPTB, which always disturbed me. Was there something else to it? Why didnt she ever have her party affiliation? Was she afraid Desi would be deported or something? Makes you go HMMM?
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