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papermoonloveslucy · 7 years

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LUCY AND LIBERACE

S2;E16 ~ January 5, 1970

Directed by Jack Baker ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

For a high school initiation, Craig goes on a scavenger hunt to retrieve one of Liberace's candelabras. Liberace loans it to him but Lucy thinks he stole it so she recruits Harry to sneak into the star's mansion and return it.

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter), Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter)

Guest Cast

Liberace (Himself) was born Władziu Valentino Liberace in 1919. A piano prodigy, he was the son of working-class immigrants, and enjoyed a career spanning four decades of concerts, recordings, television, motion pictures, and endorsements. At the height of his fame, from the 1950s to the 1970s, Liberace was the highest-paid entertainer in the world, with established residencies in Las Vegas, and an international touring schedule.

Liberace (known informally as ‘Lee’) embraced a lifestyle of flamboyant excess both on and off stage, acquiring the sobriquet "Mr. Showmanship." Prior to this episode, his only appearance with Lucille Ball was the musical film Best Foot Forward (1943). He died at age 67 after a battle with HIV/AIDS.

Ben Wrigley (Williams, Liberace's Butler) was a British actor who appeared in My Fair Lady (1964) and Bednobs and Broomsticks (1971). He previously appeared as a ticket agent in “Lucy Flies to London” (TLS S5;E6). This is the first of his three episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

Paul Winchell (Carlo, Liberace's Tailor) previously played himself in“Lucy and Paul Winchell” (TLS S5;E4). He was born Paul Wilchinsky in 1922. Coming into the public eye in 1948, he became one of the most famous ventriloquists since Edgar Bergen. He hosted the enormously popular children’s television show “Winchell-Mahoney Time” (1964-68) in which he shared the spotlight with Jerry Mahoney, one of his most popular characters. He played Doc Putnam in “Main Street U.S.A.” (TLS S5;17) and “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (TLS S5;E18). This is the second of his two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” He died in 2005.

Winchell uses an Italian accent for this character.

This is the first episode of the new year and the new decade.

The 1970s will see the end of “Here's Lucy” in 1974, as well as Lucille Ball's return to the silver screen in Mame that same year. In 1971, Lucie Arnaz will wed Phil Vandervort and Desi Arnaz Jr. made his big screen debut in Red Sky at Morning. At the end of the decade, Lucie Arnaz made her Broadway debut in They're Playing Our Song (1979).

The date this episode was first aired (January 5, 1970) ABC premiered a new daytime drama called All My Children. Philip Amelio, who played Lucy’s grandson on “Life With Lucy”, appeared on the sudser in 1988. It ceased production in 2013.

Liberace brought $50,000 worth of his spectacular wardrobe to the set, and Lucille Ball hired a round-the-clock security guard to ensure its safety. The tuxedo jacket that lights up in the dark made its debut on this show; Liberace will use it in his act for the rest of his life.

In the 2013 HBO biopic Behind the Candelabra, an aging Liberace (Michael Douglas) compares his domestic life with partner Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) to an old sitcom. Scott protests: “Why am I the Lucy?” Douglas' father Kirk made a wordless cameo appearance on a 1966 episode of “The Lucy Show.”

Professor Harkens gave Craig the African mask.

Lucy recalls her initiation into ‘The Swingers’ in high school. The double entendre of 'swinging' is quickly cleared up by Lucy saying she was in a trapeze club! For her initiation, she had to get an autographed photo of Rudy Vallee. Rudy Vallee was a singer popular in the 1920s and '30s who made a guest appearance on the first episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” in 1957. He will guest star as himself during season 3 of “Here's Lucy.”

Kim guesses that Craig may have to retrieve an item from Engelbert Humperdinck. Lucy replies “What's an Engelbert Dumperhinck?” Engelbert Humperdinck is an English pop singer acclaimed as one of the finest middle-of-the-road balladeers around. In 1969 he released two albums and had three hit singles. That same year he was the first guest on “The Liberace Show”.

In Liberace's mansion, he enters and sits at a glass-lid Baldwin grand piano and plays Chopin's “Military Polonaise” (Opus 40, #1) composed in 1838.

When Liberace tries on the light-up jacket, he says “This'll really turn them on in Pasadena!” He could be referring to his senior citizen female fans. There was a popular song at the time titled “Little Old Lady From Pasadena.” Later in the episode we learn that the candelabra loaned to Craig was a gift from a Senior Citizen group.

In a retrospectively ironic line, Liberace says about his many candelabras: “I've got closets full of them.” Although Liberace was flamboyant, his sexual orientation was never discussed publicly (he was ‘in the closet’) until later in his life. When 17 year-old Craig and Liberace are alone (and Craig's shirt is unbuttoned to the navel) it is difficult not to think of Liberace's romance with 18 year-old Scott Thorson (inset), who later sued the entertainer in America's first same-sex palimony case.

At home, Craig gets a phone call from Bill. This is probably a nod to Desi Arnaz Jr.'s friend and band mate Billy Hinsche.

Answering the front door, Kim says “It's probably Craig with his arms loaded down with that something he had to get from a big star.” Lucy replies: “Maybe he's got his arms full of Jackie Gleason.” This is a quick joke about comedy star Jackie Gleason's weight. Gleason did a cameo as Ralph Kramden in the second episode of “Here's Lucy” (above).

Harry is reminded that in college he underwent initiation into the fraternity Delta Delta Tau. The joke comes when he gives says their initials – DDT. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a chemical used as an insecticide. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s DDT was frequently in the news regarding its harmful effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment. DDT was eventually banned.

The candelabra is inscribed “To Liberace. From his Senior Citizen Fan Club in Pismo Beach.” Along with Cucagmonga, Pismo Beach was often used as a punch-line for jokes about California. It was mentioned in “Lucy Goes on Strike” (S1;E16). Pismo Beach is one of the locations Lucy and Ethel want to visit before returning to New York in “Lucy Gets Into Pictures” (ILL S4;E18).

On their way to return the candelabra to Liberace, Harry holds it forth and says “Lead, kindly light.” “Lead, Kindly Light” is a hymn with words written in 1833 by John Henry Newman as a poem titled "The Pillar of Cloud."

Sneaking into Liberace's mansion through the back door, Harry's shoes squeak! Lucy says “You'd sure be a goofball on 'Mission: Impossible.’” The Desilu TV spy show “Mission: Impossible” has been a source of humor for “Here's Lucy,” which even did a whole episode parodying the show: “Lucy's Impossible Mission” (S1;E6, above).

Harry and Lucy sing while Liberace plays "By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” a song written in 1909 by Gus Edwards and Edward Madden. Lucy says she and Harry first performed the number at the Kiwanis Capers.

When Lucy suggests that Liberace use the whole family on his TV special, Liberace remarks “You're about 83 short of the King Family.” The King Family was a family musical group that had great success on records and television in the 1960s. They had a TV show on ABC that ran until 1969.

As the big finale, everyone sings and dances to "I'll Be Seeing You," a song written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal in 1938. It was inserted into the Broadway musical Right This Way, which closed after just fifteen performances.

Lucy and Lee shared the covers of many periodicals of the 1950s. Both had top-rated television programs and were instantly identifiable figures and names. Nearly 20 years later, both are still considered show business royalty.

Offscreen, Lucy and Desi socialize with Liberace during the height of their fame.

At the start of the episode, Craig enters wearing an African mask. The moment is similar to when Ricky Ricardo researched African masks for his Voodoo act during “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” (ILL S2;E16). The scene also begins the 1953 episode. Ricky Ricardo also briefly wore an African mask in “Cuban Pals” (ILL S1;E28) before singing “Similau.”

Liberace tells Craig not to worry about returning the candelabra as he has a lot of them. Craig replies: “If Los Angeles ever had a black out – you could light the whole city.” This echoes when Liberace was first mentioned by Lucy Ricardo in “The Diner” (ILL S3;E25) in 1954.

LUCY RICARDO: (about Ricky’s bad mood): “Everything went wrong down at the club last night. Right in the middle of his big number, the lights went out all over the whole neighborhood. Everybody got up and, and left and went into the nightclub across the street.” ETHEL MERTZ: “How’d they manage without electricity?” LUCY RICARDO: “Liberace was playing there. He does his show by candlelight.”

“Lucy’s Club Dance” (S3;E25) included the February 26, 1954 issue of TV Guide with Liberace (and a candelabra) on the cover. It was one of many used as set dressing for a corner news stand.

In “Lucy’s Show-Biz Swan Song” (ILL S2;E12) Lucy and Ethel sing “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and wangles her way into performing with a barbershop quartet.

In “Lucy’s Barbershop Quartet” (TLS S1;E19) Lucy Carmichael and Vivian Bagley sing “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and wangles her way into performing with a barbershop quartet.

Craig's collectibles are no doubt supplied by prop master Kenneth Westcott from the Desilu props supply. It is likely that all of the items were used in some television program, but the one most recognizable is the female ship's figurehead. It was last seen in the background of the Sunset Strip beatnik hangout in “Viv Visits Lucy” (TLS S5;E15).

In “Lucy and the Countess Have a Horse Guest” (TLS S4;E6), Lucy Carmichael tells the Countess (aka her old chum Rosie) that since moving to Hollywood she has met Lassie’s hairdresser, the man who used to dry off Lloyd Bridges, and Liberace’s dentist. Liberace was well known for his continual smile.

In “Lucy Dates Dean Martin” (TLS S4;E21) Lucy Carmichael admires (and later wears) a sequined top once worn by Audrey Hepburn. Dean Martin says “The last time I saw anything that fancy was on Liberace.” In “Lucy and Liberace” Harry admires and tries on Liberace’s red sequined jacket.

Math Fail! Liberace says that the Carters are 83 short of the King Family. There were 39 members of the King family, ranging in age from 7 months to 79 years, who appeared on their television show. Liberace is exaggerating by 48 Kings!

Where the (Marble) Floor Ends! In the living room scene the camera pulls back to far and reveals the soundstage cement floor. When this happens in Liberace's mansion, the tape spike marks are clearly visible for centering of the dance numbers and camera positions.

Sitcom Logic Alert! The ending of the episode ditches all pretense of reality and turns into a musical performance for the studio audience, including Liberace waving to the audience as he exits – stage right! It is jarring and a sign that – once again - “Here's Lucy” is unsure of its identity.

“Lucy and Liberace” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

Let's face it – even playing himself Liberace is a pretty mediocre actor, so this episode could never be more than a showcase for his talent and opulent wardrobe on which is hung a paper thin plot. The worst thing about the episode is the complete demolishing of the fourth wall during the final number. Shameless, really.

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perfettamentechic · 3 years

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24 giugno … ricordiamo …

24 giugno … ricordiamo … #semprevivineiricordi #nomidaricordare #personaggiimportanti #perfettamentechic #felicementechic #lynda

2020: Paolo Giusti, attore italiano. Inizia la sua carriera cinematografica negli anni ’60. Nel frattempo inizia una lunga incursione nei fotoromanzi, soprattutto Grand Hotel e Lancio, attraverso i quali ottiene una grande popolarità in Italia e all’estero. Impiega lo pseudonimo inglese di Paul Just solo in un film di genere bellico. Seguono poi una lunga serie di film negli anni settanta.…

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#Benito Artesi #Billy Drago #Brian Keith #Bud Westmore #David Tomlinson #Eli Wallach #Frank Ripploh #Hamilton Adolph Westmore #Jackie Gleason #John Herbert Gleason #Marta Abba #Mercedes Brignone #Paolo Giusti #Paul Just #Paul Wilchinsky #Paul Winchell #Stanley Anderson #William Eugene Burrows

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papermoonloveslucy · 7 years

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LUCY, THE CEMENT WORKER

S2;E10 ~ November 24, 1969

Directed by George Marshall ~ Written by George Balzin and Sam Perrin

Synopsis

While trying to earn some extra money, Lucy is asked by Harry to have a valuable ring engraved. When Lucy trips into a troth of cement she realizes the ring is missing!

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter), Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter)

Guest Cast

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane) makes her second series appearance as Mary Jane. Croft played Betty Ramsey during season six of “I Love Lucy. ” She also played Cynthia Harcourt in “Lucy is Envious” (ILL S3;E23) and Evelyn Bigsby in “Return Home from Europe” (ILL S5;E26). She played Audrey Simmons on “The Lucy Show” but when Lucy Carmichael moved to California, she played Mary Jane Lewis, the actor’s married name and the same one she uses on all 31 of her episodes of “Here’s Lucy. Her final acting credit was playing Midge Bowser on “Lucy Calls the President” (1977). She died in 1999 at the age of 83.

Paul Winchell (Little Old Jeweler / The Great Pierre Barmarche) previously played himself in “Lucy and Paul Winchell” (TLS S5;E4). He was born Paul Wilchinsky in 1922. Coming into the public eye in 1948, he became one of the most famous ventriloquists since Edgar Bergen. He hosted the enormously popular children’s television show “Winchell-Mahoney Time” (1964-68) in which he shared the spotlight with Jerry Mahoney, one of his most popular characters. Winchell is fondly remembered as the voice of Winnie the Pooh’s pal Tigger and (later) Papa Smurf. He played Doc Putnam in “Main Street U.S.A.” (TLS S5;17) and “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (TLS S5;E18). This is the first of his two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Surprisingly, Winchell was also an inventor who is credited with the artificial heart, among other innovations. He died in 2005.

This is the first time an actor has played two distinct characters that weren't twins or doppelgangers in one “Lucy” episode. Winchell innovated an animation process called Aprilmation (named after his daughter) which Lucille Ball financed.

Harry Hickox (Police Officer) was best known for playing anvil salesman Charlie Cowell in the 1962 film The Music Man. He played a drill sergeant in “Lucy Gets Caught Up in the Draft” (TLS S5;E9). This is the first of his three episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

Sid Gould (First Workman, right) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show,” all as background characters. This is one of his 40 episodes of “Here’s Lucy,” his first in season two. Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton.

William Tannen (Second Workman, left) appeared in four films with Lucille Ball between 1943 and 1946. This is his only series appearance. He was born in New York in 1911, just like Lucille Ball.

This is the first episode written by Sam Perrin, winner of two Emmy Awards for writing for Jack Benny. This is his first of five “Here's Lucy” scripts, three of which were written with Ralph Goodman.

The final draft of the script was submitted June 25, 1969.

The date this episode first aired (November 24, 1969) Lucille Ball made her third appearance on “The Carol Burnett Show” on CBS at 10pm. In return, Burnett will guest star on the final episode of season two of “Here's Lucy.”

Kim says she was born in the kitchen. They joke that the refrigerator is her godmother! In real life, Lucie Arnaz was born in a hospital as Lucille Ball delivered her by Cesarean.

In the office Lucy and Harry are looking for the Morton contract. Morton is Lucy's married name, having wed comedian Gary Morton in 1961. Harry has stapled the contract to his necktie! With a snip of her scissors, Lucy handily converts the necktie to a bow tie.

Harry says that as a young man he was often mistaken for one of the Barrymores. Lucy reminds him that one of them was Ethel! The Barrymore acting family began with the marriage of Maurice Barrymore (1849–1905) to Georgiana Drew (1856-1893). They had three children: Lionel, Ethel, and John – all of whom also were actors. Harry is probably referring to John Barrymore (1882-1942, inset photo) who was known for his classic profile. The dynasty is today represented by Drew Barrymore (born 1975) who carries on both family names.

Easter Egg: In Pierre's studio, there is a handbill on the bulletin board for Cherokee Jim's Rodeo and Wild West Show, which is a direct reference from the 1945 film Incendiary Blonde starring Betty Hutton as Texas Guinan. The film was directed by George Marshall for Paramount, the same director and studio producing this episode of “Here's Lucy” 25 years later!

When Lucy knocks over a vase on Harry's desk, he gets wet, of course, one of the running gags on “Here's Lucy.” Harry once again calls her 'Calamity Jane', something he previously did in “The Great Airport Chase” (S1;E18). Martha Jane Canary (1852-1903), better known as Calamity Jane, was an American frontierswoman and professional scout known for her claims of being an acquaintance of Wild Bill Hickok and fighting against Indians. What's more, according to “Lucy and Harry's Tonsils” (S2;E5), Harry is allergic to roses!

When Harry is frustrated by Lucy he says “I wonder if I could send her to the moon?” Just prior to this episode being shot, the US landed Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on the moon, the culmination of many years of work by NASA. The line also is reminiscent of Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) threatening his wife Alice: “Bang! Zoom! Straight to the moon, Alice!” on TV's “The Honeymooners.” Lucille Ball (as Mame Dennis) played the Lady in the Moon in Mame (1974).

Role reversal! When the kids are asking Lucy for some extra money, the dialogue is very similar to when Lucy Ricardo used to ask Ricky for money – and his inevitable answer would be “no”! Later on, the roles are reversed again when Lucy asks Harry for a raise – and his inevitable answer is also “no”!

The second act of the episode is similar to "Building a Bar-B-Q" (ILL S6;E24) where Lucy Ricardo thinks she has lost her wedding ring in the wet cement used to build the backyard barbecue grill.

The knife throwing routine is borrowed directly from “Lucy Tells the Truth” (ILL S3;E6). In that episode the knife thrower was an Italian named Professor Falconi (Mario Siletti) instead of a Frenchman named the Great Pierre.

Lucy disguises herself as a male construction worker to escape the eye of the cop on the beat. Lucille Ball went in male drag in “Ricky Has Labor Pains” (ILL S2;E14), “Lucy and the Little League” (TLS S1;E28), and “Lucy the Coin Collector” (TLS S3;E13).

The episode revolves around a slap of cement just like “Lucy Visits Grauman's” (ILL S5;E1). In that episode, Lucy Ricardo was also eyeballed by a policemen on the beat and threatened with a fine for her vandalism.

In “Lucy and John Wayne” (ILL S5;E2) Little Ricky got his hands in wet cement just like Lucy Carter does here. The same thing happened to Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon) in “Lucy Goes to a Hollywood Premiere” (TLS S4;E20).

Mary Jane wears the exact same dress she wore on her first appearance on the series in “A Date for Lucy” (S1;E19).

Family Faux Pas! Harry has a female cousin in New York getting married. Harry wants a family ring engraved with 'WAML from UH' ('With all my love from Uncle Harry'). Why would a cousin call him Uncle?

Overheard? Lucy tells the Jeweler that if she doesn't find the ring she'll be taking a “one-way trip to the moon” quoting Harry's threat at the end of the previous scene. This despite the fact that Lucy was not in the room when he said it. She had gone off to wash her hands (an integral plot point for the outcome of the episode)!

Butter Fingers! When applying the grease mustache Lucille Ball tries to pocket her compact mirror but it slips to the ground. The hose to the jack hammer then gets momentarily snagged on the yellow 'caution' saw horses.

“Lucy, the Cement Worker” rates 4 Paper Hearts out of 5

Although there is a lot going on in this episode, all the callbacks make it a must for Lucy lovers!

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papermoonloveslucy · 7 years

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Lucy and Paul Winchell

S5;E4 ~ October 3, 1966

Synopsis

Lucy convinces ventriloquist Paul Winchell to appear at the Annual Banker's Banquet. When Winchell is running late, he asks Lucy to stop by and pick up his dummies. When she accidentally leaves them in a taxi the understudy 'dummy' has to go on – Lucy!

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carmichael), Gale Gordon (Theodore J. Mooney)

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane Lewis) does not appear in this episode but Lucy does have a phone conversation with her.

Guest Cast

Paul Winchell (Himself) was born Paul Wilchinsky in 1922. Coming into the public eye in 1948, he became one of the most famous ventriloquists since Edgar Bergen. He hosted the enormously popular children's television show “Winchell-Mahoney Time” (1964-68) in which he shared the spotlight with Jerry Mahoney, one of his most popular characters. Sadly, in a legal dispute over the syndication rights to the show, all nearly 300 episodes were destroyed. Winchell is fondly remembered as the voice of Winnie the Pooh's pal Tigger and (later) Papa Smurf. He returns to “The Lucy Show” to play Doc Putnam in two linked episodes, “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17) and “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;18), as well as doing two episodes of “Here's Lucy.” Surprisingly, Winchell was also an inventor who is credited with the artificial heart, among other innovations. He died in 2005.

Snitchy the Snail appeared with Winchell on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” six months before this “Lucy Show” appearance.

Tessie Mahoney was Jerry's platinum blonde cousin. She was named after Winchell's wife Tessie Nina Moore. Many accused Tessie of just being Jerry Mahoney in drag! Like Winchell, Tessie was from Brooklyn (and sounded it).

Jerry Mahoney (above left) was 'born' around 1935. He was Paul Winchell's co-host on “Winchell-Mahoney Time.” Jerry Mahoney was named after Winchell's grade-school teacher, who encouraged him to pursue ventriloquism. He was carved by Chicago-based figure maker Frank Marshall. The original Marshall-carved Jerry Mahoney is now 'living' at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.

Knucklehead Smiff (above right) was 'born' in 1951, sculpted by Winchell from a copy of Jerry Mahoney's head. He co-starred with Winchell and Jerry Mahoney on “Winchell-Mahoney Time” and many other shows. Like Jerry Mahoney, he now resides at the 'Smiffsonian' Institution, although neither are currently accepting visitors!

Sid Gould (Show Announcer Voice) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show,” all as background characters. He also did 40 episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton.

Gould performed this same kind of uncredited voice over introduction when “Lucy and George Burns” (S5;E1) performed together.

Marge, a voice on Lucy's intercom is uncredited, as is the female voice of the long distance operator. Marge was also the name of Lucy Carmichael's sister, a character seen in “Lucy's Sister Pays a Visit” (S1;E15).

Having Paul Winchell as a guest star was Lucille Ball's attempt to attract younger viewers to “The Lucy Show.”

Lucille Ball seems to be having occasional vocal problems during this episode.

Upon meeting Paul Winchell, Lucy says “I always read your column” mistaking him for journalist Walter Winchell. Paul Winchell quickly corrects her. She then says “I just get hysterical watching you and Charlie McCarthy” mistaking her for ventriloquist Edgar Bergen. Again, Winchell quickly corrects her. Walter Winchell (1897-1972) was the narrator of Desilu's “The Untouchables” and did the same function for a parody episode on “The Lucy Show” titled “Lucy the Gun Moll” (S4;E25). Edgar Bergen (1903-1978) appeared with Lucille Ball in the 1941 film Look Who's Laughing.

Lucy explains the bank's interest rates to Paul Winchell:

Lucy gave away toasters for new savings accounts back in Danfield when “Lucy Takes a Job at the Bank” (S2;E21).

In the previous episode, “Lucy the Bean Queen” (S5;E3) Lucy was redecorating her apartment. The reveal is delayed as this episode has no scenes taking place in Lucy’s home.

Mr. Mooney returns to the office after failing to find a celebrity to entertain at the Bankers Annual Banquet show. Bob Hope is doing a show for the Girl Scouts in Pismo Beach; Jack Benny is on a tour of Fort Knox; Dean Martin just had an operation to remove a brass rail pressing on his foot. All three of these performers have guest starred on “The Lucy Show.” Pismo Beach was thought to be a funny sounding name and was often used as a punch line in comedy. Fort Knox is an Army base in Kentucky where much of the nation's gold supply is held, so the reference trades on Jack Benny's characterization of a being a miser. Dean Martin's comic persona was that of a heavy drinker, so the reference is to the foot rail found at bars.

Lucy: Oh, gee, aren't there any other movie actors you could call? Mr. Mooney: Yes, yes, but they're all too busy running for public office.

Mr. Mooney is likely referring to Ronald Reagan, who ran for Governor of California in 1966 and won (after this episode aired). He held office until 1975 before setting his sights on the Presidency. In 1980 he was elected 40th President of the United States, an office he held until 1989. His screen acting career began in 1937 and lasted right up until he became Governor. Reagan appeared with Lucille Ball on two episodes of “The Ed Sullivan Show” in the mid-1950s.

Paul Winchell gets a phone call from someone named Gary asking him to play golf. This is probably and inside joke about Production Consultant (and Lucille Ball's husband) Gary Morton's fondness for playing golf.

In the opening scene at Paul Winchell's home, his character Irving Think (a mouse) is standing next to the telephone and Ozwald (with another figure's head attached) is propped up on the sofa. Ozwald was a commercially available doll resembling Humpty Dumpty that required the user to paint eyes and a nose on his or her own chin and hang the puppet upside down to create the character.

After Winchell offers to lend Lucy one of his dummies, Lucy and the episode enters (what Winchell later calls) “the twilight zone.” Winchell's most famous dummies, Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff, become animated on their own, without any help from Winchell (although he may still be providing the voices live). It is a surreal moment for a show that tries to keep one foot in a somewhat farcical version of reality (except perhaps for “Lucy the Superwoman” S4;E26).

Lucy describes her boss as Diamond Jim Mooney after Winchell says he sounds like “the last of the big spenders.” James Buchanan Brady (1856–1917) was an American businessman, financier and philanthropist of the Gilded Age who had a particular affinity for precious stones and jewelry. His had a longtime relationship with actress and singer Lillian Russell. At one point, a TV biopic was planned starring Jackie Gleason with Lucille Ball as Russell, but it never came to pass.

Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff have a food fight with spaghetti, eggs, and cream pies, something they often did on “Winchell-Mahoney Time.”

Mr. Mooney gets a telephone call from his boss, Mr. Cheever, a character who won't actually appear until the end of the season (played by Roy Roberts).

Although Lucille Ball was game to conquer any comic task the writers created for her, becoming an accomplished ventriloquist in a week was a tall order, so Mrs. Carmichael's lips move when manipulating the dummy she borrows from Paul Winchell as workplace therapy.

The Bankers Annual Banquet and Show is being held at the Beverly Ritz Hotel. Backstage there is a Fallout Shelter sign. After the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961 (the beginning of the 'Cold War' between Russian and the United States), President Kennedy instructed that sturdy large-capacity structures be designated fallout shelters in case of attack. The yellow and black sign with three triangles inside a circle was used to alert the public that the building was designated such a structure. The saloon door scenery used in the silent movie sketch of “Lucy Meets Mickey Rooney” (S4;E18) is also there, although the painted side is turned away from the camera.

As Tessie Mahoney, Lucy suggests that they sing “Your Dime is My Dime” because they are performing for an audience of bankers. This is a pun on the song “My Time is Your Time” written by Leo Dance and Eric Little in 1924. It was made famous by Rudy Valle who guest starred as himself on “Lucy Takes a Cruise to Havana” (1957), the first “Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour,” and does so again in a 1970 episode of “Here's Lucy.”

Winchell (voicing Lucy / Tessie and himself) sings “What Does This Audience Want?” an original song written especially for this episode. The lyrics reference Milton Berle, who appeared in “Lucy Saves Milton Berle” (S4;E13).

Callbacks!

Ventriloquist Max Terhune played himself in "Ricky Loses His Temper” (ILL S3;E19). Terhune was a skilled vaudevillian who specialized in ventriloquism. On the Orpheum Circuit his dummy was known as Skully Null but was re-named Elmer Sneezeweed in the movies. Terhune was listed as one of the top ten money-making stars in Westerns for 1937, 1938 and 1939, appearing as Max ‘Alibi’ Terhune in a string of B-movie 'oaters.’

Actually a call forward – to the stage and film musical Chicago in which a woman (Roxie Hart) becomes a ventriloquist's doll during the musical number “We Both Reached for the Gun.” Here, Lucy takes on the persona of Tessie Mahoney, sitting on Paul Winchell's knee wearing a platinum blonde wig and pink dress singing “What Does This Audience Want?”

Blooper Alerts

Paul Winchell wants to open a savings account at Westland Bank. Although certainly this is within the bounds of reality, it is likely that a big star like Paul Winchell would have his finances administered by a Business Manager and would not be going to a local bank for a savings account.

Mr. Mooney's Dictaphone explodes just by Lucy touching it.

None of Lucy's file cabinets are labeled. With Lucy's wacky filing system it doesn't really matter anyway!

“Lucy Meets Paul Winchell” rates 4 Paper Hearts out of 5

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papermoonloveslucy · 7 years

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Main Street U.S.A.

S5;E17 ~ January 23, 1967

Synopsis

Lucy and Mr. Mooney travel to a small town that is scheduled to get a new freeway. When Lucy finds out how charming the town is, she leads the band in opposing the highway.

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carmichael), Gale Gordon (Theodore J. Mooney)

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane Lewis) and Roy Roberts (Mr. Cheever) do not appear in this episode.

Guest Cast

Mel Tormé (Mel Tinker) returns to play Lucy's neighbor Mel having previously played the role in “Lucy in the Music World” (S4;E3). He will also play Tinker in the next episode, “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;E18). Tormé was a musician nicknamed ‘the velvet fog’. He was best known as a singer of jazz standards. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, drummer, an actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books. He composed the music for “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”) and co-wrote the lyrics with Bob Wells. He died in 1999 at the age of 73.

Tinker says that Bancroft is his home town and that his parents still live there. Lucy calls him “Tink”.

John William Sublett (John Bubbles) was known as the ‘Father of Rhythm Tap’ and was the original Sportin' Life on Broadway in Porgy and Bess (1935). Since he did not read music, George Gershwin himself had to teach him the songs note by note. Sublett was his birth name but his stage name was Bubbles, which he uses as his character name here. He will also appear in the next episode “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;18), after which he had a stroke and had to retire from show business. He died in 1986.

Although not the first black performer on a Lucille Ball sitcom, Sublett has the distinction of being the first to be be billed as a guest star and to be an integral part in the storyline. The character sold his auto repair garage and bought the livery stables!

Paul Winchell (Doc Putnam) previously played himself in “Lucy and Paul Winchell” (S5;E4). He was born Paul Wilchinsky in 1922. Coming into the public eye in 1948, he became one of the most famous ventriloquists since Edgar Bergen. He hosted the enormously popular children’s television show “Winchell-Mahoney Time” (1964-68) in which he shared the spotlight with Jerry Mahoney, one of his most popular characters. Winchell is fondly remembered as the voice of Winnie the Pooh’s pal Tigger and (later) Papa Smurf. He returns to play Doc Putnam in “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;18), as well as doing two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Surprisingly, Winchell was also an inventor who is credited with the artificial heart, among other innovations. He died in 2005.

Although he was most famous as a ventriloquist, Paul Winchell does not do ventriloquism in this episode.

Hal Smith (Mr. Weber) is probably best remembered as Otis Campbell, the town drunk, on “The Andy Griffith Show” (also filmed at Desilu) even though in real life he never drank alcohol. He appeared with Lucille Ball in the 1963 film Critic’s Choice. This is the second appearance on “The Lucy Show.” He will also play Mr. Weber in “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;E18) and did one episode of “Here’s Lucy” in 1972.

In 1966, Smith first voiced the Owl in Disney's animated “Winnie the Pooh” featurettes. A year later, Paul Winchell joined the franchise voicing Tigger. In 1981, Smith also assumed the role of Pooh, succeeding Sterling Holloway, who (coincidentally) appeared on an episode of “That Girl” the very day this “Lucy Show” was filmed.

Barry Kelley (Mayor Adler) was seen on Broadway in the original cast of Oklahoma! as well as appearing opposite John Gielgud in Hamlet. This is his only appearance with Lucille Ball.

Burt Mustin (Old Uncle Joe) was born in 1884. He didn't do his first film until age 67, although his stage and radio career started earlier. He was generally cast as the stereotypical little old man. He is probably best remembered as Mr. Quigley on “All in the Family” and Mr. Lanson on “Phyllis.” He will play Old Uncle Joe in the next episode and do a 1973 episode of “Here's Lucy.” Mustin also played Uncle Jeff in Lucy’s Mame (1974). He died at age 92.

Uncle Joe is said to be 105, although Mustin was merely 82 at the time of filming.

Jackie Minty (Newspaper Boy) was a child actor who had done two episodes of “The Munsters.” A week after this episode of “The Lucy Show,” he appeared on “My Three Sons,” his final screen credit before leaving Hollywood.

Mabel Smaney (Townsperson, uncredited) was a busy Hollywood background artist whose career spanned from 1939 to 1972.

Joan Carey (Townsperson, uncredited) was frequently seen in the background of “I Love Lucy” and “The Lucy Show,” eventually becoming Lucille Ball’s camera and lighting stand in.

Max Wagner (Townsperson, uncredited) was another busy background artist. On the night this episode of “The Lucy Show” first aired, he also appeared as a townsperson on “The Andy Griffith Show,” which followed “Lucy” on CBS.

Farmer Brown and the other citizens of Bancroft are played by uncredited background artists.

This is one of five episodes (of 156) that does not feature a characters’ name in the title and only one of ten that does not have “Lucy” in the title.

The date this episode was first aired, Desilu Studios was busy filming "The Devil in the Dark”, an episode of “Star Trek” which aired on March 8, 1967. The episode featured “Lucy Show” background performers Janos Prohaska, Robert Hitchcock, and Monty O’Grady. Star William Shatner later said the episode was "exciting, thought-provoking and intelligent” and that “it contained all of the ingredients that made up our very best Star Treks."

That evening, the episodes’s lead-in was “Mr. Terrific,” starring “Lucy Show” character actors Bill Quinn, Ellen Corby, and John McGiver (bottom left).

This episode was filmed on December 8, 1966.

This episode, like nearly all others in season five, somehow fell out of copyright protection and into public domain, resulting in its appearance on many discount home videos and YouTube reproductions.

Although stand-alone in their plots, this episode is linked to the next one, “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;E18), which also takes place in the small town of Bancroft.

Main Street U.S.A. was also the name that Disneyland (and subsequently all Disney Magic Kingdom theme parks) gave to its iconic shop-lined boulevard, an idealized version of an American main street at the turn of the 20th century.

The Daily Tribune is Bancroft's newspaper. It costs five cents a copy. As usual, all the prop newspapers were created by Hollywood’s Earl Hays Press. The top left corner of the paper has the words “Flash News” which appeared on many Hays newspapers on Lucycoms.

The episode is set entirely in the small town of Bancroft, a welcome change of pace for viewers.

Bancroft is located in California (there is a state flag in the mayor’s office), but feels more like a mid-western or northeastern town. Although this is a fictional location, there is a Bancroft outside of San Francisco. At the time of filming, however, it was known as Hookston, an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County. Bancroft / Hookston was also on a train line.

A brass band (playing “Main Street U.S.A.”) ‘welcomes’ Mr. Mooney to Bancroft!

Doc Porter’s General Store sells Fresh Ground Coffee for just 59 cents a pound! This is a real ‘old fashioned’ bargain as the national average in 1967 was 90 cents a pound. Between 1967 and 2019 coffee experienced an average inflation rate of 3.89% per year. In other words, coffee costing $20 in 1967 would cost $145 in 2019!

Next to Doc Porter’s store is Grandma Thompson's Bakery. This is likely a tribute to director Maury Thompson, the show’s Director and a long-standing member of the Desilu family. The new freeway is schedule to go right through Doc Porter’s store!

Mel Tormé wrote the original song “Main Street U.S.A.” especially for the episode. The song is very reminiscent as Lucy’s signature song, “Hey Look Me Over” from the musical Wildcat, probably intentionally so. The song will be heard again in “Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” (S5;E18). The ensemble was choreographed by series regular Jack Baker.

At the rally, one of the protest signs reads “Freeways Bring Smog”. Four days after this episode first aired in January 1967, Time Magazine devoted its cover story to air pollution with a photo of a smoggy Los Angeles. The topic of smog would also find its way into several “Lucy” scripts in the coming years.

Mel plays and sings with John Bubbles “In the Town Where I Was Born” a song written by Al Harriman, Dick Howard, and Bill Tracey in 1914. During the song, Bubbles dances a soft shoe and Lucy joins in. “Lucy Show” regular staff member Marl Young arranged the dance music for Bubbles’ soft shoe.

Lucy says that a marching band on a freeway could “start off with 76 trombones and end up with one piccolo player.” “76 Trombones” is a show-stopping song from The Music Man, which first appeared on Broadway in 1957 and was filmed in 1962. The film featured “Lucy Show” actors Mary Wickes, Ralph Hart, Charles Lane, Max Showalter, Harry Hickox, John Breen, Ronnie Dapo, Ray Kellogg, Natalie Masters, Larri Thomas, and Leon Altman. The final song “Main Street U.S.A.” with Lucy dressed in a colorful drum majorette outfit, is very much in the style of The Music Man.

When Lucy gets on her metaphorical ‘soap box’ about the evils of progress and the joys of small town life, Mr. Mooney says “Well, thank you Carrie Nation.” Carrie Amelia Nation (1846-1911) was a radical member of the temperance movement, which opposed alcohol before the advent of Prohibition. Nation led many rallies and protests in aid of her cause. The temperance movement began in 1874 in Chautauqua, New York, very near where Lucille Ball was born in 1911, the same year Nation died.

Callbacks!

The character of Mel Tinker (Mel Torme) was introduced the previous season in “Lucy in the Music World” (S4;E3). He lived in the same L.A. apartment complex as Lucy and Mary Jane.

During the chess match between Bubbles and Doc Porter, there is an argument over “jiggling” - whether a chess piece was officially moved or merely “jiggled.” The word “jiggling” instantly recalls the “I Love Lucy” episode “The Young Fans” (ILL S1;E20) in which Peggy (Janet Waldo) is told to “keep jiggling” Ricky's legs due to his rheumatism. The use of the word was controversial with the censors, thinking it implied the “jiggling” of other parts of the body!

A old fashioned soda fountain was also featured in “Lucy is a Soda Jerk” (S1;E23).

FAST FORWARD!

In March 2009, King of Prussia Plaza in Pennsylvania, hosted a three-dimensional walk-through fantasy exhibit titled “Rockwell’s America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell.” Through the window of the Appliance & Repair Shop on “Main Street USA,” vintage televisions played a black-and-white episode of “The Lucy Show.” Many Americans got their first view of the miracle of television through the appliance store window.

In December 2011, the episode was released on an official and newly restored DVD. Images of Lucy in her “Main Street” costume and sipping her strawberry soda were featured in the photo collage on the Season 5 slip case.

“Main Street U.S.A.” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

#The Lucy Show #Main Street U.S.A.#Mel Torme #Lucille Ball #Gale Gordon #John Bubbles #Paul Winchell #Burt Mustin #Hal Smith #Jackie Minty #Mabel Smaney #Max Wagner #In the town where I was born #The Music Man #Carrie Nation #1967 #CBS #TV #Joan Carey

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papermoonloveslucy · 7 years

Text

Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map

S5;E18 ~ January 30, 1967

Synopsis

Trying to think of a way to help bring the town of Bancroft's story to the rest of America, Lucy and the town fathers stage a gun battle to get national news coverage.

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carmichael), Gale Gordon (Theodore J. Mooney)

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane Lewis) and Roy Roberts (Mr. Cheever) do not appear in this episode.

Guest Cast

Mel Tormé (Mel Tinker) returns to play Lucy's neighbor Mel having previously played the role in “Lucy in the Music World” (S4;E3) and “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17). Tormé was a musician nicknamed ‘the velvet fog’. He was best known as a singer of jazz standards. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, drummer, an actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books. He composed the music for “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”) and co-wrote the lyrics with Bob Wells. He died in 1999 at the age of 73.

John William Sublett (John Bubbles) was known as the "Father of Rhythm Tap,” and was the original Sportin' Life on Broadway in Porgy and Bess (1935). Since he did not read music, George Gershwin had to teach him the songs note by note. Sublett was his birth name but his stage name was Bubbles, which he uses as his character name here. He appeared in the previous episode “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;17). He had a stroke and had to retire from show business. He died in 1986.

Although not the first black face on a Lucille Ball sitcom, Sublett has the distinction of being the first to be be billed as a guest star and to be an integral part in the storyline.

Paul Winchell (Doc Putnam) previously played himself in “Lucy and Paul Winchell” (S5;E4). He was born Paul Wilchinsky in 1922. Coming into the public eye in 1948, he became one of the most famous ventriloquists since Edgar Bergen. He hosted the enormously popular children’s television show “Winchell-Mahoney Time” (1964-68) in which he shared the spotlight with Jerry Mahoney, one of his most popular characters. Winchell is fondly remembered as the voice of Winnie the Pooh’s pal Tigger and (later) Papa Smurf. He played Doc Putnam in “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;17), as well as doing two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Surprisingly, Winchell was also an inventor who is credited with the artificial heart, among other innovations. He died in 2005.

Paul Winchell was most famous as a ventriloquist, but he does not do ventriloquism in this episode. He cherished the opportunity to act without his dummies. Winchell learned to play violin for this episode.

Hal Smith (Mr. Weber) is probably best remembered as Otis Campbell, the town drunk, on “The Andy Griffith Show,” even though in real life he never drank alcohol. He appeared with Lucille Ball in the 1963 film Critic’s Choice. This is the third of his three appearance on “The Lucy Show.” He reprises the role of Mr. Weber last seen in “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17) and did one episode of “Here’s Lucy” in 1972.

In the previous episode Mr. Weber could not get his tuba from around his waist. In this episode he is still wearing it!

Burt Mustin (Old Uncle Joe) was born in 1884. He didn't do his first film until age 67, although his stage and radio career started earlier. He was generally cast as the stereotypical little old man. He is probably best remembered as Mr. Quigley on “All in the Family” and Mr. Lanson on “Phyllis.” He played Old Uncle Joe in the previous episode and did a 1973 episode of “Here's Lucy.” Mustin also played Uncle Jeff in Lucy’s Mame (1974). He died at age 92.

Carole Cook (Aunt Carrie) played Thelma Green on the series when it was set in Danfield. She was a protege of Lucille Ball’s during the Desilu Playhouse years. Although born as Mildred Cook, Ball suggested she take the name Carole, in honor of Lucy’s great friend, Carole Lombard. Cook also went on to appear in five episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

Aunt Carrie is a relative of Mel Tinker. The character did not appear in the previous episode.

Dan Rowan (Dan McGowan) was the comedy partner of Dick Martin, who played Lucy’s boyfriend Harry on season 1 of “The Lucy Show.” He is best known as the co-host of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” which aired from 1968 to 1973 and earned him a 1972 Emmy Award. In 1966 he had appeared with Lucille Ball on “The Dean Martin Show.” This is the second of his two appearances on “The Lucy Show.” He died in 1987 at age 65.

Dan McGowan is a TV reporter with the National News Service.

Roy Barcroft (Police Chief Tinker) had more than 375 screen credits from 1931 to 1970. He played the Marshall in the screen adaptation of Oklahoma! (1955). This is his only appearance with Lucille Ball.

The character is the father of Mel Tinker.

Bennett Green (Cameraman with National News Service, uncredited) was Desi Arnaz’s stand-in during “I Love Lucy.” He does frequent background work on “The Lucy Show.”

Some of the Bancroft Townspeople (uncredited) are played by:

Walter Bacon was last seen in “Lucy Wins a Racehorse,” a 1958 episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” Bacon played 'townsmen' on many TV westerns.

Joan Carey was a frequent background performer on “I Love Lucy” and “The Lucy Show,” where she often served as Lucille Ball’s stand-in.

Nick Borgani appeared with Lucille Ball in the 1937 film Stage Door. He will also be seen in two episodes of “Here's Lucy.”

Victor Romito was last seen as the Bartender in “Lucy Meets John Wayne” (S5;E10). He also appeared in four episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Romito was an extra in the 1960 Lucille Ball / Bob Hope film Critic’s Choice.

Glen Walters was a Canadian actress who's career spanned from 1926 to 1973. This is her only appearance with Lucille Ball.

Judith Woodbury makes the seventh of her eight (mostly) uncredited appearances on “The Lucy Show.” She also appeared in one episode of “Here’s Lucy.”

The actor with the gray beard and overalls who is referred to as 'Farmer Brown' in the previous episode “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;17) returns in this episode.

Other citizens of Bancroft are played by uncredited background artists, most of whom were likely in the previous episode as well.

This episode was filmed in mid-December 1966, shortly after the completion of “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17). Although stand-alone in their plots, this episode is a continuation of the previous one, which also takes place in the small town of Bancroft.

This is the only episode of season five that is still under copyright protection and not in public domain.

Coincidentally, this episode first aired on Dick Martin’s 45th birthday. He previously played Lucy Carmichael’s boyfriend Harry on the series. His comedy partner Dan Rowan plays a reporter in this episode.

The dance sequences were choreographed by Jack Baker.

Bancroft is supposedly located in California, but feels more like a mid-western or northeastern town. Although this is a fictional location, there is a Bancroft outside of San Francisco. At the time of filming, however, it was known as Hookston, is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County.

Mel Tormé wrote the original song “Main Street U.S.A.” especially for these two episodes. It was first sung at the end of the previous episode and is reprised at the start of this one. Here we learn that it was Lucy Carmichael who wrote the songs lyrics to Mel Tinker’s music. Torme also wrote and sings the ballad “In Our Home Town,” a tribute to small town life. In 1944 he had a hit with another ‘town’ song titled “Stranger in Town” and in 1959 released an album titled Back in Town.

As ‘Carrot Top Carmichael’ Lucy says she plans to be the “most vicious, cold blooded killer since Ma Barker.” Kate Barker (1873–1935, inset photo) was the mother of several criminals who ran the Barker gang. She traveled with her sons during their criminal careers. FBI director J. Edgar Hoover described her as “the most vicious, dangerous and resourceful criminal brain of the last decade.” Barker was last mentioned in “Lucy and the Great Bank Robbery” (S3;E5). Ma Barker was parodied as Ma Parker in a 1970 episode of “Here’s Lucy” (above) starring Carole Cook (who plays Aunt Carrie here).

Behind the TV camera atop the station wagon is a shop called Grandma Thompson’s Bakery. This is likely a tribute to director Maury Thompson and producer Tommy Thompson, who were not related.

Marl Young is credited with the dance music for John Bubbles.

Callbacks!

Back in Danfield, construction of a new freeway was the cause of the destruction of their roadside cafe when “Lucy and Viv Open a Restaurant” (S2;E20).

The residents of East 68th Street planned a big block party when Ricky Ricardo came home from Hollywood in “The Homecoming” (ILL S5;E6).

Blooper Alerts!

Sound Slip! Mel plays “Our Home Town” on an old upright piano, but on the soundtrack it is not a piano, but a harpsichord.

Popular Print! The painting above Lucy’s left shoulder in the Tinker parlor was previously seen in Lucy’s Danfield living room and later in Viv’s bedroom.

Smile For The Camera(s)! When Lucy and Mel break into song for the TV news, they perform with their backs to the camera, which is still atop the station wagon behind them.

Bloody Bad Idea! Even though the gun battle is staged to woo reporter McGowan to Bancroft to publicize a good cause, a pile of bullet-ridden corpses and a whopping lie seem a dubious way to bring attention to the joys of small town life. Ironically, right after the corpses get up, Mel sings “it's peaceful and quiet, there's never a riot, in my home town.”

Soft Goods at the Hardware Store! A sign in the window of the Hardware Store advertises an unusual item - Matador Scarfs! Why would a small-town hardware store stock matador scarfs?

Ready! Aim! Kerplunk! When 'Carrot Top Carmichael' surrenders, she throws her guns aside and knocks a bright yellow tea kettle off the hardware store porch. When the tin kettle hits the deck, the lid pops off and rolls across the set!

Roll Call! Bancroft's Mayor (played by Barry Kelley in the previous episode) does not show up for the big block party / gun battle. Surely this would be an occasion suitable for the Mayor’s participation. Perhaps he disapproved of the entire escapade? More likely Desilu needed to keep their budget in mind in this expensive episode.

FAST FORWARD!

Years later, Paul Winchell’s daughter April wrote about her father’s relationship with Lucille Ball, her mother Nina, and this episode:

Not everyone loved Lucy. My mother, for example, couldn't stand her. And Lucy returned the favor. In fact, they had a showdown on the set of ‘The Lucy Show’ that remains the most artful display of bitchery I ever witnessed.

It all started when I was about six years old. I remember my dad getting off the phone and yelling for my mother. He had just been given a recurring role as Lucy's Grandfather [*], and he was as excited as I had ever seen him.

It was a demanding part. He had to dance quite a bit, and even learn to play the violin. And since he was only about 45 at the time, he had to do it all wearing heavy old age make-up and a full wig. He spent hours under the hot lights, sometimes getting lightheaded in his three-piece tweed suit. All things considered, it was probably one of the hardest jobs my father ever had. And he loved every minute of it. My dad, Paul Winchell, was a ventriloquist, and by this time, he was already a very successful man.

Naturally, a puppet-free gig like this was important to him, and he took it very seriously. He rehearsed difficult dance routines in our garage at night, and worked long days on the set without complaint. And along the way, he and Lucy developed a lasting friendship based on mutual respect, a common work ethic and a shared affection for recreational drugs. Yes, my father loved his drugs. My mother, determined to save their marriage, began watching him vigilantly, and attempted to rid him of every acquaintance he used with. Unfortunately, she couldn't broom Lucy from their lives. And so the three of them tried to find an uneasy peace, which was impossible.

It all came to a head during rehearsals for an episode called, "Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map". This was a big two-parter, with lots of guest stars. On this particular day, my father was rehearsing a parade scene. This was a big, complicated musical number with close to a hundred people on the soundstage. There were majorettes, townspeople, a marching band, and of course, Gale Gordon, Vivian Vance [*] and Lucy herself, wearing white go-go boots and a white patent leather vest. My mother and I sat in the bleachers that would later hold the studio audience, watching my father work. And he was working very, very hard. Over and over again, he would run out into the middle of the street, do a jig, play a violin solo and disappear back into the crowd. My father had polio as a kid, and one of his legs was shorter than the other.

All the standing and dancing was taking a toll, so when Lucy stopped the action to look through the camera, he politely asked her if he could take a break. She was very understanding, and told him to sit with us for a while. She asked if he was thirsty, and when he said yes, a glass of orange juice instantly appeared. Dad made his way over to the bleachers, and we watched the scene for while. After drinking about half of the juice, he handed the glass to my mother, who took a sip. Suddenly, Lucy stopped the rehearsal.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute, cut, cut, cut," she shouted.

The playback music of the marching band stopped abruptly, and everyone fell silent. Lucy turned and looked at my mother.

"What are you drinking?" she yelled.

"Who, me?"

"Yes, you. What are you drinking?"

"Orange juice."

"Did I buy that orange juice for you?"

"I gave it to her, Lucy," my father said sheepishly.

"That's not the point, Paul. I bought that juice for you. If I knew she was going to drink it, I'd have made her pay for it."

This was bad. This was very bad. My mother was not afraid of anyone, and I really expected this to get ugly in a hurry. She rose to her feet, and I braced myself. All the blood drained from my father's face. Time stood still. Then she did something surprising. My mother turned to me, and held out her hand. I took it, and we began to leave. I looked over my shoulder and saw the entire cast watching us, stock-still. My mother pushed through the heavy stage door into the sunlight, and we were on our way.

By the time we got back to the studio, everyone had gone to lunch. My mother understood where my father was, and headed straight for Lucy's trailer. She led me up the steps to the door, and without knocking, went in. Lucy and my father were sitting on the couch, eating lunch. When he saw my mother, he froze in terror, certain that the angel of death was passing over his career.

"Lucy," my mother said, "I have something to say to you."

Lucy eyed my mother cautiously. "Yes, Nina?"

"I want you to know how sorry I am about what happened this morning."

My father's shoulders sagged with relief.

Lucy was stunned. "Well, I . . . that's okay, Nina. Don't worry about it."

"No," my mother continued, "I feel badly to have taken advantage of you when you've been so kind to us."

"Forget it," she said.

"I will. But only after you've accepted this gift."

My mother held out a gaily-wrapped box from Saks. Lucy genuinely did not know what to say. She looked at the box, then at my father, then at my mother, then me, then the box again. She took the box and carefully opened it. Inside was a pullover sweater made of glittering gold yarn. Metallic knits were all the rage those days, and it was obvious that mom had spent a good deal of money on it. Lucy held it up against herself, delighted. It set off her red hair and blue eyes beautifully. She looked up at my mother, who was smiling beatifically.

"Thank you, Nina."

"You're welcome, Lucy."

My father was beaming. The next day, Lucy showed up on the set wearing the gold sweater. A few hours later, my mother arrived, wearing the exact same sweater in silver. I learned an important lesson that day. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. And once you catch them, pull their little fucking wings off.

[*] These small facts are slightly incorrect. The character is not Lucy’s Grandfather and Vivian Vance was not in the show or on set. Chalk it up to the memory of a six year old!

“Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” rates 2 Paper Hearts out of 5

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