Aside from the usual Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Ricky(Desi Arnaz), and Fred (William Frawley)and Ethel (Vivian Vance) shenanigans the laughs increase exponentially as Ernie tells the Ricardo's the story of his first few hours in New York City. The highlights include Ernie's first subway ride out to, and walk back from Long Island (and he'll "be ding-donged if it ain't"), and his first night sleeping in a rollaway bed ("I don't wanna lay down on anythin' that's gonna be a galavantin' around the room all night").
Lucy is as stunning as ever, and Desi is suave and debonaire. The chemistry between all the players never fails to amaze me. It's no wonder the show has survived all these decades and I'm pretty positive will be around for many more years to come. I wonder in 50 or 60 years what kind of shows people will be watching? Besides I Love Lucy of course ...
The audience's excited reaction to Ernie's entrance is a staple nowadays when a sitcom brings on a special guest star, but I imagine this was one of the first times it occurred. Bonus!
ReplyDeleteBy the time Ernie Ford made his appearance on this show he had released many country songs, some of which went on to be pretty big hits. So he was definitely a very identifiable character and just immediately added to the shows already great chemistry. Thanks for the comment ...
ReplyDeleteMe-TV has a funny promo that features Ernie and the I Love Lucy cast doing their version of "Y'all Come." I've seen it so many times that I'm starting to use his "It's for free!" in everyday conversation.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen that promo Ivan ... I'm going to have to keep an eye out for it, it must be a riot ... LOL
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