| Interesting Facts |
| The first "I Love Lucy" episode was broadcasted on the CBS network, Monday October 15, 1951. While Lucy was preparing for the birth of their first child at the Arnazes ranch, Desilu Ranch, William Frawley telephoned her and asked for a role on her new series. Lucy, Desi and Jess Openheimer all agreed that he could portray Fred Mertz. Although CBS and "I Love Lucy" sponsor Phillip Morris, did not want William Frawley, because he had a reputation of missing stage calls, from being an alcoholic. Before signing the contract, Desi had a talk with William, telling him that if he were late for any calls without having a legitimate excuse of being ill, he would be fired immediately. William agreed that he would nt be late for any calls and during the entire six year run of "I Love Lucy," he never was. "I Love Lucy" director Marc Daniels, suggested to Desi that Vivian Vance play the role of Ethel Mertz. Desi and Marc went to see the performance " The Voice of the Turtle," starring Vivian Vance and by the end of the first act, Desi said, "I think we've found our our Ethel Mertz!" Vivian signed on to the series to play the role of Ethel Mertz even though she had to gain weight and become "frumpy," which was what she disliked the most out of the role. In the summer of 1951, while production was being prepared for the series, Lucille Ball gave birth to the Arnazes first child, Lucie Desi'ree Arnaz at 8:15 a.m. on July 17, 1951. On September 8, 1951 the first episode "Lucy Thinks Ricky is Trying To Murder Her" was filmed, but did not air until November 5, 1951, the fourth week into the season. "Lucy Thinks Ricky is Trying To Murder Her" was the first episode besides the episode, but know as the fourth. For that season, the writers wrote thirty-nine episodes. "I Love Lucy" was an immediate success. Most of the popularity was gained from Lucille Ball's great comic genius! |
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