Since I haven't seen too many episodes of this show, can someone give me a list of some of the more memorable physical comedy bits and their respective episodes? I know this show was bigger on one-liners and musical comedy, yet every Ball show had to have at least some slapstick fun. I'm sure the most physical episode of this show had to be "Lucy the Fixer" (which I have seen), with all the special effects and burlesque-ish fun...



Just also thought I'd share one of my fave lines from one of my favorite eps..."Lucy the Matchmaker"

Viv: "I spent $30 on expensive perfume and he has to go in the kitchen and smell a $3 pot roast. I should've put a dab of gravy behind each ear"

Just saw skiing with Dinah Shore and she did these classic bits on skis, down the stairs, yes again, like on the Lucy show, and three or four times on top of the bed. Lucy never looked or acted her age, what energy that woman had.

Anything else? :confused:

Lucy getting her legs caught in the "Lotus Position" from "Where Is My Wandering Mother Tonight" (Ep #143). I LOVE that scene, and it amazes me that Lucy, was in her 60's, had just recovered from a broken leg, and was still THAT limber.

"Lucy and Joan Do Jury Duty" the scene where Lucy and the other jury member couldn't talk about case outside of the courtroom, so she acts out what she thinks happens. Basically it's pantomime, but of course, no one did that like Lucy.

"Lucy and Uncle Harry's Pot" the scene in which Lucy takes a pottery class to repair Harry's broken vase...that she broke,lol.

"Lucy Is Really In A Pickle" - Lucy: "I hate pickles" :lol: (I do to...EHHH! lol). The scene(s) in which she is in the pickle outfit.

"Lucy and Mannix are Held Hostage" - The scene in which Lucy and Mannix are tied together and most maneuver there way to the phone to call the police. In "The Lucy Book", Mike Connors says it was Lucy's idea during rehearsals to bounce the chairs over to the phone instead of just sliding them. IMO, it definitely adds to the scene. I LOVE THIS EPISODE!

"Lucy and The Astronauts" - The scene in which she's quarantined with the astronauts (and Harry), and one of the astronauts can't sleep (He's having a bad dream...lol, sparked by something Lucy said), Lucy wakes up and goes over to confront him. It's kind of difficult to explain what happens, but if anyone has watched this episode, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's a hilarious scene, one of my favorite episodes.

"Lucy Makes a Few Extra Dollars" - This episode is filled with physical comedy/slapstick. Lucy getting dunked in the dunking booth. Harry opening the closet door in the office and thousands of cans come raining down upon him (It'll make sense once you've seen it). Lucy and Kim pretending to be counterfeiters.

"Lucy The Laundress" - Lucy steam presses her hamburger into a rather large pair of prancing pony boxers, lol.

"Lucy The Cement Worker" - The scene in which she uses the jack hammer to get Uncle Harry's ring out of the just cemented sidewalk.


"Lucy The Conclusion Jumper" - The fight scene between Harry and some guy in line at the courthouse (They were in a courthouse, correct? I forget), which leads to everyone line, including Lucy fighting.

"Lucy The Process Server" - The scene in which Lucy and Harry search for Harry's money in the garbage.

Thanks for all that info! I really wish they'd put this back on the air, along with TLS...all this great comedy just collecting dust on a dark shelf instead of entertaining people like it was meant to...I don't know why the Arnaz kids don't do anything about that either, it would be more royalty $$$ for them, so that stumps me as well...ah well, it's bound to be back on sometime or another...anyway, were there any really good slapstick scenes when Viv guest starred? Seems like most of the times she guested it was just verbally funny eps instead of physical, but that's still good, if not better sometimes...anyway, thanks again for the info!

IMO, the Arnaz kids may be asking to much for the show. I'm do not have anything to base that on, jmo.

Anyway, your welcome.


The most slapstick/physical comedy scene on Lucy and Vivan was in (IMO) "With Viv As A Friend, Who Needs An Enemy". Viv has taken Lucy's old job at the employment agency, and Lucy wants it back, so she schemes with Harry (who's sick of Viv...she's so good he has nothing to do anymore, lol). They try to convince Viv that Lucy has basically gone "bonkers" without a steady job. The scene features Lucy dressed as an "old senile lady". It's a pretty funny scene.

She did 1 episode a season for like the first 3 or 4 seasons of the show. I'm sure there was more slapstick hilarity (LOL) between Lucy and Viv featured, the episode above is just the only one that comes to mind.

Actually there was alot of "slapstick comedy" featured on Here's Lucy.

Yeah, basically all of her series was full of it. Even on "Life With Lucy" she did a sort of dangerous stunt with a bucking lawn chair. Keep in mind that she was close to 80 years old at this time and instead of being funny everyone just thought it was dangerous...

I always wondered why Viv didn't guest on any more shows after "With Viv as a Friend" I know she was having health problems, but they didn't start almost until this series ended. She could have easily came back during 72-73, and possibly even 73-74...maybe they just didn't think to...

Originally posted by bb25
Yeah, basically all of her series was full of it. Even on "Life With Lucy" she did a sort of dangerous stunt with a bucking lawn chair. Keep in mind that she was close to 80 years old at this time and instead of being funny everyone just thought it was dangerous...

Ageism at it's "best", unfortunately for Lucy...


I always wondered why Viv didn't guest on any more shows after "With Viv as a Friend" I know she was having health problems, but they didn't start almost until this series ended. She could have easily came back during 72-73, and possibly even 73-74...maybe they just didn't think to...

According to "The Lucy Book" (have I expressed enough how much the author of this book annoys me........Just checkin' lol) She found a lump in her breast and under went surgery months after she shot that episode, and that was followed by a minor stroke.

Well since that ep was aired in early 72 (Valentine's Day actually), it was most likely filmed sometime in mid-late 71, and Viv (according to her biography) didn't find the lump until early-mid 73, which is why I still think she could have made at least one more appearance...

Oh, apparently my "favorite" author got something wrong, lol.

If your info is correct (and I have no reason to doubt it) I agree Viv could have appeared in another "Here's Lucy" episode.
Maybe, she just didn't want to portray that character anymore, or a "semi-retirement" of the character. Considering she did eventually come back for one more Lucy episode/special.

Yeah, you're probably right, and, according to Viv's bio (The Other Side of Ethel Mertz) the pair did have a falling out in the mid-70s, to the point where Viv couldn't even bring herself to go to Lucy's house, turning around once in Beverly Hills and visiting Desi instead. It doesn't go into detail, but apparently between 1972 and 75 they must not have talked very much...after that though they were best friends once again, with the famed "last visit" by Lucy & Mary Wickes to Viv in her last months, and Viv's touching, heartfelt letter she wrote to Lucy on her deathbed...I mean, how can you work with someone in that capacity for THAT long, and not be friends? To me that would seem impossible. I just can't believe all the books and people that say they were strictly boss-employee from beginning to end...

Originally posted by bb25
I just can't believe all the books and people that say they were strictly boss-employee from beginning to end...

I not a big fan of alot of the books concerning Lucy. I won't go into it, in fear of igniting some long discussion on Lucille Ball Biographies. I'll just say, some authors go for what will sell instead of the full truth.


How reliable to you consider 'The Other Side of Ethel Mertz', I've heard stuff in both ways on the book. What's your take?

I bet Vivan wouldn't have been to pleased with that title, though!:lol:

Well I for one love the book. I do believe it is mostly factual, with interviews from people who were really close to her, including close friends, her sisters, and neighbors - I mean, why would they stretch the truth? The rest of the book (I've really only read from the I Love Lucy period and onward), seems to be pretty good, with alot of the info just a reprint of what every author seems to say, which is generally factual I think...I don't know, if you can't believe the accounts of those who were closest to Vivian herself, who can you believe?

Originally posted by bb25
Well I for one love the book. I do believe it is mostly factual, with interviews from people who were really close to her, including close friends, her sisters, and neighbors - I mean, why would they stretch the truth? The rest of the book (I've really only read from the I Love Lucy period and onward), seems to be pretty good, with alot of the info just a reprint of what every author seems to say, which is generally factual I think...I don't know, if you can't believe the accounts of those who were closest to Vivian herself, who can you believe?

As with Lucy bios, sometimes the people interviewed, although they may have been close to Lucy, do not have her best interest in mind when they give their interview (that's just my opinion). Also, I feel the writers sometimes tend to favor those quotes that are more "juicy" and more "gossipy". Most of the time those types of quotes are not the most reliable and/or factual. It's very easy to twist facts into something untruthful to fit whatever you're trying to portray.

I don't know, I guess it's all a matter of perception. Do you feel the author did his or her best to tell the truth and provide a fair and balanced portrait of that person's life, or did they manipulate things to fit the story that they wanted you believe?

Have you ever read The Other Side of Ethel Mertz? I really don't care if most of the stuff in the book isn't the absolute dead-on truth because some people actually took the time to write and collaborate and put effort into a biography on one of the most unsung character actors ever. Vivian Vance was wonderful, and up until then, she was just known as frousy Ethel. That's all people remember her for. Well this book portrays just a normal human being. A kind, loving, funny, spicy, scandalous, human, woman. Not just a one dimensional person with a one-dimensional life that doesn't need a book. Sure, the authors may have left out some things, but what's in there I'm sure Viv would be fine with. Why am I so passionate about this? Well, for a time I though Ethel was better than Lucy. When I told people this they thought I was nuts, but really, even at a younger age, I could tell that she was not just a simple co-star in a popular show. I've come to realize now that Lucy deserved to be and fit the "Star" quota, and she is definitely my favorite, and the driving force between the two, but you can't deny the fact Lucy wouldn't be Lucy without Ethel or Viv by her side...anyway, I'll take what these hard-working authors give the public, because it's basically all there really is, unless you know Lucie & Desi Jr. Arnaz personally, or any of Lucy's living co-stars, I really don't think anyone can know the WHOLE truth, and maybe not even then would everything be revealed...

Originally posted by bb25
Have you ever read The Other Side of Ethel Mertz? I really don't care if most of the stuff in the book isn't the absolute dead-on truth because some people actually took the time to write and collaborate and put effort into a biography on one of the most unsung character actors ever. Vivian Vance was wonderful, and up until then, she was just known as frousy Ethel. That's all people remember her for. Well this book portrays just a normal human being. A kind, loving, funny, spicy, scandalous, human, woman. Not just a one dimensional person with a one-dimensional life that doesn't need a book. Sure, the authors may have left out some things, but what's in there I'm sure Viv would be fine with. Why am I so passionate about this? Well, for a time I though Ethel was better than Lucy. When I told people this they thought I was nuts, but really, even at a younger age, I could tell that she was not just a simple co-star in a popular show. I've come to realize now that Lucy deserved to be and fit the "Star" quota, and she is definitely my favorite, and the driving force between the two, but you can't deny the fact Lucy wouldn't be Lucy without Ethel or Viv by her side...anyway, I'll take what these hard-working authors give the public, because it's basically all there really is, unless you know Lucie & Desi Jr. Arnaz personally, or any of Lucy's living co-stars, I really don't think anyone can know the WHOLE truth, and maybe not even then would everything be revealed...

No, I've never read this particular book, the reason I asked your opinion what you thought of it.

I understand your feelings for Vivian, I'm not saying she doesn't deserve a book, I'm just expressing my opinion on the way some authors portray the topics of their book (Whether the topic is Lucy, Viv, or whoever). Viv's story, should be told, but Vivian, along with her fans deserve a truthful recount of her life. Not some 200 page, inaccurate piece of crap, because the writers are trying to fill the "gossip" quota. I'm not saying that's what "The Other Side of Ethel Mertz" is, because, as I’ve said, I've never read the book. In asking you about your opinions Viv's bio, I just included my opinion on some of the bio's I've read, where sometimes the author cares more about the total number of books sold, than presenting a factual story.

Well, you can't judge a book by it's cover, so until you read it, don't just go writing it off as just a bunch of bogus crap...it's not fair. Sorry if I'm coming across as rude, but like I said, it's all there really is, and IMO the book is factual...

LOL, we're having a communication problem here.

I'm not calling the book “crap”...Or judging it in any type of way.

I guess I'm not doing a good job explaining myself. I'm commenting on other bios I've read, not this particular bio. What I'm trying to say is sometimes authors care more about selling a book than presenting a factual account of an individuals life.


"Viv's story, should be told, but Vivian, along with her fans deserve a truthful recount of her life. Not some 200 page, inaccurate piece of crap, because the writers are trying to fill the "gossip" quota. I'm not saying that's what "The Other Side of Ethel Mertz" is, because, as I’ve said, I've never read the book."

Here, I'm using Viv bio as an example only...I'm not calling the book "crap". What I'm trying to say is, yes, Vivian's life story should be told, but if it's not really the truth then what point is there for the book? If it's all lies anyway, then what purpose does the book serve? Other than lining the pockets of the writer, and his/her publisher, with money.

But again, I'm only using Viv's bio as an example because we are chatting about that particular bio at the moment. Those were comments were meant in reference to all Bio's.

Basically, I asked you about your opinion of Viv's bio (which I can obviously see that you really love) and included my personal opinion of other Bios I've read as well, but those comments were separate from those I included about Viv's bio.


LOL, that doesn't make any sense, does it?


Long story short....I didn't call "The Other Side Of Ethel Mertz" 'crap'. That was not the intention of my comments.

Yes, I realize you weren't calling it crap, but it seemed at the time that you were just writing the book off as bogus. It's really not. I do believe that both authors of the book had good intentions, and were not out just to make money. I understand where you're coming from as far as Lucy bio's. They're pretty much a dime a dozen, and it's easy for people to just fabricate juicy gossip to sell. Well, I truly believe that was not the case with Viv's bio. It's one of a kind, and when you read it you can tell it's truthful. Now if these author's just wanted to cash in on Lucy's life and write untruthful content, they easily could have, but it seems that these 2 really appreciate Viv as much as I do and weren't just out for a buck...I really suggest that you read the book. They have it out in mass-market paperback now for $7.50 and it's worth every cent. It even has some rare photos...

Originally posted by bb25
Yes, I realize you weren't calling it crap, but it seemed at the time that you were just writing the book off as bogus. It's really not. I do believe that both authors of the book had good intentions, and were not out just to make money. I understand where you're coming from as far as Lucy bio's. They're pretty much a dime a dozen, and it's easy for people to just fabricate juicy gossip to sell. Well, I truly believe that was not the case with Viv's bio. It's one of a kind, and when you read it you can tell it's truthful. Now if these author's just wanted to cash in on Lucy's life and write untruthful content, they easily could have, but it seems that these 2 really appreciate Viv as much as I do and weren't just out for a buck...I really suggest that you read the book. They have it out in mass-market paperback now for $7.50 and it's worth every cent. It even has some rare photos...

I'll probably pick it up whenever I go to the bookstore again. Well I'll read it, don't know if I'll buy it. Let you know what I think.

And no I wasn't writing the book off either.

In a scene reminiscent of the one in "Ricky's Movie offer" where Lucy knocked out the talent scout, then she and Ethel try to sit him up before he regains consciousness, in "Lucy and Chuck Conners Have a Slumber Party" (one of the last HL episodes) Lucy is unaware Connors is in her bed. When she discovers him there, she thinks he's an intruder and knocks him out and onto the floor. After learning the truth of who he is, before he regains consciousness, she tries to hoist his large body back into bed using a bed sheet, a bed post, and her own strength. This is a very hilarious physical scene written by Bob Carroll, Jr. and Madelyn Davis and perfectly performed by Lucille Ball.

About the Viv bio, my problem with that book is that the writers would find some anecdote about Lucy and Viv, then try to use that and exploit it as a basis for explaining their entire relationship. For example, there was some bit about Vivian mocking a birthday present that Lucy had given her during the "Lucy Show" years and inferring she was cheap. From that little story, the writers went on to develop this theory that Viv never cared much for Lucy. To me, that was ridiculous. You can take any relationship in the world and find times where there is some sort of anger or conflict going on. And the bad stuff that comes up during those periods are what outsiders tend to remember. The person who the writers got this story from might have just encounterd Viv on a particularly bad day.

If you focus on a single incident that happened during one of those bad periods in a relationship, it could surely look like the two parties involved do not like one another. But if you look at the entirety of their relationship, a very different perspective may emerge. I know for sure there have been times when I've been angry at some of my best friends and I've complained to other people who were willing to listen about gripes I was having with my friends. The person I complained to might have gone away with the impression I didn't care for that particular friend, though that certainly wouldn't have been the case. Just a bad day.

Madelyn Davis, Lucie Arnaz, and others who knew Lucille and Vivian have described their relationship as being like that of sisters. They had there conflicts at times, got angry at one another occasionally, but in the end they had a close bond. I would rely more on the opinions of people who knew Lucille and Vivian and witnessed their relationship than on two writers who never even met either of them. I think those writers should have done a lot more research before delving into trying to explain such a complex relationship.

Originally posted by NCVARick
After learning the truth of who he is, before he regains consciousness, she tries to hoist his large body back into bed using a bed sheet, a bed post, and her own strength. This is a very hilarious physical scene written by Bob Carroll, Jr. and Madelyn Davis and perfectly performed by Lucille Ball.

:lol: I'm in hysterics just trying to picture it! I must see this episode! Thanks for the little tidbit NCVARick!

Originally posted by That Other Fan
:lol: I'm in hysterics just trying to picture it! I must see this episode! Thanks for the little tidbit NCVARick!

I must say this is a great scene, and Gale Gordon also had some great lines when Lucy kept interrupting his sleep with late night phone calls. There was also another funny scene with Lucy and Chuck in the house at the same time, neither knowing the other was there. Chuck kept cutting himself a piece of cake, Lucy kept cleaning up before he got a chance to eat it. The disappearing, reappearing cake made both of them think they were going crazy. Great, solid episode.

Have you read Viv's bio in its entirety? I have, and while it may mention some particular bad moments, I have not found that it goes on to harp about them as you said. I believe it does portray all the sides of their friendship, from Lucy's scrutinization of Viv in the early days, to Viv's ridicule of Lucy's "cheap" gifts, to their last visit together, to Viv's last letter to Lucy written on her deathbed. I don't know, I just get the impression that people are still being unfair about this book, and just want everything written about this subject to be on a positive note. I mean, yes, they were human and obviously had to have had their fair share of arguments, as well as closeness, and I think you'd have to be immature to believe only what a particular author has to say about them. You don't need a book to see the closeness between Lucille & Vivian. Just watch an episode of one of the many shows they did together. Two people working in that capacity simply could not have been at odds all the time or enemies, or the shows just wouldn't have happened...the book may be negative at some points but it does say that Lucy & Viv were best friends, and I wholeheartedly believe that...

Watch the first scene in "Viv Visits Lucy" from The Lucy Show. That isn't acting.