A Theory on Why Lucy Ricardo Clicked with Viewers

[NOVARick]

Have you ever wondered why "I Love Lucy" was so much better than "My Favorite Husband," the show NBC used to try to compete against "I Love Lucy"? Some of the reasons are pretty obvious, beginning with the writing. And how could a supporting cast of Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance and William Frawley possibly be topped? But I think there still more to it than that. The star of "I Married Joan," Joan Davis, was a perfectly adept comedienne who, like Lucille Ball, excelled in her specialty: physical comedy. But there's something different about her performance on that show compared to Lucille Ball on "I Love Lucy." When I watch Joan Davis, I see a funny performer doing broad slapstick. When I watch Lucille Ball, I see the same thing. But I also see something more: a character I believe in. There is something about the character of Lucy Ricardo that seems so geniune and real. It's so easy to get lost in that character and forget you're watching a work of fiction.

Recently, I heard some comments Carol Burnett made about Lucille Ball that perhaps provide an explanation. Carol talked about how Lucy was such a great dramatic actress before she achieved her superstardom as a comedic actress. She pointed out that Lucille's dramatic acting abilities were the foundation for her "Lucy" character, a foundation upon which she was able to create a believable, yet hilarious character who could get into the most bizarre predicaments, yet not lose the audience's ability to believe in what was happening. The clip in the link below is an example of Lucille Ball, the dramatic actress. You can see here just how wonderful a dramatic actress she was. Watching this, it's easy to forget you're watching Lucille Ball because this character is 180 degrees away from Lucy Ricardo. But a good example of how Lucille Ball was able to create a believable character, whether for laughs or tears or some other emotion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCscTt5yxAU

[NOVARick]

Sorry about the typo in the first sentence. I meant "I Married Joan," not "My Favorite Husband." All these three-word titles get a little confusing!

Originally Posted by NOVARick

Have you ever wondered why "I Love Lucy" was so much better than "My Favorite Husband," the show NBC used to try to compete against "I Love Lucy"? Some of the reasons are pretty obvious, beginning with the writing. And how could a supporting cast of Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance and William Frawley possibly be topped? But I think there still more to it than that. The star of "I Married Joan," Joan Davis, was a perfectly adept comedienne who, like Lucille Ball, excelled in her specialty: physical comedy. But there's something different about her performance on that show compared to Lucille Ball on "I Love Lucy." When I watch Joan Davis, I see a funny performer doing broad slapstick. When I watch Lucille Ball, I see the same thing. But I also see something more: a character I believe in. There is something about the character of Lucy Ricardo that seems so geniune and real. It's so easy to get lost in that character and forget you're watching a work of fiction.

Recently, I heard some comments Carol Burnett made about Lucille Ball that perhaps provide an explanation. Carol talked about how Lucy was such a great dramatic actress before she achieved her superstardom as a comedic actress. She pointed out that Lucille's dramatic acting abilities were the foundation for her "Lucy" character, a foundation upon which she was able to create a believable, yet hilarious character who could get into the most bizarre predicaments, yet not lose the audience's ability to believe in what was happening. The clip in the link below is an example of Lucille Ball, the dramatic actress. You can see here just how wonderful a dramatic actress she was. Watching this, it's easy to forget you're watching Lucille Ball because this character is 180 degrees away from Lucy Ricardo. But a good example of how Lucille Ball was able to create a believable character, whether for laughs or tears or some other emotion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCscTt5yxAU

[AB]

Lucy was such a likable character and she wasn't afraid to try out new situations on the show. It made you want to tune in and see just what that crazy red-head would do next, and you were never dissapointed.

[Ireneparalegal]

That crazy red-head caught my attention and has kept it ever since I was 6 years old. That's 36 YEARS! What does that say abt I Love Lucy????

[Madame X]

I agree that Lucille Ball was exceptional, one of a kind. But in my opinion, the appeal of the show was a unique combination of things, never again to be duplicated.

The cast was perfect: the dueling Mertzes, a Latin husband, Vivian as the best sidekick there ever was, a five-year old who could really play the drums.

The supporting characters were of the best quality: Gale Gordon, Edward Everett Horton, Hans Conried, Elsa Lanchester, Richard Crenna, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Natalie Schafer, Barbara Eden, Sheldon Leonard, Frank Nelson, etc.

Big-name movie stars were willing to appear and actually play a role, not just a cameo.

The costumes were excellent: Lucy's outfits, Ricky and Fred's suits and hats, all the outlandish costumes for Lucy's predicaments.

The writing was outstanding: the script contained real-life dialogue, great one-liners, plays on words; the storylines were amusing; the extra touches like the toaster that shoots the toast in the air, the way Lucy and Ricky kiss goodnight and the Mertz' dumpy apartment made the characters real, believable and lovable.

The staff and crew was the best in the business: Jess Oppenheimer, Hal King (Max Factor), Elois Jensen, Eliot Daniel, William Asher, Wilbur Hatch, Karl Freund, Cam McCulloch, Marc Daniels, Argyle Nelson, Bud Molin, etc.

The music was live and entertaining: The only show to feature live music and real musicians as an intregal part of the show. Desi could really conduct, play and sing; the orchestra consisted of the same musicians the entire time; many songs were written for the show by the writers; dozens of traditional Spanish and popular English songs were used.

The filming technique was innovative: Desi conceived the three-camera system and put it into use. It set the standard for all live shows shot from then on.

The themes of the show had universal appeal: Money problems, bickering spouses, get-rich-quick schemes, friendship, mother-in-law issues, parenthood, stresses of work, the drudgery of a housewife's life, dreams of being a star, the daily routines of marriage, etc.

I Love Lucy was and is the best show for a lot of reasons. It would cost a million dollars an episode nowadays to try and equal the show's quality and appeal. The standard Lucy and Desi set can never be duplicated.

[gidgetgrape]

I agree with most of the opinions here about why Lucy's show was more successful. I would also like to add that Lucille Ball gave everyone in the cast a chance to shine. She didn't take all the credit and hog all the spotlight.
On "I Married Joan" the actor that played Joan's husband (Jim Backus) doesn't even get a starring credit. It's "I Married Joan" starring Joan Davis and featuring Jim Backus.

[Yooch]

Posters have already expressed well in this thread--in different ways. What I'm reading, and what the other posters seem to be saying is that Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo was real and likeable and I wholeheartedly agree. Lucy Ricardo's foibles and vulnerabilities endeared her to TV viewers, and still do to this day.

From many sources also, I have gathered that Lucille Ball was the consummate professional.

[comedyfreak]

Originally Posted by Yooch

Posters have already expressed well in this thread--in different ways. What I'm reading, and what the other posters seem to be saying is that Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo was real and likeable and I wholeheartedly agree. Lucy Ricardo's foibles and vulnerabilities endeared her to TV viewers, and still do to this day.

From many sources also, I have gathered that Lucille Ball was the consummate professional.

I agree. She also expect the best from the other actors as well.