I need the help of all you I Love Lucy Fans! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

d_ortigaza · 05-03-2007, 01:34 PM

Within the past year I have become hooked to the show. I find it incredibly entertaning and much different from a lot of the stuff on TV now. I am a college student looking to write my final on the show and I have to get data on why audiences of today are still so entertained by the show...thats where you all come in. Please just take a few minutes to answer a few questions!!
Also, if you have some more words of wisdom on the show please feel free to email me to set up a short one-on-one interview!
THANK YOU ALL YOU I LOVE LUCY FANS...im just trying to keep the legacy going!

How old are you?

How long have you been a fan?

Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less?

What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years?

Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view?

Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character?

Madame X · 05-04-2007, 12:08 AM

How old are you? 49

How long have you been a fan? 46 years

Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less?
Lucy: zany, selfish, talented Ricky: patient, great straight-man, talented Ethel: smart, dependable, great best friend Fred: gruff, kind, loveable

What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? Qualilty

Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view?
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.

Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character? A true fan can't pick a favorite episode-impossible! Ethel

comedyfreak · 05-04-2007, 07:23 AM

How old are you? 44

How long have you been a fan? For over 30 years.

Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less?
Lucy-Schemer, Funny, wacky. Ricky-Longsuffering, straightman. Ethel-Longsuffering Landlord. Fred-Tightwad, Impatient, cantakerous.
What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years?
The comedy holds up, and it's an extremely well written show. The characters are very likeable.
Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? I love the comedy, the chemistry between the cast and it makes me feel good after watching an episode.

Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character?
There are too many great shows to have any favorites. Three that stand out are, Lucy does a TV commercial, Job Switching, and Lucy is Enciente. I like all four characters, so I don't have a favorite.

Dusty's Fan · 05-04-2007, 07:53 AM

How old are you? 42

How long have you been a fan? All of my life practically, from the time I was old enough to watch TV (very late 1960s on up).

Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less? Lucy: A real schemer. Ricky: Frantic husband. Ethel: Loyal friend. Fred: Vaudevillian turned landlord.

What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? Quality scripting and performances draw the viewers in. Likeable characters keep the audiences coming back for more. The progression of the series (birth of son, move to the country) and extended trips (Europe, Hollywood) also help hold the viewers' interest over the long term.

Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? As a fan of sitcoms in general, I acknowledge the show as one of the most significant and well-done of all. I find the performances to be exceptionally good, as are the scripts.

Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character? I have several favorite episodes from the different stages of the run of the series. If I had to name a favorite character, I would say Ethel.

Frischman_Fan · 05-04-2007, 04:33 PM

How old are you?24

How long have you been a fan?20 years

Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less?
Lucy:Frivolous, funny, schemer.
Ricky:Cuban, bandleader, patient
Ethel:Understanding, side-kick, dependable
Fred:Impatient, vaudevillian, complainer

What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? Everything. The script, jokes, actors, etc.

Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? The show has originality! It's unique. One of a kind. Natural talent combined with natural comedy. It's got that touch that no matter how many times it's shown, it'll never get old or boring.

Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character? I love the show entirely and of course Ethel was always my favorite!

05-03-2007, 01:34 PM	#1
d_ortigaza Member First Time Poster Join Date: May 03, 2007 Location: Whittier, Ca Posts: 1	I need the help of all you I Love Lucy Fans! Within the past year I have become hooked to the show. I find it incredibly entertaning and much different from a lot of the stuff on TV now. I am a college student looking to write my final on the show and I have to get data on why audiences of today are still so entertained by the show...thats where you all come in. Please just take a few minutes to answer a few questions!! Also, if you have some more words of wisdom on the show please feel free to email me to set up a short one-on-one interview! THANK YOU ALL YOU I LOVE LUCY FANS...im just trying to keep the legacy going! How old are you? How long have you been a fan? Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less? What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character?

05-04-2007, 07:23 AM	#3
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,060	How old are you? 44 How long have you been a fan? For over 30 years. Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less? Lucy-Schemer, Funny, wacky. Ricky-Longsuffering, straightman. Ethel-Longsuffering Landlord. Fred-Tightwad, Impatient, cantakerous. What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? The comedy holds up, and it's an extremely well written show. The characters are very likeable. Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? I love the comedy, the chemistry between the cast and it makes me feel good after watching an episode. Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character? There are too many great shows to have any favorites. Three that stand out are, Lucy does a TV commercial, Job Switching, and Lucy is Enciente. I like all four characters, so I don't have a favorite.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

05-04-2007, 04:33 PM	#5
Frischman_Fan Who luvs nerds?! I DO!!! Senior Member Join Date: Sep 19, 2003 Location: In the back of Rigby's grocery store. Posts: 1,178	How old are you?24 How long have you been a fan?20 years Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less? Lucy:Frivolous, funny, schemer. Ricky:Cuban, bandleader, patient Ethel:Understanding, side-kick, dependable Fred:Impatient, vaudevillian, complainer What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? Everything. The script, jokes, actors, etc. Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? The show has originality! It's unique. One of a kind. Natural talent combined with natural comedy. It's got that touch that no matter how many times it's shown, it'll never get old or boring. Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character? I love the show entirely and of course Ethel was always my favorite!
	__________________ I have a radio in my car!!!

05-04-2007, 12:08 AM	#2
Madame X Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 15, 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,831	How old are you? 49 How long have you been a fan? 46 years Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less? Lucy: zany, selfish, talented Ricky: patient, great straight-man, talented Ethel: smart, dependable, great best friend Fred: gruff, kind, loveable What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? Qualilty Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? 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. Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character? A true fan can't pick a favorite episode-impossible! Ethel

05-04-2007, 07:53 AM	#4
Dusty's Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 13, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,092	How old are you? 42 How long have you been a fan? All of my life practically, from the time I was old enough to watch TV (very late 1960s on up). Describe each character (Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred) in 3 words or less? Lucy: A real schemer. Ricky: Frantic husband. Ethel: Loyal friend. Fred: Vaudevillian turned landlord. What is it about the show that keeps people fans, even after 50+ years? Quality scripting and performances draw the viewers in. Likeable characters keep the audiences coming back for more. The progression of the series (birth of son, move to the country) and extended trips (Europe, Hollywood) also help hold the viewers' interest over the long term. Why do you enjoy the show so much? Describe the words from your point of view? As a fan of sitcoms in general, I acknowledge the show as one of the most significant and well-done of all. I find the performances to be exceptionally good, as are the scripts. Lastly,whats your favorite show? favorite character? I have several favorite episodes from the different stages of the run of the series. If I had to name a favorite character, I would say Ethel.