Where have we seen references of I Love Lucy before?

[Ireneparalegal]

In the famous movie PRETTY WOMAN, we see the famous grape-stomping scene on the television that Julia Roberts is watching and it continues to show as Julia and Richard Gere's characters get "hot and heavy".

In the movie MY FAMILY/MI FAMILIA starring Jimmy Smits and Edward James Olmos, the scene in Hollywood where Lucy is telling Ricky abt her impersonating as his agent and he fumes, is shown in the family living room while outside of the family home, the youngest son is going to be shot and killed by the police.

On Nickelodeon's DRAKE AND JOSH, this kids show (which I find very funny) imitated the famous chocolate factory scene with the two lead actors doing the exact same thing as Lucy and Ethel. Then, came in a lady telling them what a splendid job they were doing and she screamed, "Speed it up!".

What other times have we seen ILL being played or had some sort of reference to ILL?


Question: Why is it in some instances -such as in the above-mentioned movie, MY FAMILY- the I Love Lucy theme IS NOT THE ACTUAL THEME being played? Are there restrictions on who can or can't play the actual theme?

[Madame X]

The Drake and Josh one was great! I would have to think a little to come up with other examples. What about Roseanne?

[Ireneparalegal]

Yeah, what abt Roseanne? I have a feeling some reference was made, but for the life of me, I can't remember if there was. Shocker for an ILL and Roseanne fan.

[Madame X]

And didn't Gilda Radner do something on SNL? I seem to remember her crying with her mouth wide open.

[tanner]

There was a made for TV movie back in the 70s called "And Your name is Jonah" with Sally Struthers and James Woods. In one scene as I can recall ( it has been a very long time since I have seen the movie ) the couple were in bed watching I Love Lucy.

The old HBO prison show "OZ" there is a scene where a young man tells someone ( group ? ) that he was raped by another immate while the guards were watching I Love Lucy. I remember not long after this episode aired once, either Lucie Arnaz or Desi Arnaz Jr made some comment that they were going to go after HBO for mentioning I Love Lucy in such a scene.

Dont recall whatever became of that. I would be surprised if anything did. Neither Lucie or Desi Jr. owns the rights to the name I Love Lucy.

[NOVARick]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

What other times have we seen ILL being played or had some sort of reference to ILL?

Seinfeld! Remember that scene on the subway with the slightly deranged guy fascinated by his TV guide? Not only a reference to I LOVE LUCY, but THE LUCY SHOW and HERE'S LUCY as well. And on THE GOLDEN GIRLS, there was a scene where Rose was confused as to why Ricky can't recognize Lucy with a mustache. Lots of references on THE NANNY. And there was that takeoff on I LOVE LUCY on KATE AND ALLIE. There was a Lucy-Desi reference by Joanie once on HAPPY DAYS.

[NOVARick]

Originally Posted by Madame X

And didn't Gilda Radner do something on SNL? I seem to remember her crying with her mouth wide open.

Are you talking about the spoof they did of the chocolate factory scene where Gilda was playing Lucy Ricardo? It was a bomb factory instead of a chocolate factory, and bombs were coming down the conveyor belt. She was crying when one of the bombs fell off and exploded. That was one of the funniest spoofs I've ever seen.

[OH Nuts!]

Gilda also does another spoof the time Desi Sr. hosts. They do a take-off of the Untouchables with the foursome as a Bonnie & Clyde type gang. Gilda does her wonderful crying takeoff of Lucy--wailing that they've shot Fred and Ethel. A REAL HOOT.

[Lodee]

Ricardos4ever (I think she used to post here) used to have a website where she posted all the references she found. I wonder if she still has it. There were tons of them.

[bingbangbaby]

That one episode of The Golden Girls where Rose and Blanche are watching the I Love Lucy marathon and sitting on the couch giggling the whole time cracks me up because that's just the way I am when I watch. I sit there and giggle through the whole thing! I always have to laugh too when Dorothy comes in with a problem and they keep watching and Dorothy finally says "I'm sorry, I guess this is more important!" And I'm always thinking...well yeah!

[catlover79]

On Whose Line is it Anyway, they did a couple of skits which referenced ILL. In a game of Weird Newscasters, guest Ian Gomez had to play "Ricky Ricardo at His Wits' End". Then Greg Proops, Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles played a game of Film, TV and Theater Styles as two rival bike riders playing a game of chicken and the anxious girlfriend who wants them to stop.

Greg laughing like Ricky
Ryan (as Fred): I'll race you to the edge of the cliff, Rick.
Colin (as Lucy): I want to race to the edge of the cliff! Wahhh! Why can't I ever ride the hog?
Greg (as Ricky): Lucy, I told you. OK, it is your turn, you may ride the hog.
*buzzer*

[Madame X]

Originally Posted by bingbangbaby

That one episode of The Golden Girls where Rose and Blanche are watching the I Love Lucy marathon and sitting on the couch giggling the whole time cracks me up because that's just the way I am when I watch. I sit there and giggle through the whole thing! I always have to laugh too when Dorothy comes in with a problem and they keep watching and Dorothy finally says "I'm sorry, I guess this is more important!" And I'm always thinking...well yeah!

And then Blanche says "We'll go watch in the kitchen." Rose whines "Oh that set is black and white!"

[PolarCub75@aol.com]

There was an "I Love Lucy" reference on an episode of "My Two Dads." I forgot the daughters name, I believe it was Stephanie. She was in the cafe/coffee shop that they hung out in. She was with one of her girlfriends trying to figure something out. Then, all of a sudden, she stopped and said, "It just came to me." After she said this, the I Love Lucy theme song played as it cut to the next scene.

[Ireneparalegal]

Found this huge list on IMDB:



Referenced in
The Big Parade of Comedy (1964)
Bedazzled (1967)
- referenced as I love Lucifer
"Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In: (#2.22)" (1969)
- Referened by the German in the bush
CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years (1976) (TV)
"Saturday Night Live: Jodie Foster/Brian Wilson (#2.9)" (1976)
- referenced in Don Pardo: the first 50 years
"M*A*S*H: War of Nerves (#6.4)" (1977)
- Sidney mentions this show when he talks to Klinger.
Capricorn One (1978)
Porklips Now (1980)
Ernie Kovacs: Television's Original Genius (1982) (TV)
Scarface (1983)
"The A-Team: Say It with Bullets (#2.16)" (1984)
- Murdock pretends to be in an episode of 'I love Murdock'
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Explorers (1985)
"Punky Brewster: Changes: Part 3 (#2.19)" (1986)
- The character of Ethel Mertz is mentioned
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
"The Golden Girls: Son-in-Law Dearest (#2.23)" (1987)
- The show is mentioned by name.
Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise (1987)
Stakeout (1987)
"The Charmings: Lillian Loses Her Powers (#2.8)" (1987)
- Numerous "I Love Lucy" references are made throughout the episode.
Scrooged (1988)
"The Golden Girls: Rose Fights Back (#5.4)" (1989)
- Enrique Mas mentions Ricky Ricardo, a character on this show.
Zapped Again! (1990) (V)
- When Lucy introduces herself to Kevin, he jokes by introducing himself as Ethel.
"The Simpsons: The Crepes of Wrath (#1.11)" (1990)
- Bart says this to his frog as he returns home from school. It is a quick reference to the way Desi Arnaz would walk in the doorway on I Love Lucy.
Columbo: Uneasy Lies the Crown (1990) (TV)
- Explicit reference in dialogue.
"Newhart: Dick and Tim (#8.21)" (1990)
- The character of Lucy Ricardo is mentioned.
The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990)
- Another band on the list is named "Fred And Ethyl".
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Jungle Goddess (#3.3)" (1990)
- "Lucy Scope"
"Wings: Sports and Leisure (#2.4)" (1990)
- Answer to a question in the gang's Trivial Pursuit game.
Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter (1991) (TV)
Nothing But Trouble (1991)
- Upon entering the house, Chevy says "Lucy, I'm home!"
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Gamera vs. Gaos (#4.8)" (1991)
- "Oh Ricky"
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Teenage Caveman (#4.15)" (1991)
- Wah Ricky
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (#4.21)" (1991)
- "Aaahh, Ricky! Get me a Scotch!"
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Master Ninja II (#4.24)" (1992)
- "No we've invented a Lucy sketch"
Monster in a Box (1992)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Magic Sword (#5.11)" (1992)
- Crow: (as Lucy) Ah, Ricky, welcome to the crypt.
Captain Ron (1992)
"Wings: I Love Brian (#4.17)" (1993)
- There are repeated references made to I Love Lucy in this episode.
This Boy's Life (1993)
Judgment Night (1993)
- dialogue reference: "Hey Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!"
"Seinfeld: The Cigar Store Indian (#5.10)" (1993)
- Mentioned by name
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers (1993) (VG)
- Gabriel Knight imitates Ricky Ricardo, saying, "Lucy, I'm home."
"Married with Children: The Worst Noel (#8.13)" (1993)
- When they see an episode of ' I love Lucy' is on TV Al says to Peg "I hate Lucy", adding that Fred should have had his own show, "Mertz's World".
The Counterfeit Contessa (1994) (TV)
- character mentions show in reference to wacky scheme
There Goes My Baby (1994)
- Sunshine says that she thinks of the "I Love Lucy" show every time she feels like crying and laughs instead.
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Bloodlust! (#7.7)" (1994)
- Crow: (as Lucille Ball) Ah, Ricky.
Swimming with Sharks (1994)
"The Nanny: Stock Tip (#2.9)" (1994)
- The show's theme song is heard here.
Mirror, Mirror III: The Voyeur (1995)
- A character quotes "hey Lucy, I'm home!" from this show.
Schwarze Tage (1995) (TV)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Samson vs. the Vampire Women (#7.24)" (1995)
- Waiter: "You're wanted on the telephone, sir" Crow: "It's Lucy Ricardo. She wants to be in the show"
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
"The Simpsons: The Springfield Connection (#6.23)" (1995)
- Homer draws a line accross the house, 1 to be his, 1 to be Marge's and he says he's doing it "ala I Love Lucy"
Escape from It's a Wonderful Life (1996) (TV)
- Lucy Ricardo mentioned by George Bailey while talking about overplayed shows.
"Wings: B.S. I Love You (#7.12)" (1996)
- Casey mocks Helen's plan for proving Leonard isn't really who he says he is, saying it's like one of Lucy's plans.
Caught (1996)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Night of the Blood Beast (#8.1)" (1996)
- "Lucy, I'm dead!"
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Escape 2000 (#8.5)" (1996)
- "He's got Ricky Ricardo tourette's syndrome"
"NewsRadio: Presence (#2.19)" (1996)
- Dave compares Beth to Lucy when she does "room service"
The Cable Guy (1996)
The Pompatus of Love (1996)
Bordello of Blood (1996)
Gray's Anatomy (1996)
That Thing You Do! (1996)
Lily and Jim (1997)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Leech Woman (#9.2)" (1997)
- "It's the Mertzs"
Fools Rush In (1997)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Mole People (#9.3)" (1997)
- Crow: Lucy!
"NYPD Blue: I Love Lucy (#4.18)" (1997)
- title reference
Conspiracy Theory (1997)
- Dialogue reference in the opening scene to character Fred Mertz.
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Prince of Space (#9.16)" (1997)
- Mike: The Mertzes are here. We're saved!
Wonderland (1997)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Overdrawn at the Memory Bank (#9.22)" (1997)
- "LUCY!?"
"The Nanny: From Flushing with Love (#5.10)" (1997)
- C.C. calls Fran "I Love Loosely."
The Odd Couple II (1998)
- Felix says, "Ricky Ricardo" at one point.
"The Nanny: The Wedding (#5.22)" (1998)
- Fran watches this show before the wedding.
The Truman Show (1998)
Relax... It's Just Sex (1998)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Space Children (#10.6)" (1998)
- "I'm your Ethel Mertz"
The Parent Trap (1998)
Pleasantville (1998)
Modern Vampires (1998) (TV)
"The Sopranos: 46 Long (#1.2)" (1999)
- the gay thieves are referred to as Lucy and Desi
Blast from the Past (1999)
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Soultaker (#11.1)" (1999)
- "That must be Lucy"
Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker (1999) (TV)
- "That's like the first season of Lucy! Fred had an afro with finger waves!"
Ricky Nelson: Original Teen Idol (1999) (TV)
- character mentions show
The Story of Us (1999)
Killjoy (2000) (V)
Making 'Rat Race' (2001) (V)
Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001)
- "I Love Lucy" is mentioned.
Down to Earth (2001)
What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001)
America's Sweethearts (2001)
Hidden Values: The Movies of the Fifties (2001) (TV)
Surviving Gilligan's Island: The Incredibly True Story of the Longest Three Hour Tour in History (2001) (TV)
"Dark Angel: Boo (#2.5)" (2001)
- A woman at the party is dressed as Lucy
"Saturday Night Live: John Goodman/Ja Rule (#27.4)" (2001)
- Referenced on Weekend Update
I Am Sam (2001)
"Futurama: A Tale of Two Santas (#4.2)" (2001)
- A setting at the toy factory is "Lucy", a nod to how Lucy in "I Love Lucy" worked at a toy factory.
Big Fat Liar (2002)
ZigZag (2002)
High Crimes (2002)
The Back Lot Murders (2002) (V)
- dialogue
TV's Most Censored Moments (2002) (TV)
WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002) (VG)
Moonlight Mile (2002)
Dreamcatcher (2003)
Lucy (2003) (TV)
Uncensored Comedy: That's Not Funny! (2003) (TV)
- the show is mentioned and stills are shown
Sugar (2004/I)
- I Love Lucy game mentioned
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
- Mia mentions that she watched the reruns as a child
29th and Gay (2005)
- James calls his parents "a modern day Ricky and Lucy"
"E! True Hollywood Story: I Love Lucy" (2005)
- Story tackles the tv series.
Feed (2005)
- We Love Lucy webcam site
Mozart and the Whale (2005)
- birds named Lucy and Ricky
Roll Bounce (2005)
"Saturday Night Live: Eva Longoria/Korn (#31.6)" (2005)
- Referenced during Vincent Price's Thanksgiving Special
"Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Family Secret (#3.16)" (2006)
- Tony mentions "I Love Lucy" and Ricky Ricardo.
RV (2006)
- when bob is pitching a sales meeting to the owners of alpine soda he refers to the "I love lucy" tv show
Material Girls (2006)
- Tanzie's "Walk like Lucy" line
The Shadow Walkers (2006)
- "Lucy, I'm home!"
Gray Matters (2006)
- whales named Lucy and Ethel
Transformers (2007)
- Bobby Bolivia mentions Ricky Ricardo
"TV Land Confidential: Locations (#2.5)" (2007)
- still picture

Featured in
I Love Lucy Christmas Show (1956) (TV)
- The characters recall past events from episodes of this TV series.
CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years (1976) (TV)
Going Back (1984)
Nothing Lasts Forever (1984)
- Footage inserted into Nothing Lasts Forever (1984)
Explorers (1985)
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Baby Boom (1987)
Pretty Woman (1990)
Another You (1991)
- rhuel is watching lucy in her bedroom during one scene
The Mambo Kings (1992)
The Cemetery Club (1993)
Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie (1993) (TV)
Quiz Show (1994)
My Family (1995)
- On TV.
A Smile Like Yours (1997)
CBS: The First 50 Years (1998) (TV)
Behind the Laughs (1998) (TV)
- clips from this show are in this special
Pleasantville (1998)
TV Guide's 40th Anniversary (1998) (TV)
The 100 Greatest TV Characters (2001) (TV)
Tuesday (2001)
- The frogs are watching TV in an elderly woman's house
I Love Lucy's 50th Anniversary Special (2001) (TV)
TV Guide 50 Best Shows of All Time: A 50th Anniversary Celebration (2002) (TV)
CBS at 75 (2003) (TV)
- a clip is featured
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
- Opening credits seen on the hostel television set.
TV's Illest Minority Moments Presented by Ego Trip (2004) (TV)
- clips
"TV Land Moguls" (2004) (mini)
- Shows it in part one of the mini series
Monster-in-Law (2005)
- Seen while Charlie is flipping channels
Take the Lead (2006)
- girl is watching it on TV

Spoofed in
"Saturday Night Live: Desi Arnaz/Desi Arnaz, Jr. (#1.14)" (1976)
- several clips from 'failed pilots' for this show are screened
"Saturday Night Live: Broderick Crawford/Levon Helm/Dr. John/The Meters (#2.17)" (1977)
- Lucy is spoofed with nuclear bombs instead of desert toppings
"Saturday Night Live: Ricky Nelson/Judy Collins (#4.12)" (1979)
- Spoofed in Twilight Zone Skit
Eddie Murphy Delirious (1983) (TV)
- Murphy does a brief imitation of a "gay" Ricky Ricardo
The Compleat Al (1985) (V)
Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation (1992) (V)
Stay Tuned (1992)
The Mask (1994)
- The Mask sings Ricky Ricardo's (Desi Arnaz) nightclub song "Cuban Pete"
Natural Born Killers (1994)
'Weird Al' Yankovic: The Videos (1996) (V)
The Pest (1997)
Private Parts (1997)
- In a brief scene, Howard, Fred and Robin do a parody of the show
Hercules (1997)
Home Alone 3 (1997)
'Weird Al' Yankovic Live! (1999) (V)
"The Fairly OddParents: The Big Problem!/Power Mad! (#1.1)" (2001)
- Cosmo & Wanda have to make TV shows within the TV to stop it actually being turned on and one show they make is "I Love Wanda", which is a parody of this.
"That '70s Show: Fez Dates Donna (#3.21)" (2001)
- Fez dreams to be Dezi with Donna as Lucy in an imaginary episode
Rat Race (2001)
'Weird Al' Yankovic: The Ultimate Video Collection (2003) (V)
- the video for "Ricky" spoofs the show
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Gilda Radner (2005) (V)
- Spoofed in I Love Lucy skit
The Retreat (2005)
- when everyone thinks the killer is at the door, their friend busts in and says "Lucy, I'm home!"

[tanner]

WOW looking at the list I noticed that OZ was missing.
Maybe Lucie and/or Desi Jr actually was successful in getting HBO to take out the I Love Lucy reference on that show.