What it was really like on the set of "Lucy Calls the President" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

bb25 · 02-03-2004, 02:07 AM

Well, after recieving a copy of this special from a fellow board member, I am totally obsessed with it...I've watched it at least 5 times through so far. I half expected it to have a sad, bittersweet feeling because of the final hurrah and everything, but what it is is classic Lucy - from beginning to end. While it's just a tad unnerving to see everyone so much older, and Vivian in obviously poor health, I just love it and find it hilarious. From the collapsing couch, classic music scene, Steve Allen interview, Viv stuffing her face (something I always love seeing

), to the final scene with Lucy breaking some teeth and stepping in and sitting on the food, it's just great from beginning to end. Now to my actual question...

There are so many conflicting stories about the atmosphere on the set and on taping night. The loss of Lucille's mother is one fact that always remains the same. However, mostly regarding Viv, there are several conflicting stories...

Some say she had recently had a stroke and one side of her mouth was paralyzed. Others say she came down with Bell's Palsy right there on the set on taping night. Even others have said her face was completely paralyzed by the time they yelled cut (by looking at the actual show, this doesn't seem possible), she was also experiencing hip and leg pain at the time, went to a doctor, and some say angrily announced she had cancer at one point during the week, and some say she didn't even get results until after the taping wrapped.

Also, I have heard that Lucy berated and was mean to everyone most of the week, at one point saying to Vivian in the face "..you look like a cow in anything you wear!"...

Anyway, I am just curious if someone knows which story is true. I am completely enamored with this show, and knowing more about how the week of rehearsals to the offical taping all went, would be icing on the cake...

02-03-2004, 02:07 AM	#1
bb25 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 22, 2002 Posts: 784	What it was really like on the set of "Lucy Calls the President" Well, after recieving a copy of this special from a fellow board member, I am totally obsessed with it...I've watched it at least 5 times through so far. I half expected it to have a sad, bittersweet feeling because of the final hurrah and everything, but what it is is classic Lucy - from beginning to end. While it's just a tad unnerving to see everyone so much older, and Vivian in obviously poor health, I just love it and find it hilarious. From the collapsing couch, classic music scene, Steve Allen interview, Viv stuffing her face (something I always love seeing ), to the final scene with Lucy breaking some teeth and stepping in and sitting on the food, it's just great from beginning to end. Now to my actual question... There are so many conflicting stories about the atmosphere on the set and on taping night. The loss of Lucille's mother is one fact that always remains the same. However, mostly regarding Viv, there are several conflicting stories... Some say she had recently had a stroke and one side of her mouth was paralyzed. Others say she came down with Bell's Palsy right there on the set on taping night. Even others have said her face was completely paralyzed by the time they yelled cut (by looking at the actual show, this doesn't seem possible), she was also experiencing hip and leg pain at the time, went to a doctor, and some say angrily announced she had cancer at one point during the week, and some say she didn't even get results until after the taping wrapped. Also, I have heard that Lucy berated and was mean to everyone most of the week, at one point saying to Vivian in the face "..you look like a cow in anything you wear!"... Anyway, I am just curious if someone knows which story is true. I am completely enamored with this show, and knowing more about how the week of rehearsals to the offical taping all went, would be icing on the cake...