Community Corner

Lucy is 100

Hazelwood Patch editor Candace Jarrett reflects back on a fond affection for Lucille Ball, as the comedian's legacy is celebrated during what would have been her 100th birthday.

I must say that I'm very excited to know that one of my favorite comedians of all time would be 100-years-old this week.

That's right Lucille Ball, my all time favorite female comedian would have celebrated her centennial birthday Aug. 6.

I will start my tribute to the great red-head by saying that I didn't grow up during or even near the time of her show airing.

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I learned of Lucille ball as a a 4-year-old in the late '80s watching re-runs of "I Love Lucy" on KPLR. I was allowed only a certain amount of television consumption during the week and my choices at that time were simple: "I Love Lucy," "Punky Brewster," "Cosby Show," and "Mickey Mouse Club."

I don't know what it was about that red-headed lady, but I could just laugh at her all day. Half of the things she said probably went over my head, as I was too young to fully understand all of the show's topics, but for a very long time she was my all-time favorite.

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I can recall how upset I was one day when I told my mom I wanted to meet her and she told me that she was no longer living. The moment she said that to me my world crumbled--at least for a day--as I digested the fact that I couldn't meet this woman that I looked at in such high regard.

Well to this day, I still enjoy a good "I Love Lucy" episode so I'm dedicating a list to my favorite Lucy moments.

  1. Lucy's Italian Movie (Season 5, Episode 23 – Aired: 4/16/1956): The group goes on a road trip to Europe, where Ricky is promised movie stardom. Lucy also wants to be in the movies, so she auditions for an Italian film. She heads out to get some local color by stomping grapes with a real Italian woman and a fight ensues.
  2. Lucy is Enceinte (Season 2, Episode 15 – Aired: 12/8/1952): The episode where she reveals to Ricky that she is pregnant, while he was singing at the club. He then serenades her with the song, "We're having a baby."
  3. Job Switching (Season 2, Episode 4 – Aired: 9/15/1952): Lucy and Ethel decide to swap lives with Ricky and Fred for one day, so they head out to find jobs while the men stay at home to take care of the house. The only thing the women are qualified for is working in a chocolate factory, packing boxes. Hilarity ensues when the belt that carries the chocolate to them moves faster than they can pack and they begin stuffing their faces.


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