If heaven truly exists, Lucy will be there, lurking just out of sight from earthlings.
Wherever Lucy is, that place sure is full of laughter.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
We Love Lucy
26 April 1989, a day when the world lost a great person, Lucy.
26 April marks the death of the most beloved redhead,
the most beautiful woman with the largest and bluest eyes,
the most determined and diligent woman,
the most talented all-rounded actress,
the funniest comedic actress,
the first woman of television,
the first pregnant woman on television,
the first woman to be absolved from accusation of communism,
the first female director of a major movie production company,
the self-made millionaire,
the mother of two wonderful children,
the woman of great loyalty,
and the woman who had such great capacity to love a man like no one ever did...
Together they created a television series that made the sad and the sick laugh,
together they created a television series that helped so many troubled couples reconcile,
together they created a television series that was the first American show featured in the United Kingdom,
together they created a television series with a sentimental episode of Nielsen rating that no other shows had ever achieved,
together they created a television series that made the world stand together, with laughter as the connector.
You are greatly missed, even after 2 decades after you've been gone.
Be proud of yourself, because we are proud of you.
Miss Lucille Ball (August 6, 1911- April 26, 1889).
26 April marks the death of the most beloved redhead,
the most beautiful woman with the largest and bluest eyes,
the most determined and diligent woman,
the most talented all-rounded actress,
the funniest comedic actress,
the first woman of television,
the first pregnant woman on television,
the first woman to be absolved from accusation of communism,
the first female director of a major movie production company,
the self-made millionaire,
the mother of two wonderful children,
the woman of great loyalty,
and the woman who had such great capacity to love a man like no one ever did...
Together they created a television series that made the sad and the sick laugh,
together they created a television series that helped so many troubled couples reconcile,
together they created a television series that was the first American show featured in the United Kingdom,
together they created a television series with a sentimental episode of Nielsen rating that no other shows had ever achieved,
together they created a television series that made the world stand together, with laughter as the connector.
You are greatly missed, even after 2 decades after you've been gone.
Be proud of yourself, because we are proud of you.
Miss Lucille Ball (August 6, 1911- April 26, 1889).
26 April, Lucille Ball's Death Anniversary
I'm following Singapore's time zone, and in less than an hour's time, it will be 26 April, 2012. A year ago, this day wasn't of any significance to me. Things changed after my American Pluralism instructor introduced the sitcom I Love Lucy to me. I was so intrigued by the star of the sitcom that I researched more about her.
Today, I'm proud to proclaim that I'm probably the only Singaporean who knows this much about her. Sadly, Singaporeans do not appreciate the golden age of Hollywood, black and white movies, old Hollywood songs and so forth. Honestly, I've had a hard time obtaining Lucille Ball's books, television shows, movies and souvenirs, and the need to ship these precious items has cost me lots more. I'm a full-time student and work part-time, and I'm proud to say that I've worked hard for each penny to purchase her memorabilia. Nevertheless, I find these resources worth the money, because Lucille Ball has taught me so much, has inspired me so much, has touched me so much that I'm never the same person again.
Now, I've lived for 24 years, and never had any affinity or immense liking towards any Hollywood movie star or singer, dead or alive. I've never, ever bought biographies or souvenirs of celebrities. And sure, I've admired Angelina Jolie for her beauty and sex appeal and Sandra Bullock for her comedic talent, but I've never been deeply touched by them. Even being dead for 23 years, Lucille Ball managed to touch a part of me that no actor could- her dedication towards her career, her sincere appreciation for her fans, her unadulterated love for Desi Arnaz, and her liberal mentality but knowing what to do in good taste- all inspired me greatly.
Just a few days ago, I found an interview Lucille did for People magazine in 180. I read it, and boy, was I enlightened!
I'm sharing this with you, and I hope that you'll take away something uplifting from it, just like I did:
Do you feel disloyal leaving CBS after 28 years?
Not really. CBS didn't want my expertise to develop new half-hour comedy material and NBC did. How to do half-hour comedy innovatively is something I do pride myself on. We invented it with I Love Lucy.
Would you like to star in another series?
I wouldn't think of it—not since my Vivian's gone. [Co-star Vivian Vance died last year.] We enjoyed it so much we didn't want to go home at night.
What do you like now on TV?
I watch PBS, talk shows, game shows and documentaries. But I don't sit around watching during the daytime.
What about sitcoms?
Rarely. I've seen Mork & Mindy a couple times. Robin Williams amazes me. And I love Gary Coleman. He puts me away. He puts everybody away.
Do you catch many movies?
I just saw three this week in my screening room, but that's the most I've seen in two years. Kramer vs. Kramer, Starting Over and Breaking Out, uh, Breaking Away. If I had the time I'd go see Alan Alda three times a day in anything. God, he's talented.
When did you realize that comedy was your forte?
In television in the '50s. I sure as hell didn't know what I was doing when I started. I had too wide a variety of parts to know who or what I was. TV started for me just as a means of keeping my husband Desi off the road. He'd been on tour with his band since he got out of the Army, and we were in our 11th year of marriage and wanted to have children.
But didn't comedy help you even when you were a Goldwyn Girl?
I guess after about six months out here in the '30s I realized there was a place for me. Eddie Cantor and Sam Goldwyn found that a lot of the really beautiful girls didn't want to do some of the things I did—put on mud packs and scream and run around and fall into pools. I said I'd love to do the scene with the crocodile. He didn't have teeth, but he could sure gum you to death. I didn't mind getting messed up. That's how I got into physical comedy.
Who are your favorite current comediennes?
Carol Burnett—she heads my list, absolutely. That girl can do anything. Nancy Walker too. Goldie Hawn, I love her. Dean Martin and Ann Sothern make me laugh more in person than in pictures. Bette Midler's style is so much broader than mine, but I enjoy her. She shocks me. Knowing how honest and adorable and vulnerable she is, I'm shocked that she goes overboard that much in concert.
How about Lily Tomlin?
I don't care for her type of whatever-she's-doing. I find myself studying Lily rather than enjoying her.
Are you sympathetic with the women's movement?
They can use my name for equal rights, but I don't get out there and raise hell because I've been so liberated I have nothing to squawk about.
What about contemporary morality?
How about contemporary immorality? We're all hooked on the results of the permissiveness of the '60s. We've got a few more years to go, but our kids are doing a swingaround. They're going almost Victorian.
Did you ever have a problem with drugs or drinking?
My idea of getting high was a Coca-Cola and an aspirin. The first time I was around marijuana I wondered why someone was passing me this cigarette he had just smoked. I've never tried it. After a few drinks I'm either asleep or sick. I'm allergic to morphine, Percodan, codeine—I can't take any of those things because they work in reverse. The eyes won't close.
How do you feel about gay rights?
It's perfectly all right with me. Some of the most gifted people I've ever met or read about are homosexual. How can you knock it?
Have you read any of the biographies that have been written about you?
They're all unauthorized. I read the first two pages of one, and it was so shocking. About me leaving Jamestown, N.Y. at 14 and becoming a hooker. They didn't say hooker, but they intimated it. I thought, "Christ, I gotta see where they get this." They never substantiated anything they said.
Will you write your own book?
I don't think you should write a book until you tell the absolute truth. You can't do that until you're 85, and I don't want to live that long. I've always prided myself on knowing when to get off and I hope it works out that way.
What achievement are you proudest of?
When you have the first baby at 39, that's got to be the biggest. Any woman would say the birth of her children was her greatest achievement, unless she was Madame Curie.
What was your darkest moment?
When I got a divorce, and disappointed millions of people by doing so.
(I teared when I read this.)
When you married Desi, didn't his playboy reputation bother you?
No, it intrigued me. I was amazed at myself saying yes after knowing him only six months. Everybody gave it about a year and a half. I gave it six weeks. I thought it was the most daring thing I'd ever done, and it certainly was.
Do you get along with Desi Sr. now?
Always have, we didn't even get two lawyers for the divorce.
Do you see him socially?
Sure. He's married to a very nice girl. He's been remarried 17 years.
Why has your marriage to Gary Morton lasted?
Because Gary takes things in moderation. He doesn't think the grass is greener elsewhere, he's not a workaholic or a playaholic and he appreciates his home. Desi was a very generous man who built many houses but never lived in any home. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate my marriage to Gary a 12.
Desi Jr. also has a reputation as a ladies' man. Does that concern you?
Well, of course, he had to emulate Dad there for a while. I just hope he doesn't continue, because that's what I had to put up with. That's not nice. It's very demeaning. Anyway, I'm sure his new wife, Linda Purl, wouldn't put up with it for as long as I did.
What is Linda like?
A porcelain doll, as sweet inside, apparently, as she is outside—and organized. If there's anyone in the world who isn't organized, it's my son. I hope she rubs off on him, and he doesn't rub off on her.
How is your daughter Lucie doing?
Thank God she got to do one of Neil Simon's plays [They're Playing Our Song] and now she's working with great talents like Neil Diamond and Laurence Olivier in her new movie, The Jazz Singer. But socially, I couldn't get Lucie to go out with anyone from the time she was 15 to 19. Then she married a very nice boy whom we were very grateful to for a couple of years for being a great babysitter. Then she got a divorce and started dating for the first time in her life. A late bloomer.
Do you worry about the kids?
Not stay-up-all-night worry. I'm very proud and I thank God out loud for their health and the fact that they like to work and mix with people. They're making things happen for themselves—and that's half the battle.
Source: http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20075802,00.html
Today, I'm proud to proclaim that I'm probably the only Singaporean who knows this much about her. Sadly, Singaporeans do not appreciate the golden age of Hollywood, black and white movies, old Hollywood songs and so forth. Honestly, I've had a hard time obtaining Lucille Ball's books, television shows, movies and souvenirs, and the need to ship these precious items has cost me lots more. I'm a full-time student and work part-time, and I'm proud to say that I've worked hard for each penny to purchase her memorabilia. Nevertheless, I find these resources worth the money, because Lucille Ball has taught me so much, has inspired me so much, has touched me so much that I'm never the same person again.
Now, I've lived for 24 years, and never had any affinity or immense liking towards any Hollywood movie star or singer, dead or alive. I've never, ever bought biographies or souvenirs of celebrities. And sure, I've admired Angelina Jolie for her beauty and sex appeal and Sandra Bullock for her comedic talent, but I've never been deeply touched by them. Even being dead for 23 years, Lucille Ball managed to touch a part of me that no actor could- her dedication towards her career, her sincere appreciation for her fans, her unadulterated love for Desi Arnaz, and her liberal mentality but knowing what to do in good taste- all inspired me greatly.
Just a few days ago, I found an interview Lucille did for People magazine in 180. I read it, and boy, was I enlightened!
I'm sharing this with you, and I hope that you'll take away something uplifting from it, just like I did:
Ask Her Anything About Desi Sr., Divorce, Drugs, Gay Rights—Lucy Ball Hasn't Become Bashful at 68
In October 1951 CBS introduced a half-hour comedy called I Love Lucy, and within a year it had the highest rating of any show before or since. The former Goldwyn Girl and B-movie queen in the title role had become an American institution, and at 68, Lucille Ball remains one. Her stormy 20-year marriage to co-star Desi Arnaz ended in divorce in 1960, and a year later she married comedian Gary Morton while taking charge of huge Desilu Productions. In 1967 Lucy sold Desilu to Gulf & Western for $17 million, rode out a movie bomb Mame, and endured the rocky maturing of her daughter, Lucie, and son, Desi Jr. The last incarnation of her series ended in 1974, but the original is still in reruns after two decades and ranks as the most-watched sitcom in TV history. Lucy required a staff of 20 to handle her residuals and business affairs even before 1979, when she succumbed to the personal wooing of NBC President Fred Silverman (at a six-hour dinner) and defected from CBS. This Friday she is scheduled to bow on her new network in a special, Lucy Moves to NBC. She will also serve as a consultant to the network on new comedy properties. Lucy talked with PEOPLE's Peter Lester about comedy, stars and subjects on which she has always been outspoken, like modern morality and her own family.Do you feel disloyal leaving CBS after 28 years?
Not really. CBS didn't want my expertise to develop new half-hour comedy material and NBC did. How to do half-hour comedy innovatively is something I do pride myself on. We invented it with I Love Lucy.
Would you like to star in another series?
I wouldn't think of it—not since my Vivian's gone. [Co-star Vivian Vance died last year.] We enjoyed it so much we didn't want to go home at night.
What do you like now on TV?
I watch PBS, talk shows, game shows and documentaries. But I don't sit around watching during the daytime.
What about sitcoms?
Rarely. I've seen Mork & Mindy a couple times. Robin Williams amazes me. And I love Gary Coleman. He puts me away. He puts everybody away.
Do you catch many movies?
I just saw three this week in my screening room, but that's the most I've seen in two years. Kramer vs. Kramer, Starting Over and Breaking Out, uh, Breaking Away. If I had the time I'd go see Alan Alda three times a day in anything. God, he's talented.
When did you realize that comedy was your forte?
In television in the '50s. I sure as hell didn't know what I was doing when I started. I had too wide a variety of parts to know who or what I was. TV started for me just as a means of keeping my husband Desi off the road. He'd been on tour with his band since he got out of the Army, and we were in our 11th year of marriage and wanted to have children.
But didn't comedy help you even when you were a Goldwyn Girl?
I guess after about six months out here in the '30s I realized there was a place for me. Eddie Cantor and Sam Goldwyn found that a lot of the really beautiful girls didn't want to do some of the things I did—put on mud packs and scream and run around and fall into pools. I said I'd love to do the scene with the crocodile. He didn't have teeth, but he could sure gum you to death. I didn't mind getting messed up. That's how I got into physical comedy.
Who are your favorite current comediennes?
Carol Burnett—she heads my list, absolutely. That girl can do anything. Nancy Walker too. Goldie Hawn, I love her. Dean Martin and Ann Sothern make me laugh more in person than in pictures. Bette Midler's style is so much broader than mine, but I enjoy her. She shocks me. Knowing how honest and adorable and vulnerable she is, I'm shocked that she goes overboard that much in concert.
How about Lily Tomlin?
I don't care for her type of whatever-she's-doing. I find myself studying Lily rather than enjoying her.
Are you sympathetic with the women's movement?
They can use my name for equal rights, but I don't get out there and raise hell because I've been so liberated I have nothing to squawk about.
What about contemporary morality?
How about contemporary immorality? We're all hooked on the results of the permissiveness of the '60s. We've got a few more years to go, but our kids are doing a swingaround. They're going almost Victorian.
Did you ever have a problem with drugs or drinking?
My idea of getting high was a Coca-Cola and an aspirin. The first time I was around marijuana I wondered why someone was passing me this cigarette he had just smoked. I've never tried it. After a few drinks I'm either asleep or sick. I'm allergic to morphine, Percodan, codeine—I can't take any of those things because they work in reverse. The eyes won't close.
How do you feel about gay rights?
It's perfectly all right with me. Some of the most gifted people I've ever met or read about are homosexual. How can you knock it?
Have you read any of the biographies that have been written about you?
They're all unauthorized. I read the first two pages of one, and it was so shocking. About me leaving Jamestown, N.Y. at 14 and becoming a hooker. They didn't say hooker, but they intimated it. I thought, "Christ, I gotta see where they get this." They never substantiated anything they said.
Will you write your own book?
I don't think you should write a book until you tell the absolute truth. You can't do that until you're 85, and I don't want to live that long. I've always prided myself on knowing when to get off and I hope it works out that way.
What achievement are you proudest of?
When you have the first baby at 39, that's got to be the biggest. Any woman would say the birth of her children was her greatest achievement, unless she was Madame Curie.
What was your darkest moment?
When I got a divorce, and disappointed millions of people by doing so.
(I teared when I read this.)
When you married Desi, didn't his playboy reputation bother you?
No, it intrigued me. I was amazed at myself saying yes after knowing him only six months. Everybody gave it about a year and a half. I gave it six weeks. I thought it was the most daring thing I'd ever done, and it certainly was.
Do you get along with Desi Sr. now?
Always have, we didn't even get two lawyers for the divorce.
Do you see him socially?
Sure. He's married to a very nice girl. He's been remarried 17 years.
Why has your marriage to Gary Morton lasted?
Because Gary takes things in moderation. He doesn't think the grass is greener elsewhere, he's not a workaholic or a playaholic and he appreciates his home. Desi was a very generous man who built many houses but never lived in any home. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate my marriage to Gary a 12.
Desi Jr. also has a reputation as a ladies' man. Does that concern you?
Well, of course, he had to emulate Dad there for a while. I just hope he doesn't continue, because that's what I had to put up with. That's not nice. It's very demeaning. Anyway, I'm sure his new wife, Linda Purl, wouldn't put up with it for as long as I did.
What is Linda like?
A porcelain doll, as sweet inside, apparently, as she is outside—and organized. If there's anyone in the world who isn't organized, it's my son. I hope she rubs off on him, and he doesn't rub off on her.
How is your daughter Lucie doing?
Thank God she got to do one of Neil Simon's plays [They're Playing Our Song] and now she's working with great talents like Neil Diamond and Laurence Olivier in her new movie, The Jazz Singer. But socially, I couldn't get Lucie to go out with anyone from the time she was 15 to 19. Then she married a very nice boy whom we were very grateful to for a couple of years for being a great babysitter. Then she got a divorce and started dating for the first time in her life. A late bloomer.
Do you worry about the kids?
Not stay-up-all-night worry. I'm very proud and I thank God out loud for their health and the fact that they like to work and mix with people. They're making things happen for themselves—and that's half the battle.
Source: http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20075802,00.html
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Desi and Lucille: Old Age, Sweet Still
I know we all fancy pictures of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball being young, handsome and lovely. It broke our hearts that they filed for divorce, didn't it?
It's natural to think that love dissipates after divorce, and that things would never be the same again. I often stay up late, wondering how Lucy and Desi could bear the separation, how much they thought of each other a day, and how much they regretted doing the things they did. I mean, you can't just erase someone who has been sleeping beside you for 19 years out of your life. It was kind of disillusioning for fans of I Love Lucy to have to bear the pain of Desi and Lucy's divorce.
However, I've always read from everywhere that neither of them ever got over each other, and they both remained as the greatest and only love of each other. It got me into thinking about the whole deal of marriage and love. I realized that marriage isn't a legal binding, but a union of the hearts. And when you're so consumed in love, you're so crazy and irrational, you just can't bear being with your soul mate anymore, and a little bit of distance helps.
Lucy admitted that she loved Desi so much that it hurt, but she never really liked him. Desi felt the same way about her too. But after the divorce, they finally became friends, and best friends thereafter. It was then they both started to like each other on top of that passionate love.
They phoned each other every night of their lives, Desi often cried to his friends how sad he was that they had divorced, and Lucille never trusted anyone but Desi. On important dates like Lucille's birthday, their children's birthdays, or their wedding anniversary, Desi would send a huge bouquet of carnations (Lucille's favorite) to her.
It is indeed reassuring to know all these, but we do need a physical evidence, don't we. We need to SEE to be reassured.
Here goes:
I found this picture online, and it has become my all-time favorite picture. I love those glamorous pictures of young Desi and Lucy, but this one tops the rest!
The resolution was poor and I did my best to enlarge and restore it.
My dear readers, feel free to right click and save this picture. I hope you find tranquility from this picture, that these two darlings were still such adorable lovebirds even after almost 20 years of divorce, where looks did not matter anymore, where the past was forgiven.
It's natural to think that love dissipates after divorce, and that things would never be the same again. I often stay up late, wondering how Lucy and Desi could bear the separation, how much they thought of each other a day, and how much they regretted doing the things they did. I mean, you can't just erase someone who has been sleeping beside you for 19 years out of your life. It was kind of disillusioning for fans of I Love Lucy to have to bear the pain of Desi and Lucy's divorce.
However, I've always read from everywhere that neither of them ever got over each other, and they both remained as the greatest and only love of each other. It got me into thinking about the whole deal of marriage and love. I realized that marriage isn't a legal binding, but a union of the hearts. And when you're so consumed in love, you're so crazy and irrational, you just can't bear being with your soul mate anymore, and a little bit of distance helps.
Lucy admitted that she loved Desi so much that it hurt, but she never really liked him. Desi felt the same way about her too. But after the divorce, they finally became friends, and best friends thereafter. It was then they both started to like each other on top of that passionate love.
They phoned each other every night of their lives, Desi often cried to his friends how sad he was that they had divorced, and Lucille never trusted anyone but Desi. On important dates like Lucille's birthday, their children's birthdays, or their wedding anniversary, Desi would send a huge bouquet of carnations (Lucille's favorite) to her.
It is indeed reassuring to know all these, but we do need a physical evidence, don't we. We need to SEE to be reassured.
Here goes:
I found this picture online, and it has become my all-time favorite picture. I love those glamorous pictures of young Desi and Lucy, but this one tops the rest!
My dear readers, feel free to right click and save this picture. I hope you find tranquility from this picture, that these two darlings were still such adorable lovebirds even after almost 20 years of divorce, where looks did not matter anymore, where the past was forgiven.
Life after Divorce
Desi Arnaz, however, preferred to view the programme [Here’s Lucy first episode] from a highly personal perspective: “I think the wonderful surprise to everyone is my daughter. […] I knew she was loaded with talent. She has a great sense of rhythm and a wonderful sense of humour - which is obviously inherited. She’s got a lot of her mother in her”.
Desi phoned Lucille after the premiere broadcast. “Honey, regardless of whether they’re our children or not, they were just great. I just wanted you to know how proud I am of the kids - and of you”. Lucille interrupted him and emotionally said: “Stop that, you troublemaker - are you trying to get me to ruin my dress with tears?”
Source: http://desilu-playhouse.tumblr.com/
Reason I Love Lucy: The Art of Mime
Mime, or pantomime, is the performing art of expressing scenarios or motive without the use of speech. Though to be distinguished from silent comedy, I find the both genres overlapping into a blend of grey area.
It's very sad that the traditional forms of comedy have all vanished, and in replacement are jokes consisting of sex, violence, drugs and swear words, otherwise known as blue comedy. These days, people cannot differentiate what's funny from what's not: they are conditioned to laugh for the sake of laughing, not because of the quality of the jokes.
It is not widely know, but the genres of comedy go far and beyond, back to the ancient times when the aristocratic or the bored needed to be entertained by gladiators or in amphitheaters, the 1800s where vaudevillian performances were popular, the early 1900s where silent comedy, slapstick comedy, prop comedy, physical comedy and pantomime were immensely well-received by people, and the late 1900s, where people had an appreciation for jokes with word-play and punch lines. Now, at least spoofs are still widely popular.
I remember being vastly terrified by clowns and pantomimists who painted their faces white and their lips blood red when I was a little girl. However, as I got to sit through a particular performance, I was amazed by how these comedy actors could convey a message to the audience without uttering a single word! I gazed around, and realized that all the kids were roaring with laughter! Now, bear in mind that kids are taught what's funny and what's not by their caregivers and peers; how in the world did the comedy artists make them laugh without the kids having prior preconceptions to miming?
Having uncovered this fascinating fact, I became so in awe of these talented people that I was intimidated. Once, a pantomimist talked to me after he removed his makeup, and even then, I stuttered my way through the conversation. I was puzzled by his previous clowning around with his makeup and his total contrasting personality of being deadpanned serious without! Now that I've lived a ripe old age, I still don't think I'll muster enough nerve.
Now, this is why we have to differentiate between a comedy actor and a comic from a comedian. A comedy actor acts comedy out, a comedian creates a persona of comedy. As the famous Ed Wynn once said, "A comic says funny things, a comedian says things funny." That really offered explanations to me why the pantomimist had two split personalities.
If you don't comprehend the importance of the need for distinction of comedy actor/comic from a comedian, take Mr. Bean for example. I'm sure you've all rolled on the ground, overwhelmed by uncontrollable laughter due to the physical comedy showcased in the television series. Would you then believe that in real life, Rowan Atkinson is a dead serious man? He'll be your typical serious politician, stern principal, or reserved banker. Seeing a person with such contrasting personalities on and off screen can be a rather bemusing experience for a clueless stranger. However, we should never create an expectation of wanting them to make us laugh when they're not assuming a particular character. It's not only grossly unfair, it is terribly taxing for them too- imagine the diminishing of pride if they feel that they've let people down. Therefore, the need to distinguish the two genres of acting is critical!
There were other well-known comedy actors back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, where vaudeville was at its peak and then regressed. The unavailability of sound in films really helped to promote silent comedy! In the lasts years of the 19th century, Charles "Charlie" Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton were the three comedic giants. I'm thankful that many of their great films are still available today, though the picture quality sure is poor. When I'm feeling down, I'll just visit Charlie Chaplin and his silly antics have the power to cheer me up. Then, in the early and mid 20th century, Harpo Marx (of the Marx brothers), Red Skelton and Robert "Bob" Hope appeared in films and theaters. Their natural talents helped retain the connection to the old but much revered forms of comedy.
Are men naturally more talented in comedy? Are females more restrained and more afraid to lose their glamor if they get a pie thrown in their faces? For some reason, all the comedy actors are male, with one exception...
LUCILLE BALL!
Before Lucille became known as the ditzy screwball redhead, she was a glamor queen in films. Her roles ranged from serious acting, to femme fatale or detective of film noirs, to the girl who always didn't get her man, to the brass-knuckled burlesque queen, to the bitch who learned her lesson but died. She was one of the most talented people who ever graced the earth. It's like a combination of Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Rachel McAdams, Sandra Bullock, Christina Aguilera, and Helena Bonham Carter! No Hollywood actors today has even one tenth of the talent that this wonderful lady possessed. No one can combine all these actresses' specialties together except Lucille.
The directors and presidents of film production companies like RKO, MGM, 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures were perplexed, they did not know where to place her: she fit in everywhere, she was a misfit everywhere. No one, not even Lucille herself, knew her great comedic talent. She only knew she was tired of being the gorgeous glamorous Hollywood actress dressed in mink coats, gowns and jewelry, and was itching to have a pie thrown in her face. Having no future prospects of becoming an A actor, she finally mustered the courage to step out of the movie industry and experiment with television. It was a blessing in disguise, because she was the best and only female comedy artist, ever!
Meet America's favorite redhead:
Lucille Ball was talented in all the forms of comedy. She was a vaudevillian, a physical comedy actor, an accomplished mummer and pantomimist, silent comedienne and a slapstick and prop comedy actor with no prior serious training. She observed, she asked, she learned, she rehearsed, and she became alive!
In my opinion, and with all due respect, no giant of physical comedy, except probably Charles Chaplin was on par with her. Additionally, she was so funny that people conveniently forgot that she was one of the most beautiful women on earth. Buster, Harold, Harpo and Red were all geniuses, but Lucille had something special: when others couldn't, she was the only one who could connect with the audience. They not only laughed at her, with her, they loved her. That's the X-factor that no other giant had.
It's impossible to go back in time, where there were great Hollywood actors who gave their very best in all performances, and who made great friendship and helped one another boost their careers.
It's another issue altogether today...
It's very sad that the traditional forms of comedy have all vanished, and in replacement are jokes consisting of sex, violence, drugs and swear words, otherwise known as blue comedy. These days, people cannot differentiate what's funny from what's not: they are conditioned to laugh for the sake of laughing, not because of the quality of the jokes.
It is not widely know, but the genres of comedy go far and beyond, back to the ancient times when the aristocratic or the bored needed to be entertained by gladiators or in amphitheaters, the 1800s where vaudevillian performances were popular, the early 1900s where silent comedy, slapstick comedy, prop comedy, physical comedy and pantomime were immensely well-received by people, and the late 1900s, where people had an appreciation for jokes with word-play and punch lines. Now, at least spoofs are still widely popular.
I remember being vastly terrified by clowns and pantomimists who painted their faces white and their lips blood red when I was a little girl. However, as I got to sit through a particular performance, I was amazed by how these comedy actors could convey a message to the audience without uttering a single word! I gazed around, and realized that all the kids were roaring with laughter! Now, bear in mind that kids are taught what's funny and what's not by their caregivers and peers; how in the world did the comedy artists make them laugh without the kids having prior preconceptions to miming?
Having uncovered this fascinating fact, I became so in awe of these talented people that I was intimidated. Once, a pantomimist talked to me after he removed his makeup, and even then, I stuttered my way through the conversation. I was puzzled by his previous clowning around with his makeup and his total contrasting personality of being deadpanned serious without! Now that I've lived a ripe old age, I still don't think I'll muster enough nerve.
Now, this is why we have to differentiate between a comedy actor and a comic from a comedian. A comedy actor acts comedy out, a comedian creates a persona of comedy. As the famous Ed Wynn once said, "A comic says funny things, a comedian says things funny." That really offered explanations to me why the pantomimist had two split personalities.
If you don't comprehend the importance of the need for distinction of comedy actor/comic from a comedian, take Mr. Bean for example. I'm sure you've all rolled on the ground, overwhelmed by uncontrollable laughter due to the physical comedy showcased in the television series. Would you then believe that in real life, Rowan Atkinson is a dead serious man? He'll be your typical serious politician, stern principal, or reserved banker. Seeing a person with such contrasting personalities on and off screen can be a rather bemusing experience for a clueless stranger. However, we should never create an expectation of wanting them to make us laugh when they're not assuming a particular character. It's not only grossly unfair, it is terribly taxing for them too- imagine the diminishing of pride if they feel that they've let people down. Therefore, the need to distinguish the two genres of acting is critical!
There were other well-known comedy actors back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, where vaudeville was at its peak and then regressed. The unavailability of sound in films really helped to promote silent comedy! In the lasts years of the 19th century, Charles "Charlie" Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton were the three comedic giants. I'm thankful that many of their great films are still available today, though the picture quality sure is poor. When I'm feeling down, I'll just visit Charlie Chaplin and his silly antics have the power to cheer me up. Then, in the early and mid 20th century, Harpo Marx (of the Marx brothers), Red Skelton and Robert "Bob" Hope appeared in films and theaters. Their natural talents helped retain the connection to the old but much revered forms of comedy.
Are men naturally more talented in comedy? Are females more restrained and more afraid to lose their glamor if they get a pie thrown in their faces? For some reason, all the comedy actors are male, with one exception...
LUCILLE BALL!
Before Lucille became known as the ditzy screwball redhead, she was a glamor queen in films. Her roles ranged from serious acting, to femme fatale or detective of film noirs, to the girl who always didn't get her man, to the brass-knuckled burlesque queen, to the bitch who learned her lesson but died. She was one of the most talented people who ever graced the earth. It's like a combination of Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Rachel McAdams, Sandra Bullock, Christina Aguilera, and Helena Bonham Carter! No Hollywood actors today has even one tenth of the talent that this wonderful lady possessed. No one can combine all these actresses' specialties together except Lucille.
The directors and presidents of film production companies like RKO, MGM, 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures were perplexed, they did not know where to place her: she fit in everywhere, she was a misfit everywhere. No one, not even Lucille herself, knew her great comedic talent. She only knew she was tired of being the gorgeous glamorous Hollywood actress dressed in mink coats, gowns and jewelry, and was itching to have a pie thrown in her face. Having no future prospects of becoming an A actor, she finally mustered the courage to step out of the movie industry and experiment with television. It was a blessing in disguise, because she was the best and only female comedy artist, ever!
Meet America's favorite redhead:
Lucille Ball was talented in all the forms of comedy. She was a vaudevillian, a physical comedy actor, an accomplished mummer and pantomimist, silent comedienne and a slapstick and prop comedy actor with no prior serious training. She observed, she asked, she learned, she rehearsed, and she became alive!
In my opinion, and with all due respect, no giant of physical comedy, except probably Charles Chaplin was on par with her. Additionally, she was so funny that people conveniently forgot that she was one of the most beautiful women on earth. Buster, Harold, Harpo and Red were all geniuses, but Lucille had something special: when others couldn't, she was the only one who could connect with the audience. They not only laughed at her, with her, they loved her. That's the X-factor that no other giant had.
It's impossible to go back in time, where there were great Hollywood actors who gave their very best in all performances, and who made great friendship and helped one another boost their careers.
It's another issue altogether today...
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Great Video
Here's an awesome YouTube video made by one of Lucille Ball's fans, Christina.
She did an excellent job! Trust me, it takes a lot of effort and time to search for certain scenes and to put them all in appropriate places of a song.
And I finally got to see the true to life footage of the words that Sammy uttered to Lucy. I'm also glad she heard it. Sammy really said all that I wanted to say about her.
Be proud of your legacy, Lucy!
The sun never sets on Lucille Ball.
You are the one that they love most.
Joy require no translation.
God wanted the world to laugh, and He invented you, Lucy.
Many were called, but you were chosen.
You're an original!
And I finally got to see the true to life footage of the words that Sammy uttered to Lucy. I'm also glad she heard it. Sammy really said all that I wanted to say about her.
Be proud of your legacy, Lucy!
The sun never sets on Lucille Ball.
You are the one that they love most.
Joy require no translation.
God wanted the world to laugh, and He invented you, Lucy.
Many were called, but you were chosen.
You're an original!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Double Entendres
I get the feeling like the presence of double entendres in I Love Lucy is overpowering!
For instance, in Lucy's Schedule from season 1...
What does "that" mean, and why would Lucy need more than 15 minutes for "that"? Hmmm... Sexual innuendos, ain't they?
I wonder how they got past the censorship board review. I'm glad they did, because they're sure funny and entertaining!
For instance, in Lucy's Schedule from season 1...
I wonder how they got past the censorship board review. I'm glad they did, because they're sure funny and entertaining!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Younger Days
Here's a picture of Desi and Lucille out at a nightclub during their younger days.
Since the day their eyes laid on each other, the love they had for each other was so strong. It remained strong, or should I say grow even stronger after they filed for divorce.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Lucy and Ricky in Love
Season 6: Lucy Hates to Leave
Desi and Lucy's love still shone through as Ricky and Lucy.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Savoir Faire and Savoir Vivre
And that lovely dimple is to die for!
She looked like royalty, like a dame who exuded refinement and quality.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
I Love Lucy: Grape Stomping
From one of the most revered episodes of I Love Lucy!
Lucy's Italian Movie
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Gif
Here's a gift to Lucille Ball's fans! A .gif image of her rare color pictures.
May more people get to know about this awesome woman.
May her spirit live forever!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Lucille Ball, 1943
Here's Miss Lucille Ball under MGM in 1943.
These studio shots are just so rare. I'm so glad I have a few of them.
She Can Sing
Who says Lucille Ball cannot sing? People typecast her as a poor singer because of her role as Lucy Ricardo.
And she was 55 years old in this video. You imagine how astoundingly young she still looked! She looked like someone in her late thirties or early forties!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Lured (1947) Review
I had the fine privilege to watch Lured (1947) starring Lucille Ball, George Sanders and Charles Coburn just hours ago. It's really tough to get hold of this movie because first, it's so old; second, Singaporeans have no appreciation for black and white movies; third, film noirs are even rarer; lastly, I do not have TCM channel and even if I have, I'll probably have to wait a decade before they show this movie.
Synopsis:
Sandra Carpenter (Lucille Ball) travels to London and is supposed to be a performer but unfortunately, the company files for bankruptcy. An all American girl who is broke, Sandra has to work as a taxi dancer in a club. Her friend Lucy (Tanis Chandler) raves about going for a date and goes missing. She is believed to be the 8th dead victim of a famous "poet killer", who writes poems before a murder to taunt the police for being always being one step behind him.
Sandra goes to the police, and is hired by Inspector Harley Temple (Charles Coburn) and associates to act as an undercover to lure the killer out because of her keen observation, wit and breathtaking beauty. The killer sources out these young women by writing personal ads for dates and Sandra. Sandra becomes an employee of the police, and she has to answer these ads by pretending to be interested in these blind dates.
By coincidence or fate, she keeps bumping into Robert Flemming (George Sanders) who is the handsome and wealthy owner of a night club. At first, he wants her to work in his club as a singer and a dancer. However, he falls for her charm and beauty.
Complications arise, and evidence points to Robert being the killer. Sandra does not believe it, and tries to lure out the real murderer. Is there a real murderer, or will Sandra be killed?
Review:
Backdrop appears to be unclear, sound quality is only moderate, but what can we except? This movie was made more than 60 years ago!
1947 was a period when Lucy left MGM due to some lackluster interests in her. She had to freelance and it turned out to a good thing because she was given not her usual musicals or stereotypical comedic parts, but to star in a film noir with other superb supporting actors. Her acting was superb. If you divide each shot to 64th of a second and really observe her expressions, you will see some flawless acting, and she wasted no unnecessary expressions. Such a fine actress should have been given more quality movies like Lured. You still see her tough verbal wise cracks in this movie, which is entertaining! I was so thankful that she had a lot of screen time! An A actor like her should have been starred in A movies! Even the toughest movie critiques always praised her and condemned the ever blind movie companies. And bear in mind that movie critiques seldom give rave reviews. They're the toughest ever.
I'm so proud of her and she's worth going through so much trouble to watch the movie! Fans of I Love Lucy should watch this movie because it portrays another side of her which is so different and disconnected from the screwball redhead, it just shows how talented she was!
Laughing with Lucy: My Life with America's Leading Lady of Comedy
I was so pleased with the seller of this book,: I received it only 7 days after ordering it, and discounting the weekends, it only took 5 days! I didn't choose priority mail as an option, and I had thought that it would take 3 weeks or so. Imagine my surprise!
This was a great read, especially for fans of the sitcom I Love Lucy. It was refreshing because for a change, I got to look at the sitcom from a writer's perspective. You get the impression that Madelyn Pugh was one of the leading pioneer females who not only excelled in her career, but also paved the way for future successful female comedy writers.
In my opinion, one factor that I Love Lucy remains so popular is the fact that the story has input from a female, resulting in Lucille Ball being able to add another dimension to her role of Lucy Ricardo. Madelyn, like Desi Arnaz, was modest: she actually helped I Love Lucy to be successful more than she thought of.
It took a lot of talent from everyone involved in the sitcom to take a not so normal experience that one of them has encountered, write it into a story, weave in more details, and make the climax hilarious!
I really admire Madelyn. At the start of the book, she specifically said that if readers are looking for juicy gossip, this is the wrong book to read. It isn't nice to talk bad about the dead, especially when they cannot defend themselves. Additionally, about "the public has the right to know the truth", the fact that she said the public has NO RIGHT to read about celebrities' private lives is so true made her admire her more, these words have been staying with me. She was really a true lady, just like how lady like Lucille Ball portrayed herself to be in the limelight.
I love the intelligent and witty way she seamlessly added episodes of I Love Lucy into her story telling routine. No wonder she was a great writer!
Thank You
I'm very glad that there are so many Lucille Ball fans around, and you guys share my deep admiration and love for such a wonderful woman that existed before my time.
Thank you for supporting this blog!
Thank you for supporting this blog!
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