|
Not surprisingly, this situation led Lucy into
endless predicaments and hijinks...
In
an effort to bring her children into the entertainment field, Ball
roped her two children (Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr) into appearing
in support roles on the show.
Desi previously had exposure to
entertainment having been with a moderately successful singing group,
but this was Lucie’s first major entry into the field. Their inclusion
in Here’s Lucy tried to give a more youthful perspective to the storylines in the show.
Gale
Gordon also appeared in the show as Uncle Harry. Gordon was one of a
number of veteran actors and actresses who Lucille Ball regularly used
to build a sort of alumni popping up in all her television work.
Unfortunately, this aspect is the major fault of Here’s Lucy
and much of Ball’s other work. While the re-appearance of some of her
alumni generated nostalgia value (for example, her long-time television
partner Vivian Vance in Episode 12), it also created a sort of
"sameness" that (at least to this reviewer) became boring over Ball’s
twenty-three years on television series.
It is pleasant
enough to watch a few episodes, but the repetitive nature and
similarities with her previous series’ storylines simply can't manage
to sustain interest levels.
Having said that though, there are plenty of good things to say about the DVD release of First Season episodes of Here’s Lucy.
There are 24 episodes in this boxset of four DVDs which have been
digitally remastered, particularly evident in the vivid colours used.
Episode
1 is a real highlight which sets the scene by introducing the
characters in a home situation that everyone will be able to relate to
– even though the series is set in 1968! Episode 4 is another standout
as it was the first time actress Shelley Winters ever appeared in a
television guest role.
This DVD release is one of the best
examples of research and packaging for a vintage television show that
this reviewer has seen.
Careful attention has been paid to the
details contained in the research notes and well coordinated
introductions, graphics and interesting information.
The well
produced visual introductions include lots of background information to
each episode by (the now grown-up) Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. and
even some guest stars like Wayne Newton. Most introductions are done by
Lucie which are particularly good as they include personal observations
that only a daughter can give.
In fact, the contribution, and
obvious involvement in the whole production, by Ball’s two children in
this DVD boxset brings across the feeling of respect and love they had
for their mother, Lucille Ball.
Ultimately, Here's Lucy is the perfect path to follow if you're looking for a trip down memory lane!
DVD Special FeaturesThese are a great set of special features which have obviously been
crafted by people with a lot of knowledge of Lucille Ball and access to
her archive collection.
The best Extra is perhaps “Meet The Carters”
(14 minutes) which features unknown information about the show,
including the relationship between Lucy and her first husband (and
father of Lucie and Desi, Jr.) at the time Here’s Lucy was being
planned.
“Screen Tests” (13 minutes) is another Extra of rare unseen
screen tests from Ball’s 1968 film Yours, Mine & Ours filmed just
before the start of Here’s Lucy.
For the real Lucille Ball fans,
there are some interesting home movies that appear to have come from
her own archives. Of particular note is “The I Love Lucy Cast Home
Movies” which runs for an impressive 11 minutes.
One of my personal
gripes is the inclusion of documents in pdf format on DVDs which can
only be viewed on computers. As the audience for this DVD probably
won’t have such access, it is commendable that the production team have
included Original Production Files for Here’s Lucy in a format
accessible on the TV screen which are read by Lucille Ball’s private secretary
from this era. Conclusion: Episodes 70% Extras: 100%
|
