It isn't often a TV producer will tamper with a winning show. But when I Love Lucy slipped from its top position once or twice, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball decided to revamp. The new look was just the fillip needed to steer Lucy away from a possible rut and restore its wallop. The show should continue high on TV's Top 10 list, if not always in first place, for some time to come.
The revised format has given the Ricardos (Lucy and Desi) and the Mertzes (William Frawley and Vivian Vance) a chance to leave the New York apartment where they had gam- boled since the show's inception. Desi won a Hollywood screen contract, which started both families for the Hollywood hills. Besides providing new situations in the motor tour to California and in Hollywood itself, the plot permits the introduction of many guest stars.
Wisely, the Arnazes did not tamper with the lead characters. Lucy is still the madcap housewife, eager not only to further her husband's career but also to break into show business herself. She continues to rank with the best of TV's comediennes. Desi is great as the harassed Ricky Ricardo, continually blowing his Cuban top at Lucy's shenanigans. And full credit goes to Frawley and Miss Vance as the show's second bananas.
The Lucy writing staff also rates deep bows for its contributions. The writers have come up with some really funny situations. Remember the stars' adventures in a flea-bitten motel down South, Ethel playing the great Broadway star for her home- town cronies and Lucy swooning when she meets her first movie star (William Holden) in person?
Besides Holden, the show boasts such guests as Hedda Hopper, Tennessee Ernie Ford (return engagement) and some movie wives. They've all helped Lucy regain lost momentum.
(-R.S.)
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