This really is the funniest of the Lucy-Desi Comedy Hours. The first goof was when Lucy called Fred, Ricky. "Come on over here and sit down, Ricky boy." You can see Frawley's raised eyebrows at this gaff.
Now on to Miss Bankhead (and I think that if she were still alive she would be Miss not Ms. Bankhead.) It has been written that Tallulah Bankhead was drunk the night of the filming of this episode. I wasn't sure that I wanted to buy into that until I saw her on several other TV shows (including her own show) and her eyes tell the story: she really was plastered during the LDCH as compared with other performances. How she could rise above being lit and still deliver a consummate performance is beyond me. I do know that some alcoholics have a very high tolerance level and still maintain a degree of how to keep it together.
The other line that Tallulah delivers brings me laughter every time: first the withering look casting daggers: "When Miss Bankhead is bored, Miss Bankhead will let you know."
The other thing AND I HAVE NEVER FOUND OUT THE WHAT AND THE WHY: At 23:58-59 there is a glitch in the continuity of Ethel's comment, "Oh, (glitch) at these prices we should have unlimited bickering." There was obviously an edit made there by Dann Cahn or somebody else. Of all the interviews I have watched and reminiscences, this one really obvious edit has never been spoken of or commented on. These don't make it any less of an episode. Funny is funny.
Now on to Miss Bankhead (and I think that if she were still alive she would be Miss not Ms. Bankhead.) It has been written that Tallulah Bankhead was drunk the night of the filming of this episode. I wasn't sure that I wanted to buy into that until I saw her on several other TV shows (including her own show) and her eyes tell the story: she really was plastered during the LDCH as compared with other performances. How she could rise above being lit and still deliver a consummate performance is beyond me. I do know that some alcoholics have a very high tolerance level and still maintain a degree of how to keep it together.
The other line that Tallulah delivers brings me laughter every time: first the withering look casting daggers: "When Miss Bankhead is bored, Miss Bankhead will let you know."
The other thing AND I HAVE NEVER FOUND OUT THE WHAT AND THE WHY: At 23:58-59 there is a glitch in the continuity of Ethel's comment, "Oh, (glitch) at these prices we should have unlimited bickering." There was obviously an edit made there by Dann Cahn or somebody else. Of all the interviews I have watched and reminiscences, this one really obvious edit has never been spoken of or commented on. These don't make it any less of an episode. Funny is funny.