Lucy & Ricky & Fred & Ethel: The story of "I love Lucy"

by Bart Andrews

Chronicles the history of the iconic TV show "I Love Lucy."

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Media Tie In

Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read how Lucy and Desi got together and how the show got started. The first couple of pages where eye openers on how people watched "I Love Lucy".

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book that has been on my shelf for a number of years. I finally decided to pick it up and I am so glad I did. It was a fun read (though a short one) and very informative. Mr. Andrews wrote this book in the seventies and many of the people involved with 'I Love Lucy' were still alive and he was able to speak with them. My only complaint is that the book was too short. He crammed a lot of information into less than 150 pages, but I am sure there was a whole lot more he didn't cover. For 'Lucy' fans, I would recommend this quick read. It sure brought back a lot of memories and gave interesting insight into how 'I Love Lucy' came to be. Long live Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel and all of their craziness! We will always love Lucy!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy anything real about this fantasy world! A lot of old memories and a little new revelation, so win win.

[Dayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the incredible schedule that Desi had in producing and acting and recording in front of a live audience; and then the incredible timing where every minute was precisely choreographed to fit the live Television Air Time, I became quite impressed. Desi obviously was the most creative person of his time. No one matched Desi--however much they copied, it was never as brilliant.

How white privileged we must have sounded criticizing Desi for his English pronunciation of some English words. Someone at the studio hung a sign on Desi's door that said "English broken here." And Desi was always good natured about the kidding. However, here are some words that needed a retake: sounded like
recognized talent recognize Stalin
ever thin everything
mushing peectures motion pictures
widdout furderadoo without further ado
wunt won't
apparrmin apartment
Fret Mers Fred Mertz

However, the "I LOVE LUCY" show was hailed by the Hollywood trade papers as the "situation comedy at its very best, serving the double purpose of giving the TV film industry a tremendous shot in the arm. And had it been just the talented Ms. Ball alone without her co-star, the show wouldn't have received such reviews as "high-quality slapstick," "refreshingly unpretentious," "sprightly comedy," "entertainment of a high level," and "just what the doctor ordered."

What proof do we have? Well, the two succeeding Lucille Ball comedies never reached the heights nor mined the depths as did, "I Love Lucy."

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The enjoyable tale of how "I Love Lucy" came to be -- and came to be one of the highest rated TV series of all time. The real life marriage of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz was never the storybook romance that the marriage of Lucy and Ricky was. But this book pulls no punches and gives you the whole story of one of the best sitcoms of all time.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one while still in High School. Definitely a good book but certainly burst my "one big happy family on the I Love Lucy set" bubble!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and revealing book behind the scenes.

[Tor Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book so much. Usually I don't read non fiction, but I stepped out of my comfort zone, and I really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommended it to anyone looking for a good read.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

read some time in 1978