CBS-TV's ""I Love Lucy" Superstar Special"

Above, a scene from "Lucy and Superman" and the acting credits for the special. Thanks to Brad Shey.

Last night, CBS-TV presented their "I Love Lucy Superstar Special" in prime time.

The special was a broadcast of two colorized episodes of I Love Lucy: "Hollywood At Last!" (1955) and "Lucy and Superman" (1957). The first is Lucy's meeting with actor William Holden and the second is her meeting Superman (George Reeves).

It is interesting that the end credits of the special has George Reeves credited above Holden. Perhaps it is fitting since I rarely ever hear anyone mention William Holden and there are hordes of fans of George Reeves.

The episodes were nice and sharp (considering that they are about 60 years old). Unfortunately, the colorization was not perfect. It still reminds me of the early efforts at colorization of the 1980s. It is marginally better, but not by much.

Also unfortunately, some trimming was done to make room for more commercials. A segment of "Lucy and Superman" in which Ethel Mertz is tying to hide her silverware set from Fred (who wanted to sell the set) was completely missing as were some bits of dialog. I am not too familiar with the "Hollywood At Last!" episode to give a complete rundown on any missing/deleted scenes and dialog. But I don't doubt some trimming was done to the episode.

Anyway, it was fun to see these episodes, especially seeing George Reeves in costume, in color (flawed as the colorization may be) and in network prime time!

Kudos to CBS!

"Lucy and Superman" In Color May 17

Above, photo collection assembled by Brad Shey.

CBS has announced a one-hour special broadcast of two colorized I Love Lucy episodes on Sunday, May 17.

According to Deadline Hollywood:

The network said today it will air two newly colorized episodes of its popular 1950s series from 8-9 PM Sunday, May 17. William Holden guest stars in “L.A. At Last!” (1955), and George Reeves — who was starring on TV’s Adventures Of Superman at the time — reprises his role as the Man of Steel in “Lucy and Superman” (1957). Superhero tie-in nicely played, CBS.

CBS has broadcast colorized I Love Lucy episodes before, usually during the holiday season. They are doing so in May as a way to "fill holes" in their broadcast schedule as the season will be ending at that time.

For more, go here.

Fans Want "Ugly" Lucille Ball Statue Removed

Above, Lucille Ball and George Reeves.

Beauty and art are all in the eyes of the beholders.

This is one time I have to agree with fans of Lucille Ball in declaring that a statue of Ball is ugly and should be removed. It doesn't even look like her!

To see it, go here.

58 Years: "Lucy Meets Superman"

Above, Desi Arnaz, Keith Thibodeaux and George Reeves.

Fifty-eight years ago today on January 14, 1957, actor George Reeves guest-starred on the CBS television sitcom, I Love Lucy, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

The title of the show, "Lucy Meets Superman" has Little Ricky about to celebrate his birthday but his friend also has a birthday and Lucy and Carolyn Appleby are arguing over who was going to have the "first dibs" on having the party on the following Saturday.

It appeared that Carolyn was going to win the argument until Lucy said that Superman was going to attend Little Ricky's. When her son Stevie hears this, she concedes the day for Little Ricky's party. Earlier, Ricky told Lucy that Superman was in town for personal appearances and he would contact him about the party. Unfortunately, Superman really wasn't available to appear.

On the day (a rainy one) of Little Ricky's party, Lucy hatches a scheme to dress up like Superman (with a football helmet to cover her red hair) and appear quickly on the outside window ledge. She goes out there through a window of a vacant apartment, but some prospective tenants shut and lock the window. So Lucy is stuck outside in the pouring rain.

Meanwhile, Superman (George Reeves) did manage to juggle his schedule and shows up at Little Ricky's party, much to the delight of the kids.

Above, a collection of scenes compiled by Brad Shey.

After the party, Superman laments that he "didn't get to meet Lucy. I've heard so much about her." Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance) blurts out that she's out on the ledge. They all then run to the window to find Lucy on the ledge, but her cape is stuck on a drain pipe.

Superman then goes out the window to rescue Lucy.

Adventures of Superman's special effects director Thol Simonson assisted Reeves for his spectactular entrance through the shuttered window between the living room and kitchen of Lucy's apartment.

It is interesting that Reeves appeared as Superman on I Love Lucy as both shows have had the highest longevity rates of any television shows from the 1950s. 

Doris Singleton Dies At 92

Actress Doris Singleton has died at age 92, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

She is best known as Carolyn Appleby on I Love Lucy.

The Hollywood Reporter posted:

A native of New York City, Singleton appeared on many other TV shows, including as a regular on 1955's The Great Gildersleeve and 1960-61's Angel and roles in Adventures of Superman, Hogan's Heroes, My Three Sons (amazingly, as two recurring characters), Hazel, The Munsters, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Fugitive, The F.B.I., Marcus Welby, M.D., Phyllis, Days of Our Lives and Dynasty.

Singleton appeared in the Adventures of Superman's 1953 episode, "The Jungle Devil" and in the I Love Lucy episode "Lucy Meets Superman" that featured the guest appearance of George Reeves.

To read The Hollywood Reporter article, go here.