Ricky’s Life Story – I Love Lucy episode 65, season 3, originally aired 10/5/1953
In Ricky’s Life Story, after Ricky receives coverage in Life magazine — with photos of Ricky, the baby, and … Lucy’s arm — Lucy again wants her own fame, and pressures Ricky to give her a place in the show. After a discussion with Fred Mertz, Ricky agrees, deciding to show Lucy just how difficult show business can be. Ricky has Fred call and pretends that he needs a red-haired female dancer at the club, leading to a very funny bit as Lucy tries to match the description during the phone call.
Ricky has Lucy rehearsing six hours a day, ending with a very funny routine with Ricky wearing Lucy out with a “challenge routine” until she drops out, and Ricky assigns her a minor role as the woman that he sings Lady of Spain to – until Fred spills the beans. Fred asks Lucy not to tell Ricky that he told, and Lucy agrees – in exchange for Fred’s help in getting even.
Lucy becomes quite upset, and decides to get her revenge on Ricky. During his singing, whenever his back is to her (facing the audience), she begins her own performance, pulling flowers and a bird cage out of a handkerchief (a micro magic act), with the audience applauding wildly. Ricky mistakenly thinks that the applause is for him, and he sings The Loveliest Night of the Year. While behind his back Lucy (with the aid of cables and Fred) does a handstand, walking across the scenery — ending with Ricky getting his revenge, playing “Babalu” while spanking the suspended Lucy!
Ricky’s Life’ Story is available on the season 3 I Love Lucy DVD collection.
Funny quotes from Ricky’s Life Story – I Love Lucy
Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball): I don’t want my arm in there. I want my face in there. For heaven’s sake! If I’d known what they were up to, I’d have held the baby in my teeth!
Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball): With publicity like this, it’s a wonder that I got where I am.
Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance): Where are you?
Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball): Oh, shut up!
Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz): We got more pictures than the two-headed alligator!
Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball): [imitating Little Ricky in the future] My father is Ricky Ricardo, the international entertainer; and my mother, whose name escapes me at the moment.
Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball): All I do is sit there and hold a rose, I might as well be a vase!