One of the first Lucille Ball Specials produced for TV under her production company – Lucille Ball Productions was Happy Anniversary and Goodbye which aired on November 19, 1974. Lucy starred alongside Art Carney as unhappily married couple, Norma and Malcom Michaels who are nearing their 25th anniversary.
Lucille wears this two-piece yellow gown after returning home from her daughter’s wedding. Made of a satin polyester, the custom-made ensemble features an oversized floor length dress with long sleeves, an empire waist and a slit neckline. It was oversized becuase Ball wore a bodysuit to give her the appearance of a “thicker” stature. Watch the show to find out why! The second piece is a lace-like, yellow and white floral design sleeveless duster that also matches the cuffs of the sleeves.
While arguing with Malcom in the opening scene, Art Carney talks about Norma spending $200 on a gown she’ll never wear again. In today’s money that would equate to roughly $1,200. This show is very different from the typical domestic portrayals and is far from the ‘Lucy’ character fans were use to at that time.