The Lucy Room

1952 Holiday Card from Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz

Christmas 1952 was a special one for the Arnazes as their family would soon grow in less than a month with the birth of their second child. Lucille Ball sent this holiday card to Joanne & Pepito Perez, close friends and former vaudeville entertainers who helped Lucy and Desi develop acts that eventually lead to I Love Lucy.

The card is printed on the inside with Lucille, Desi and Lucie Arnaz however Lucy wrote the following:

“and “Thumper” – Hope you’ll call us & come up over the Holidays – Please do – Empire 3-1597 Love Lucy & Desi“

Joanne also wrote in pencil the intersection of Sepulveda Blvd. and Devonshire St. along with the street number 19700 of the Desilu ranch in Chatsworth, CA.

I Love Lucy fans can thank Joanne for discovering an original print of the I Love Lucy pilot long thought lost and never seen by the public until the early 1990’s. To learn more about Pepito and Joanne and their incredible time in show business, please visit: https://pepitoandjoanne.com/

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Card, CBS, Christmas, Desi Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr, Desilu, Gifts, Handwritten, I Love Lucy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Pepito the Spanish Clown, PersonalTags: Card, Chatsworth, Christmas, Desi Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr, Desilu, Handwritten, I Love Lucy, Love, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Pepito the Spanish Clown, Personal, Vaudeville Leave a comment

Life With Lucy “Mother of the Bride” Script Signed by Lucille Ball

Actress Audrey Meadows, best known for portraying Alice Kramden on The Honeymooners, guest starred on the 8th episode of Life With Lucy which aired on November 15, 1986. This was sadly the last show of the series ABC released on television. The show was titled ‘Mother of the Bride’ and Audrey (using her real name for her character) is Lucy Barker’s sister who visits and takes over planning the wedding vows renewal of Ted (Larry Anderson) and Margo (Ann Dusenberry).

The on-screen chemistry between Lucy and Audrey was palpable and had the series continued, Audrey would have most likely become a regular cast member and cohort to Lucy’s antics. This is an original, revised first draft script from that show and has been signed on the cover boldly by Lucille Ball using her signature – Love, Lucy.

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Gale Gordon, Handwritten, Life With Lucy, Lucille Ball, Script, Television, WeddingTags: ABC, Audrey Meadows, Bride, Gale Gordon, Handwritten, Jackie Gleason, Life With Lucy, Lucille Ball, Script, Signature, Signed, Television, The Honeymooners, TV Leave a comment

The Long, Long Trailer Original Title Artwork

During the hiatus of I Love Lucy in the summer 1953, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz filmed a romantic comedy for MGM called The Long, Long Trailer. Fans of the couple got to see them together on the big screen and in color for the first time and it was a blockbusting success.

The movie opened with the instrumental version of “Breezin’ Along with the Breeze” along with this title card. Hand painted with thick, glossy royal blue paint the artwork measures over 32 inches by 24 inches, and was shot by the camera with added layers of a red, white and blue ribbon with wagon wheel and shadows of leaves to give it depth. The copyright information, MGM logo and text “produced” are missing but the adhesive used for them can still be visible at the bottom.

October 1, 2025October 1, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Desi Arnaz, Desilu, Film, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, MGM, Movie, The Long Long TrailerTags: 1953, 1954, Artwork, Desi Arnaz, Desilu, Film, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, MGM, Movie, Pandro S Berman, Screen Used, The Long Long Trailer, Title Card, Vincente Minnelli Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s Lilac 3-Piece Ensemble

Lucille Ball returned to TV in the Fall of 1986 in Life With Lucy. The show was produced by Aaron Spelling in association with Lucille Ball Productions for ABC. Her return to a weekly sitcom was heavily publicized, and for good reason. Fans could not wait to see the beloved redhead on television again. One publicity photoshoot of Lucy was done at Spelling’s Holmby Hills mansion dubbed “The Manor.” Photos of Ball wearing various outfits were taken by the pool and in and around the lush backyard.

One such garment was this custom-made, silk 3-piece ensemble. Pale lavender with a scattered floral pattern in black and white, it consists of a deep V-neck short sleeved blouse, loose fitting jacket with long, bell sleeves and pants featuring a bow attached at the waist, side pockets and French cut slits at the hemline. The jacket securely attaches to the blouse at the shoulders with snap buttons.

One image taken during this session can be seen in the October 1986 issue of Life Magazine in a beautiful, color full page spread. Had the series continued longer, Lucille would most likely have worn this outfit on the show. A very similar gown was constructed using the same material but in pale blue and worn in the episode “Mother of the Bride.” Lucy then wore this to Desi Jr. and Amy’s wedding in 1987.

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Desi Arnaz Jr, Gary Morton, I Love Lucy, Life With Lucy, Lucille Ball, Personal, Shown Worn, Television, WeddingTags: 1986, Aaron Spelling, ABC, Custom Made, Desi Arnaz Jr, Life Magazine, Life With Lucy, Lilac, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Lucille Ball Worn, Personal, Publicity, Publicity Photo, Screen Worn, Silk, Television Leave a comment

Ross Martin’s Signed Photo of a Toddler Lucille Ball

Actor and director Ross Martin began his career in the late 1940’s but is best known for portraying Artemus Gordon on CBS’s Western The Wild Wild West in the 1960’s. Martin ventured into the Desilu orbit in the late 50’s appearing in various productions like Whirlybirds and The Twilight Zone. This is when he most likely became friends with Lucille Ball.

In 1970, he first directed Lucille on season 3, episode 14 of Here’s Lucy entitled “Lucy, the Part-Time Wife.” Then again in 1971 for the episode “Lucy and the Raffle.” The photo of Ross and Lucy shown here was taken during this filming. The following year the two would appear on an episode of Password with Allen Ludden.

Martin lived in Ramona, CA about 35 miles northeast of San Diego. The walls of his billiards room and bar area was said to have many signed photos of celebrities as children or babies. This framed toddler photo of Lucille Ball was one of them. Lucy inscribed in the white areas:

“Now hear this! Ours is a long friendship. Love Lucy”

September 10, 2025September 10, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Desilu, Handwritten, Here's Lucy, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Personal, PhotoTags: Autograph, CBS, Desilu, Handwritten, Here's Lucy, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Personal, Photo, Ross Martin, Signature, Signed, The Twilight Zone, The Wild Wild West Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s Nu-Trex Wig Cleaner

Categorized under unique and unusual is this empty tin quart of Nu-Trex Wig Cleaner once owned and used by Lucille Ball. Since 1947, Nu-Trex has created shampoos, conditioners and cleaners for hair industry professionals, including products for synthetic and real wigs.

Lucy famously wore many wigs starting in 1960’s so she and longtime hairstylist Imra Kusely most likely went through many bottles of this product. The tin was part of a collection of pieces Frank Gorey kept as he assisted the estate of cleaning and clearing out items from the Beverly Hills home, after Lucille’s passing. Frank was the Ball/Arnaz/Morton family’s majordomo for over three decades.

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: I Love Lucy, Irma Kusely, Lucille Ball, Max Factor, Personal, Television, WigTags: Beverly Hills, Cleaner, Frank Gorey, Hair, Irma Kusley, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Max Factor, Nu-Trex, Personal, wig Leave a comment

Handwritten Birthday Letter from Lucille Ball to Fred Williams

Fred Williams was a renowned makeup artist and celebrity portrait painter. He became Lucille Ball’s primary makeup man in the early 1970’s on her series Here’s Lucy and feature film, MAME. Lucille wrote this letter on her personal stationary to Fred and his wife Christine thanking them for remembering her birthday.

“Dearest Chris & Fred – Have tried to call you several times to tell you how happy I was with your birthday remembrance – I’m glad I caught you that nite you two are a slippery pair! Hope everything is well with you – My love as always Lucy”

Williams continued helping Lucy look incredible throughout the 80’s as well. Today fans can see a portrait of Lucy from MAME Fred painted on display at the Lucy-Desi Museum in her hometown of Jamestown, New York.

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Birthday, CBS, Film, Fred Williams, Handwritten, Here's Lucy, Jamestown, Letter, Lucille Ball, Makeup, MAME, Movie, Personal, TelevisionTags: 1970s, 1980s, Artist, Autograph, Birthday, Film, Fred Williams, Friendship, Handwritten, Here's Lucy, I Love Lucy, Jamestown, Letter, Love, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Makeup, MAME, Movie, New York, Note, Painter, Personal, Signed, Stationary, TV Leave a comment

Lucille Ball & Gary Morton Bedside Turn Down Mat

Turn down mats are placed bedside on the floor so when you step into bed it reads “Good Night.” Then when you arrise and get out of bed, the opposite side reads “Good Morning.” This white linen turn down mat was made for Lucille Ball and Gary Morton. Embroidered with light blue thread the mat reads:

“Good Morning Lucy – Good Night Gary”

It’s unclear if this is a prototype sample or a gift to the couple as the same name should appear on both sides but it is certainly a unique item from the Morton’s bedroom.

July 23, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Gary Morton, Gifts, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, PersonalTags: Bed, Bedroom, Bedside Mat, Beverly Hills, Gary Morton, Good Morning, Good Night, Hollywood, I Love Lucy, Linen, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Personal Leave a comment

Large 1957 Hawaiian Postcard from Lucille Ball to Journalist Radie Harris

In May of 1957, during the hiatus of filming I Love Lucy, the Arnaz family vacationed on the Big Island of Hawaii. The last photo shown of Lucy, Desi, Lucie and Desi Jr. is believed to have been taken on this trip in the eastern city of Hilo. While on the island, Lucille Ball sent this oversized postcard of an erupting Mauna Loa to journalist Radie Harris with the quirky message:

“Dear Radie – I took 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of flour, just a pinch of baking soda – and look what happened – but everything is so different and gigantic over here I should have known – Love Lucy Arnaz”

Radie was best known for her work for The Hollywood Reporter, writing columns from the 1940s until 1989. She then had her own radio show interviewing celebrities, befriending many of them, on CBS. Harris also was a contributing writer to Photoplay magazine, Variety, and other movie magazines throughout her career. In 1982, Radie was honored by the Publicists Guild of America and lived to be ninety six passing away in 2001 at the Actors Fund Nursing Home in Englewood, New Jersey.

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Broadway, Card, CBS, Desi Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr, Desilu, Handwritten, I Love Lucy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Personal, RadioTags: Broadway, Desi Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr., Desilu, Friendship, Handwritten, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Hollywood, I Love Lucy, Journalist, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, New York City, Note, Personal, Postcard, Radie Harris, Signed, Vacation Leave a comment

Wildcat Broadway Playbill Signed by Lucille Ball

The musical comedy “Wildcat” debuted in Philadelphia on October 29, 1960. However, the official Broadway premiere was delayed because of a major blizzard that left the trucks hauling sets and costumes to New York City stranded for several days. Finally on December 16th it opened at the Alvin Theatre in Midtown Manhattan.

This an original playbill from one of the performances on West 52nd Street that has been signed “Love Lucy” by the headliner herself, Lucille Ball. Three other signatures also adorn the cover who are believed to be dancers or other actors in the show.

May 8, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Desilu, Lucille Ball, Television, WildcatTags: 1960, Alvin Theatre, Autograph, Broadway, Desilu, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Musical, New York City, NYC, Playbill, Program, Promotion, Signed, Wildcat Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s Silk Emilio Pucci Blouse

Emilio Pucci is known for creating garments full of colorful, geometric prints. Founded in 1947 the brand is still in operation today and headquartered in Florence, Italy, producing ready-to-wear clothes that stay true to Pucci’s original distinct style. In the 1960’s Emilio Pucci was thrusted into worldwide popularity when Marilyn Monroe became a fan, with some of her last photographs in a selection of Pucci items.

Lucille Ball owned and wore this pink paisley pattern Emilio Pucci silk blouse throughout the 60’s. Publicity shots were taken in her Beverly Hills backyard wearing the blouse, one of which became the cover to a writing pad. She also wore it to a Hawaiian themed party as seen in the photo with a young Lucie Arnaz behind her, and in a photo session with husband Gary Morton inside the Roxbury home. The size 16 elongated top features six covered buttons down the front, button cuffs and a scalloped hemline. Sewn into the back neckline is the Emilio Pucci label reading ‘Made in Italy for Saks Fifth Avenue.’

April 10, 2025April 10, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Emilio Pucci, Gary Morton, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Personal, Television, The Lucy ShowTags: 1960's, Emilio Pucci, Gary Morton, Hawaiian, Italy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Lucille Ball Worn, Marilyn Monroe, Paisley, Personal, Pink, Publicity, Publicity Photo, Sak Fifth Avenue, Screen Worn, Television Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s “FLAME” Max Factor Creme Rough Makeup

We dug into Lucille Ball’s travel cosmetics case from a previous post to share one of her creme rouges. Made by Max Factor, a preferred makeup brand, the color is called ‘FLAME’ (cue the reference to her flaming red hair). Directions say to use finger tips to apply and blend. The swirl marks made by Lucy’s can easily be seen inside of this heavily used cosmetic.

March 26, 2025March 26, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Here's Lucy, I Love Lucy, Life With Lucy, Lucille Ball, Lucy Ricardo, Makeup, Max Factor, Personal, Shown Worn, Television, The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show, The Lucy Show, The Lucy-Desi Comedy HourTags: Cosmetics, Flame, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Lucille Ball Worn, Makeup, Max Factor, Personal, Rouge Leave a comment