Tag: Milton Berle

Television Academy Arts & Sciences 14th Annual Ball Honoring Lucille Ball Ticket & Program

The Television Academy Arts & Sciences honored Lucille Ball on October 25, 1969 with an award and event proclaiming her “The First Lady of Television.” Held in the International Room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the 14th annual affair was emceed by ‘Mr. Television’ himself Milton Berle in front of 1,000 members. Also in attendance was Lucy’s husband Gary Morton, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr., Vivian Vance and many other friends.

Shown here is an original program, ticket and RSVP stub from the ball. A three-inch gold-plated metal table favor was also given to guests that evening. Lucy wore a beautiful aqua chiffon grown adorned with beads and rhinestones that trimmed the collar and front hem with sleeves that were engulfed with ostrich feathers at the ends. (to be featured in another post)

by Categories: Al Hirschfeld, Awards, CBS, Desi Arnaz Jr, Emmy Awards, Gary Morton, Gifts, I Love Lucy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Personal, Photo, Program, Television, Ticket, Vivian VanceTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Television Academy Arts & Sciences Table Favor Honoring Lucille Ball

The Television Academy Arts & Sciences honored Lucille Ball on October 25, 1969 with an award and event proclaiming her “The First Lady of Television.” Held at the Beverly Hilton, the 14th annual affair was emceed by ‘Mr. Television’ himself Milton Berle in front of 1,000 members. Also in attendance was Lucy’s husband Gary Morton, two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. and close friend Vivian Vance. During her emotional speech talking about Viv she said,

“I’m supposed to say something like ‘the vivacious, vital, Vivian Vance.’ But that isn’t it. We’ve been through so much together on the screen and off. Some good times, some bad times.”

This three inch gold plated metal table favor was given to guests that evening. The souvenir statue is made to look like a TV atop the academy’s acronym: ‘NATAS.’ An engraved insert features the Lucille Ball caracature drawn by Al Hirschfeld and the text ‘A Salute To Lucille Ball – October 25, 1969.’

by Categories: Al Hirschfeld, Awards, CBS, Desi Arnaz Jr, Emmy Awards, Gary Morton, Gifts, I Love Lucy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Personal, Photo, Television, Vivian VanceTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

William Frawley Handwritten Letter on I Love Lucy Stationery

William Frawley writes to a friend by the name of Roger in this personal letter dated April 10, 1953. Bill thanks him for his visit in Hollywood and also lets him know he is scheduled to be in New York City early June to appear on Milton Berle’s show.

Handwritten notes and letters from Frawley are quite rare and what is even more interesting is that this was done on his own personalized I Love Lucy stationery. It is unknown if the other principle actors from the show had similar letterhead of their own or something Bill made for himself.

by Categories: Autograph, CBS, Desi Arnaz, Desilu, Handwritten, I Love Lucy, Letter, Lucille Ball, Personal, Vivian Vance, William FrawleyTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

“CBS: On The Air” Pink Gown worn by Lucille Ball

CBS commemorated its 50th anniversary in March of 1978 with a week long celebration entitled CBS: On The Air, running for a total of nine and a half hours of shows from Sunday March 26th to Saturday April 1st. The specials featured nearly all of CBS’s stars from past and present performing to reflect on their history. Lucy and Co. owned Monday nights so it was only fitting she was part of Monday’s segment – “Have a Laugh on Us.”

Lucille Ball alongside Bea Arthur, at the time star of Maude, did a musical dance number which began as a vaudeville, pantomime act and ended with an elegant, showstopping chorus line and a comedic pie in the face. For the dramatic finish Lucy this two-piece pink ensemble.

The triple-layered gown is made of silk chiffon and features a high empire waist, large angel sleeves and an attached floor-length neck scarf. The bodice of the gown also has a built-in corset complete with boning and padded bust. A sleeveless, floor-length over coat that is made of a thick twill-like material lined in silk fuchsia, features a train and ornate beading with rhinestones all along the front hem. The whole outfit easily weighs close to, if not over 20 pounds but the gosh did this dress move and flow while she was dancing. That same year Lucille wore only the gown to a TV special honoring Milton Berle called A Tribute to Mr. Television.

by Categories: Bea Arthur, CBS, Lucille Ball, Personal, Shown Worn, TelevisionTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment