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Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball (An Autobiography You Can NOT Put Down)

September 24, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

One of my greatest obsessions in this world? Well, you’re looking at her – the talented, beautiful, one-of-a-kind, they-broke-the-mold legend, herself, Lucille Ball.  As I’ve often said on this very blog, I collect anything and everything connected to this lady.

As I said, she is an obsession and I offer no apologies. She has brought so much laughter and joy into my life over the (many) years and continues to do so each day.

What a legacy… to bring joy to countless people even after you’re gone. Does not get much better than that.

Over the years, I have read and reread this particular autobiography – as I do my absolute favorite books. I mean, if once through is wonderful – why not want that experience as many times as possible??!

After Lucille Ball died in 1989, this autobiography (written prior to 1964) was discovered among her papers. In these memoirs, she describes a childhood deeply affected by her father’s death and her mother’s withdrawal from her life.

Lucille was raised by her maternal grandparents and, over the years, developed a fiery, determined, larger-than-life personality and temperament that would help her years later as she made a name (and legacy) for herself.

Lucille Ball – oddly enough – was not an overnight sensation. Personally, I don’t know how everyone in Hollywood kept from falling all over themselves for her – but boy did they manage. I don’t think they knew quite what to make of her because there had never (and would never) be anyone quite like her. It took years of plodding and B movies to make herself a household name. Along the way, she met and usually befriended some of the top names and faces in Hollywood.

One of the funnest things about this autobiography is the same as the others – “meeting” a seemingly endless cast of stars and getting to know them through another star’s eyes. In this case, Lucille’s beautiful wise blue eyes.

The many photographs are a real treat, as are her very humorous accounts and stories. The early pages pull at your heart’s strings as you realize how overwhelming everything must have been for such an innocent little girl.

My favorite parts of the book, however, are the ones which include her soulmate, Desi Arnaz. Yes, it can be frustrating to realize that these two couldn’t remain together – downright sad, actually. But, during the time they were together, they made the best kind of magic together. What’s more, even after they no longer shared rings or even a home together, the love was ALWAYS there.

Her chapters dealing with her and Desi are absolutely breathtaking. Actually, the entire book is. If you’re a Lucille Ball fan, you are going to love Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball as much as we all love Lucy.


Filed Under: I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Old Hollywood Book Reviews Tagged With: Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Autobiography, Old Hollywood Autobiographies, Old Hollywood Biographies

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on What’s My Line (Oct. 2, 1955)

June 22, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Watching What’s My Line on YouTube has become an obsession of mine. They’re hilarious, entertaining, and I get a big kick out of seeing my favorite stars trying to be “tricky.” Some are more successful than others!

Given the fact that Lucille and Desi are two of my favorite stars of ALL time, the one below was destined to become a personal fave. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Classic Television Moments, Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball Tagged With: Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Videos, What's my Line

Lucille Ball Fleece Throw Blanket (Gorgeous!)

March 23, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

There is not a bigger fan of Lucille Ball on the planet (or off) than I am. Trust me… I checked. I collect everything associated with this one of a kind beautiful redhead. The problem is, while it’s easy to find collectibles of her as Lucy (I have a gazillion of these collectibles that serve as proof), getting your hands on collectibles of LUCILLE, as a glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood actress, can be tough.

And make no mistake about it, she had a wonderful Hollywood career pre-Lucy Ricardo and she was most definitely Glamorous with a capital G.

This is one of the reasons I’m so in love with this Lucille Ball Fleece Throw Blanket and one of the reasons I threw it immediately into my Amazon cart.

Truth be told, I threw it in there so fast there was a palpable gust of wind.

Features:

  • Polyester
  • Fleece throw blanket
  • 36″ x 60″
  • Officially licensed Lucille Ball product
  • Cool City Girl design (one-sided print). Unprinted side is white.
  • Soft 100% polyester

See Lucille Ball Fleece Throw Blanket for more information – this is one gorgeous gift idea for any fan of Lucille Ball.

Lucille Ball

Glamorous, Indeed!

Filed Under: I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Shop Tagged With: gift ideas for fans of Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball blanket, Lucille Ball throw

I Love Lucy Vitameatavegamin Mug, With Spoon

February 7, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Here’s something that needs to join my Lucille Ball collection immediately, if not sooner.

The beautiful Vitameatavegamin Mug even comes with a little spoon – how cute is that??

It’s currently available on Amazon for less than $15.

I’ve actually found a lot of items in my Lucille Ball collection (as well as my Old Hollywood, in general, collection) on Amazon. Books, photographs, figurines, dolls, paper dolls, mugs… they really and truly do have almost anything you could think of.

Product Description

  • I Love Lucy Vitameatavegamin mug with spoon
  • 14 oz. ceramic mug for your favorite beverage
  • Great gift for the ultimate I Love Lucy collector.
  • Not dishwasher or microwave safe. Hand wash only.

See I Love Lucy Vitameatavegamin Mug, With Spoon for more information!

Lucy’s Vitameatavegamin Clip:


Filed Under: I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Shop Tagged With: I Love Lucy gifts, I Love Lucy videos, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Collectibles

Forever Lucy: A Must Have for Lucille Ball Fans and Collectors

January 24, 2019 By Joi 1 Comment

Forever Lucy Magazine

Being the obsessive Lucille Ball fan that I am, I add to my Lucille Ball Collection regularly. I recently added another magazine to the collection, Forever Lucy.

Everything about it is perfectly wonderful… just like Lucille, herself.

I’m actually wishing I’d grabbed two – one for reading cover to cover multiple times and one for the pictures, alone. Many are full-size and would be absolutely gorgeous framed. I do this often with calendars and the gorgeous pictures in Forever Lucy would be just as stunning.

I told you I was obsessive. I didn’t lie.

Forever Lucy Magazine

I love that the book (seems far too elaborate to refer to it as a magazine) focuses on all of the many facets of what made Lucille Ball… well… Lucille Ball.

Those of us who are fans and collectors of this amazing actress run into the same frustrating thing time and time again – publications that only want to focus on Lucy Ricardo and the phenomenal I Love Lucy. Don’t get me wrong, I love the character and show as much as anyone and more than most. However, to even hint that one sitcom defines this woman lies somewhere between an oversight and a sin against humanity!

She was intelligent, beautiful, incredibly bold, fashionable, loving, AND funny. She was, as they say, the total package and this book celebrates the total package the way it should be celebrated.

Forever Lucy Magazine

There are wonderful candids, gorgeous glamour shots, scenes from movies as well as television, Lucille Ball quotes, and articles you’ll find yourself lost in.

Basically, if I had put together a bookazine (there, I’ll compromise), this is exactly the one I would have put together, myself. Big, glorious pictures (some that even I have never seen), fascinating facts and quotes, and so much more.

And, yes, thankfully, there is plenty in here about the greatest sitcom ever made…. I Love Lucy.

If you can’t find Forever Lucy in your favorite store, Amazon is here for you. Click the link for more information. This is a must, must, MUST have.

Forever Lucy Magazine

Filed Under: I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Old Hollywood Book Reviews, Shop Tagged With: book reviews, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball collectors

Critic’s Choice Starring Lucille Ball and Bob Hope (Review)

June 8, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Critic’s Choice (Official Trailer)

When it comes to watching old movies, I’m obsessive and not the least bit confined. Many (most??) have a particular era or genre they’re most passionate about –   the 40s, silents, musicals, the 50s, the 60s, westerns, etc. I’d imagine that specializing would make things a lot less complicated. There’d be fewer movies to DVR, fewer movies to add to actor/actress collections, and fewer favorite actors and actresses to name when asked for your favorites.  You can see how that goes for me on the Hollywood Yesterday About page!

I will, however, be the first to admit that some 60s movies are a breed all their own. As I’ve often said about much earlier films, you have to accept them for what they are… films made very, very long ago. I believe the problem a lot of people have with films from the 60s is that our brain sees they are in color, so we automatically think of them as “modern,” somehow, at least when compared to classics such as Top Hat, Christmas in Connecticut, and Casablanca.

It pays to remind yourself, when watching a colorful oldie that it’s still an oldie. I have to remind myself of this from time to time. I actually had to pause Two for the Road (1967) twice (once for each of the “Two,” I guess!) and give myself a wake up call. This particular era is fascinating to me because it’s so beautifully unique. Movie makers were trying new things… being more daring and bold, while clinging to many traditional plots and scenes.

Fascinating… yet, at times… well… in need of a pause or two.

One film from the 60s that never needs a pause is Critic’s Choice (1963) starring Lucille Ball and Bob Hope. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m an insanely huge fan of each of these household names or if it’s the fun pace of the movie, itself, but I can’t get enough of it. The humor is as hilarious today as it was then.

Bob Hope plays popular New York theater critic Parker Ballantine. He has a reputation for greatly impacting a star or play’s longevity or success with his reviews. The level of glee he gets from shredding what he considers to be a flop is priceless. As always, he is wonderful in each and every scene.

Speaking of wonderful, Lucille Ball plays Angie Ballantine, Parker’s wife. All’s fine and well until she decides that she wants to write a play. Things get especially tense when her play is made into a play. Parker doesn’t have a very high opinion of it which means, if he reviews it, it could be the end of his marriage. However, if he doesn’t, it could be the end of his self respect in a career he values very highly.

This is one of those movies you can turn on and watch again and again – Bob Hope and Lucille Ball are, without a single doubt, two of the greatest entertainers of ALL TIME. Each line… each expression… each move – they’re each pure magic, so when you combine the two… look out!

The always regal-looking Jessie Royce Landis (Angie’s mother, Charlie) and adorable Ricky Kelman (Parker’s son/Angie’s stepson, John) are major scene stealers in this movie – which is no small feat when the stars are Bob Hope and Lucille Ball. I remember Ricky from an episode of Gunsmoke but I’m really surprised he didn’t have more movies in his filmography. Not only was he a great little actor, he had a special something that made him stand out. When he was in a scene, you wanted to watch his reactions to what was playing out around him.

If you’ve never seen Critic’s Choice, I hope you’ll watch it asap and see exactly what I’m talking about with Ricky.

As for Jessie Royce Landis, the greatest compliment I can give her is that her beauty and screen presence stood next to that of Lucille Ball’s and didn’t diminish one bit. Each time I see the movie, I’m left wanting more scenes with her in them. When I watched the movie for, probably the third time, it occurred to me why this actress resonates so much with me – she has equal parts of two of my all time favorites – Maureen O’Hara and Lucille Ball.

Can’t beat that combo!

The movie serves as a perfect reminder (as though we even need it) of just how talented and special Bob Hope and Lucille Ball were. They broke the mold with these two, didn’t they?! As an Old Hollywood fanatic, I am just so thankful we have movies and television shows with these two legends side by side.  They were very talented actors – a fact that they sometimes gets lost in the shadows cast by their glittery super stardom. They almost shined too bright for their own good. The same thing can be said of other wonderful entertainers who went on to become household names – often without households recognizing why they became household names in the first place. Elvis, Rita Hayworth, Bob Hope, Joan Crawford, Betty Davis, Marilyn Monroe… there is so much more to these individuals than the tiny little compartments people tend to place them in.


Old movies are an exceptional place to let them break loose and show you what they have.

One final word about Lucille Ball (not only is she one of my top three favorite actresses, she’s one of my absolute favorite people, so bear with me!) – we remember her, rightly, for being so deliciously funny. The woman was hysterical – there’s no other way to put it. Her timing, expressions… the things she did with her voice. Pure genius.

However, as I always point out when talking about her (which, admittedly, I do a great deal of) is this: She was absolutely, uncommonly, ridiculously beautiful. The gorgeous eyes, flawless skin, perfect figure (she had a dancer’s body… as enviable as that is), and beautiful “I-Dare-You-Not-To-Notice-Me!” red hair – they all went together to make one stunning human being.

I re-watched another of her movies recently, “Miss Grant Takes Richmond” (review should be up next week), and was blown away by just how lovely she was.

Most beautiful clown in the world.


Filed Under: Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Movie Reviews Tagged With: Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Old Movie Reviews

Review: Ball of Fire – The Tumultuous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball by Stefan Kanfer

February 20, 2018 By Joi 1 Comment

Ball of Fire by Stefan Kanfer

Ball of Fire: The Tumultuous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball by Stefan Kanfer

One of my favorite pastimes, hobbies, and passions is reading old Hollywood biographies, memoirs, and autobiographies. I’m absolutely obsessed with them. When they happen to be about one of my personal favorites, I can barely make myself put the book down. I devour each word (often twice) and study the pictures as though I’m searching for hidden clues.

Lucille Ball is one of my favorite television actresses… movie actresses…stars.. comedians.. oh, heck, she’s one of my favorite humans to ever draw breath. Let’s just leave it at that. I read everything about her that I can get my hands on.

Ball of Fire is the latest Lucille Ball biography I’ve read and it’s easily one of the best.

From the Back Cover:

As a movie actress Lucille Ball was, in her own words, “queen of the B-pluses.”  But on the small screen she was a superstar – arguably the funniest and most enduring in the history of TV.  In this exemplary biography, Stefan Kanfer explores the roots of Lucy’s genius and places it in the context of her conflicted and sometimes bitter personal life.

“Elegant, entertaining… engaging and immensely readable. – The Boston Globe”

Ball of Fire gives us Lucy in all her contradictions. here is the beauty who became a master of knock-down slapstick; the control freak whose comic alter ego thrived on chaos; the worshipful TV housewife whose real marriage ended in public disaster.   Here, too, is an intimate view of the dawn of television and of the America that embraced it. Charming, informative, touching, and laugh-out-loud funny, this is the book Lucy’s fans have been waiting for.

A delightful… Encyclopedia Lucytania, guiding us through every possible detail of the woman’s history and legacy. – San Francisco Chronicle

Lucille Ball Fans: This Has to be the Next Book You Read

If you love Lucy like I love Lucy (sorry, I had to), you’ll want to read this book cover to cover, possibly twice. While we’ve all known and celebrated the fact that Lucille Ball was one of the most beautiful, talented, and gifted stars Hollywood ever saw, this great book is a reminder of the strength this lady possessed. When you read about everything she had to overcome (and remind yourself that this was a time when feminine strength wasn’t celebrated as it is today), you realize that she never simply waltzed into stardom, she kicked, scratched, and clawed every step of the way.

Needless to say, that makes her fans love her even more.

While I love everything about this book, one of the things that stands out to me is the fact that the author doesn’t try to “steer” the facts toward any set narrative. As a fan of many actors and actresses from Old Hollywood, I have to say that this would be difficult (if not impossible) for me. If, say, I were writing a biography of any of my favorite stars, I’d want desperately to show them at their best on each page of the book. I’d steer everything in a preconceived direction… Happy Town, U.S.A.

Warts? Not a one. Negative actions? Never! How dare you ask? Promiscuous? I should say not!

See why I don’t write biographies… everyone would come off like a choir boy or Sunday school teacher. To be able to give an accurate, beautifully rounded portrait of an individual takes a lot of talent and, I’d wager, self-control. As an avid reader of Old Hollywood biographies, I’m overjoyed that such authors exist. After all, none of us expect our favorite stars to have been perfect – even the men and women (except for One) in the Bible weren’t perfect!

It’s the imperfections we identify with – the weaknesses that we love seeing them overcome and the demons we love seeing them defeat. It makes them more real to us and makes us love them even more. Author Stefan Kanfer does a beautiful job of showing complete respect to Lucille, Desi, William Frawley, Vivian Vance, and the many other household names who “guest starred” in our favorite Lucy’s life.

Unlike some biographers, he doesn’t fixate on a star’s less-than-perfect traits but he doesn’t gloss over them as a certain Old Hollywood blogger we know would have done. *Raises hand with guilt on her face

This particular biography gives us a beautiful look at the mesmerizing life of Lucille Ball – from her earliest days to her last days. While it would be impossible to give the totality of a life within one book, Mr. Kanfer comes alarmingly close. I feel like I know her better after this book than I did before and, as someone who truly adores Lucille Ball, I will forever be thankful for that.

I Love Lucy Fans: Consider this a MUST READ BOOK

As a Lucille Ball fanatic, I’m sure you won’t be the least bit surprised to know that I can recite episodes of I Love Lucy along with the stars. I know what they’re going to say right before they say it and yet laugh each time as though it were the first time. That’s the magic of the stars, the writers, and everyone involved.  While Ball of Fire  (obviously) focuses on arguably the greatest comedic talent of all time, herself, there is gold… and a lot of it… for fans of I Love Lucy.

Even I read stories about casting (William Frawley, Vivian Vance, and memorable guest stars) in Ball of Fire I’d never heard… and I was pretty sure I was a walking/talking/coffee-chugging I Love Lucy encyclopedia! I honestly don’t want to give anything away, here, because I want you to read the book for yourself and be just as surprised and delighted with each turn of the page. I will say this, however – I’ve always known that Desi Arnaz deserves more credit for his acting and comedic genius. After reading Ball of Fire, I realize that he deserves A LOT more credit for the success of the series. He was more active behind the scenes than most of us would have ever guessed and he may have had one of the greatest eyes for casting of all time.

He was more than just a source of facial expressions for Lucy’s antics or verbal expressions for Lucy’s humor – he was one of the driving forces behind the series. I desperately want to find a read a biography of Desi Arnaz after reading Ball of Fire because it has caused me to be even more of a fan of this complex, talented, diverse, and often complicated man.

I only wish this particular author would write such a biography!

As I said, I refuse to give any of the wonderful details or stories away but I want to implore you again… if you’re a fan of I Love Lucy, you’ll love the amount of time devoted to the series. I read and reread the pages and am looking forward to pulling out my dvds and finding the episodes mentioned. The Grape-Stomping episode will be one of the first I re-watch!

I’d better move along before I DO give something away.

Ball of Fire is, As Much as Anything a Love Story

Not only is this book, at heart, a love story – it’s one of the best love stories you’ll ever read. When I read (pages 63-65) about the first time Lucille an Desi met, I literally had goose bumps. Now, I know the word literally is overused and misused these days but trust me – I’m neither overusing or misusing. I legit had goosebumps as well as a lump in my throat. The feelings would return (often along with teary eyes) when the author talked about Lucy’s desire to have children, when the marriage began (and continued) to unravel, and when both Desi and Lucille died.

The love these two gifted stars shared for one another was absolutely palpable. When you read the book, it becomes more clear than ever that Lucille and Desi were soulmates, just as Lucy and Ricky were. Sadly, soulmates don’t always go the distance with one another – especially when Hollywood is concerned.  Hollywood is like a whole other world and very few couples navigate it from start to finish hand in hand. I’m convinced that, had they lived in any other place, they’d have made it.

Finally….

As I’ve said many times on Hollywood Yesterday, old movies, classic television, and Old Hollywood biographies are part of my DNA. I love for an author to take me on a journey where I’m able to spend time with current favorites and meet stars who I become so smitten with, they often go on to become favorites. A notable star this happened with was Carole Lombard. Her name kept popping up in various biographies (Lucille Ball, Ginger Rogers….) and she was always such a scene-stealer that I sought out more information about her. I found that she was, indeed, beautifully colorful and wonderfully full of life. She, along with other household names (Clark Gable, Ginger Rogers, Claudette Colbert, etc) are here in Ball of Fire – woven into the fabric that is the magical life of Lucille Ball. They add to the mystique and heighten the magic.

What more can I say? This is a breathtaking book and I really hope you read it as soon as possible. Ball of Fire is available on Amazon.

Filed Under: I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Old Hollywood Book Reviews Tagged With: Ball of Fire Lucille Ball Review, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Old Hollywood Book Reviews

Lucille Ball, Two Smart People Publicity Photo (Stunning!)

December 11, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

Lucille Ball, Two Smart People

Lucille Ball, Two Smart People Promo Pic

I think we all tend to forget just what a beautiful actress Lucille Ball was. I mean, you will NOT find a bigger Lucille Ball fan than me and even I sometimes am taken aback when I see her photos. She wasn’t just a highly intelligent, bold, and talented actress – she was a knockout!


Filed Under: Lucille Ball, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball photo, Lucille Ball Picture, Two Smart People

Golden Age of Hollywood Movie Review: “Lured” with Lucille Ball and George Sanders

October 4, 2017 By Joi 1 Comment

Lucille Ball in Lured

Lucille Ball and George Sanders, Lured

Obviously, I am someone who is utterly consumed with the Golden Age of Hollywood… or Classic Hollywood, Old Hollywood, Hollywood’s Golden Era… whatever you choose to call it, I jumped into it when I was around 12 years old and have proceeded to dive deeper with each passing year.

Never you mind what depths I’ve reached.

When you’ve seen the number of movies, actors, and actresses I have, you have a difficult time narrowing down your absolute favorites. This is evidenced by my healthy lists of favorites on the Hollywood Yesterday About Page. However, the cream of the crop or the “favoritest of the favorites” would make a list if it had to include only a handful of stars. Lucille Ball and George Sanders are two of my.. well… favoritest of favorites and I cannot conceive of any “favorite list” they wouldn’t make.

Not only were these stars incredibly talented, they had that extra little spark that few stars actually had of have. The spark that cannot possibly described. It’s just there. An extra something in their expressions, in their voice, and even in the way they move. Lucille Ball and George Sanders each had this mystery spark and in large doses.

The fact that they starred in a movie (Lured, 1947) together seems like a personal gift to me , straight from Old Hollywood. The fact that the movie is so deliciously good makes it all the better.

In Lured, Lucille Ball is not remotely like the Lucy we’re familiar with. In place of gags, there’s glamour… and tons of it.  She shows incredible versatility and talent that even we, her biggest fans, sometimes forget she possessed.

Lucille Ball plays an American nightclub dancer (Sandra Carpenter) in London. Her friend has been murdered and she is recruited by the police as a decoy to catch a serial killer. The killer finds his victims through the newspaper personal ads.

George Sanders is  her leading man and plays Robert Fleming, a mysterious and (very) wealthy man.

Their chemistry is off the charts. There were actually rumors around Hollywood that the two stars had a fling, but there’s certainly no proof to back it up. The chemistry, however, is palpable.

In addition to the two stellar leads, the movie has a really strong cast. Charles Coburn (as a lovable Scotland Yard inspector), Cedric Hardwicke, Alan Mowbray, Boris Karloff , Joseph Calleia, and George Zucco.

Boris Karloff dives in head-first in his role as a dress designer.

{Continued Below…}

Lucille Ball in Lured

Lucille Ball and George Sanders are unmistakably the stars here, though – make no mistake about it. Each is phenomenal. The first time I watched Lured, I was so blown away by Lucille Ball’s performance (and beauty) that I didn’t give George Sanders the attention he commands. I think it’s simply because I grew up seeing her as Lucy Ricardo or one of the other Lucy characters from television.  Sandra Carpenter is about as far-removed from Lucy as it gets.

Subsequent viewings have allowed me to appreciate George Sanders in this movie as much as Lucille. You may remember Sanders from The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (as Miles Fairley), the Saint movies in the late 1930s and early 1940s (as the Saint), The Picture of Dorian Gray (as Lord Henry Wotton), Rebecca (as Jack Favell), or as Mr. Freeze in the Batman TV series (1966).

His roles were kind of all over the place, but he was never anything aside from completely compelling – stealing the scene right out from just about anyone.

Except for a glamorous red-head we all know and love, that is. No one, but no one, steals a scene from Lucille Ball.

If you love old movies, Lucille Ball, or George Sanders, Lured should be one of the next movies you watch. If you love all three… this HAS to be the very next movie you watch. It’s an especially fun whodunit and you’ll be glued to every minute.

Filed Under: George Sanders, Lucille Ball, Movie Reviews Tagged With: George Sanders, Lucille Ball, Lured movie

I Love Lucy Dolls on Amazon… One of Each, Please

August 30, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

Like all fans of Old Hollywood, I have my own personal favorites from the Golden Era. You can pretty much tell my absolute favorites simply by looking around Hollywood Yesterday. See an abundance of Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Barbara Stanwyck, Abbott and Costello, Westerns, and Musicals? There’s a reason for that.

I never learned how NOT to play favorites.

Some favorites come and go (depending upon the last seen movie, the mood, the weather..) but Lucille Ball has been an absolute favorite for as long as I remember. Just looking at pictures of this remarkable actress makes me smile.

There’s simply a special place in my heart for Lucille Ball. Maybe it’s because I grew up watching her so often that she feels like family. Maybe it’s because my favorite thing to do in the world is laugh and her favorite thing to do in the world seems to have been to MAKE people laugh.

Maybe it’s because, while beautiful, she didn’t have to rely on that alone. Maybe it’s because she dared to go where few women had gone before and risked everything in the process.

More than likely it’s a combination of each of these things.

Whatever the reasons, I love Lucy as much as anyone loved or loves Lucy. Books, mugs, calendars, dolls, mementos… I love to surround myself with anything and everything dedicated to this wonderful actress and comedienne. The dolls in this post?

Let’s just say I’m ready, willing, and able to give them a forever home right now. In fact, I’ll just go ahead and clear a few shelves right now.

Click through the links or the images to read more about these beauties.

The Lucy doll pictured at the top of the post was inspired by the I Love Lucy episode, “Lucy Tells the Truth.” 

The adorable Lucy Gets in Pictures Doll (on the left, in the pink dress) celebrates the episode of the same name (“Lucy Gets In Pictures”) which originally aired on February 21, 1955. Get a load of them lips, man!

There is also a hilarious I Love Lucy Ballet Doll which is, as you’d imagine, “posed” for trouble. Let’s face it, how we love Lucy best!

This was definitely one of the funniest I Love Lucy episodes. Any episode that allows the beautiful redheaded clown to reign supreme is a can’t-miss.

Finally, we have the Lucy Vitameatavegamin Doll, paying tribute to one of the most memorable episodes ever.
I re-watched (for possibly the eleven-billionth time) the Vitameatavegamin episode recently and she left me speechless. Her comedic timing was completely and utterly flawless. She had a one-in-a-million knack for allowing the writing to shine through. She never over-sold anything or tried to outshine anyone… she simply did that by showing up!

She really was one of a kind.

Speaking of Vitameatavegamin….


 

Filed Under: Dolls, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball Tagged With: gift ideas for fans of I Love Lucy, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball dolls

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Welcome to Hollywood Yesterday!

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

My name is Joi (“Joy”) and I created Hollywood Yesterday as my personal tribute to Old Hollywood. It’s my effort to help keep the stars from Old Hollywood, Classic Television, and Old Radio Shows alive and shining forever. Old Hollywood was sheer magic and I see no reason for the magic to ever die! Read more about Hollywood Yesterday (and see my own favorites) here.

Old Hollywood Actresses

Lena Horne

See the Old Hollywood Actresses page for the index of Classic Hollywood Actresses and Classic TV Actresses.

Old Hollywood Actors

Ross Martin and Robert Conrad

See the Old Hollywood Actors page for the index of Old Hollywood and Classic TV actors.

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Recent Posts

  • Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen: The Thomas Crown Affair
  • Faye Dunaway: Birthday Wishes for a VERY Beautiful and Talented Actress
  • Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, and Ann Miller: Behind the Scenes of Kiss Me Kate
  • Christmas in Connecticut: One of the Best Christmas Classics of All Time
  • Diana Rigg and George Lazenby: Behind the Scenes of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
  • John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, Rio Grande
  • Happy Thanksgiving!
  • Tamango: Dorothy Dandridge and Curt Jurgens
  • Today We Live: Joan Crawford, Gary Cooper, Robert Young, and Franchot Tone
  • Marilyn Monroe: The Asphalt Jungle Promotional Pictures (Gorgeous!)

Old Hollywood Movie Reviews

The Quiet Man is one of the most beautiful, entertaining, colorful, and perfect movies ever made. Two of my favorite stars (Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne) in one of my favorite movies? It doesn’t get much better than that!

More old movie reviews.

Paulette Goddard and Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times

Thank you so much for visiting Hollywood Yesterday! You honor me with your presence and I hope you’ll return very soon and very often.

Stay positive. Stay happy. Stay you.

Meet: Mildred Davis

Mildred Davis

The beauty above is Silent Film star Mildred Davis. She was a frequent co-star (and longtime wife) of legendary actor Harold Lloyd. She’s one of my favorite silent film actresses and one I can’t understand not being a household name!

Ava Gardner Posters

Ava Gardner Show Boat Publicity Photo

Ava Gardner Posters

Rita Hayworth Posters

Rita Hayworth, Gilda Promo Shot

Rita Hayworth Posters

Old Hollywood Movies

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire Top Hat Cheek to Cheek

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Whether it’s a Musical, Western, Comedy, Romance, Film Noir, or Drama – if it’s on, I’m not too far away… with popcorn and raspberry tea in hand and a couple of cats nearby.

Below are a few Old Hollywood movie reviews I’ve done on the blog. There are, as you’d imagine, a lot more to come. – Joi (“Joy”)

We’re in the Money (Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell)

The Naked Spur (James Stewart, Janet Leigh)

The Prince and the Showgirl (Marilyn Monroe, Laurence Olivier)

The White Sister (Helen Hayes, Clark Gable)

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Howard Keel, Jane Powell, Russ Tamblyn, Julie Newmar)

Rio Bravo (John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan)

El Dorado (John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Michele Carey)

Rio Grande (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara)

Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein (What is it With Me and These Movies??)

The Stooge (Jerry Lewis’ favorite Lewis and Martin Movie… for good reason.)

Critic’s Choice (Hilarious movie starring Bob Hope and Lucille Ball)

To Please a Lady (Clark Gable and Barbara Stanwyck team up in a fast track movie)

Grand Hotel (Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore)

Hearts Divided (Marion Davies, Dick Powell)

The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald)

More Old Hollywood Movie Reviews

Classic Hollywood Books & Biographies (Reviews)

Maureen O'Hara's Autobiography 'Tis Herself

‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’Hara
I Know Where I'm Going (Katharine Hepburn Biography) and Princess

I Know Where I’m Going: Katharine Hepburn, A Personal Biography

Debbie Reynolds Unsinkable
Unsinkable: A Memoir by Debbie Reynolds

Ginger Rogers Autobiography - Ginger: My Story

Ginger by Ginger Rogers
Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball
More coming soon!

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge Carmen Jones Poster

Getting to Know the Gorgeous and Talented Dorothy Dandridge

My Lucy Obsession

Lucille Ball

Find out just how much I (truly) Love Lucy in the Lucille Ball category. I’m warning you, I call it an obsession for a very good reason…

Barbara Stanwyck Quotes

Another personal absolute favorite of mine is Barbara Stanwyck. Not only was she beautiful and outrageously talented, she was exceptionally bright, charismatic, and colorful. This growing collection of Barbara Stanwyck Quotes will give you an idea of just how colorful she was!

Legalities…

Aside from pictures of books I review, I do not claim to have taken any of the pictures on this website, nor do I own the pictures – the ones of the stars or the affiliate (product) pictures.  Other, far more talented photographers than me have the credit for the beautiful photos you see. If you would like credit for a photograph or would like one removed, please e-mail me.

Movie posters and promotional photos are used in the belief that they qualify for the Fair Use law. Fair use is a doctrine in the law of the United States that permits limited use of copyrighted material without having to first acquire permission from the copyright holder. Fair use is one of the limitations to copyright intended to balance the interests of copyright holders with the public interest in the wider distribution and use of creative works by allowing as a defense to copyright infringement claims certain limited uses that might otherwise be considered infringement.

When you click through an affiliate (product, book, dvds..) link, I earn a small portion of the money you spend IF you purchase anything. This does not cost you any extra money, of course. This is how I am able to work from home and support my cats! – Joi

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