"I Love Lucy" Episode Guide
(Season 2 / 1952-52)

#041 - "Vacation From Marriage"

Filmed: August 1, 1952 -- Aired: October 27, 1952 -- Rating/Share: 66.8/90

The Ricardos and Mertzes decide that their marriages are in a rut. A library book suggests a "week's vacation from marriage" as the solution. Lucy moves in with Ethel, and Fred with Ricky. Their newfound freedom creates a difficult situation.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Extra Note In this episode the Mertzes have been married for 25 years. However, in the next episode they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. In addition, in the previous season the Mertzes had been married only 18 years.

#042 - "The Courtroom"

Filmed: August 8, 1952 -- Aired: November 10, 1952 -- Rating/Share: 66.5/91

On the occasion of the Mertzes' 25th wedding anniversary, Lucy and Ricky present them with a television set that doesn't work. This generates a feud between the two families -- and an explosive courtroom scene.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note This episode features some of Desi Arnazes best physical comedy, when he takes the TV set down stairs. Notice that as the Mertzes leave the Ricardo apartment Fred goes to the right while Ethel goes to the left, could this be a mistake.

#043 - "Redecorating"

Filmed: August 15, 1952 -- Aired: November 24, 1952 -- Rating/Share: N/A

A visit to the "Home Show" prompts Lucy and Ethel to enter a contest where the winner gets five rooms of new furnishings. All the wives have to do is sit by the phone and wait to see if they won. Fred makes a phony phone call to Lucy and tells her that she's won so she won't sit by the phone anymore. This causes Lucy to sell all her furniture and then demonstrate how not to put up wallpaper.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Lucille Ball wears huge painter's overalls to cover her pregnancy. When this episode was shot, she was already four months pregnant. Lucille Ball prompted this episode, because she wanted new furniture.

#044 - "Ricky Loses His Voice"

Filmed: August 22, 1952 -- Aired: December 1, 1952 -- Rating/Share: 74.1/91

When Ricky arrives home with a bad case of laryngitis, Lucy banishes him to bed. However, Ricky is concerned about the imminent reopening of the Tropicana; Mr. Chambers, his new boss, is counting on him to stage a good show. Lucy decides to stage the show herself and let Ricky rest.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Sweet And Lovely," "Carolina In The Morning," "Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue," "Charleston," "Mississippi Mud," and "The Varsity Drag"
Production Note Pianist Marco Rizo, makes a mistake when he replies to Ricky with "Ok, Des," instead of "Ok, Rick."
Extra Note Fred mentions that he performed his vaudeville routine at the Palace in Jamestown in 1927. The furniture that Lucy won at the Home Show is officially shown in this episode.

#045 - "Sales Resistance"

Filmed: August 29, 1952 -- Aired: January 26, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 71.3/92

Lucy buys a tricky kitchen gadget in response to a TV pitch. Ricky accuses all women of having no sales resistance. Lucy retaliates by demanding to know why Ricky bought a 20-foot rubber life raft.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Cielito Lindo," "There's A Brand New Baby At Our House"
Production Note Harry Martin the Handy Dandy salesman was portrayed by Sheldon Leonard, who had a long career of playing villains on television and in movies, later became the producer of The Danny Thomas Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show and I Spy. Lucille Ball makes a rare mistake when she states the price of the Handy Dandy kitchen Helper as $7.98 while a few minutes later she says it was $7.95. After the original airing of this episode, an announcer mentions that the song, "There's a Brand New Baby at Our House," was released on a Columbia label with the I Love Lucy theme song on the other side. This was the first of five "flashback" episodes, which aired after Little Ricky's birth to allow Lucille Ball to return to work from her maternity leave.
Extra Note When Lucy returns home from trying to sell her vacuum cleaner, she is missing her right shoe which is "stuck in the door at 310 East 69th Street!"

#046 - "The Inferiority Complex"

Filmed" September 6, 1952 -- Aired: February 2, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 69.9/90

Lucy pulls one faux pas after another, with the result that she develops a devastating inferiority complex. Ricky tries to flatter his wife out of her complex, but he must finally consult a "physio-chiatrist."

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Who?"
Production Note The name Henry Molin was the name of the I Love Lucy film editor.

#047 - "The Club Election"

Filmed: September 12, 1952 -- Aired: February 16, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 69.0/92

Pitted against each other in the race for the presidency of their women's club, Lucy and Ethel try to wangle the deciding vote by devious means. Meanwhile, their husbands map a campaign to have them both defeated.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Cuban Cabby," "Cielito Lindo"
Production Note Jerry Hausner who provided the voice for the baby cries was paid a hundred dollars for his work.

#048 - "The Black Eye"

Filmed: September 19, 1952 -- Aired: March 9, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 67.5/92

When a book accidentally tossed by Ricky hits Lucy in the eye, she winds up with a shiner. Neighbors Fred and Ethel jump to the conclusion that the Ricardos are having a family tiff. They intercede -- with black-eyed results.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.

#049 - "Lucy Changes Her Mind"

Filmed: September 26, 1952 -- Aired: March 30, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 65.6/89

When Ricky complains that Lucy is constantly changing her mind and never completing things, she decides to complete an old high-school romance by finishing a love letter she started when she was in high school. Rather than being jealous, Ricky offers to mail it for her. Lucy must intercept the letter, or her ex-boyfriend will think she's out of her mind.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note John L. Hart, was at the time of this episode, starring as the Lone Ranger on ABC's The Lone Ranger from 1952-53.
Extra Note Lucy and Tom Henderson, the fur storeowner, went to college together.

#050 - "Lucy Is Enceinte"

Filmed: October 3, 1952 -- Aired: December 8, 1952 -- Rating/Share: 67.7/87

Constant interruptions -- the telephone, neighbors, and Ricky's nightclub co-workers -- frustrate Lucy's every attempt to talk quietly with her husband. Finally, she is forced to go to the nightclub to tell him she's going to have a baby.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "The Lady In Red," "Rock-A-Bye Baby," "We're Having A Baby"
Production Note Being embarrassed over having cried in the final scene of this episode the Arnazes decided to re-shoot the scene however after filming the scene it was a greed that the scene would be shown with the Ricardos crying for joy. Also this episode and the six remaining baby-themed episodes were Lucille and Desi's most favorites. Desilu Productions received just over 200 letters disapproving of the Ricardos pregnancy. However, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz received over 30,000 congratulatory letters after their son was born. The word enceinte was used in the title because back in the 1950s television was not permitted to use the word pregnant. Reverend Clifton Moore, Rabbi Alfred Wolfe, and Monsignor Joseph Devlin were chosen to read the "pregnancy" scripts in order to filter out any objectable material in the scripts. The three men never changed a single word.

#051 - "Pregnant Women Are Unpredictable"

Filmed: October 10, 1952 -- Aired: December 15, 1952 -- Rating/Share: 68.1/92

Expectant Lucy creates a pandemonium in the Ricardo household with the unpredictable demands she makes on her adoring husband. Lucy is overwhelmed by Ricky's considerate treatment of her, but confuses him when she becomes suspicious of his attentions.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Cheek to Cheek"
Production Note Lucy suggest that the baby be named Robert or Madelyn, who were two of I Love Lucy's writers.

#052 - "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Song"

Filmed: October 17, 1952 -- Aired: December 22, 1952 -- Rating/Share: 64.9/90

Despite her "condition," Lucy is determined to participate in a Gay Nineties Revue. Enlisting Ethel's aid, Lucy tries to contrive an appropriate costume, however she fails. However finally, Lucy, sneeks into the act as the last member of a Barber Shop Quartet.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed ""Carolina in the Morning," "Strolling Through the Park," "By the Light of the Silvery Moon," "Goodnight Ladies," "Sweet Adeline"
Production Note If you look closely you can see Lucille Ball pull a string to let the bloomers fall to the floor. Originally, the Four Santas skit aired again after this episode. The I Love Lucy baby doll is seen in this episode, it is now highly sought after by collectors today. Pepito, The Clown who appears in this episode was not originally to appear, originally when this episode was edited together to go on the air, the show ran up three minutes short. In order to fill in time, Desi Arnaz called in good friend Pepito, the Clown, he agreed to appear, the segment was filmed on November 7, 1952 the same night that "Lucy Becomes A Sculptress" was filmed.

#053 - "Lucy Hires An English Tutor"

Filmed: October 24, 1952 -- Aired: December 29, 1952 -- Rating/Share: 68.1/91

Determined to have a well-spoken offspring -- though its arrival is several months away -- Lucy hires a tutor, Mr. Livermore. In return for his services, she lets him sing a song of his own writing at Ricky's nightclub.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Babalu," "Notre Dame Victory Song," "Tippy Tippy Toe" (by Eliot Daniel)
Extra Note We learn that Lucy wants a girl, while Ricky wants a boy.

#054 - "Ricky Has Labor Pains"

Filmed: October 31, 1952 -- Aired: January 5, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 71.7/91

When Ricky feels jealous of all the attention Lucy is getting, she decides to throw Ricky a "daddy shower" -- but Fred turns it into a stag party. A little apprehensive about the turn of events, Lucy decides to crash the daddy shower disguised as a newspaper reporter with Ethel posing as her photographer-partner.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Babalu," "Notre Dame Victory Song," "Tippy Tippy Toe" (by Eliot Daniel)
Production Note Lucy is seen reading McCall's Magazine which contains an article on I Love Lucy. Ricky's doctor in this episode is Dr. Rabwin, in real life Dr. Marcus Rabwin was a good friend.

#055 - "Lucy Becomes A Sculptress"

Filmed: November 7, 1952 -- Aired: January 12, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 66.6/88

Lucy decides that their unborn child should have artistic leanings. Salesmen in an art supply store put her to work on a lump of clay, and she uses the Mertzes as models for a modernistic creation. Art critics laud her weird effort as a masterpiece.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Lucy and Ricky are seen looking through Lucille and Desi's real life scrapbook and with real photos.

#056 - "Lucy Goes To The Hospital"

Filmed: November 14, 1952 -- Aired: January 19, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 71.8/92

Lucy approaches the zero hour and is rushed to the hospital to have her baby. Ricky carefully works out an elaborate plan with his neighbors, Ethel and Fred, whereby each is supposed to know exactly what to do "at the psychological moment." When the big moment arrives, bedlam breaks loose.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Voodoo"
Production Note It was set that on the same day of this episode aired that Lucille Ball give birth, by cesarean section, to Desi Arnaz, Jr. With the combined interest in the Ricardos and Arnaz pregnancies this episode ranks as one of the most watched episodes in television history, it had a rating of 71.8 and a 92 share. Little Ricky is portrayed by James John Ganzer, and this was his first and only appearance on the series. Dr. Joseph Harris was Lucille Ball's physician. At the original end of this episode, a voice-over says, "Yes, there's a new baby, a wonderful baby at the Ricardos'. And we at Philip Morris rejoice in the blessed event. We know that all out millions of friends join with us in extending congratulations and good wishes to the Ricardos. May their lives together be filled with as much joy and laughter and carefree happiness as they have brought all of us week after week. To Lucy, to Ricky, and to the new baby: love and kisses from Philip Morris and from all America. Charles Lane later starred as banker Mr. Barnsdahl on The Lucy Show, as well as many guest appearance as Homer Bedloe from 1963-68 on CBS's Petticoat Junction. Peggy Rea would later go on to star as Rose Burton from 1979-81 on CBS's The Waltons, as well as Lulu Hogg on CBS's 1979-85 The Dukes of Hazzard.

#057 - "No Children Allowed"

Filmed: March 20, 1953 -- Aired: April 20, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 68.3/89

The Ricardos' infant prompts the neighbors to point out that there is a clause in the lease saying "no children." The Ricardos' landlords are also their friends the Mertzes, who loyally stand by them and refuse to evict them. Ethel Mertz takes such pride in her generous action that she brags about it at a bridge luncheon. Hearing Ethel's story for the umpteenth time, Lucy blows her top.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Vivian Vance makes a mistake when she is retelling the story of what she said to Mrs. Trumbull, she calls her Mrs. Trimble. This is the first episode to feature the Simmons twins; they would appear for the remainder of this season each child was paid $25 each per episode.

#058 - "Lucy Hires A Maid"

Filmed: March 27, 1953 -- Aired: April 27, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 67.8/91

Exhausted from walking the baby all night, Lucy and Ricky hire a maid. Lucy has never had anyone work for her before. She practices interviewing Ethel, using a businesslike, tough attitude as Ricky has instructed. But the woman she hires, Mrs. Porter, completely overpowers Lucy. Ethel talks Lucy into firing Mrs. Porter, but this is easier said than done.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.

#059 - "The Indian Show"

Filmed: April 3, 1953 -- Aired: May 4, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 63.8/90

Lucy wants to get into the act when Ricky is producing an Indian show and boning up on Indian lore. Trying to avoid a renewal of Lucy's desire to get into show business, Ricky doesn't tell her he is producing an Indian show. Lucy reads Ricky's book, "Bloodcurdling Indian Tales," and is horrified by the stories. When two Indians in full regalia turn up for an audition, Lucy stages an ambush for them.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Pass That Peace Pipe," "By The Waters Of Minnetonka"

#060 - "Lucy's Last Birthday"

Filmed: April 3, 1953 -- Aired: May 4, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 63.8/90

Ricky has planned a surprise party for Lucy's birthday. He swears the Mertzes and all their friends to secrecy. Lucy, however, only knows that everyone has forgotten her birthday and works very hard at being gay, denying that she wanted anyone to remember. Taking a walk to forget her troubles, Lucy runs across a rescue mission band called "Friends of the Friendless," tearfully tells them her troubles, and marches off with them. Meanwhile the party guests are assembled at Ricky's nightclub, waiting for the guest of honor.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Happy Birthday to You," "Friend of the Friendless" (by Eliot Daniel and Harold Adamson), "I Love Lucy"
Production Note Ricky is seen giving a round of applause for Pugh and Carroll who were in reality two of the I Love Lucy writers. This is the first and only time we here the lyrics to the I Love Lucy theme song. Byron Foulger appeared in many television and movies as small parts and later starred as Wendell Gibbs from 1968-70 in CBS's Petticoat Junction.

#061 - "The Ricardos Change Apartments"

Filmed: April 16, 1953 -- Aired: May 18, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 60.5/98

Lucy thinks the Ricardos need a larger apartment now that they have the baby. She tries all her tricks to cajole Ricky into switching apartments with Mr. and Mrs. Benson, who have recently married off their daughter and don't need the extra bedroom. Lucy fills her apartment with junk, including a sliding pond and teeter-totter, to give it a "cramped" appearance.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note This episode marked the joining of Roy Rowan to the I Love Lucy company, he replaced Jerry Hausner as the official I Love Lucy announcer, he received seventy dollars a weeks.

#062 - "Lucy Is Matchmaker"

Filmed: April 25, 1953 -- Aired: May 25, 1953 -- Rating/Share: N/A

When Eddie Grant, a friend of the Mertzes, stops by for an unexpected visit and finds they are not at home, he leaves them a message with Lucy. When Lucy learns that the lingerie salesman is an eligible bachelor, she immediately begins brewing plans to fix him up with her girlfriend Sylvia Collins.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.

#063 - "Lucy Wants New Furniture"

Filmed: May 1, 1953 -- Aired: June 1, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 59.6/90

A frantic economy wave engulfs the Ricardo household. Lucy buys some furniture against Ricky's orders and is forced to pay for it out of her own allowance. Ricky confiscates the furniture and takes it to the club until it's paid off. Lucy also needs a new dress and a new hairstyle for the Carrolls' party at the Tropicana on Saturday night. She tries to make her own dress and then does some "permanent damage" to her hair.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.

#064 - "The Camping Trip"

Filmed: May 8, 1953 -- Aired: June 8, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 51.5/58

When Lucy and Ethel come to the conclusion that good marriages are based on mutual interests, they invite themselves on a rugged camping trip with their spouses. Ricky submits to the proposal, assuming that the sound of the first coyote's howl will send the girls dashing back to the city.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Extra Note Ethel can drive in this episode, however a year later when the Ricardos and Mertzes go to California she claims never to have learned to drive.

#065 - "Ricky's LIFE Story"

Filmed: May 15, 1953 -- Aired: October 5, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 62.5/85

LIFE magazine has done a home picture layout on the Ricardos. The pictures include Ricky, Little Ricky, and a view of Lucy's left elbow. Therefore, Lucy needles her husband into getting her into show business so her photos will be in demand. She rigs herself out in a Spanish costume and tries to augment a Cuban number sung by Ricky.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Lady of Spain," "The Loveliest Night of the Year," "Babalu"
Production Note LIFE magazine ran a featured cover story on the Arnazes in the April 6, 1953 issues as "TV’s First Family."

#066 - "Ricky And Fred Are TV Fans"

Filmed: May 22, 1953 -- Aired: June 22, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 43.8/64

When Lucy and Ethel become TV boxing-match widows, they decide to go out for a bite to eat, leaving their husbands in front of the Ricardo TV set. Everyone at the local cafe is also glued to the TV set, so Lucy decides to help herself and gets caught with her hand in the cash register. She manages to escape the cop's clutches by yelling, "Look -- a knockout!" With Ethel, she takes refuge on the roof of their apartment building.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note The Wednesday night fights on TV were a must to be seen for Desi at his San Fernando Valley home.

#067 - "Never Do Business With Friends"

Filmed: May 29, 1953 -- Aired: June 29, 1953 -- Rating/Share: 41.8/83

The Ricardos get a new washing machine. Despite Ricky's apprehensions, they sell their old one to the Mertzes for thirty-five dollars. The next day, the old machine erupts like a volcano. The Mertzes call the machine a "lemon" and take the stance that since no money has changed hands yet, the deal is invalid. This causes a tremendous fight between the couples.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note In order to make the Ricardos and Mertzes to seem like real people the writers often included references to situations or events from previous episodes. In this episode, Ethel sings "Lily of the Valley" in which she sang in #38 "The Operetta."
Extra Note In this episode Ricky says for the first time "Honey, I'm home..."