"I Love Lucy" Episode Guide
(Season 4 / 1954-55)

#098 - "Lucy Cries Wolf"

Filmed: June 3, 1954 -- Aired: October 18, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 49.2/68

Lucy decides to test Ricky's love for her by feigning a crisis that sends her husband sailing down the city streets to the side of a scheming feminine singer. Ricky becomes impatient with Lucy's false alarms and accuses her of "yelling tiger."

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Lucille Ball was robbed while staying in a hotel in Chicago in 1950, stolen was jewelry including the 40-carat aquamarine engagement ring given to her by Desi.

#099 - "The Matchmaker"

Filmed: June 10, 1954 -- Aired: October 25, 1954 -- Rating/Share: N/A

Armed with Cupid's bow and arrow, Lucy tries to bag a bachelor for a husband-hungry girlfriend. Unfortunately, the arrow Lucy shoots behaves like a boomerang.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Extra Note Ricky claims that he started in show business when he was 12 years old.

#100 - "The Business Manager"

Filmed: June 17, 1954 -- Aired: October 4, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 50.9/72

Ricky hires a business expert to solve the family budget problems. The expert places Lucy on a strict allowance. Lucy manages to find a loophole in the new restrictions, and in her inimitable way she not only adds to the financial dilemma but ends up tossing the financial wizard out.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Andrew Hickox was the vice-president of Desilu and the Arnazes business manager.

#101 - "Mr. And Mrs. TV Show"

Filmed: June 24, 1954 -- Aired: April 11, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 48.7/67

Ricky is initially reluctant to host a new TV show when he learns that the sponsor prefers a husband-and-wife format. Nonetheless, he agrees to do the show. But when Lucy learns that he hadn't wanted her in the show at all, she decides to get even by sabotaging the "Breakfast with Lucy and Ricky" dress rehearsal. What Lucy doesn't know is that the so-called rehearsal is actually being broadcast to the entire city of New York in an effort to achieve an unrehearsed, spontaneous look.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Sweet Sue"
Production Note William Frawley makes a rare mistake when he flubs the words during the second rehearsal of the Phipps song, however Vivian Vance covers for him. This episode was to be broadcast on November 1, 1954, however it aired months later in the Hollywood episodes.

#102 - "Mertz And Kurtz"

Filmed: July 1, 1954 -- Aired: October 11, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 47.1/65

To help her neighbors, the Mertzes, impress a guest, Lucy goes into service as a maid. As "Bessie the Domestic," Lucy dishes out large servings of faux pas when she forgets her duties and enters into the conversation.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "They Go Wild Over Me," "By the Beautiful Seas," "On the Boardwalk of Atlantic City," "I Found a Peach on the Beach," "I Want a Girl Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad," "Oh By Jingo"
Production Note During the dinner Ethel mentions an actress named Venus Jones, which is the name of Vivian's real life sister.

#103 - "Ricky's Movie Offer"

Filmed: September 16, 1954 -- Aired: November 8, 1954 -- Rating/Share:47.4/66

Lucy mistakes a talent scout for a masher and nearly ruins Ricky's chance at a film career. Then she realizes who the scout is, and tries to make amends.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life," "In a Little Spanish Town," "Habañera"
Production Note Lucy's Marilyn gown, was designed by Elois Jenssen, it was made specifically to resemble one of Marilyn Monroe's strapless gowns that she wore in musicals such as Gentlemen Perfer Blondes. Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll, Jr.'s literary agent was Ben Benjamin.

#104 - "Ricky's Screen Test"

Filmed: September 23, 1954 -- Aired: November 15, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 45.0/63

The term "helpmate" takes on a new meaning when Lucy appears on a Hollywood movie lot. The cameras roll for Ricky's screen test -- but when the big moment arrives, Lucy takes the cue.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Canta Guitarra"
Production Note Ricky is set to star with many of the actresses of the day, including Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Ava Gardner, Yvonne DeCarlo, Arlene Dahl, Lana Turner, and Betty Grable. Desi Arnaz had dated some of them before he met Lucille Ball.

#105 - "Lucy's Mother-in-Law"

Filmed: September 30, 1954 -- Aired: November 22, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 46.5/67

Lucy meets her Spanish-speaking mother-in-law for the first time. Lucy's inability to cope with a foreign tongue, and her mother-in-law's inability to understand Lucy's pantomime, build a wall of misunderstanding between the pair.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Bim Bam Boom"
Production Note William Frawley does not appear in this episode.

#106 - "Ethel's Birthday"

Filmed: October 7, 1954 -- Aired: November 29, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 47.3/66

Despite Ricky's qualms, Lucy decides to help Fred pick out a birthday present for Ethel. The present turns out to be toreador pants, which Ethel decides are not only unflattering but "unfitting." Relations between the two women become strained almost to the shattering point.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Not only were Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance friends on television but in real life also. However, they hardly ever socialized outside of their work.

#107 - "Ricky's Contract"

Filmed: October 14, 1954 -- Aired: December 6, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 49.7/67

As Ricky paces the floor awaiting word from Hollywood about his screen test, Lucy enlists the Mertzes to distract him. The drastic steps taken by the trio to alleviate Ricky's tension boomerang into a king-sized headache for them all.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "When You're Smiling"

#108 - "Getting Ready"

Filmed: October 21, 1954 -- Aired: December 13, 1954 -- Rating/Share: 47.6/66

A movie contract for Ricky necessitates a change in scenery and the hanging of a "for rent" sign on the Ricardos' New York home. Lucy plans the most effective way for Ricky to make a "Hollywood entrance." She envisions their arrival in a royal chariot. The Mertzes, willing to give up tenants but not friends, sign on for the trip.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "California, Here I Come"

#109 - "Lucy Learns To Drive"

Filmed: October 28, 1954 -- Aired: January 3, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 52.8/69

Preparing for their trip West, the Ricardos buy a new car, and Lucy wants to drive it around the block. After giving her one driving lesson Ricky is a beaten man, but Lucy is so confident that she offers to teach Ethel Mertz how to drive. The result is a complete fiasco.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note This was the first episode to be sponsored by a company other than Phillip Morris. Proctor and Gamble were now sponsoring I Love Lucy. The first product that Proctor and Gamble promoted on the I Love Lucy show was Cheer laundry soap.

#110 - "California, Here We Come!"

Filmed: November 4, 1954 -- Aired: January 10, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 50.1/65

Lucy's mother wants to join the Ricardos on their driving trip out West. Ricky blows his stack when he hears that his mother-in-law wants to go along, and he rages about everyone's horning in on the trip -- the Mertzes included.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "California, Here I Come"
Production Note Character actress Kathryn Card joined the series with this episode as Lucy's mother Mrs. McGillicuddy.
Extra Note To fulfill everyone's sightseeing plans, Lucy says that they will have pass through New York three times.

#111 - "First Stop"

Filmed: November 11, 1954 -- Aired: January 17, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 50.6/65

The Ricardos and Mertzes have a hard time finding accommodations that will please everyone on their trip to California. They finally hit a greasy restaurant where stale cheese sandwiches cost them a dollar apiece. Hoping to find something better elsewhere, Ricky pays the check. The couples leave -- only to return several hours later, fooled by some purposely misleading road signs.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark"
Extra Note The Ricardos and Mertzes are traveling west on Route 48 in Ohio. Mr. Skinner's establishment is called the One Oak Cafe and Cabins. The Ricardos and Mertzes are charged $4.80 for four cheese sandwiches-80 cents for the entertainment tax. The cabin cost $16 for the four of them.

#112 - "Tennessee Bound"

Filmed: November 18, 1954 -- Aired: January 24, 1955 -- Rating/Share: N/A

The Ricardos and the Mertzes are arrested for speeding in Bent Fork, Tennessee. Ricky decides to pay the fifty-dollar fine and leave, but Lucy feels they have been taken advantage of. When she rebels, the sheriff imposes a twenty-four-hour sentence and throws them in jail.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," "Birmingham Jail," "Ricochet Romance"
Production Note The filling station man was played by Aaron Spelling, who would later become one of TV's best and most famous producer and director, with such hits as Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat and Fantasy Island.

#113 - "Ethel's Home Town"

Filmed: November 25, 1954 -- Aired: January 31, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 53.1/69

The Ricardos and the Mertzes stop at Ethel's hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico (Vivian Vance's real-life hometown). Under the impression that Ethel has been called to Hollywood and not Ricky, the townsfolk accord her a monumental ovation. When Ethel refuses to disillusion them -- and even goes so far as to put on a "celebrity act" -- Lucy takes matters into her own hands.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Short'nin Bread," "My Hero," "Chopsticks"
Production Note Ethel performs at the Little Theatre where her acting career started. Coincidentally Vivian Vance started her acting career there to.
Extra Note Ethel evidentially had three middle names Louise, Roberta, and Mae, according to which episode.

#114 - "L.A. At Last!"

Filmed: December 2, 1954 -- Aired: February 7, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 49.9/63

Lucy arrives in Hollywood with stars in her eyes. She heads for The Brown Derby, a celebrity hangout, where she encounters Eve Arden and William Holden -- and inadvertently presents Holden with a custard pie in the face.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Eve Arden and William Holden both appear in this episode as themselves. Lucille Ball had previously appeared with Arden in RKO's 1936 film Stage Door, and Arden starred in Our Miss Brooks, which was filmed by Desilu on the soundstage next door to the I Love Lucy soundstage. William Holden appeared courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Holden mentions his latest film The Country Girl, with Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby. In the Brown Derby Lucy notices a sketch of Eddie Cantor, who starred in Lucille's first film. The dessert that was dropped on William Holden was "applesauce" pie. Lucy's putty nose was made wo taht is consealed a candel wick so that it would not burn hurt Lucille.
Extra Note The Ricardos and Mertzes are staying at The Beverly Hills Palms Hotel. Lucy thinks that she saw Van Johnson in the elevator, however sadly it turns out to be the house detective, although Lucy will meet Van Johnson.

#115 - "Don Juan And The Starlets"

Filmed: December 9, 1954 -- Aired: February 14, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 51.3/67

Lucy is forced to lend Ricky to five dazzling starlets for a proposed evening of publicity pictures. She tries to wait up for him but falls asleep on the sofa and doesn't awake until late the next morning. When she finds Ricky's bed unused, she jumps to the conclusion that he spent the night out with the starlets and decides she wants a divorce.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Extra Note Lucy claims that Marion Strong asked her fifteen years ago if she would go on a blind date with a Cuban drummer. Ricky gets home at 2:38am and left again at 5:30am. Lucy and Ethel spot Robert Taylor sunning by the hotel swimming pool.

#116 - "Lucy Gets In Pictures"

Filmed: December 16, 1954 -- Aired: February 21, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 51.7/68

Lucy finally gets her big break when she snares a bit part in an MGM motion picture. Cast as a showgirl who meets death while parading down a long flight of stairs in a glamorous nightclub setting, Lucy vows to make her death scene the most unforgettable one ever recorded by Hollywood cameras.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody"
Production Note Lucille Ball's first job in Hollywood was that of a showgirl in Eddie Cantor's 1933 film, Roman Scandals. Vincente Minnelli, was the director of Lucille and Desi's 1954 film The Long, Long Trailer.
Extra Note Lucy sets in Schwab's drugstore on Sunset Boulevard, to be discovered like Hollywood beauty Lana Turner. Lucy writes a postcard to Lillian Appleby not Caroline Appleby.

#117 - "The Fashion Show"

Filmed: December 23, 1954 -- Aired: February 28, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 55.2/70

Mrs. William Holden, Mrs. Dean Martin, Mrs. Gordon MacRae, Mrs. Richard Carlson, Mrs. Van Heflin, Mrs. Forrest Tucker, famed couturier Don Loper, and a scarlet-skinned Lucy Ricardo are the contributors to a dazzling fashion show. The charity benefit, hosted by Loper and featuring the wives of motion picture stars, is a sheer burst of good fortune for Lucy, who is eager to perform before an audience.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Embraceable You"
Extra Note The other wives to appear in the fashion show were Mrs. Gordon MacRae, Mrs. William Holden, Mrs. Dean Martin, Mrs. Van Heflin, Mrs. Forrest Tucker, and Mrs. Richard Carlson. Lucy wears Don Loper's new French Dandy, made out of tweed. The charity Share incorporated is hosting the fashion show. Lucy replaces Mrs. Joel McCrea in the show.

#118 - "The Hedda Hopper Story"

Filmed: February 3, 1955 -- Aired: March 14, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 50.3/69

Lucy takes a dive in an effort to further Ricky's career by creating a big splash in Hedda Hopper's Hollywood column. Her scheme turns out to be "all wet" in an adventure that could only happen to Lucy and Ethel.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Cuban Pete," "Green Eyes," "Sheik of Araby"
Production Note After this episode originally aired Lucille and Desi made an announcement that the U.S. Olympic team was in need of funds for the 1956 summer games. Charles Pomerantz was connected with I Love Lucy and was the West Coast press representative for Philip Morris. Commercials presented in this episode introduced Marlboro cigarette.

#119 - "Don Juan Is Shelved"

Filmed: February 10, 1955 -- Aired: March 21, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 51.5/69

An item in Variety hints at the imminent cancellation of Ricky's picture "Don Juan," and proves to be correct. Lucy, the Mertzes, and Mrs. McGillicuddy take matters into their own hands by penning five hundred fan letters to Ricky and dressing as bobby-soxer members of the Ricky Ricardo Fan Club.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note MGM production chief Dore Shary was set to play himself in this episode however shortly before filming he became sick and had to back out, so Vivian Vance's husband Phil Ober stepped in and filled the role.
Extra Note Ricky's option with MGM to appear in another picture is picked up.

#120 - "Bull Fight Dance"

Filmed: February 17, 1955 -- Aired: March 18, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 51.2/68

Lucy literally blackmails Ricky into getting her a part in one of his guest appearances on television. He does get her a role -- as a bull. When Lucy is displeased with the turn of events, she transforms the bull's image from that of a snarling beast to a mincing creature resembling Elsie, the Borden Cow.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Let Me Go Lover," "Dear Old Donegal," "Humoresque," "Old Folks at Home"
Extra Note Lucy writes an article entitled "What’s it Like To Be Married To Ricky Ricardo."

#121 - "Hollywood Anniversary"

Filmed: February 24, 1955 -- Aired: April 4, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 51.1/72

Frantic over having forgotten the date of their wedding anniversary, Ricky tells Lucy that he has a big party planned in a famous nightclub. He doesn't tell her when it is, desperately wiring their marriage license bureau for the correct date.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Anniversary Waltz," "La Vie en Rose"
Production Note This episode was the first to be sponsored by Proctor and Gamble's Lilt Home Permanent.
Extra Note Ricky's full name is given as Ricardo Alberto Fernando Ricardo y de Acha.

#122 - "The Star Upstairs"

Filmed: March 3, 1955 -- Aired: April 18, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 47.5/67

Cornel Wilde becomes the one-hundredth movie star Lucy has seen in Hollywood; he is living in the penthouse directly above the Ricardo suite. Determined to get a glimpse of the handsome actor, Lucy disguises herself as a bellboy, then hides under the star's luncheon cart to gain entry into Wilde's suite. Things go smoothly until she finds herself locked out on Cornel's terrace and must make her way down the side of the building using a few blankets as rope.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"
Production Note Van Johnson was originally selected to appear in this episode however he could not appear because of him being a spokesman for Lucky Strike cigarettes. In the frantic scene in which Ethel is torn between helping Lucy get back inside the room and keeping Ricky entertained, was one of greatest comedic material ever given to Vivian Vance.

#123 - "In Palm Springs"

Filmed: March 17, 1955 -- Aired: April 25, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 44.0/62

Simultaneous marital tiffs in the Ricardo and Mertz households drive Lucy and Ethel off on a mateless vacation to one of California's desert playlands, where they encounter Hollywood legend Rock Hudson.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note This episode was to help promote Rock Hudsons new film, Captain Lightfoot. Adel Sliff, the wife that Rock Hudson tells the story about was a script supervisor for I Love Lucy. Adele Sliff was an I Love Lucy script supervisor.

#124 - "Harpo Marz"

Filmed: March 24, 1955 -- Aired: May 9, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 42.9/63

Lucy decides to impersonate some Hollywood notables to impress a nearsighted girlfriend visiting from New York. A mixup occurs when Lucy, having introduced her friend to "Gary Cooper," "Clark Gable," "Marlon Brando," and "Jimmy Durante," decides to impersonate Harpo Marx just as the real Harpo arrives at the apartment with Ricky.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "Take Me Out to the Old Ball Game"
Production Note Lucille Ball co-starred in a Marx Brother's movie called Room Service in 1938. The pantomime routine performed by Lucy and Harpo was as much of a challenge for him as it was for her. Although it included many of his own famous "bits," he had always done them alone, and did not always do them in the same order. Episode 124 was filmed before episode 125, however the plot lines appear that episode 125 comes before episode 124, they also 125 before 124.

#125 - "The Dancing Star"

Filmed: March 31, 1955 -- Aired: May 2, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 41.5/65

Lucy begs Van Johnson to let her dance a number with him at the nightclub to impress her rival Carolyn Appleby, who is visiting from New York. Van accepts the challenge by waltzing her across the ballroom floor as his dance partner.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Music Performed "How About You?"
Production Note The episode features on of the only times in which the writers allowed Lucy Ricardo not to completely mess up the act. Van Johnson was a longtime friend of the Arnazes, he had first appeared with Desi in the 1939 Broadway production of Too Many Girls.
Extra Note Although, there is no mention of it but Marco the Pianist must have came along with the Ricky because he is Van Johnson's pianist.

#126 - "Ricky Needs An Agent"

Filmed: April 7, 1955 -- Aired: May 16, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 39.2/63

Lucy decides that Ricky needs an agent to negotiate more money and cut down on his fruitless personal appearances. She appoints herself to the post. Her action results in the studio canceling Ricky's contract, and Lucy's efforts to save the situation only make matters worse.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note Desi Arnaz, had his first acting job in the Oscar and Hammerstien musical Too Many Girls.
Extra Note Lucy is seen looking through Lucille Ball's real life scrapbook.

#127 - "The Tour"

Filmed: April 14, 1955 -- Aired: May 30, 1955 -- Rating/Share: 31.8/53

Lucy and Ethel are abandoned by their sightseeing bus tour when they try to get a grapefruit from Richard Widmark's garden. When Lucy is stranded inside the garden wall, she and Ethel, who is outside, launch plans to get Lucy out -- but without comparing notes on how.

Produced by Jess Oppenheimer Directed by William Asher
Written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, and Bob Carroll, Jr.
Production Note The outdoor scenes of Richard Widmark's home were actually filmed outside Lucy and Desi's own new home on Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills. Richard Widmark promotes his new film Prize of Gold.