Having A Ball

Having A Ball: Lucy Writes A Play

January 31st, 2022  |  35 mins 54 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

This episode review centers around Season 1, Episode 17. 'Lucy Writes A Play' (one of many plays Lucy will write or take part in during I Love Lucy). The hosts discuss the hilarious mistakes and miscommunications that surround this episode. There are stereotypes that are touched upon, very funny accent changes and for once, it isn't Lucy who messes things up!
As is with most episodes of I Love Lucy, we see the genius and physical comedy extraordinaire that is Lucille Ball.

Having A Ball: Part 1- The Long Long Trailer Review with Carrie Ketterman

January 17th, 2022  |  39 mins 24 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bing crosby, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, keith thibodeaux, let’s talk to lucy, little ricky, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

In this episode, the hosts review the 1953 feature film, The Long Long Trailer starring Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball as newlywed trailerites who explore the ups and downs of driving a really long trailer together across the country and are tested left and right!
We have the fun honor of once again being joined by Carrie Ketterman of the Not So Long Trailer and Our Technicolor Life website who has created an entire trailer adventure with her husband, Jeff, centered around this classic film!
She tells us how she came to love the film, what adventures they've had that mirror the film and all the people they meet along the way!
Join us again next week for part 2!

Having A Ball: Lucy Plays Cupid

January 3rd, 2022  |  47 mins 40 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, keith thibodeaux, let’s talk to lucy, little ricky, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

In this episode recap, the hosts discuss Season 1, episode 15 'Lucy Plays Cupid'. This episode included the actress that was a frontrunner for Ethel Mertz, Bea Benaderet.
The hosts discuss the cringe-inducing interaction between Ricky and Lucy when she wanted to help Miss Lewis find love. There are many male and female outdated concepts in this episode- which is why we love to recap these episodes and compare modern-day relationships vs. 1950's marriages.
This is a fun one that includes actor Edward Everett Horton as both the object of Miss Lewis' affection and the one who won't take no for an answer from Lucy- even with hidden kids and a husband!

Having A Ball: George Pennacchio, ABC7 News

December 20th, 2021  |  38 mins 52 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

As the streaming premiere date on Amazon Prime of ‘Being The Ricardos’ approaches, Erika of Having A Ball Podcast chats with ABC7 News Entertainment reporter, George Pennacchio.

Not only does George have an extensive career in Los Angeles covering and Interviewing Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, he is a huge Lucille Ball fan with an enviable collection of Lucy memorabilia.

We chat about what how his love of Lucy began, some of the items he has collected for many years and his thoughts on the newly released ‘Being The Ricardos’,.

He tells us about interviewing Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and the extensive research they did to capture the essence of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Having A Ball: Amateur Hour

December 13th, 2021  |  49 mins 36 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

This episode centers around one of Erika's least favorite 'I Love Lucy' episodes, Amateur Hour. The hosts discuss the cringeworthy behavior from the children Lucy is babysitting while earning money for a dress she wants to keep.
There are so many outdated ideals and behaviors in this episode that are juxtaposed with modern-day marriages and services like babysitting.
You have to look past the behavior of the twins to really appreciate the physical comedy Lucille pulls off in this episode from the merry-go-round tying to the charity event dancing when a certain frog makes a home on Lucy's neck!

Having A Ball: The Benefit

December 6th, 2021  |  42 mins 45 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

in this episode, the hosts discuss the hilarious episode that is The Benefit. We discuss how Lucy was treated in this episode and how we would behave in our everyday lives.
The history of the songs that are performed in this episode and eventual comedy routine is discussed and you'd be amazed how many other television shows have used these same songs!
Lucy and Ricky Ricardo perform one of their vaudevillian-inspired acts that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz took on tour before I Love Lucy was finally picked up!
The hosts may or may not attempt the skit with the jokes.

Having A Ball: Hazel Pierce and Bennett Green Spotlight

November 29th, 2021  |  31 mins 36 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

In this episode, the hosts highlight the many appearances of Hazel Pierce and Bennett Green, sometime character actors and stand-ins for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, respectively. Hazel and Bennett were usually on the set because of their similar body types to the actors. The hosts discuss the friendship between the women and how familiar their faces were to any 'I Love Lucy' viewers.
Both actors went on to appear in many other Desilu productions and it is always fun to try to spot them in their various roles throughout the series.

Having A Ball: Bonus: 'Let's Talk to Lucy' World Fair Review

November 25th, 2021  |  11 mins

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

Happy Thanksgiving! In this review, the hosts discuss the 'Let's Talk to Lucy' episode where Lucille Ball describes the amazing day created at the World Fair in her honor, Lucy Day!

This episode was much different than the other 'Let's Talk to Lucy' episodes as Lucy walks us through the entire experience at the fair accompanied by husband, Gary Morton and Hedda Hopper.
We also hear a fun little interview snippet from Lucille during a Barbara Walters interview in which she describes a very Lucy Ricardo-esque mishap in the kitchen- perfect for Thanksgiving!

Having A Ball: The Adagio

November 22nd, 2021  |  42 mins 5 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

This episode recap is focused on Season 1, Episode 12: The Adagio. The hosts discuss the hilarious way the actors interact with the French man who immediately falls in love with Lucy and attempts to woo her as that's what American women expect, apparently. The dark history of the 'Apache' dance is also discussed and how the characters ultimately decide to end the misunderstanding or "boo-boo".

Having A Ball: Bonus: Let's Talk to Lucy Vivian Vance Review

November 18th, 2021  |  7 mins 43 secs

being the ricardos, beverly hillbillies, bob hope, classic tv, classic tv shows, comedy, desi arnaz, desilu, desilu productions, ethel mertz, fred mertz, having a ball, having a ball podcast, i love lucy, i love lucy trivia, javier bardem, let’s talk to lucy, lucie arnaz, lucille ball, nicole kidman, rick nineg, the lucy show, vivian vance, william frawley

in this review, the hosts discuss and review the 'Let's Talk to Lucy' episode featuring the one and only Vivian Vance. Of course, her long-time and arguably her most-known co-host from I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show and other appearances together for decades.
The hosts discuss how genuine their friendship comes across and the love they clearly have for one another as they endured ups and downs together.
It really is a joy to listen to these two iconic women whom we all grew up watching just be normal girlfriends catching up and discussing everyday life while we eavesdrop in awe.