The New York Times
"Nearing Birth of (?) Arnaz Is Engendering Interest of Fans of 'I Love Lucy'"
1953
Last Updated: August 14, 1997
Formatted by: Ted Nesi
Scanned and Provided by: Garth Arrik Jensen
From all indications the approaching birth of Lucille Ball's child,
both in real life and in the script of "I Love Lucy," has engendered as
much public interest as anything since the days when the world stood
still every evening to hear "Amos 'n' Andy" on the radio.
The climax, of course, is scheduled for next Monday when Miss Ball
goes to the hospital for a Caesarean operation and presents her husband,
Desi Arnaz, with either a boy or girl. On the screen that same night
the installment of "I Love Lucy," already made on film, will report
"Lucy Ricardo" giving birth to a boy. Presumably interest will be
running high whether the Arnaz correctly anticipated the sex of their
real life offspring.
The deliberate parallel between the lives of the off-stage Lucille
and the on-stage Lucy undoubtedly is unique in theatre annals for a
number of reasons. First, it hardly would be possible without television
and, second, the matter of approaching motherhood, although one of the
oldest themes for the dramatist, seldom has been treated with the light
touch.
It is not revealing any great secret that both the Columbia
Broadcasting System and the Phillip Morris Company, sponsor of "I Love
Lucy," have received letters from a number of viewers who for several
reasons have taken exception to the subject of pregnancy as the main
point of interest for a comedy series.
As the matter has been handled on the screen in the current
episodes of "I Love Lucy," however, there seems no grounds for valid
objection. Rather, there should be applause. Miss Ball and Mr. Arnaz not
only have handled the topic of their approaching baby with a great deal
of taste and skill but also have been thoroughly amusing in the process.
Far from ridiculing motherhood, "I Love Lucy" has made it appear
one of the most natural and normal things in the world. The gaiety and
humor which Lucy and Ricky have conveyed have been warm and recognizable
to everyone who has lived through the exciting and confusing weeks
before a new member's arrival. In short, one of the oldest and most
familiar stories is being told with a new brightness and charm. And why
not?
That "I Love Lucy" as an item of theatre has not been hurt by the
introduction of the anticipated birth goes without saying. One of the
great drawbacks to the vast majority of TV situation comedies is their
brittleness and artificiality. Since it is rooted in reality, "I Love
Lucy" should be able to go on and on. Viewers are going to have to raise
that child, aren't they?
Enjoying "I Love Lucy" does not preclude, however, regretting the
decision to schedule Miss Ball's Caesarean operation so that it will
coincide with the film narrative. The only possible solution is that she
and her husband accepted not only the advice of an obstetrician but also
of a too enthusiastic Hollywood publicity expert. If there's one thing
the expected child does not need, it's a press agent.
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