Laughs, Luck...and Lucy: How I Came to Create the Most Popular Sitcom of All Time (with "I LOVE LUCY's Lost Scenes" Audio CD) - Softcover

Oppenheimer, Jess; Oppenheimer, Gregg; Ball, Lucille

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0815605846 ISBN 13: 9780815605843

Publisher: Syracuse University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Jess Oppenheimer, the man Lucille Ball called the "brains" of I Love Lucy, gives us a rare first-hand look at television history as it was being made. A rich entertainment resource, Laughs, Luck . . . and Lucy features a hilarious memoir, more than fifty rare photos, three never-before-published scripts (including the only I Love Lucy script that Lucy or Desi ever refused to perform), and CD of Lucy's classic radio comedy performances, unheard for more than 40 years! Oppenheimer's book, written with his son, Gregg, is not only a reliable record of how I Love Lucy was conceived an executed, but also a humorous insider's account of the broadcasting industry's development from the wild early days of radio to television's "golden age."

About this title

About the Author

Jess Oppenheimer (1913-1988), creator, producer, and head writer of I Love Lucy, had an extensive broadcast career that began in radio's "golden age." His association with Lucille Ball began in 1948, when he signed on as head writer, producer and director of her radio series, My Favorite Husband. When CBS made a deal with the legendary redhead, Lucy made it a condition that Oppenheimer be in charge of the venture. He remained as producer and head writer of I Love Lucy for five of its six seasons, writing the pilot and 153 episodes.

From the Back Cover

A hilarious memoir from Jess Oppenheimer, the man Lucy called "the brains" of I Love Lucy

A dear friend and a true genius. I owe so much to his creativity and his friendship. He put the word 'love' in our title, and for that I will always be grateful. - Lucille Ball

One of the top comedy writers in radio and television. - GEORGE BURNS

"Jess Oppenheimer, the genius behind I Love Lucy, has given us a rare first-hand look at how it all began. This is a terrific book--warm, fascinating, and full of laughs." - PETER FALK

"I thoroughly enjoyed Laughs, Luck . . . and Lucy, a revealing glimpse into the world of radio and television comedy and an eye-opening look at the creation of 'I Love Lucy.'" - LEONARD MALTIN, Correspondent, Entertainment Tonight.

"Jess's stories of Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen, Marlene Dietrich, Fred Astaire, and John Barrymore are hysterically funny. And fascinating. A must read for anyone who loves the entertainment industry." - JANET LEIGH

"For those of us who worked during the golden years of radio and television, Jess Oppenheimer's book is truly a trip down memory lane told with humor, understanding, and accuracy." - RALPH EDWARDS

Reviews

If you love Lucy, you'll love this book (and CD).

Edition details

• Publisher: Syracuse University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0815605846
• ISBN 13: 9780815605843
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312