| "I Love Lucy" episode | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Season 6, Episode #27 #180 in Series | ||||
| Series: | I Love Lucy | |||
| Network: | CBS-TV | |||
| Air date: | December 24, 1956 | |||
| Written by: | Bob Carroll, Jr. Madelyn Martin Bob Schiller Bob Weiskopf | |||
| Directed by: | James V. Kern | |||
| Production code: | 6-27 / Special | |||
| Episode guide | ||||
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The "I Love Lucy" Christmas Show | |||
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N/A - Special | |||
I Love Lucy Christmas Show was the 180th overall episode of I Love Lucy, also the 27th episode of season 6, the final season of the series. The episode was directed by James V. Kern, originally aired on CBS-TV on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1956.
Synopsis[]
Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel reminisce (courtesy of flashbacks to favorite episodes) as they trim the tree on Christmas Eve. Note: CBS would re-broadcast this episode in primetime on December 18, 1989. The "wrap around" segments (the non-flashback parts) were broadcast in color in 1990, and these color scenes are available on the season's DVD release. Because this was a "special episode," it was never re-broadcast in syndication.
Plot summary[]
The Ricardos and the Mertzes are spending Christmas Eve together. Despite problems with the Christmas tree, the foursome reminisce about how lucky they are to have Little Ricky with them, thinking of memories surrounding his birth. On Christmas morning, Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, and Fred all dress like Santa Claus to surprise Little Ricky. But they soon find a FIFTH Santa Claus, played by A. Cameron Grant, who quickly disappears and turns out to be the real thing.
Trivia[]
- This is the first-ever clip show/"flashback" show on television.
- Little Ricky gets a new bike, a new set of drums, and a train set for Christmas.
- The "flashback" clips are taken from episode #50, 52, and 56.
- The idea for the Santa scene at the end of the episode was, of course, taken from the "Jingle Bells" tag scene that originally aired at the end of "Drafted." The only difference is that, now, Little Ricky, a child, is around, so it actually makes sense for the real Santa to be there.
- The reason that this episode wasn't put with the 179 other episodes is because CBS didn't think that anybody would want to watch a Christmas-themed episode at any time of the year besides the holiday season.
- This episode's flashback-filled plot was a way to show the viewers clips from the very popular pregnancy episodes again, which hadn't been seen on TV since they originally aired.
- Ricky says that he considers the barbershop quartet fiasco in episode #52 to be one of the most embarrassing nights of his career.
Starring[]
- Lucille Ball ... as Lucy Ricardo
- Desi Arnaz ... as Ricky Ricardo
- Vivian Vance ... as Ethel Mertz
- William Frawley ... as Fred Mertz
Guest Starring[]
- Richard Keith ... as Little Ricky
- A. Cameron Grant ... as Santa Claus (as Cameron Grant)