Does "I Love Lucy" have Subtle Inappropriate Content?--You Decide!

[@stephenr3910]

In "Ricky and Fred are TV Fans", Fred runs down to his apartment during the commercial. Ethel says ever since TV came along, Fred can do anything in 30 seconds. Lucy and Ethel make eye contact and Ethel nods. Then Lucy says something like, "Amazing".

[@cyn555cc]

Stephen Eccles That one didn't escape me either! Lol!! O e of my favorites!

[@mxlance1]

I remember that scene and it was clearly risque. I'm surprised Rick missed it. During a commercial, Fred runs through Lucy's kitchen and out the door to get a beer. Lucy and Ethel are in the kitchen, and Ethel says Fred has it down that he can down anything in 30 seconds. Lucy says, "I know what you mean" and the two nod to each other. Then Fred runs back through with the beer. The scene got a big laugh.

[@scrapper900]

Yes! That’s the one I was thinking about.

[@peterlerro5909]

That was my favorite as well. If you listen, the audience laughter sort of builds as Lucy and Ethel stare at each other. Poor Ethel!

[@hi2hai]

Yes! It was Lucy’s reaction, after Ethel said it, that convinced me it was this type of innuendo! Thanks for the reminder!

[@jacklynlopez2323]

Nothing risque at all...compared to the sitcoms of today, I LOVE LUCY was very innocent!!

[@bilbobaggins4710]

I love you ❤

[@patri6kd3mps3y8]

Ricky obviously hit Lucy. They used domestic abuse and sexism as comedy....

[@patri6kd3mps3y8]

Gabrielle Snow yes he did 😂 he spanked her

[@vivianebeget]

@@patri6kd3mps3y8 she was act like kid

[@vivianebeget]

@@patri6kd3mps3y8 no he did not real hit her

[@missyford1397]

I love Lucy’s Schedule. And yes, we all need more than 15 minutes for that. I always crack up at that line. She delivered the line in just the right tone of voice too

[@Mouserjan0222]

I really just think that line was just a funny line. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar

[@pappysprite]

I never took that comment in a sexual way at all. In fact she was just being funny and responding to "this or that," since Ricky wasn't being specific about any task....I'm going to need more than 15 for "that"...was funny because she gave it right back at him and was nonspecific

[@voicetube]

For me, that was probably the most suggestive (and funny) line from this retrospective video.

[@edwardplmn]

I knew this one was about the performance in bed, cracks me up all the time

[@upthedownescalator630]

@@pappysprite Exactly. I never took it sexually either, I just thought she was being a smart aleck again!

[@santamonicadave223]

The most overtly sexual line in the series comes when Lucy and Ethel pretend to be taking a survey and a woman (played by the brilliant Kathryn Card, who would eventually play Lucy's mother) asks, "Say, your name ain't Kinsey, is it?" The audience laughs heartily at this because the second Kinsey Report--on sexuality in the human female--had just been published.

[@upthedownescalator630]

Ooh I don't remember that line! I remember the episode but not that line!

[@atarah6898]

One of the best lines on the show...considering the topic it's a miracle it made it through the censors....😅😅😅

[@upthedownescalator630]

@@atarah6898 It is a miracle. Maybe they hoped nobody would get it😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@atarah6898]

@@upthedownescalator630 thats for sure....quite risque!!!

[@upthedownescalator630]

@@atarah6898 😂😂😂

[@Liz-cmc313]

I do see some innuendo. But it's still good clean fun.

[@duzntmatter5926]

Just Liz yes

[@MrLourie]

Hello Rick, I fully believe the writers knew exactly what they were insinuating with each inappropriate (for the 50's), yet subtle joke. Lucy and Dezi were 2 intelligent creative people, and playing with the dialogue was a challenge everyone liked to play against. Also, I don't necessarily believe people in the 50's were much more innocent than we are today. They were just more private, even fearful, to express themselves.

[@MichaelELambert]

The FCC was more strict back then so shows were afraid of cancellation and they had to watch what they said and did. However in an interview, Lily Tomblin confessed that Laugh-In DELIBERATELY continued to push the envelope with the FCC. For instance, Earnestine the operator (Tomblin's character) would dial a rotary phone with her MIDDLE finger, knowing what the middle finger represented.

[@duzntmatter5926]

Michael E Lambert Laugh In , Smothers Brothers, they all did, But I don’t think Lucy show did

[@duzntmatter5926]

Louis Riehm I don’t think so.I think it may be so in a lot of shows, but not Lucille Ball..It just wasn’t her style and if you see her when she was older it definitely wasn’t her style

[@MichaelELambert]

@@RayPointerChannel I was unaware of the sponsors' pull back then! Today, they dont really have any sponsors, left do they? Except for the syndicated shows, like 2broke girls.

[@susanslack8677]

Actually there was some morality in our country then...not like today when you can be as nasty as you want under the guise of art...

[@chadbaxter5578]

Also, don’t forget all the girl references Fred makes about beautiful woman and whistles. Even when the girls dressed up as other women in schemes Fred always would flirt with them. ( back then in the 50’s) even joking about cheating was not tolerable. Great video upload. Enjoy the weekend. Remember why it’s Memorial Day. BE HOPEFUL

[@dfaymf2204]

Innuendo is funny and better than the vulgar immoral garbage on TV today.

[@upthedownescalator630]

Absolutely!! So so so much better

[@lisaaugustin5400]

First its inmuendo then they want to do and say more !!!

[@makinapacal]

Innuendo can be funny but it can also be dumb and cowardly. Blunt vulgarity can be crass and unfunny but it can also be funny. Which it is depends on delivery and how it is written. Forcing innuendo by means of laws and rules doesn't make anything funny it just enforces cowardly innuendo.

[@jackvannote]

@@makinapacal But innuendo is subtle and only understood by the adults. The kids can watch right along with you and it goes over their heads. It means only the one thing to them. Today's vulgerarities whether funny or not preclude the young from being able to watch and enjoy with you. I'll take the subtle innuendo any day and enjoy viewing with my whole Christian Family. .

[@makinapacal]

@@jackvannote Whatever. Firstly a lot of Adults assume innuendo goes over kids heads, frequently it does not. Secondly, historically, kids have heard and did frequently see all sorts of things that today we assume are not fit for children. Thirdly the idea that overt vulgarity etc., precluded the young from hearing etc., such stuff is a fairly modern one. Fourthly even given the above forcing innuendo by means of laws is in my opinion cowardly and stupid. Finally a lot of innuendo is anything but subtle.

[@nataliegallegos9755]

I love the fact that it was such a hush hush thing back then! It makes it more funny than watching things now days where there's nothing left to the imagination! I love Lucy will always be number one in my eyes!

[@magillagorilla420]

When Lucy finds the list of dogs Ricky will use in an act, and thinks they're replacements for her. She reads the female names...and ends with a male name. The puzzled look on her face suggests he is having an affair with a man.

[@genkatqltr8517]

I've always thought they made up lines that left to people's imaginations as to what was meant. Could be naughty or could be innocent, could be about anything. Saved them from the censors and from viewers' criticism or outrage.

[@dianetheisen8664]

True. I agree 💯 %.

[@deanbuffoni5139]

I found nothing inappropiate about I Love Lucy...best comedy show ever...

[@scoty40]

That's for sure

[@vivianebeget]

well said

[@enricosanchez894]

"Ever since we said 'I do', there are so many things we don't!" Definitely suggestive.

[@susanslack8677]

No nothing off color...

[@lrask5020]

That could mean a host of things- we don't go to any shows nor dine out nor do anything on the spur of the moment etc.

[@jb6712]

Your statement only shows YOUR mindset, not that of Lucille Ball or Desi Arnaz.

[@TheConour]

@@jb6712 Maybe yes, maybe no. That's why it's called a double-entendre.

[@jackvannote]

It definitely did not infer sex. Before you said "I do" in those days you were a virgin. No if ands or buts about it.

[@becka57986]

Fred to Ethel...”What are you complaining about? You’ve got the vote! You get to wear pants. You drive busses! What else do you want?!!” Lmao 😂 so many feminists would get so butt hurt over this, today.

[@spacehaustrace]

❤❤❤😂

[@yvonneleahmoen2400]

I've been watching I Love Lucy since I was very little I'm 59 years old and never thought anything bad in anything they said or did . My children were little when they watched and I saw nothing Inappropriate in any of the shows. I'm sure nowa days people will find something.

[@ryanjames2083]

In season 3's "Fan Magazine Interview," When Lucy and Ethel knock on a woman's door because they think Ricky is seeing another woman, they cover up what they're really there for by telling the woman they are conducting a survey about married couples or something like that. The woman looks at Lucy, and she says "Your name ain't Kinsey is it?" This of course is a reference to the Kinsey Report, which was a survey done by psychiatrists asking people about their marital habits. It was the first of its kind ever done in this country, and everyone watching I Love Lucy would have understood that joke, and if you listen to the audience, it's one of the biggest laughs I've heard in the series.

[@themaxcollective]

"I know just exactly the kind of show that your lodge brothers would like to see " "So do I but you can't do that kind of a show"

[@jackvannote]

Isn't that from the Honeymooners?

[@kellie-nd1yp]

No it’s on I Love Lucy.

[@statenisland5743]

Not that the 50's were innocent But nowadays its WE with the sick minds. Cant say nothing without people raising there eyebrows or get " Offended"

[@twinpeaksfan929]

There was another one where Fred starts telling a joke about a man who goes into a Turkish bath, but Ethel won't let him finish it. I forget which episode it was though.

[@bojest5863]

Lucy was the first to say a dirty word on TV. It’s when she played a witch. She tells Ethel who is playing a sweet innocent girl to “sit down“ but it comes out “sh!t down“ because of the way she speaks as a witch.

[@bojest5863]

Actually, it was when she played a gypsy.

[@edreid7872]

There's a line in the very first episode I thought was risque.. Lucy and Ethel are doing dishes, and Lucy says something like, since we've said "I do", there are a lot things we don't...always thought of bedroom activities..even as a kid...lol..

[@cosmoSpacely]

The travelling salesman is a sort of a early meme representing any adult [mature audiance] story or joke.

[@jackvannote]

But there actually is one specific and perfectly filthy joke that revolves around the three, the salesman, the Farmer, and the Daughter its not merely a meme. This was waaaay before meme mentality.

[@graham7455]

Great video. What about all the times Ricky spanked Lucy? I always thought that was a bit risqué!

[@mircat28]

Graham maybe by todays sexual standards but when you realize men could slap their wives around and not be arrested in the 50s there is nothing sexual about spanking. It was power and control and ownership back then.

[@howardbeck3400]

When I watched as a kid, I always thought it was funny.

[@itsanamayathing7997]

Graham That's cuz you have a dirty mind!

[@brianksigley1467]

@@susanb2015 that was harsh

[@chickofthesea9021]

@@susanb2015 yes it was. That was so rude! All he said was that spanking seemed risqué. I thought that too and I'm not a man.

[@davidmercuriorivera6780]

The three most risque moments in I Love Lucy for the 1950's , I think, involved situations, rather than the subtle innuendo in your video, Rick: 1. The Make Room for Daddy crossover on the Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, where Lucy scratches Danny's back in bed and he flirts with her in a fairly overt sexual manner, mistaking Lucy for his wife. One of the funniest moments on the show--and a scene that wouldn't have been out of place on Three's Company. 2. The scene where Ricky and Fred find BOTH Lucy and Ethel in negligees and in a hotel room with another man. (Fred: "Ethel! You, here, with him. HE must be out of his mind!") 3. In the John Wayne scene above, it's not so much the bawdy joke that I found risque, but the moment where Lucy pulls off the towel around his waist while peeking through her fingers. She then makes an expression along the lines of "not bad" when she sees his black shorts. I love your videos, Rick. Please keep them coming.

[@stephenr3910]

I like in the negligee scene when Ethel says "You mean...they thought we....?" Then she chuckles and says, "Well!"

[@LJ-ht4zs]

It's one thing to play with the concept that Lucy is attracted to someone (in real life she only loved Desi) it's another thing to play with the concept were Desi is attracted... he was a serial philanderer and all Hollywood knew it - only learned of it when I was older, and when I see re-runs of the Country Dance episode I skip, because it makes me totally dislike him, knowing that he was so disrespectful to his wife; he was making the young woman very uncomfortable, and by that time everybody knew what a philanderer he was, not only with prostitutes but anything with skirts. His gambling, drinking and chasing became more severe the older he got, most addictions do - he was like this before he married Lucy, during their marriage, and afterwards (His second wife almost divorced him too).

[@alecj9570]

Great video Rick. I think some of the jokes were meant to be led to the imagination. My favorite being Lucy's schedule. "I am going to need a lot more time for that."

[@kimberlyaurore271]

Lol.😂 that's one of my favorites. Ricky gives her a look lol.😂

[@ricknineg]

Her faces were epic

[@fonso1030]

First off, I love your videos and please keep making more, because this is my favorite show of all time. :) I don’t see anything wrong with any of these lines. You have to remember that burlesque was a big part of show business and a huge influence on what came after burlesque and vaudeville died. There were hundreds of traveling salesman jokes, because you can make practically any dirty gag out of a man, a girl, and a protective father way out on a farm someplace, or a salesman and a wife alone at home. As for Jerry’s joke about the Paris nightclub, remember that France was the Mecca of pornography when it wasn’t as easily available here in America, which is why those famous “French postcards” were so popular here in the early 20th century, and eventually became part of popular culture. France was associated with a “good time”, especially with WWI. Just remember that old song “Hinky Dinky Parlay Voo!” Also, spending time at home is nice when the husband works a lot. Doing it more often, I don’t think even crossed the minds of viewers. I’ve watched ILL for over 25 years and haven’t noticed any of this. 21st century mentality has been trained to see things that just weren’t there, or if they were there, they were certainly not intended to be something to get past the censors. This was the 1950s, keep in mind, and Joe McCarthy was murdering show business careers left and right, and the HUAC tried to end Lucille Ball’s career also. I don’t think this show was taking any chances on being vulgar. Finally, the only thing I ever considered risqué on this show, out of all the episodes, was in #4, “The Diet”, and I don’t even think the audience cared, but rather enjoyed it, because again, they were mentally used to Burlesque. When Lucy and Ricky Sing “Cuban Pete”, Lucy is Sally Sweet, “the queen of Delancey Street”, with a tight dress, a small purse, and shakes her hips like hell. Ricky fanning her butt with his hat during the finish is a nice touch of burlesque, too. Sally Sweet was intended to portray a prostitute. And this act was just great, and the audience loved it, because it was part of the stage act that Desi and Lucy took on the road when CBS didn’t believe an American audience would accept a Cuban and a redheaded american girl as a married couple on television. Well, those are just my thoughts on the subject, I hope I was helpful in some way. And lastly, I’ll try and leave you the most abrupt version of two of my favorite jokes, one is a “traveling salesman” joke, but it is long lol. And the other is a burlesque Paris/France joke. Both of these jokes are as old as time itself lolol: Traveling salesman come up to a house in the country and knocks. Man answers, salesman says “sir, I am lost. I need a place to stay and I am hungry.” Farmer says, “mister, the lord says to feed the hungry and give them a roof. I will give you a hot plate of food, and you can sleep out in the hay bed in the barn with a nice heavy warm blanket.” So the salesman eats, sleeps there. Next morning, he gets up and tells the farmer, “sir I am most thankful for all of this. I’d like to pay you for your kindness.” Farmer says, “no mister, no payment is needed.” Salesman says, “well then, I would like to share a talent I have that could improve your farming. See, I have the ability to communicate with animals, and I would like to go speak to your animals and see if there is anything they could tell me in order for you to know how they feel about the way they’re treated and in order for you to perhaps improve your farming success .” Farmer is incredulous at first but says , “alright, that you may do. God bless you.” So the salesman goes and comes back in an hour. He says to the farmer, “well, I have spoken to the animals. I spoke to your horse, and he told me that you recently changed his shoes, and that he is much happier now and can work easier.” Farmer says, “that’s amazing, you’re right, I did do that!” Salesman says, “and I spoke to your cow Bessie, and she said that with the new milking machine that you bought, she gives a lot more milk since you changed the settings to a more gentle speed.” Farmer says, “Amazing, her name Is Bessie, and she’s right, I did do that!” Salesman says, “and I also spoke to a couple of the sheep, and-“ Farmer exclaims, “THOSE LIARS, DONT BELIEVE NOTHIN THEY SAY!” Soldier stationed in France, he goes and sees a doctor and says, “doc, I met this girl last night at the moulin rouge and she’s a real good lookin tomato, but there’s something about her. We got to petting pretty fast, but she’s pale and don’t breathe so well; we agreed to meet tonight. Thing is, I’m hesitant, I don’t know whether she might have TB or VD.” Doctor says, “well look, I’ll inoculate you just to be safe, and tonight, you take her for a walk along the Seine. And if she coughs, then just get a room, turn the lights off, put your mask over your mouth, and make her all you like.” (Make is an early expression for screw).

[@kthmiller1494]

Good comment, but somewhat uninformed on McCarthy. Good books on Amazon about his life and intent.

[@amyepstein4868]

Hi, Rick. Just found this now. Love it. I always thought the innuendos were funny and subtle. I think that is one of the reasons this show was different than so many others. And no, I don't see you as outraged or offended. I see you as someone keeping the legend alive.

[@randude1]

Here's a real subtle one... The girls are all playing bridge and complaining about how their husbands were flirting with, I believe it was Sylvia collins. Someone asks, "What was holding up that dress??" Lucy replies, "Two diamonds" .. Then they go o to say every man in the room was waiting for her to exhale... "Two diamonds"?? Really?? Think about it... I don't think she was talking about the card game at that point!😂😀

[@jackvannote]

But that was her bid so you can take it either way which is the beauty of the Lucy scripts.

[@troybirch]

Rick, love listening to you talk about I Love Lucy. You missed a huge one in your list. The entire last half of Don Juan and the Starlets has Lucy thinking Ricky spent the entire night out and slept somewhere else. Both Fred and Ethel also think Ricky must have been sleeping around and Fred even lies to cover for Ricky. I can't think, of anything more inappropriate than an episode where Lucy, Fred, and Ethel assume Ricky was sleeping around and Ricky has to prove he didn't! Apparently, this episode was played out many times in the Arnaz house, only with a different ending.

[@marilynschneider7691]

My favorite line in this episode is when Fred says to Ricky...."Don't even try to explain. Just turn around and head back to Cuba!" 🤣

[@LJ-ht4zs]

Yes, I did not like those times esp where Ricky and the other men were eyeing the young woman in the Country dance. Cause in Ricky's case the eyeing the young woman and chasing her was true, as was his philandering ways. I don't know why they ever put those things in then scripts. I understood when I was older how much it was true, even the Dance with I Dream of Jeannie star said how she had to hide from Desi between the rehearsals and locked herself in her dressing room. That really made me understand just how out of control and disrespectful Desi was of Lucy. Everybody knew at that point what a serious sexual addict he was Yuck! I am glad I did not know this as a child.

[@alanr4447a]

"Bullfight Dance" from the Hollywood arc. Ethel: "For once, the bull will be full of Lucy!" (instead of the other way around...)

[@stanochocki8984]

I feel that you have answered your own question; when you say ''..am I seeing this through 2018..'. No, your seeing through the eyes of someone who is, I guess 2 generations from the cultural humor of the Lucy Show. At 70 years of age, I remember the 50's well; The 'Farmer's Daughter, or the Traveling Salesman' jokes came mostly out of Vaudeville and especially 'legit' Burlesque. To which, Lucy and Frawley would have been well acquainted. Such jokes were so a part of the 'adult' humor scene in America, that the moment anyone started off starting to tell one, in mixed company--many a woman would do exactly what Ethel would do and check if it were fit to be said in front of women, (some of the ones I remember could be rather on the 'raunch' side). As, is the case with Jerry starting off with his 'Paris' joke--the two formats were cousins-in-humor to each other....As to Lucys'...comment in the 'schedule' espisode....that routine of ' "oh, I'll need more that 15 minutes for that" is straight from many a Burlesque comic routine...and was utilized by Abbott and Costello....Nah, I have read that Lucy, her self made Damn sure that the censors had 'no reason' to question anything about her show.

[@TheTransatlanticExchange]

Thank you for all the great commentaries about classic American television and "I Love Lucy," in particular. This was overwhelmingly done in good taste, as were the sitcoms that seem to enjoy heavy popularity in syndication today, like "Gilligan's Island," "The Brady Bunch," "Petticoat Junction," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and even "Saved by the Bell." People really like fun that's depicted with decency, since they're able to show it to children while enjoying the nostalgia. There's one more episode that may have had a risque scene - "The Passports." Near the end, after Lucy took all Fred's motion sickness pills on the Staten Island Ferry and was at the passport office with only one chance to get hers, she was very flirtatious and made very overt attempts to kiss Ricky as he compelled her to sign the document. He retorts, "Later, honey, later." That and the response Ricky gave to Lucy about vibrations were the lines that seemed to stand out most. Many thanks again, Rick, and keep them coming. This has been a very welcome reprieve in 2020 from Coronavirus, lockdown, economic collapse, political volatility and everything else! Keep up the great work!

[@shadowlouise]

Remember when Ricky thought it would be funny to convince Lucy they weren't legally married? Lucy insisted they go back to the place where he proposed, and start over. When they got to the hotel, Ricky naturally signed them in as Mr & Mrs. Lucy corrected the register, signing her maiden name. The desk clerk THOUGHT he knew what was going on.

[@stevenweygint7557]

Salutations Rick. I love your videos! I have a theory that when Lucy says, "Oh, I am going to need more than 15 minutes for that" in "The Schedule", it is referring to the time she needs to keep dyeing her hair red. I could be wrong, but that was a running joke throughout the series.

[@jackvannote]

Yes I went to her hair as well as that was the item my mother spent the most time on in her preparations.

[@D_Marrenalv]

"...Didn't you like it?" As in, "Didn't you like being around [with me] this morning too as I liked being around you?" That's how I've always interpreted it... Now that line will never seem the same.

[@sg2823]

I always wondered about that scene!

[@aslan9334]

THE SHOW IS INNOCENT IS PEOPLE WITH DIRTY MINDS THAT MAKE IT SOMETHING ELSE

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Wrong....Filthy show

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Hey !!!

[@martinapedraza5002]

"Keep giggling Peggy, please keep giggling. You know your a much better giggler than Lucy." Ricky with a devious smile while saying this.

[@frenchjr25]

And a note - it was only 'I Love Lucy ' that wasn't allowed to say "pregnant" on TV. It was used on series before 'Lucy', while 'Lucy' was on the air, and afterwards. The first pregnant women in TV was in a show called 'Mary Kay and Johnny' in the late 1940s. Sadly only a few episodes survive.

[@jackvannote]

I believe you'll find those early shows that allowed the term were of a dramatic vein. Drama was always allowed a greater leverage to portray the story line more realistically

[@harpervalleypeeteeay9708]

This is one video I missed ! Loyal subscriber from the days you had only 1k subs Rick ! Now you have 59.6K SUBS !!! I'm so happy for you !! You deserve it because your channel brings a wonderful rest from the stress of life ! Hope you get many many MANY more !! As for these scenes I'm laughing because I bet they did have "naughty ideas" behind the lines... but they are SO INNOCENT compared to today !

[@Zebracorn46]

My hubby and I love classic shows and are having a blast watching your vids. We think Lucy and Desi knew exactly what they are doing☺️ Keep up the great work!!❤️

[@dianetheisen8664]

They certainly did.

[@jasonhurd4379]

Just wanted to comment that there are many variations on the 'traveling salesman' joke. They all involve the salesman, the farmer and the farmer's daughter, but from there the variations are endless. I've heard versions that involve the farmer's wife, popcorn, a milking machine, and any number of other astonishing elements. Lord knows which one Fred was going to tell!

[@pamelamays4186]

The Camping Trip. I dunno, Lucy and Ricky seem pretty content and Lucy seems like she doesn't want to let go of him. In that scene, those two weren't acting. Lucy and Desi were totally in love with each other.

[@mxlance1]

A real winner, Rick. But, you did miss three other scenes with risque dialogue. The one below brought up by Stephen Eccles with the "Fred has it down so he can anything in 30 seconds" line by Ethel. Paul833Medina points out in the episode "The Fan Magazine," where Lucy and Ethel knock on a door and say they're taking a survey. The old lady that answers asks "Your name ain't Kinsey, is it?" That got a huge laugh and was clearly risque. (For those too young to know who Alfred Kinsey was, he led a study of sexual habits of Americans that was famous and controversial back in the late 1940's and early 1950's) Plus, a scene in one of the Hollywood episodes. An agent is in the Ricardo's hotel room with Ricky and Lucy and he's trying to come up with ideas for a P.R. campaign for Ricky. At one point, he says to Ricky "We'll bill you as the Cuban Liberace!" Ricky's eyes bug out and he gives him a stunned look. It got a big laugh. After the laugh dies down, Ricky says "no" to the idea. Keep up the great work, Rick! Stay positive and hopeful!

[@bgw498]

I remember the Kinsey line (good viewer contribution!). Unlike almost all the other ones, which I believe made references intended for the imagination, this was a writer bit of fun intentionally risque and intentionally playing past the censors. Success! Thanks for highlighting that clever moment.

[@howardkerr8174]

I can't say that I remember the attempt to make Ricky a Cuban Liberace being suggested, I mostly remember them coming up with the idea to save a drowning Lucy. Which brings up a point this video barely hints at...do you suppose there have been instances (especially with DVDs of this series being available) where stations/syndication caused a few risque lines to be removed?

[@jackvannote]

@@howardkerr8174 To the best if my knowledge all DVD's marketed buy the copyright holder CBS present complete ILL episodes. Syndication is another matter. The popularity of the series has always caused a great clamor to buy time during the show and most syndicators take advantage of that inserting an additional 60 seconds minimum of commercial fare in the program. Recently and certainly on today's streaming platforms the show simply runs long but for most of the years the standard strict broadcast/cablecast time slot if 30 minutes was adhered to which means the show would be trimmed down to the proper running time now with the extra commercials. The guide was to remove scene or scenes (sometimes a brief snippet here and there) of the action and or dialog that was least important to the episode. In that the risqué lines usually got big laughs they most likely would stay. As producers became more familiar with what syndicators would do with their product a "throwaway" scene was actually written into some shows. It appears in the original telecast/cablecast and the DVD Version but disappeared for the syndicated version in favor kf the extra advertising. Now that is unnecessary. With the advent of computer technology that can slightly speed up.the film/tape without causing sound/vocal disruption or any visual disturbance, the product is altered in this manner leaving all the scenes present and having time for the extra commercials. Best, Jack A.S VanNote President JAV Communcative Enterprises A Multimedia Firm

[@peristanom]

Notice that, in the episode "Lucy's Schedule", Lucy's line "Oh, I'm gonna need more than fifteen minutes for that" comes soon after Ricky asks her "Now, how long does it take you in the bathtub? , to which she perhaps suggestively responds "To do what?". Also, in the episode "Ricky and Fred are TV Fans", Ethel's line "You know, he's got himself trained so he can do anything in less than a minute" sounds to me slightly suggestive of... I don't know what.

[@dsoutherland1747]

Hey Rick - I also want to point out something else about the John Wayne massage scene that I have always noticed. When John takes off his robe and lays down on the table, Lucy comes out from hiding with her hand over her eyes. When she finally looks at John on the table, she glances at his booty and gives a facial expression of “not bad.”😂

[@debrajohnson3259]

I think it’s more that he’s not naked that he is wearing shorts

[@LJ-ht4zs]

That is the most suggestive scenes to me in I Love Lucy - her obvious appreciation for John Wayne's physicality - the other things all of which I got, but did not seem as suggestive as that bit

[@GlamorDollxx]

I think in that seance episode Ricky says something like "I'm just thinking of a perfect 16 I used to know". I always thought that was a bit risqué haha

[@paul833medina]

In Season 3 Episode 17 The Fan Magazine Interview Lucy and Ethel pretend they are doing a survey on the most popular night club entertainer and the women says "say your name ain't Kinsey is it?" (which got a pretty big laugh) referring to the 1950's Kinsey sex survey was pretty risque for that time. I am surprised the sensor didn't stop that considering they wouldn't let them say pregnant.

[@lindaprice7670]

I remember that one too

[@jandixon2222]

paul833medina I always wondered who Kinsey referred to!

[@bcbock]

That’s my favorite joke in the whole series.

[@JimmyKraktov]

paul833medina Husband and Wife slept in separate beds on TV shows back then. Lucy & Ricky were actually really married and even they had separate beds!!

[@GavinsMarineMom]

One of my all tine favorite lines EVER! This was probably considered almost shocking by the 1950's audience that actually "got it". 🤣😉

[@brandikidd3803]

The joke is about a traveling salesman who gets the farmer to let him stay in his home only to find out that he was taking liberties with his daughter!

[@carag5041]

I definitely think most of these are open to interpretation. It`s all in how you take it. That being said I must admit I laughed out loud at "oh I`m gonna need more than 15 minutes for that". Combination of the line and the way she delivered it.

[@dianetheisen8664]

Yep, it's all in the telling (and viewer imagination).

[@PaulTesta]

Hey Rick, Continuing to explore some of your older content. This was an interesting topic. When it comes to suggestive content, I think the most surprising (and most adult) moment comes in the episode "Fan Magazine Interview" (S3 E17). It occurs when Minnie Finch says, "Say, your name ain't Kinsey, is it?" Referring, of course, to Alfred Kinsey's studies on human sexuality. There'd be no question as to what she was referring to. Of course, as a little boy watching ILL, it went right over my innocent little head! Stay well, Paul

[@nickc247]

All of these all fall under two common categories: 1. Anything is dirty when you think about it dirty 2. Not telling the dirty joke IS the joke

[@trawlins396]

I remember being VERY surprised the first time I heard the "vibrate" joke. I definitely raised my eyebrows. But the 50s was a much more innocent time. We're used to dirty jokes and double meanings. They weren't.

[@LlyleHunter]

Burns and Allen got away with much more. There was even an episode when Gracie thought that Ronnie had gotten a girl pregnant and was trying to get them married.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Rick, I believe these double entendres ran through a lot of TV sitcoms (and cartoons). And what is really interesting is the way housewives were outfitted on some sitcoms vs. another. Take the difference between the wardrobe choices for Lucy Ricardo vs. June Cleaver. Lol!!! I remember how attracted I was to some of those sitcom housewives, Marjorie Lord, Patricia Crowley, Donna Reed lol!!

[@Oturtlegirl51]

What about the Operetta!!? Lucy plays the Queen of the Gypsies (with a strong speech impediment) and she tells Lily (Ethel) to "shit down." It was obviously a curse word, but got by because of the lisp. I always marveled at that.

[@enricosanchez894]

And, when Ricky told that schoolgirl, "Kip jigglin', Peggy, pliz kip jigglin'!"

[@anthonymeans9702]

Lucy wearing pants as a TV housewife in the 50s was even unusual.This show was trailblazer

[@Ross-117]

In the second honeymoon episode Ethel is in a room with Fred and she says something like “hey tiger” and then does a really weird laugh.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Lucy in real life did have a strong sense of belief in divination.

[@1aikane]

Lucy was good wholesome comedy. These shows are Rated G.

[@elizabethtorres3491]

Different times. It's amazing to me how much television has changed! Never in my life did I think I would be paying for the local channels. Television should be free! 😊✌🐩

[@arieljade1291]

With the line in Lucy's Schedule I honestly think the line was just meant to be smartassy lol

[@upthedownescalator630]

I think so too, honestly

[@eg1885]

I Love Lucy was innocent by today's standards but compared to Andy Griffith or Leave it to Beaver, it was a little more adult themed. It had alcohol, guns, burglary, fighting, smoking.

[@kareno6222]

Pretty tame all in all but the suggestion is there.I had noticed these. I also think there is a moment in ‘The Black Wig’ when Ricky tells Lucy the world is made up of two groups, men and women and Lucy says, “I know, it’s a wonderful arrangement!”. Ricky then starts explaining the difference between men and women is short and long hair and Lucy looks at him like “oh?.....” - thanks for sharing Rick!

[@01chippe]

Or how about in "The Operetta" when Ethel sings her "Lilly of the Valley" number, at the end she goes into a little Burlesque bit. Downright RAUNCHY, I tell 'ya!

[@msviv3122]

The Desert Island episode hands done w Joi Lansing, where Ethel sticks out her chest to mockingly immitate Joi's character!

[@lynsie6456]

Who doesn't LOVE Lucy????

[@upthedownescalator630]

I saw the title and who did this on and I just had to click on it. I really do love these videos. They're so entertaining

[@indigowolf556]

I like your little videos about I Love Lucy. I've been watching I Love Lucy for a bazillion years. And I think the joke about the traveling salesman is kind of a joke in itself. I think Bob Hope started jokes about the traveling salesman. So I don't even think that there is a joke that goes with it. I think the joke itself is the traveling salesman. And I think back in those days in the 50s women weren't allowed to go in certain places where men were. Men went to these places like Ricky and Fred were having the daddy shower and it was just for men. And clubs were Just For Men because women weren't really equals they were just basically Housewives take care of the kids type. Very few women had jobs back then. And it was a pretty much male-dominated Society so women weren't allowed to hear any kind of off-color jokes. So Fred being Fred, he always would just have to say something and of course Ethel was always there to keep him in line. And the joke about the schedule about needing 10 minutes for that I think that's just for anything it I don't think it had to be anything in particular it could have been putting on her lipstick it could have been combing your hair baking a potato I don't think it really applied to anything but it's you can take it to mean something but I'm I don't think that it did. And I think most of the joke's on I Love Lucy were kind of like that. Just if you read into anything in the world you can take it as something off but I don't really think that it was meant to be that way that's how I take it. There is another episode and I think it's where Lucy kind of gets sad because she can't tell joke she can't sing she can't do anything and I don't know the title of it but anyway She is just really kind of bummed out and cries a lot. So Ricky of course does all these things to make her feel happy and He invites truck Stewart over. But anyway at the end of the episode Lucy is feeling better because everyone wants to play cards with her and she can sing and everything else. But she wants to tell a joke and she says it's from Mixed Company. Meaning women can hear the joke too. So in the early days women were not allowed to hear those naughty jokes. It would be like bad so just throwing in my two cents.🌝

[@clarkebutterfield7884]

Rick - LOVING these videos and, by the way, re "Lucy's Schedule, there is no doubt in my mind that Lucy was referring to their love-making and her achieving orgasm - I have always thought it and I am glad you mentioned it. As for the "traveling salesman" jokes, people knew or thought that men told each other off-color jokes never to be told in mixed company - so the audience was in on this and laughed at it. You're very perceptive, Rick. :)

[@MichaelGunner123]

Oh, the times they lived in THEN & the COVID - 19 'time' we are living in NOW. Be positive & be hopeful!!!

[@rtususian]

There's an episode of My Favorite Husband, Lucy's radio series from 1949 where she teaches a shy Richard Crenna to dance, and she mentions that men and women are made differently so they can dance together. The radio audience laughed extra long because of the innuendo; however, when she uses the same line on Richard again in the I Love Lucy episode The Young Fans from Season 1, the audience as I recall doesn't laugh as knowingly as the radio audience.

[@virginialoer400]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the club scene where Lucy pretends to be a musician and Ricky asks to see her credentials. I always thought that was super risque for that time.

[@osalas36]

I think it's similar to Disney movies now: it's mainly for "family" viewing, but in order to get families to watch it you have to make at least a bit bearable to the ones who are paying for it: the adults. So, you have to throw in some jokes that appeal to them.

[@ashsmith1364]

lucy’s schedule and the diet are my favorite episodes

[@lisalu910]

Absolutely, before I even watched your clips, I was already thinking about the one where they come out of the bedroom in “afterglow” and practically reeking of post-coital bliss.

[@susanbennett3115]

Love all of these. If had not been married in real life I don't think it would have come across as so realistic and true. We ALL fell in love with Lucy. For me it's been decades and longer, yet I can still watch and still laugh.

[@Jocular64]

Her reaction immediately after Ricky's question said everything! "Lucy, don't you like the way I vibrate?"

[@EverlastingHobnocker]

He is vibrationally acceptable

[@Jocular64]

@@EverlastingHobnocker The man was adorable and sexy! And, I think Lucy found him irresistible!

[@jb6712]

Nope, no innuendo, nothing suggestive. Lucille Ball was entirely aware that her audiences included children of all ages, and she wanted nothing to do with polluting young minds. If viewers can't take the lines for just the comedy she intended, then that only shows what's on the viewer's mind, nothing more.

[@randytim512]

Those were good ones. Semi innocent by today's standards but still a few moments of adult humor. Very very Good video and got me thinking about other episodes that had some mild references to adult themes. There was one episode that sort of stuck out in my mind which was where LUCY tried to arrange a date between Sylvia Collins and Fred's friend who wholesale lingerie. And Sylvia can't make it they meet at the lobby of the sherry-netherland hotel and Fred's reaction seeing Lucy there was absolutely hysterical. His friend didn't want to meet Fred for lunch because he had a date with a married woman which friend referred to as a heavy date. At the end Lucy and Ethel are caught in negligees in a hotel room and make up a story that they're running away with Fred's friend to South America. I love that episode. There was also one quick reference to Kinsey by the woman that would eventually become Lucy mother as Lucy and Ethel were trying to take a survey door to door. Kinsey of course is the controversial author of the Kinsey Report on sexual behavior. Happy Memorial Day Rick! Hope you have a great one.

[@5argetech56]

The first stop episode. You get to see Ethel's big butt, when she climbs up into the top bunk. Which was right in your face actually.

[@enricosanchez894]

5argeTech /\ Lucy Raises Chickens featured Lucy and Ethel showing lots of leg.

[@christiec4903]

I always thought she meant she needs more than 15 minutes to get her hair done, makes sense since she dyed it lol.

[@rickiedean1090]

There is nothing wrong with Lucy and Ricky. Take a look at what at what you see on the tv today.

[@rtususian]

Believe it or not, in comparison to What's My Line, these clips from I Love Lucy are pretty tame. If you wish to continue this "risqué 50s TV" material, watch episodes of What's My Line on youtube from the 50s and 60s. There are TONS of risqué material here and keep in mind What's My Line wasn't scripted and was usually broadcast live. For instance, one man designed girdles, and Bennett Cerf asked if women wore this item, "I'd really like to know", to audience laughter and Arlene Francis responds, "Ask us" (meaning her and Dorothy Killgallen). Then Arlene asks, "Does it go around".....eh, you're wondering what I'm going to ask what it goes around!" There are also the mystery guest segments where the panelists are blindfolded and ask the celebrity questions to discover their identity. Sometimes there is confusion over the sex of the guest, and funny lines occur here. For instance, Dorothy Kilgallen asked Fred Astaire, "Do men whistle at you when you walk down the street?" Both Fred and moderator John Daly can't stop laughing and Fred can't even control himself to answer the question. Another time, Rosalind Russell used a very low voice and she was asked, "Have you ever played a leading man?"

[@bradholland2092]

I always thought that Lucy meant she would need more than 15 minutes to use the restroom.

[@joelfogelsanger5773]

Brad Holland That's what I thought.

[@debbiemacwilliams9540]

Me too!

[@bilbobaggins4710]

To go poop???

[@jackvannote]

To do aka dye her hair of course.

[@joemedley195]

It seems likely to me that “traveling salesman/farmer’s daughter” could’ve been a common joke setup, much the same way that many jokes now begin with “A man walks into a bar.”

[@jackvannote]

Joe!! You don't know the classic but perfectly filthy joke about the traveling salesman and the farmer's daughter?? Are you American. It's a staple of Americana regarding our Midwest. If you are American bet your Dad knows it. Ask him to tell it to you. I still can't write it here in a forum that women also read!!

[@grammarilyn]

We were innocent back then it just shows how depraved we are now I remember when they first started using swearwords in movies we would watch a movie that had none and I would replace the swearing or non-swearing with the swearwords that they were using in the 60s

[@ohmeowzer1]

I appreciate your positive and encouraging words at the end of your videos ...very kind of you

[@sarahmoviereviewer4109]

Can you imagine what would have gone on if I love Lucy was filmed today ?

[@sarahmoviereviewer4109]

Bessie Deville true

[@bcats9115]

It's left up to each person as to how their mind works! That's why it works.

[@thewaywewere9587]

Also in season 1E15 (Lucy plays cupid), there is a part where Mrs. Louis is talking to Lucy about Mr. Ritter and she says to Lucy "we had a long conversation over the pickle barrel, it sort of raised my hopes" now what did she mean by this in these days?

[@HEAVENTWA]

You forgot the reference to the Kinsey Report when Lucy suspects Ricky of cheating one of the woman who answers a door asks if Lucy and Ethel are doing the Kinsey Report survey.

[@amysloop9726]

Of course they gonna try see how much they can get away with on tv.. But it’s nice way for them to be discreet and funny at same time.. I’m pretty sure they would’ve been way worse if it was filmed today...

[@Landstander-to9vh]

One of my favorite risque jokes that never got finished was Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon starting, "There was an old hermit named Dave..."

[@TurnerLaraine]

This is the difference between today's films (and TV shows) and old shows under the "Code." Just like the Bible--which is not prudish and does record things that were and are unpleasant in Life. The old TV shows and films would talk about things--but not show them. They'd leave things to the imagination. And without having to go into gory detail--talk about something--or just suggest it. But today, even our commercials are starting to show more and more detail, in order to sell products. And I find it annoying and offensive. (That goes or the really fowl language also). I personally think it was better back then, as far as what to show and not to show an audience, in order to convey a message. Another example--if somebody is injured in a film--let's say they're stabbed. For some reason, directors think they have to really zoom in the violence--in all its technicolor gore and gloom. They have show all kinds of dismembered body parts, blood, etc. But back then, they might show some of person shot or stabbed just briefly--then the camera would pan away. The audience would get the idea. They wouldn't glorify the violence, like they do today. Also, if there was a lovemaking scene in a TV show or movie, usually the camera would pan away from a couple kissing--onto another area--to some curtains or something. Audience would get the idea. Now--Hollywood wants to show the people in bed naked, etc., etc. I don't like to watch these kind of shows or films, because I feel like an intruder--and I don't see it as romantic anymore--just intrusive and offensive. In fact, I've gotten so turned off my today's imovies, I don't like to watch them unless they're maybe shown on TV first.

[@theastewart6721]

All good clean fun to me! Thanks for another great video Rick!

[@valerieehrlich7166]

All clean to me quit trying to screw it up

[@jackvannote]

Yes, like beauty; smut is in the eyes and ears ot the beholder more than anyplace else. To the innocent,; to the good Christian, Lucy is nothing but great clean fun.

[@pikemeredith5604]

Yes, u can take these lines both ways but it was innocent fun & a great show. No four letter words or swearing so it's OK for it's time. Let's face it the show is still showing somewhere in the world today & it is still highly regarded as the best show ever, maybe the writers added these innuendos to add some spice to the show, no harm intended.

[@Kaboomboo]

I liked the bit where Lucy thinks Ricky is running off with his dancer and she says "You may have been in the park but you weren't feeding the pigeons!"

[@cubanjulia]

Couldn’t agree more! Being of the fact that the show was aired in front of a live audience back in the early to mid 50’s! Back then it was very clear that even as of to suggesting something only suitable for mature audiences would’ve been pulled off the air. However, the writers (Lucille Ball being one of them) were so clever with delivering their lines, as well as making sure that the storyline flew over the coo-coo’s nest of pestering executives working for other networks, thus competing with such that of a high rated, we’ll received show! Thanks for the upload! Love you as narrator! That of a soothing & pleasant voice! 👍 I remember growing up in the eighties and watching shows where they would put an announcement in the beginning of the show as a warning ⚠️ ‘Please be advised that their is content suitable for adult audiences’... somewhere along those lines!

[@jackvannote]

Where did you get the idea or information that indicated Lucille took part in writing the show??? That is absolutely false. Performing was her talent writing was not. Jack A.S VanNote President JAV Communcative Enterprises A Multimedia Firm

[@ravenpoe7093]

LOL even in Three’s Company they couldn’t finish those kind of jokes. I thought it was funny how women were portrayed not even to want to hear any such jokes. I agree with the ones u mentioned especially the “didn’t u like it, wish we could do it more often” but never thought as much about the 15 minutes thing...that could have been anything cause Lucy was always trying to get away with something. I kinda thought they were able to get a way with a bit more because they were a real life married couple cause some of those antics they were placed in I don’t think could have been done with any actors.