Jun 17, 2002 04:11 PM
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(Updated Jun 17, 2002 04:11 PM)
Think of sheer comedy and the first name to flash by is of Television's darling Lucy. That very animated face with high cheekbones, and saucer eyes with long lashes with a perfect time for comedy. Noted for deft pantomime and an endearing talent for making the outrageous believable, the mere elasticity of her face would put a smile on our faces. The most loved sitcom character, she invaded the lives of thousands of viewers for whom she had become indispensible. The show 'I Love Lucy' that completed an incredible 50 years in showbiz last year, is no less than an American institution, the single most popular and influential TV phenomenon in the history of the medium.
All 179 episodes still air regularly the world over. At any given moment, someone, somewhere is watching and laughing at a rerun of ''I Love Lucy.'' The show established the sitcom as TV's dominant genre, pioneering the production of TV shows on film in front of a live audience. Centred around an average American middle-class housewife whose harmless schemes always backfired and ridiculous situations that she was caught into, suddenly became everybody's business. When 'I Love Lucy' premiered on October 15, 1951, it immediately became one of the most popular shows to hit the TV screen. In its six-year run, the show never ranked lower than third , holding the No. 1 slot for four years and winning more than 200 awards, including five Emmys. Apart from its content, the show also was a path-breaker which changed forever the way TV comedies were made, paving the way as the 30-minute situation comedy increasingly replaced the once-dominant hour-long comedy variety show.
The year 2001, marked the five decade experience with Lucy. On the occassion, a nationwide tour saw a unique celebration where Lucy fans, had a chance to get up close and personal with all of their favourite ''Lucy'' memories. Immortalised as the first lady of Comedy, Lucille Ball was more than just a comedienne. She was the quintessential hardworking, wisecracking gal who knocked herself out to get a break, caught fame's shooting star, and rode it for all it was worth. Bestowed with a good sense of humour, she'd once said: '' All I knew was that I wanted to make people laugh.'' .
The first TV megastar ever, Lucille Ball became so familiar that her nickname, Lucy, instantly brought her to mind. Her's was a remarkable life, but the legend she left behind was even more phonomenal. Fortunately, we have reruns of I Love Lucy to constantly remind us of what a great comedienne and person Lucy was. She lives on forever in our memories and our hearts curing us with Laughter, the best medicine. Her legend is one that is so timeless, that it will never die, no matter what day, week, decade or century. Her legacy of laughter keeps her forever alive in our cherished memories. No matter what, we'll always love Lucy...
