MovieChat Forums > I Love Lucy (1951) Discussion > The Hedda Hopper Story

The Hedda Hopper Story


Does anyone else really enjoy this episode? It's an underrated season 4 Hollywood show, with a funny setpiece involving the hotel pool. This was actually the only episode where I really couldn't stand Lucy's mother, who I thought was at her worst here.

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I never Iiked this episode much when I was younger, but with PJ Purple's positive comments about it, I revisited the ep several years ago, and now really enjoy it. And it's mainly BECAUSE of Lucy's mother! I think it's hysterical what she does with the airport screw-up. I also roar at her continuous laughing at Ricky being compared to Valentino (and, frankly, doesn't she have a point??).

I also love Hy Averback, who was so effective in both of his ILL appearances.

And last but not least, that hunk in the very tight/very short swimsuit is a sight for sore eyes. Pretty revealing attire for a 1950s family sitcom!

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Gary,

Interesting bit of trivia:

The "hunk" is John Hart who replaced Clayton Moore for one season of THE LONE RANGER. I loved the show as a kid and I thought Hart did a good job in the title role.

I think he also appeared as the real "Tom Catcherside" in the "Lucy Changes Her Mind" episode.

(You probably already knew that!)

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Actually, I didn't until PJ pointed out is was the same actor (isn't he a bit blondish as Tom?).

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Yes, he is.

He definitely had very dark brown or black hair.

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It still remains one of my favorite Hollywood episodes! Lucy's mother laughing at Ricky the "next Valentino" is hilarious.

Lucy's costume for her dip in the pool is great. She wears that big floppy hat which really flops when it got wet.

That leads to Hedda Hopper's funny comment, "And they say I wear funny hats."

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