The Girls Want to Go to a Nightclub

The Girls Want to Go to a Nightclub is the second filmed episode of I Love Lucy but the first one aired. Originally, "Lucy Thinks Ricky Is Trying to Murder Her" was supposed to have been aired instead, as it was the first one filmed, but numerous production problems kept Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and others, who had a stake in the success of the program, from airing it until the problems had been fixed. Instead, it was determined that "The Girls Want to Go to the Nightclub" was a better product to introduce the American public to their program.^{[1] [2]} It debuted on CBS on Monday, October 15, 1951 at 9:00 pm.

Plot summary

It is the Mertzes' 18th wedding anniversary, and the Ricardos and Mertzes want to do something to celebrate. However, the men and women have differing opinions on what to do. Ricky and Fred want to go to the fights, but Lucy and Ethel want to go to a nightclub. They argue and are unable to come to an accord. Finally, Lucy announces that she and Ethel will find their own dates to take them out, and Ricky announces that he will do the same for Fred and himself.^[3]

Lucy tries calling up old boyfriends, but, unfortunately, most of them are busy, married, or babysitting grandchildren (Lucy explains that she had dated an older man when she was younger). Ricky is in a similar situation, having burned his "little black book" upon marrying Lucy; Lucy had told him that burning one's "little black book" was an American tradition. Finally, Ricky decides to call up a friend, Ginny Jones, who has connections to all the women in town. She agrees to set them up. Lucy has a similar idea and calls up Ginny to set up dates with men for Ethel and herself. Ginny lets Lucy in on Ricky and Fred's scheme, and Lucy has an idea. She tells Ginny to set the men up on dates--but with Ethel and herself. The evening comes around, and Ricky and Fred are anxiously waiting for their dates. The doorbell rings, and it's Lucy and Ethel, dressed in stereotypical hillbillies attire, and calling themselves "Euncie" and "Ma," respectively. Ricky and Fred are shocked and don't realize it is their wives behind the costumes. Lucy eventually gives herself away by heading straight towards the cigarettes and matches in the desk, though it was supposed to be her first time ever there. Ricky figures out Lucy's trick, and the men turn the tables on the women by being overly amorous. Lucy realizes that Ricky knows what's up, and the charade is over.

Later that evening finds the couples out celebrating the Mertzes' anniversary--at the fights. "Happy anniversary, Ethel", Lucy sighs. "Thank you, Lucy", Ethel sighs back.^[4]

References