Title
Lucille: The Life of Lucille Ball,New
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Lucille: The Life of Lucille Ball is an entertaining, informative, scholarly, and fascinating biography of one of the most revered actresses in television history. Moving beyond the typical celebrity bio, author Kathleen Brady separates the actress from Lucy Ricardo, the antic, enduring character she created on I Love Lucy.Brady is the only biographer to have spent extensive time in Jamestown, New York, Lucille Ball's hometown, where she interviewed Ball's childhood friends. Other interviews for the book included family, employees, Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Milton Berle, Maureen O'Hara, Maxine Andrews of the Andrews Sisters, and the late chairman of CBS Bill Paley. Kathleen Brady's definitive biography presents a human Lucille Ball the fans have never known: the wouldbe showgirl in New York, fired almost as soon as she was hired because she was too flatchested and mousy; her great love for Desi Arnaz, their tempestuous marriage, the day she thought she had killed him with a hammer, and the incident that ended their marriage; Lucille as head of Desilu Studios, overriding the advice of her most trusted executives and agreeing to green light the pilots of Star Trek and Mission Impossible; and her runin with the House on UnAmerican Activities Committee and fears of being blacklisted.Brady reveals that Lucille Ball's life was a roller coaster, going from disaster to victory and triumph to tragedy. As a young woman, Ball believed that she had to work had to make people like and appreciate her. As a star, she felt she had to work hard to maintain her popularity, and was also conscious that what her fans wanted from her was not herself, but Lucy Ricardo.Of the first edition of this book, published by Hyperion in 1994, critic Molly Haskell wrote: 'It's a beautiful portrait of someone with enormous talent as an entertainer and heartbreaking fragility as a woman. In giving Lucille Ball the serious appraisal she deserves, Kathleen Brady has really gotten behind the scenes and the cameras to provide an invaluable chronicle of several areas and eras of show business.'New to this edition of Lucille is an introductory essay focusing on the place of the character of Lucy Ricardo in the history of comedy, going back to the traditions of the Italian commedia dell'arte and forward to the end of the 20th century. In this essay, Lucille Ball is compared to other key female figures in comedy like Mabel Normand, Mae West, Frannie Brice, Gilda Radner, and Fran Drescher. As the author writes, 'Lucille Ball was a revolutionary figure because Lucy Ricardo was the first female character to combine the knockabout physical comedy of vaudeville and music halls (and 15th century carnivals) while being beautiful, feminine, and sweetly appealing.' This edition also includes many new photographs from various sources.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: This book has four hundred pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of Lucille Ball's life and career.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is a hardcover edition. This binding is durable and suitable for frequent handling.
- Q: Who is the author of this biography? A: The author is Kathleen Brady. She is known for her extensive research and interviews related to Lucille Ball.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book like any typical biography. It's suitable for anyone interested in entertainment history.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for children? A: Yes, this book is generally appropriate for older children and teens. However, it includes themes related to adult relationships.
- Q: What age group is this book suitable for? A: This book is suitable for readers aged twelve and up. It covers mature themes while providing historical context.
- Q: How do I care for this hardcover book? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it upright and avoid exposure to moisture. Clean it with a dry cloth only.
- Q: Can this book be cleaned? A: No, this book should not be cleaned with liquids. Use a dry cloth to remove dust from the cover.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover and pages.
- Q: Is this biography different from other celebrity biographies? A: Yes, this biography offers a deeper insight into Lucille Ball's life beyond her on-screen persona. It includes personal interviews and historical context.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works about Lucille Ball? A: This biography is considered definitive due to Kathleen Brady's extensive research and unique interviews. It provides a fuller picture of Ball's life.
- Q: Is this book recommended for fans of Lucille Ball? A: Yes, it is highly recommended for fans. It reveals aspects of her life and career that are often overlooked.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers have policies in place for damaged items.
- Q: What is the return policy for this book? A: Return policies vary by seller. Typically, you can return the book within a specified period if it's in original condition.
- Q: How can I get support if I have questions about the book? A: For questions, you can contact the seller directly or check their website for customer support options.
- Q: Are there photos included in this edition? A: Yes, this edition includes many new photographs. These images provide visual context to Lucille Ball's life and career.