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  • I Love Lucy Ethel's Birthday (Season 4, Episode 8)
  • TV-Y
    TV Episode | 30 min | Comedy, Family

I Love Lucy

Ethel's Birthday (Season 4, Episode 8)
TV-Y
TV Episode | 30 min | Comedy, Family

Convinced that his wife never likes the presents he buys for her, Fred asks Lucy to secretly find a birthday present for Ethel on his behalf. Lucy agrees, and later is with Ethel when she happens to find the gift-wrapped package in a ...See moreConvinced that his wife never likes the presents he buys for her, Fred asks Lucy to secretly find a birthday present for Ethel on his behalf. Lucy agrees, and later is with Ethel when she happens to find the gift-wrapped package in a closet. Ethel is less than excited about it, complaining that Fred has a history of giving her horrible gifts. Lucy urges Ethel to sneak a peek at what's inside. Reluctantly unwrapping the gift, Ethel pulls out a pair of strange-looking pants, gives them a quizzical glance and exclaims, "Well, he's done it again." Lucy hides her dismay, speaking up for Fred, trying to explain that they are chic hostess pants, the kind you wear "when you give smart dinner parties." Ethel is unimpressed, saying, "Oh, I've been wondering what to wear to all those smart dinner parties I give." When Lucy reveals that it was she and not Fred who selected the gift, this leads to an argument and an estrangement. In Act II, Ricky and Fred scheme to get the girls together again by taking them both to the theater to see a new hit show, "Over the Teacups". Ethel and Lucy are forced to sit together as they watch the play. Their anger toward each other softens as they listen to the play, a drama in which the main character is presented with news of a friend's death. Written by Tim Hatcher See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Writers
Jess Oppenheimer (written by) | Madelyn Davis (written by) (as Madelyn Pugh) | Bob Carroll Jr. (written by)
Producer
Composer
Cinematographer
Editor
Casting Director
Status
Edit Released
Updated Nov 29, 1954

Release date
Nov 29, 1954 (United States)

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Cast

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17 cast members
Name Known for
Lucille Ball
Lucy Ricardo Lucy Ricardo   See fewer
Desi Arnaz
Ricky Ricardo Ricky Ricardo   See fewer
Vivian Vance
Ethel Mertz Ethel Mertz   See fewer
William Frawley
Fred Mertz Fred Mertz   See fewer
John Breen
Complaining Theatre Patron (uncredited) Complaining Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Charles Cane
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
James Conaty
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Bess Flowers
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Stuart Hall
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Sam Harris
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Richard Kean
John (voice) (uncredited) John (voice) (uncredited)   See fewer
Mary Lansing
Cynthia (voice) (uncredited) Cynthia (voice) (uncredited)   See fewer
Harold Miller
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Hazel Pierce
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Fred Rapport
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Jack Reitzen
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
Norman Stevans
Theatre Patron (uncredited) Theatre Patron (uncredited)   See fewer
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