Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #593
Desi Arnaz

Desi and CBS come to terms for the final season of the seminal ‘I Love Lucy’

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

Desi and CBS come to terms for the final season of the seminal ‘I Love Lucy’

Notarized DS, fourteen pages both sides, 8.5 x 11, October 1, 1956. Agreement between CBS Television and Desilu Productions (Producer) for the Producer to “produce and deliver to CBS Television…twenty-six (26) filmed television programs, each approximately one-half (1/2) hour in length, in the series entitled ‘I LOVE LUCY.’” Document points of several more particulars of the agreement including: Production Schedule: “The first (1st) of said twenty-six (26) programs shall be delivered not later than September 15, 1956, and the succeeding programs shall be delivered at a rate of one (1) program in each week thereafter until all have been delivered.” Elements of Programs: “The services of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as the stars of the program, including their services as actors, singers, comedians and otherwise as required by the script and including the services of Desi Arnaz as the conductor of his orchestra…the services of Vivian Vance and William Frawley as regular featured players on each program; the services of Keith Thibodeaux (also known as Richard Keith) in the role of ‘Little Ricky’ whenever such role appears in a script…the services of James V. Kern as director of the program…the services of Desi Arnaz as producer.” Compensation: “As full compensation for the performance of all of Producer’s obligations…shall pay Producer…the sum of Sixty-Six Thousand Dollars ($66,000).” Other topics spelled out in the agreement include Commercial Material, Approval Rights, Ownership of Programs, Credits and Billings, and Insurance. Signed on page 27 by Desi Arnaz. Final page bears notarized statements the signers appeared before the notary public. In fine condition, with punch and staple holes to tops of each pages, and a few small edge tears.

Contributing a wealth of memorable episodes and catch phrases to popular culture, I Love Lucy ran on CBS from 1951 to 1957, with this 14-page agreement marking the last one for the series in its original format. At the conclusion of this sixth season, Arnaz and Lucille Ball renamed the show The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show and extended it to a full hour. Amazingly, I Love Lucy was the most-watched show in the United States in four of its six seasons, was the first to end its run at the top of the Nielsen ratings, and continues to rank at the top of any list of television's greatest shows. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Hollywood
  • Dates: #371 - Ended May 19, 2011





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for (inquire for price)

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.