I LOVE LUCY: THE MOVIE (1953 Unreleased) Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, Mary Wickes, Aubrey Lee Dale, Barbara Pepper, Hazel Pierce, Roy Rowan, Frank J. Scannell

In 1953, three classic first season I Love Lucy episodes (“The Benefit,” “Breaking the Lease,” and “The Ballet”) were edited together with newly-filmed connecting scenes to create this never-before-released feature-length film.

The film had only a single "test" screening in 1953 at a small theater in Bakersfield, attended by the Arnazes. But Lucy and Desi had just signed a deal with M-G-M to do "The Long, Long Trailer", and M-G-M, fearing competition, insisted that they shelve the film. And that's literally what happened. I Love Lucy: The Movie was put back on a shelf, in a mislabeled can, and was lost for nearly half a century, until it was discovered in the Paramount vault by Dann Cahn in 2001.

The story has Ricky (Desi Arnaz) agreeing to play a benefit at Ethel's club, but as usual, Lucy (Lucille Ball) is determined to be the star of the show. Later, an argument prompts the Ricardos to break their lease with the Mertzes (William Frawley, Vivian Vance).

The film also features Mary Wickes, Aubrey Lee Dale, Barbara Pepper, Hazel Pierce, Roy Rowan, Frank J. Scannell.

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Number of DVDs: 1

Quality: 9.5/10, B&W

Running Time: 81 mins (approx)

Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen 1.33:1

NOTES: This is a fan-made DVD set. Not a studio release.