FLASHBACK FRIDAY: 'Terrific' Tallulah, Love Lucy

This week's Flashback Friday entry comes as an Internet Interest submission from a legendary music producer and stage/television veteran director, with an additional entry provided partly by the magic of YouTube. As we shall soon see, we are in store for quite a tasty, thrilling treat!

In this infectiously hilarious, rarely-seen clip from the LUCY - DESI COMEDY HOUR titled "The Celebrity Next Door" the screen legend Tallulah Bankhead makes a impressive, pitch-perfect and rare appearance on a television sitcom. Watch how she dominates every moment on-screen, attracting our rapt attention as only a true star can do. Even the plotline reflects how nervous and star-struck even the famously strong-willed Lucy, Desi and company are here by her mere presence deigned upon them.

Even the elegant way she answers the phone is infused with erudite wit and exquisite comedic timing. The entire episode is also available for viewing and it is highly recommended as it contains a number of note-perfect one-liners and some quite risqué ribaldry, such as the thinly veiled references Lucy makes to Ethel in this specially selected, oft-deleted (from television broadcast) scene. Also, pay close attention at the 1:12 mark for Miss Bankhead catching Lucy off-guard by grabbing her hand and Lucy's subsequent subdued, but somewhat startled, reaction.

Enjoy!:

If this clip so inspires you, and it certainly should, check out the entire episode here, available in six parts. Part 1:

https://www.youtube.com/embed?v=w15_dO6Q9XY&feature=related

That's all for this week, and remember if you would like to see a particularly fun, hilarious, bizarre or just all-around excellent performance from the past highlighted here be sure to send us a link! Until next week...

And, if you're interesteed in more of Tallulah Bankhead, LOOPED, Matthew Lombardo's new comedy starring four time Emmy winner Valerie Harper is currently in previews. It is directed by Rob Ruggiero and plays at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street). Opening night is Sunday March 14.

LOOPED tells the story of Tallulah Bankhead, the internationally celebrated actress, being called into a sound studio in 1965 to re-record (or "loop") one line of dialogue for what would be her last film -- the dreadful "Die, Die My Darling." Southern, but by no means a belle, Ms. Bankhead was known for her wild partying and convention-defying exploits that surpassed even today's celebrity bad girls. Given her inebriated state and inability to loop the line properly, what ensues is an uproarious showdown between an uptight film editor and the outrageous legend. Brian Hutchison and Michael Mulheren complete the company.  www.loopedonbroadway.com