LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN {SEGMENT} {DESI ARNAZ} (TV)

Summary

A portion of one in this series of late-night talk shows hosted by David Letterman.

This segment features an interview with actor Desi Arnaz. Arnaz recounts the origins of “I Love Lucy,” including its original incarnation as the radio program “My Favorite Husband” and resistance from the studio to Arnaz portraying the husband of Lucille Ball’s character. He describes putting on an act with Ball in order to gauge audience reaction to seeing them on stage together, hoping to use it as a means to change the minds of the studio. Arnaz recalls a number of restrictions placed on the show, including difficulties involving an episode revolving around Ball’s character’s pregnancy. They discuss his business practices, including his invention of off-network television syndication and his television filming techniques. Jack Paar briefly makes a surprise cameo. Arnaz then performs “I’ll See You in C-U-B-A,” accompanied by Marco Rizo on piano. Program ends abruptly.

Details

• NETWORK: NBC
• DATE: November 30, 1999
• RUNNING TIME: 0:14:02
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: 125573
• GENRE: Talk/Interviews
• SUBJECT HEADING: Hispanic Americans; TV - Talk/Interviews
• SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1982-1993
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• David Letterman … Host
• Desi Arnaz … Performer, Guest
• Marco Rizo … Performer
• Jack Paar … Guest
• Lucille Ball