Summary

Legendary actressLucille Ballwas responsible for the hit sitcomI Love Lucybut also had a great career as a movie actress . Throughout her career , Lucille Ball start out her calling in the recent 1920s as a example but eventually got her first playacting fishgig as an uncredited extra in the 1933 movieRoman dirt . Up until her death in 1989 , Ball was a celebrated comedian , actress , singer , dancer , and manufacturer and is still remembered to this day . In fact , Desilu Productions , Lucille Ball ’s company , launchedStar TrekandMission : Impossible , some of the best TV shows of all time .

During her foresighted career , Lucille Ball ’s goggle box display and moviesbagged an incredible routine of laurels nominations , including an amazing five Primetime Emmy profits . Ball is remember for her brilliant comic timing , her ability to adapt to a orbit of different fiber , and being a general Hollywood icon . Although audience knew Lucille Ball forI Love Lucy , her movie career was just as successful , and she appeared in several movies as both a serious and comedic performing artist .

Lucille Ball was one of the good female comedian to have ever live and fans still fete some of her undecomposed TV performances , as seen here .

Collage of Lucille Ball’s Best moments as Lucy on TV

Movie Title

class of Release

microscope stage Door

Keanu Reeves looking over one shoulder as John Wick in Ballerina

1937

The Big Street

1942

Josh Hartnett looking shocked in Fight or Flight

The Dark Corner

1946

Lured

Lucille Ball as Gloria Lyons from The Big Street and as Sandra Carpenter from Lured

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

1947

The foresighted , Long Trailer

1953

I have a go at it Lucy : The Movie

The Facts Of Life

1960

Yours , Mine and Ours

1968

Mame

1974

Cher … and Other Fantasies

1979

10The Facts Of Life (1960)

Ball’s Performance As Kitty Resulted In Her First Golden Globe Nomination

1960’sThe fact of Lifeproved that Lucille Ball ’s playing skill , when paired with an evenly talented costar , were nothing little of fabulous . ballock and Bob Hope starred opposite each other inThe Facts of Lifeas Kitty ( Ball ) and Larry ( Hope ) , who fall in love and bulge out up an affair before promptly realizing that their romance was n’t as expected . Both actors showed off their comedic ability in this film , and their chemistry was strong throughout , but Ball stands out for her knavish behavior and hilarious attitude as Kitty .

ballock ’s performance as the world-weary housewife was so popular that it earned her a Golden Globe nominationfor Best Actress in a Comedy in 1961 . Although she did n’t win , losing out to Shirley MacLaine inThe flat , The fact of Lifeestablished Ball ’s abilities as an actress , and she was still greatly lionise for her role . At this point in her career , Ball already had a extremely embellish career , butThe fact of Lifeproved that she was much more than just Lucy Ricardo .

9The Big Street (1942)

Breaking Away From Comedic Roles

Although 1942’sThe Big Streetwas never one of Ball ’s well - known claim , she had antecedently tell that it was her favorite ( viaIMDb).The Big Streetsaw Ball in one of her early leading persona as the cold club singer Gloria Lyons and although the film was n’t a commercial winner , her portrait of Gloria was particularly far-famed . orchis was praise for prove the character ’s journey , filled with drama and anticipation among her comedic moments , demonstrating her ability to play complex characters .

Ball ’s purpose as Gloria also allowed her to break away from the typical comedic roles she ’d become hump for .

Ball had brilliant on - silver screen chemistry with her co - star Henry Fonda , who wager the plastic film ’s protagonist , busboy Little Pinks . They were both peculiarly praise for their moral force in peculiarly emotional moments , such as their saltation at the conclusion of the pic . testis ’s persona as Gloria also allow her to break forth from the typical comedic part she ’d become know for , and her performance was incredibly impactful overall .

8Lured (1947)

Ball Takes Down A Serial Killer

Luredwas a remaking of the 1939 French filmPièges , with Ball stepping into the shoes of the protagonist , Sandra Carpenter . The suspense - filled thriller movie once again allowed Ball to portray a grapheme that was n’t but comedic , and she was praised for her brilliant job of make for Sandra ’s intelligence and resourcefulness to life story . Through her carrying out , Ball kept audiences plight and on the edge of their seats as Sandra navigated a new , dark-skinned reality with a serial slayer place women who calculate just like her .

Sandra ’s back - and - forth with Robert ( George Sanders ) was peculiarly endear , and their interactions rapidly contribute an extra level of profoundness to the moving-picture show as they seek to lick a string of murder . Although she was very powerful throughoutLured , it ’s authoritative to note that Ball ’s incredible performance was partly down to the forcefulness of the supporting cast , such as Charles Coburn as the unsettling Harvey Temple . Luredwas a movie that let Ball show off her talent , with a superb blending of comedic and spectacular playacting throughout .

7The Dark Corner (1946)

The Film Was A Noir Match For Lucille Ball

The 1946crime noir movieThe Dark Cornerstarred Lucille Ball as the astute secretary Kathleen Stewart , who process for the private investigator Bradford Galt ( Mark Stevens ) . ballock had fabulous chemistry with Stevens throughout the film , which added to the dark noir air . Kathleen and Galt ’s relationship was complex and bass , resulting in some fantastically impactful moment for both actors .

As a character , Kathleen was a standout in the genre , violate out of the femme fatale image and being just as useful to the ongoing investigation as Galt was with her intelligence operation and brain . concord to the bookHenry Anne Hathaway : The Lives of a Hollywood Director , Ball faced issues with the music director behind the scenes but still delivered a leading performance . Critics praise Ball for endure out in a noir cinema , a musical genre she did n’t tend to come out in , particularly as her performance attest just how substantial a dramatic actress she was .

6Stage Door (1937)

It Was A Small Role With A Big Impact

In the early days of her career , Ball star in several small movie roles but was leave uncredited , with a few exclusion . 1937’sStage Door , however , mark the conclusion of this time period . chunk as Judy Canfield was her first credit role , although there has been a rough-cut misconception for years that it was 1936’sChatterbox . Despite the quality of Judy not being hugely prominent , Ball still manage to take hold of the hearing ’s tending with Judy ’s sassy one liners .

Considering the number ofHollywood favorable Era role player and actressesinStage Door , such as Katharine Hepburn as Terry Randall and Ginger Rogers as Jean Maitland , it was telling that Ball made such an impact in a small purpose . agree to the 2004 bookLucy A to izzard : The Lucille Ball Encyclopedia , Ball and Rogers were remote first cousin . Stage Doorreflected on the very real issues that Hollywood actress faced at the metre , which allowed Ball to show off her comedy acquisition while still being able to relate to the tarradiddle despite still being in the early days of her career .

5Cher… and Other Fantasies (1979)

Lucille Ball as Cher’s Fairy Godmother

In the 1979 TV movieCher … and Other Fantasies , legendary Isaac Bashevis Singer Cher gain some of the best comedian at that time for a ridiculous pack meshing TV special . After the player got trapped in a unknown construction and begin exploring , Cher found herself in several strange melodic sequences , scored with strain from the Cher record album " Take Me rest home , " including one with several woman from story all wearing clothes contrive by the iconic Bob Mackie . InCher … and Other Fantasies , Ball portrayed a tippy and bitter cleaning madam who help salve the twenty-four hours .

Ball ’s first vista attend her singing " Bibbidi - Bobbidi - Boo " from Cinderella , which was not only laughable to look out but also fitting for the tarradiddle . Ball ’s raspy voice and allegiance to the character were incredibly unassailable , which prove that the actress had the power to effectively give herself to any role , no matter how big or lowly . Although the focal point was on Cher , that did n’t stop Ball from slip the show , and she uphold to show this determination throughout her life history .

Lucille Ball ’s first appearance inCher … and Other Fantasiescomes at the 5:30 min St. Mark .

4Mame (1974)

It Was Lucille Ball’s Final Movie

Lucille Ball ’s last feature of speech film before her death in 1989 wasMame , which was release in 1974.Mamewas revolutionize by the 1966 Broadway musical of the same name , which had been adapted from the 1955 novelAuntie Mameby Patrick Dennis . Even with a huge amount of informant material , Ball still put her own spin on the titular character . Although Ball did n’t knowMamewould be her last full - length movie , she performed as Mame Dennis as if she did , receiving congratulations for her interpretation and garner a Golden Globe nominating speech for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical .

orb was praise for several elements of her performance , such as her comedic timing and spectacular responses to other characters .

Mameincluded several musical numbers that Ball loaned her part to , including " It ’s Today , " which set up her theatrical role brilliantly . AlthoughMamereceived motley reviews upon release , the celluloid still beautifully highlighted Ball ’s entire career and experience as an actress . chunk was praise for several elements of her carrying into action , such as her comedic timing and dramatic responses to other characters , include Bea Arthur as Vera Charles . Overall , Mameprovided an awe-inspiring expression on Ball ’s beautify career , and her portrait of Mame Dennis was a meet final part for the actress .

3Yours, Mine and Ours (1968)

It Was Ball’s Hilarious Take On Motherhood

Yours , Mine and Ourswas one of Lucille Ball ’s most noteworthy movies , mainly because of her leading role as the widow Helen . Much like inThe Big Street , Ball had bright chemical science with Henry Fonda , who represent Frank . Interestingly , the film was based on the actual - life versions of Helen and Frank , using Helen ’s bookWho induce the Drumstick?as inspiration . For the time full stop , Yours , Mine and Ourshad a comparatively modernistic storyline , with Ball and Fonda get hitched with and blend their eighteen child into one kin , which also put up some hilarious moments throughout .

Ball ’s part - over tale also added a deeper layer to her character .

While Ball was very funny , her dramatic performance was also particularly strong . surprisingly , Ball manifest the battle of an overworked , overtired mother , all wrapped up in a wholesome household drama . Ball ’s vocalism - over narration also tote up a deeper layer to her part , and in doing so , the actress show that she could still give a firm performance even if she were n’t on CRT screen . AlthoughYours , Mine and Oursreceived lukewarm vital critical review upon its release , it later take in the popularity it deserved , primarily due to Ball ’s iconic performance , which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress .

2The Long, Long Trailer (1953)

Ball and Arnaz Gave An Amazing Portrayal Of Newlyweds

Throughout her career , Ball oft work with Desi Arnaz before their divorce in 1960 . After meeting on the solidifying ofToo Many Girls , the couple worked together on multiple projects , includingI Love Lucy . However , The Long , Long Trailerwas the first movie they starred in together as romantic lead . The longsighted , Long Trailerfollowed Arnaz and Ball ’s characters , Tacy and Nicky Collini , in the early day of their marriage and how they deal with an raiment of absurd yet comical situations as they move across the United States .

Ball was particularly praised for her use of forcible funniness , especially in one notable moment where Nicky tries to teach Tacy to drive .

Arnaz and Ball ’s comedy skills were very strong inThe Long , Long Trailer , and used their own marriage off - television camera to move their roles . Ball was especially praised for her use of physical comedy , specially in one noted moment where Nicky tries to teach Tacy to drive . Out of all of her movies , The farsighted , Long Trailerstood out for Lucille Ball ’s bona fide and relatable performance as Tacy . The part showed Ball at her very best as a comedic actress , and the film continued to be a beloved classic for days after its release .

1I Love Lucy: The Movie (1953)

Ball’s Hit Sitcom On The Silver Screen

While Lucille Ball had many outstanding picture show in her filmography , I roll in the hay Lucy : The Moviewas her beneficial . The film was originally made in 1953 as a spinoff of the iconic sitcom of the same namebut never got a theatrical release and was shelved . I Love Lucy : The Moviewas at long last free in 2001 as a part of theI Love Lucy50th - day of remembrance special . At a glance , I Love Lucy : The Movieappeared to be the first few episodes of the situation comedy cut together into a characteristic - distance film , but its additional tantrum created a whole new storyline .

I have sex Lucy : The Moviecan be consider anexample of a meta movieas the added scene followed a untested couple who attended the filming of an episode ofI Love Lucy . Ball was particularly praise inI Love Lucy : The Moviefor her ability to seamlessly jump out between playing herself and Lucy Ricardo , but also for creating the concept in the first post . AlthoughI Love Lucydidn’t get an official movie , this project attractively representedLucille Balland her long - cross career , her comedic abilities , and the well - loved franchise as a whole .