The Real Story Of Lucille Ball

The difficult early years... The truth about her and Desi... What’s behind I Love Lucy... First published in 1954, this is the full story of the actress who struggled to achieve stardom in the savagely competitive world of Hollywood and then went on to top place in television. And the story of the woman who won the harder battle of preserving the things she loved—marriage, home, and family—against the unceasing demands of success.

A dual biography of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball focuses on the star-crossed marriage that sired one of the most powerful production empires in television history but ended in disintegration.

Published to mark the 50th anniversary of the debut of the "I Love Lucy" show, this is an entertaining, informative biography of the funniest actress in TV history. Brady creates a rounded portrait of Lucille Ball, the actress, wife, woman and mother behind Lucy Ricardo. 55 illustrations.

"Marriage is okay, but adultery is more fun. Just ask Lucy." --Desi Arnaz Starkly at odds with the utopian fantasies of Classic TV, Desi Arnaz defined his real-life marriage to Lucille Ball like this: "We were anything but Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. They had nothing to do with us. We dreamed of success, fame, and fortune. And guess what? It all led to hell." Here from the most prolific biographers in show biz comes an unvarnished overview of the tormented married couple who transformed the manic eccentricities of LUCY into one of the most profitable icons of the Atomic Age.

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The one and only autobiography by the iconic Lucille Ball, hailed by TV Guide as the “#1 Greatest TV Star of All Time.” Love, Lucy is the valentine Lucille Ball left for her fans—a warm, wise, and witty memoir written by Lucy herself. The legendary star of the classic sitcom I Love Lucy was at the pinnacle of her success when she sat down to record the story of her life. No comedienne had made America laugh so hard, no television actress had made the leap from radio and B movies to become one of the world's best-loved performers. This is her story—in her own words. The story of the ingenue from Jamestown, New York, determined to go to Broadway, destined to make a big splash, bound to marry her Valentino, Desi Arnaz. In her own inimitable style, she tells of their life together—both storybook and turbulent; intimate memories of their children and friends; wonderful backstage anecdotes; the empire they founded; the dissolution of their marriage. And, with a heartfelt happy ending, her enduring marriage to Gary Morton. Here is the lost manuscript that her fans and loved ones will treasure. Here is the laughter. Here is the life. Here’s Lucy... “The comic actress in her own words...intensley moving.”—San Francisco Chronicle “Filled with light and laughter.”—New York Times Book Review

Who doesn't love Lucy? The legendary actress, producer, and comedian steps into the Who Was? spotlight. Much like her hit TV show, I Love Lucy, Americans in the 1950s fell in love with Lucy. Born in New York in 1911, Lucille Ball was always a natural performer. She danced in the chorus of Broadway shows and acted in small parts in Hollywood movies. But Ball's true gift was comedy. She found a way to showcase her gifts in 1951 when CBS gave her the chance to star in a sitcom. She based the show on her life and called it I Love Lucy. Over sixty years later, it is still one of the most loved television shows of all time. Lucille Ball became the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu, and her comedic genius has kept people laughing for generations.

Knowing how much Mom liked Michael Stern, I knew his book would be honestand it is. I HAD A BALL is full of stories no one but Michael would know. His friendship with Mom is evident on every page. A good read. Thank you Michael. DESI ARNAZ JR . Michaels memories are my memories, only clearer. What a talent for details! It was very moving for me to relive so much of our lives through Michaels eyes. Very entertaining. Charming. And, more importantly, true. As Mom wrote on one of her photos to him, Happy Thoughts. LUCIE ARNAZ In 1971, ten-year-old Michael Stern thought he had died and gone to heaven as he watched a filming of Heres Lucy. He was enthralled with a redhead gifted with beauty, stage presence, and the ability to make others laugh. Over the next few years, he would attend several more filmings, meet Lucy, and eventually become (in Lucys own words) her number-one fan. In his memoir, Michael Stern offers a refreshing glimpse into the life of a natural comedienne and actress as he provides a fascinating narrative on what it was like to become first a fan and then a friend with one of the biggest television personalities of all time. Known to fans simply as Lucy, she entertained millions of people across the world with shows like I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Heres Lucy. But to Michael, who was eventually allowed access into her private world, she was a fascinating woman with whom he would share many unforgettable adventures. I Had a Ball is a unique tribute to Lucys legacy, her spirit, her talent, and her enthusiasm for lifesure to entertain Lucy fans, television aficionados, and comedy lovers around the world.

The first dual biography of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball focuses on the star-crossed marriage that sired one of the most powerful production empires in television history but ended in disintegration. 75,000 first printing. $65,000 ad/promo.