Everyone loves Lucy, even in a television special as fluffy and foolish as this one. Lucille Ball stars as Lucy Whittaker, an Indiana housewife who phones then President Jimmy Carter to give him a piece of her mind. Carter intends to build a housing project on the site of what is now a camp for underprivileged kids. Of course, President Carter just so happens to be coming to town and ever so kindly offers to allow Lucy to make him dinner as he comes by her house to discuss the situation with her.
I have one kind thing to say about Lucy Calls the President, and that is this: somehow, every Lucy project seems to have a delightful cast of hilarious actors and actresses. Guest starring in this piece are Ed McMahon, Steve Allen, Mary Wickes, and Mary Jane Croft. And what kind of special would this be if Vivian Vance, Lucy's I Love Lucy co-star, hadn't appeared? It definitely wouldn't have been the same without her, although her presence made me miss Desi Arnaz that much more. However, excellent casting doesn't do much for a so-so storyline and moderately overdone jokes.
Even if the plot and humor hadn't aged this movie, it would be evident by the horrible DVD production. Each frame looks dull and faded, as though the original film was left out in the sun after this special originally aired and was finally taken inside right before it was transferred to DVD. It feels as though you are traveling back in time to watch Lucy Calls the President, and to be honest, the trek isn't really worth it. Sure, the rosy glow of the scenery will make you believe that you've got on rose-colored glasses, but the only time or place when that is actually a good thing is when you are watching Sweet Valley High.
While the actual film may have been damaged in the decades since Lucy reigned the small screen, the sound quality isn't too poor. Sure, it could have been better, but that would have been a distraction from the hideousness that is the picture caliber. Also, turning down the volume doesn't do anything to hide Lucy and friends' ages. I'm not sure if that's the reason the visuals are so bad or if it's to keep the audience from cringing at her more embarrassing antics (isn't she too old to be having icing duels?) but either way, the sound comes through pretty clearly and doesn't hinder your ability to sit through the movie. Just remember though, if you have to choose, skip the so-called special in order to watch the featurettes. They're much more entertaining.
DVD Bonus Features
Lucy Calls the President rings in at a little under an hour, leaving plenty of room on the DVD for bonus features. This additional footage is perhaps the reason that this movie is being released. Every Lucy fan should have access to the featurettes that have been dug up for this. Along with an optional introduction from James Brodhead (seen here as the mayor), there are also featurettes entitled "Working with Lucy" and "From Rehearsal to Broadcast" which show some behind the scenes shots as well as clips from Here's Lucy. Lucy's guest starring segment on The Tonight Show, when Johnny Carson was the host, is rather amusing, and succeeds in being slightly more funny than "Let's Talk To Lucy," in which Lucy interviews Steve Allen for a radio show she hosted, although not by much.
"Lucy Calls the President" is on sale April 6, 2010 and is not rated. Comedy, Television. Directed by Marc Daniels. Written by Bob Carroll Jr., Madelyn Davis. Starring Ed McMahon, Gale Gordon, Lucille Ball, Mary Wickes, Steve Allen, Vivian Vance.
