Lucy and Desi

Audience Reviews

View More (30)

Garry A It's a solid documentary. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/14/25 Full Review Audience Member Actress/director Amy Poehler, Imagine Documentaries, and Amazon Prime Video present the true story of two of television's most popular couples Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were one of the biggest tv stars all about unconditional love 'I Love Lucy' back in the 1950s took off and the romantic leads had chemistry on-and-off camera Interviews are given by the late actor's daughter, grandfather, and friends from behind the scenes like Carol Burnette, Bette Midler, Charo, Lucy & Katherine Hepburn Women looking silly and funny was a rare thing for Hollywood Lucille Ball built her own success in a time when women had very few opportunities in the workforce much less tv broadcasting She grew up watching vaudeville shows every weekend and she always wanted to do show business for a wide audience Her grandfather went through a straining trial of accidentally shooting a boy in the woods during a hunting trip But it wasn't until Lucille Ball started in Hollywood she finally found her footing after starring in several pictures so her comedic talents could finally be seen Desi Arnaz came to the United States penniless and intelligent Latin Americans in tv wasn't common but he and Lucy catapulted something extraordinary being one of the earliest interracial couples, son saw it as taboo and wanted nothing to do with her Like any celebrities they face their ups and downs in terms of radio, show business, personal problems Communist investigations even started to hit home in the industry not just tv but movie stars Desi because he was a Cuba native saw how difficult it was considering his home lost all their money and was labeled as a red because they put a communist in jail; to know his wife Lucille was accused was shocking to him The Cuban revolution occurred when he was only 14 with riots and destruction of public property making things seem bleak and unsafe so it turned Desi into a refugee Lucille's home life was unhappy and Desi felt overshadowed by her being more in the spotlight But regardless their popularity even outmatched the Presidential inauguration as well as the coronation of the queen The both of them operated the most successful television company in the world but over time they separated when they decided they never got what they wanted, there's always other things any famous people want more or get tired of You don't necessarily have to be a funny person to get a laugh, you can either quit or get bigger, no one can be half-assed successful Amy Poehler you can tell is clearly inspired by the late comedian actress so she handles both subjects with such clarity If there's ever a documentary that covers hagiography this is a pure example that expertly covers the public and private portions of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's fame, love, humor, and impact on television Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/05/24 Full Review Jeff M This is an absolutely wonderful documentary - required viewing for anyone even remotely interested in either of the titular stars, their groundbreaking sitcom or the Golden Age of Hollywood in general. After the disappointment of the fictional BEING THE RICARDOS a few months ago, this is likely going to stand the test of time as the ultimate dissection of the founders of Desilu Productions. I'm so very impressed with Poehler's direction here - perhaps it takes the creativity of one comic master to delve into the heart of another. But virtually every decision she makes here is flawless. We are treated to behind the scenes and audio and video clips that I've never seen before - it's more than just the generic clips of Lucy stomping grapes and getting tipsy after too many sips of Vitameatavegamin. Interviews range from Carol Burnett to Bette Midler and even the one and only Charo. The most telling moments obviously come from daughter Lucie - a reminiscence of Desi's final moments is especially touching. This is one of those rare documentaries that feels like more than just a basic two hours you'd see on DATELINE NBC or 20/20. I learned a lot about both Lucy and Desi - both had trouble childhoods that were very surprising. Most importantly, the filmmakers have an obvious love and devotion toward their subject matter. I know the year is young, but I'd be very surprised if this is not on my Ten Best list of 2022. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/22/24 Full Review Audience Member Actress/director Amy Poehler, Imagine Documentaries, and Amazon Prime Video present the true story of two of television's most popular couples Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were one of the biggest tv stars all about unconditional love 'I Love Lucy' back in the 1950s took off and the romantic leads had chemistry on-and-off camera Interviews are given by the late actor's daughter, grandfather, and friends from behind the scenes like Carol Burnette, Bette Midler, Charo, Lucy & Katherine Hepburn Women looking silly and funny was a rare thing for Hollywood Lucille Ball built her own success in a time when women had very few opportunities in the workforce much less tv broadcasting She grew up watching vaudeville shows every weekend and she always wanted to do show business for a wide audience Her grandfather went through a straining trial of accidentally shooting a boy in the woods during a hunting trip But it wasn't until Lucille Ball started in Hollywood she finally found her footing after starring in several pictures so her comedic talents could finally be seen Desi Arnaz came to the United States penniless and intelligent Latin Americans in tv wasn't common but he and Lucy catapulted something extraordinary being one of the earliest interracial couples, son saw it as taboo and wanted nothing to do with her Like any celebrities they face their ups and downs in terms of radio, show business, personal problems Communist investigations even started to hit home in the industry not just tv but movie stars Desi because he was a Cuba native saw how difficult it was considering his home lost all their money and was labeled as a red because they put a communist in jail; to know his wife Lucille was accused was shocking to him The Cuban revolution occurred when he was only 14 with riots and destruction of public property making things seem bleak and unsafe so it turned Desi into a refugee Lucille's home life was unhappy and Desi felt overshadowed by her being more in the spotlight But regardless their popularity even outmatched the Presidential inauguration as well as the coronation of the queen The both of them operated the most successful television company in the world but over time they separated when they decided they never got what they wanted, there's always other things any famous people want more or get tired of You don't necessarily have to be a funny person to get a laugh, you can either quit or get bigger, no one can be half-assed successful Amy Poehler you can tell is clearly inspired by the late comedian actress so she handles both subjects with such clarity If there's ever a documentary that covers hagiography this is a pure example that expertly covers the public and private portions of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's fame, love, humor, and impact on television Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/13/23 Full Review Jared S Scramble of shots from I Love Lucy that made it hard to really appreciate the greatness that was the show. Just play a whole clip! Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 12/05/22 Full Review Audience Member Engaging & endearing, this well-paced doc is the tale of two of television’s most influential pioneers while being a genuine love story at its core. As familiar as the subjects are, there’s still plenty here to learn & enjoy. #nitrosMovieChallenge Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/04/22 Full Review Read all reviews

Lucy and Desi

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now