The Girls Want to Go to a Nightclub

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The Girls Want to Go to a Nightclub is the second filmed episode of I Love Lucy but is the first one aired. It debuted on CBS on Monday, October 15, 1951 at 9:00pm. Originally Lucy Thinks Ricky Is Trying to Murder Her was supposed to have been aired instead, as it was the first one filmed; but numerous production problems kept Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and others who had a stake in the success of the program from airing it until numerous problems had been fixed. Instead, it was determined that "The Girls Want to Go to the Nightclub" was a better product to introduce the American public to their program.

[edit] Plot summary

It is the Mertzes' 18th wedding anniversary and the Ricardos and Mertzes want to do something to celebrate. However, the men and women have differing opinions on what to do. Ricky and Fred want to go to the fights, but Lucy and Ethel want to go to a nightclub. They argue and are unable to come to an accord. Finally, Lucy announces that she and Ethel will find their own dates to take them out and Ricky announces that he will do the same for him and Fred.

Lucy tries calling up old boyfriends, but unfortunately, most of them are busy, married, or babysitting their grandchildren. Lucy explains that she had dated an older man when she was younger. Ricky is in a similar situation as he had burned his "little black book" upon marrying Lucy. Lucy told him that burning one's "little black book" was an American tradition. Finally, Ricky decides to call up a friend, Ginny Jones, who has connections to all the women in town. She agrees to set them up. Next, Lucy has a similar idea, and calls up Ginny to set up dates with men for her and Ethel. Ginny lets Lucy in on Ricky and Fred's scheme and Lucy has an idea. She tells Ginny to set the men up on dates--but with her and Ethel. The evening comes around and Ricky and Fred are anxiously waiting for their dates. The doorbell rings and its Lucy and Ethel dressed as "Yuncy" and "Ma" respectively. They are dressed like stereotypical hillbillies. Ricky and Fred are shocked and don't realize it's their wives behind the costumes. Lucy eventually gives herself away by heading straight towards the cigarettes and matches in the desk, even though it was supposed to be her first time ever there. Ricky figures out Lucy's trick and so the men turn the tables on the women by being overly amorous. Lucy realizes that Ricky knows what's up and the charade is over.

Later that evening, the couples are out celebrating the Mertzes' anniversary -- at the fights.