Watch Lucy Calls the President

"Lucy Calls the President" is a television special that aired in 1977, featuring the iconic Lucille Ball, reuniting her with her longtime friend and co-star Vivian Vance, and their familiar colleague Gale Gordon. The special capitalizes on the charm and comedic talent of Lucille Ball, maintaining her position as one of America's most beloved television personalities. The special was well-received at the time of its airing and remains a cherished piece of television history for fans of classic TV comedies.

The film centers around Lucy Whittaker (Lucille Ball), a spirited and somewhat scatterbrained woman, who is living a relatively quiet and ordinary life in a small Indiana town. Lucy's life takes an unexpected turn when she inadvertently becomes involved in a community issue that captures her passion and, in true Lucy fashion, launches her into a quirky and determined mission.

During a televised speech by the President of the United States, Lucy is struck by an issue that the President addresses, which directly affects her small town. Seized by a wave of civic duty and her own indomitable sense of justice, Lucy decides to take matters into her own hands. She resolves to contact the President directly, believing that her personal touch might make a real difference for her community's cause.

Lucy's resolve sets off a chain of adventures and misadventures as she attempts to get through to the highest office in the land. To reach the President, she encounters a series of bureaucratic hurdles and comedic misunderstandings, all the while gathering support from her friends and neighbors. Vivian Vance plays Lucy's best friend, Viv, who tries to lend a hand and support Lucy's endeavors, despite skepticism about the likelihood of their success. Gale Gordon portrays a local official who is both flustered and flabbergasted by Lucy's relentless efforts.

Throughout the movie, we see the signature slapstick comedy and physical humor that Lucille Ball perfected in her earlier work, but with a fresh spin that reflected the cultural and political context of the late 1970s. The movie deftly combines the small town, grassroots Americana flavor with the grandiose, high-stakes setting of the White House and national politics, creating a humorous contrast between Lucy's down-to-earth character and the enormity of the presidential office.

As the narrative unfolds, Lucy's determination and her creative – often hysterically flawed – strategies to connect with the President endear her to everyone who crosses her path. Her efforts ultimately culminate in an invitation to the White House, offering her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present her case directly to the most powerful man in the nation.

The movie plays off the well-known chemistry between Ball and Vance, a dynamic duo that had previously proven successful in "I Love Lucy" and "The Lucy Show." The reunion of these comedic legends on-screen provides a nostalgic touch that fans of their earlier work would appreciate, while also appealing to a new generation of viewers.

"Lucy Calls the President" showcases the universal theme of the underdog taking on the establishment, a classic David vs. Goliath narrative that resonates with audiences. The special also explores themes of friendship, community spirit, and the belief that one person can make a difference. Despite being a comedy, it carries undertones of the importance of civic engagement and the impact of collective efforts for a better society.

Ultimately, the movie is a family-friendly escapade that offers laughter, wholesomeness, and an endearing look at political activism through the lens of one of television's most iconic characters. "Lucy Calls the President" stands as a testament to Lucille Ball's enduring legacy as a comedienne and her ability to captivate viewers with her charm, wit, and irrepressible sense of humor.

As a TV special, "Lucy Calls the President" reinforces the power of the medium at a time when nostalgia-driven entertainment and the celebration of beloved television personalities were starting to gain momentum. It's a testament to the exceptional staying power of Lucille Ball as an entertainer and a cultural icon and is a delightful watch for fans of her comedic genius and those interested in a humorous take on American politics and society from the perspective of the 1970s.

Lucy Calls the President is a 1977 comedy with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.