Ep 2. Lucy and Paul Winchel
- January 1, 1966
- 25 min
Lucy and Paul Winchell is the second episode of the fifth season of the American TV sitcom The Lucy Show. The show follows the comedic adventures of Lucy Carmichael, a widowed mother of two who finds herself in humorous predicaments.
In this episode, Lucy has a new neighbor, ventriloquist Paul Winchell, known for his talented and cheeky dummy Jerry Mahoney. Lucy becomes fascinated with the ventriloquist and keeps peeking through the windows to watch him practice. Winchell catches her in the act and invites her in to watch him rehearse for his upcoming charity show.
While practicing, Lucy becomes fascinated with the dummy and tries her hand at ventriloquism, leading to a hilarious encounter with Paul and Jerry. Paul then offers to teach Lucy how to become a ventriloquist so she can perform at the charity show. Lucy is thrilled at the prospect and starts practicing with her own dummy, Wilbur, who does not seem to have as much talent as Jerry.
As the day of the charity show approaches, Lucy and Paul are both nervous about their performances. Paul worries about Jerry's batteries going dead, while Lucy worries about forgetting her lines and making a fool of herself. At the show, Lucy takes the stage and, to the surprise of everyone, her ventriloquist act is a hit.
However, things take a turn when Wilbur starts talking back to Lucy in a rude manner, insulting the other performers and causing chaos on stage. Lucy struggles to control him and the audience becomes increasingly agitated. It is only when Paul steps in and saves the show with a hilarious rendition of his act with Jerry that things finally calm down.
In the end, Lucy realizes that she is not cut out for ventriloquism and decides to leave it to the professionals. She apologizes to Paul and Jerry for the mishap and they all share a good laugh about the crazy events that unfolded.
Overall, Lucy and Paul Winchell is a hilarious episode that showcases Lucille Ball's comedic talents as she tackles the world of ventriloquism with her signature brand of humor. With great performances by Paul Winchell and his lovable dummy Jerry Mahoney, this episode is sure to leave audiences in stitches.
