Top 10 Things Being the Ricardos Got Factually Right & Wrong
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
retroguy94
I feel compelled to make a couple of corrections here. I have read much on Lucy and I have many books, some for 35 years on her, Desi and the show.
Regarding J Edgar Hoover, Desi was attempting to find out what the House Unamerican Activities Committee had on Lucy. He originally considered calling President Eisenhower but felt he did not know him well enough for that kind of move. He called Hoover instead, but in private. He knew Hoover from the race track at Delmar. Hoover told Desi that as far as the FBI was concerned they had absolutely nothing on her. But she still had to be cleared by the committee.
Next, regarding Lucy being a liberal democrat at the time of I Love Lucy, this was not true. Lucy was a democrat in the 1940's but was a registered republican by the 1950's. She voted for Eisenhower. In fact, if you listen to or read Desi's full speech before the studio audience about the red scare, he told them we both voted for Ike.
Finally regrinding Vivian Vance it was 20 pounds overweight and not 10. Her contract DID in fact state that as well as state she needed to wear frumpy dresses. This has been confirmed by various sources. This was done for a couple of reasons. First off, Lucy, in the beginning, was jealous or her looks. Lucy was afraid of being upstaged. Also, Vivian was only 2 years older than Lucy but was playing a woman married 25 years as opposed to Lucy playing a young married woman in her early 30's at the beginning of the show. In addition, she had to look closer in age to Frawley who WAS 22 years older than her and could play her father. Frawley's contract also had a strange provision. Known as a drinker, Desi had it written into his contract that if he ever showed up for work drunk or missed work due to drinking, he would be immediately written out of the series.
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I feel compelled to make a couple of corrections here. I have read much on Lucy and I have many books, some for 35 years on her, Desi and the show.
Regarding J Edgar Hoover, Desi was attempting to find out what the House Unamerican Activities Committee had on Lucy. He originally considered calling President Eisenhower but felt he did not know him well enough for that kind of move. He called Hoover instead, but in private. He knew Hoover from the race track at Delmar. Hoover told Desi that as far as the FBI was concerned they had absolutely nothing on her. But she still had to be cleared by the committee.
Next, regarding Lucy being a liberal democrat at the time of I Love Lucy, this was not true. Lucy was a democrat in the 1940's but was a registered republican by the 1950's. She voted for Eisenhower. In fact, if you listen to or read Desi's full speech before the studio audience about the red scare, he told them we both voted for Ike.
Finally regrinding Vivian Vance it was 20 pounds overweight and not 10. Her contract DID in fact state that as well as state she needed to wear frumpy dresses. This has been confirmed by various sources. This was done for a couple of reasons. First off, Lucy, in the beginning, was jealous or her looks. Lucy was afraid of being upstaged. Also, Vivian was only 2 years older than Lucy but was playing a woman married 25 years as opposed to Lucy playing a young married woman in her early 30's at the beginning of the show. In addition, she had to look closer in age to Frawley who WAS 22 years older than her and could play her father. Frawley's contract also had a strange provision. Known as a drinker, Desi had it written into his contract that if he ever showed up for work drunk or missed work due to drinking, he would be immediately written out of the series.
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fanjoy
Lucille Ball was such a genius at physical comedy, that its nearly impossible for any other actress to try to do anything near what Lucy could do. Comedy acting is such a rare ability, its innate. (Or it isnt. 99. 9% of people cant do it) I think the criticism of N Kidman not using extreme facial expressions, is not due to Botox & face fillers. I think its due to the same reason that Kidman didnt draw on the fake lip lines with lipstick, as Lucille Ball did, iconically. Kidman didnt want to look clownish. If she had used the big saucer wide eyes; and some of the large facial reactions that Lucy was such a master of, Kidman would have looked like a ridiculous imposter. And unfunny! Kidman would have probably wound up looking like she was faking and worse, mugging. Nicole Kidman is a very bright actor, and self aware of her professional abilities and limitations. She chose a more dignified acting approach.
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Lucille Ball was such a genius at physical comedy, that its nearly impossible for any other actress to try to do anything near what Lucy could do. Comedy acting is such a rare ability, its innate. (Or it isnt. 99. 9% of people cant do it) I think the criticism of N Kidman not using extreme facial expressions, is not due to Botox & face fillers. I think its due to the same reason that Kidman didnt draw on the fake lip lines with lipstick, as Lucille Ball did, iconically. Kidman didnt want to look clownish. If she had used the big saucer wide eyes; and some of the large facial reactions that Lucy was such a master of, Kidman would have looked like a ridiculous imposter. And unfunny! Kidman would have probably wound up looking like she was faking and worse, mugging. Nicole Kidman is a very bright actor, and self aware of her professional abilities and limitations. She chose a more dignified acting approach.
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Dottie
I only watched it because I remember all the controversy about casting and whatnot. I expected to hate it but, happy to say, I did enjoy it. I grew up with the reruns and this movie gave me a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the real Lucy and Ricky Arnez. I also noted that the kids gave their thumbs up (Executive Producers) on it so who am I to say it is wrong? I am usually one of those people who pick apart dramas based on real people & events but somebody told me, Dot, if you want the real story, watch a documentary. So I've tried to calm down & just enjoy the moment when watching films like this. Try. not always successful. but I do try. (Then I go to the Internet to see what they got wrong)
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I only watched it because I remember all the controversy about casting and whatnot. I expected to hate it but, happy to say, I did enjoy it. I grew up with the reruns and this movie gave me a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the real Lucy and Ricky Arnez. I also noted that the kids gave their thumbs up (Executive Producers) on it so who am I to say it is wrong? I am usually one of those people who pick apart dramas based on real people & events but somebody told me, Dot, if you want the real story, watch a documentary. So I've tried to calm down & just enjoy the moment when watching films like this. Try. not always successful. but I do try. (Then I go to the Internet to see what they got wrong)
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LeniiNero
Vivian was always beautiful and glamorous even as she got older. But I always assumed Ethel was significantly older than Lucy not because she was bigger or had heavier makeup or other clothes but because of Fred. I mean if Ethel and Lucy were the same age or close in age, why would she be married to Fred? Also, they never had children as children were never discussed on the show. I always assumed they married older.
Also I never thought Lucy the character was 20 something or early 30s, I always thought she was mid-late 30s when the show began therefore in her 40s when she had Ricky. Hence why the character never had another kid.
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Vivian was always beautiful and glamorous even as she got older. But I always assumed Ethel was significantly older than Lucy not because she was bigger or had heavier makeup or other clothes but because of Fred. I mean if Ethel and Lucy were the same age or close in age, why would she be married to Fred? Also, they never had children as children were never discussed on the show. I always assumed they married older.
Also I never thought Lucy the character was 20 something or early 30s, I always thought she was mid-late 30s when the show began therefore in her 40s when she had Ricky. Hence why the character never had another kid.
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Allison
Just seen this film yesterday here in the UK. It was ok actually, quite facinating but i dont think Nicole Kidman was the right choice, shes too tall and not the right body shape. Debra Messing would of been the person id choose. Iv seen her dressed as Lucy and it was uncanny the resemblance. I wasnt born when these I Love Lucy tv series were made, i can only remember Heres Lucy, the one where a little puppet of her is the intro and its in colour and even thats sketchy. After the film i watched some of the original black and white ones on Amazon Prime and really enjoyed them.
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Just seen this film yesterday here in the UK. It was ok actually, quite facinating but i dont think Nicole Kidman was the right choice, shes too tall and not the right body shape. Debra Messing would of been the person id choose. Iv seen her dressed as Lucy and it was uncanny the resemblance. I wasnt born when these I Love Lucy tv series were made, i can only remember Heres Lucy, the one where a little puppet of her is the intro and its in colour and even thats sketchy. After the film i watched some of the original black and white ones on Amazon Prime and really enjoyed them.
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Reneex
What a horrible movie. I can't believe that Lucie Arnaz loaned her name behind this dreadful film. Which soiled the legacy of her beloved parents. Every televised film that has been produced, documenting the monumental legacy of television's most successful husband wife team, Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz, has been a cinematic disappointment. They really need to stop producing these films and let the fans enjoy the beloved I Love Lucy series which helped to launch one of the greatest television shows and icons ever produced!
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What a horrible movie. I can't believe that Lucie Arnaz loaned her name behind this dreadful film. Which soiled the legacy of her beloved parents. Every televised film that has been produced, documenting the monumental legacy of television's most successful husband wife team, Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz, has been a cinematic disappointment. They really need to stop producing these films and let the fans enjoy the beloved I Love Lucy series which helped to launch one of the greatest television shows and icons ever produced!
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LeniiNero
I wonder how much hardship they had to go through being a mixed couple in the 40s/50s. I still love but find it surprising that in America in the 50s, even with stereotypes on the show. And blatant pokes at his exaggerated accent/mispronounciations, I can't seem to find anything that states that the public/viewers had an issue with a mixed couple in a show or having a mixed child.
Edit: I spoke to soon. I paused the video right before UT got to it
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I wonder how much hardship they had to go through being a mixed couple in the 40s/50s. I still love but find it surprising that in America in the 50s, even with stereotypes on the show. And blatant pokes at his exaggerated accent/mispronounciations, I can't seem to find anything that states that the public/viewers had an issue with a mixed couple in a show or having a mixed child.
Edit: I spoke to soon. I paused the video right before UT got to it
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Alexandra
If he happened to be born in China, it wouldn't make him Chinese by race or by blood. Spanish is spoken in Central and South America because Spain conquered it, with the exception of Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken because Portugal settled it. In the U. S. we speak English because England, and in Canada French because France settled it. The Caribbean was taken by both French(ex. Haiti, Martinique, etc) and Spanish (ex. Cuba, Puerto Rico, etc.
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If he happened to be born in China, it wouldn't make him Chinese by race or by blood. Spanish is spoken in Central and South America because Spain conquered it, with the exception of Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken because Portugal settled it. In the U. S. we speak English because England, and in Canada French because France settled it. The Caribbean was taken by both French(ex. Haiti, Martinique, etc) and Spanish (ex. Cuba, Puerto Rico, etc.
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Florida
The movie was good. But, as much as I love Nicole Kidman. in my own opinion, she was just simply not the right person to embody Lucille Ball. I thought that when I heard she was cast, and after watching the movie, I feel I was correct. Unfortunately, she did not capture her personality, her quirkiness, or her essence. But, I am sure that I may be fairly alone in that opinion, as I believe I heard something about her getting nominated for the role.
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The movie was good. But, as much as I love Nicole Kidman. in my own opinion, she was just simply not the right person to embody Lucille Ball. I thought that when I heard she was cast, and after watching the movie, I feel I was correct. Unfortunately, she did not capture her personality, her quirkiness, or her essence. But, I am sure that I may be fairly alone in that opinion, as I believe I heard something about her getting nominated for the role.
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Darrell
I thought the film was well done. Nicoles face was a bit scary at first, but she nailed Lucys voice. My only other grievance would be the entire casts accents. There was a particular way they spoke back then and I didnt hear it at all. I believe its called the Mid/Trans-Atlantic accent.
Oh one last thing I need my hands on the recreated version of the I Love Lucy theme song that was heard in the trailer. Please. Lol.
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I thought the film was well done. Nicoles face was a bit scary at first, but she nailed Lucys voice. My only other grievance would be the entire casts accents. There was a particular way they spoke back then and I didnt hear it at all. I believe its called the Mid/Trans-Atlantic accent.
Oh one last thing I need my hands on the recreated version of the I Love Lucy theme song that was heard in the trailer. Please. Lol.
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Eliot
Having been born in 1959, I was wrongly biased about the casting of this project. Nicole and Javier weren't playing Lucy and Ricky, but rather Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, them people and not the characters and they both knocked it out of the park. Hollywood didn't know what to do with Lucille, but she learned and made her own success. I'd love to get Carol Burnett's take on this.
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Having been born in 1959, I was wrongly biased about the casting of this project. Nicole and Javier weren't playing Lucy and Ricky, but rather Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, them people and not the characters and they both knocked it out of the park. Hollywood didn't know what to do with Lucille, but she learned and made her own success. I'd love to get Carol Burnett's take on this.
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fanjoy
The film was good. But the adapting of the small period in time is disappointing especially when there's people who don't actually know her. Kidman did well. Bardem a great actor sadly didn't embody Desi he sounded Spanish not Cuban most of the time and the Slang and phrases also Spanish not Cuban. But hey it was still enjoyable. Supporting Cast was amazing.
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The film was good. But the adapting of the small period in time is disappointing especially when there's people who don't actually know her. Kidman did well. Bardem a great actor sadly didn't embody Desi he sounded Spanish not Cuban most of the time and the Slang and phrases also Spanish not Cuban. But hey it was still enjoyable. Supporting Cast was amazing.
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75
Nicole Kidman was much more convincing as LB than I expected, but Javier Bardem felt more like he was cast because of star power than resemblance. I never felt like I was watching Desi Arnaz with him. JK Simmons was great as Frawley, not surprisingly.
I'd say Desi's alcoholism was more than just reported. It was a huge part of his self destructive behavior.
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Nicole Kidman was much more convincing as LB than I expected, but Javier Bardem felt more like he was cast because of star power than resemblance. I never felt like I was watching Desi Arnaz with him. JK Simmons was great as Frawley, not surprisingly.
I'd say Desi's alcoholism was more than just reported. It was a huge part of his self destructive behavior.
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Alex
Lucille Ball is one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and an amazing person. I am glad she is still being spotlighted. As a kid I loved her shows, even though they were decades old, they felt fresh and funny. I also have to thank her for Star Trek. The fact she always had so many loyal friends tells you all you need to know about her. A legend.
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Lucille Ball is one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and an amazing person. I am glad she is still being spotlighted. As a kid I loved her shows, even though they were decades old, they felt fresh and funny. I also have to thank her for Star Trek. The fact she always had so many loyal friends tells you all you need to know about her. A legend.
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Aly
Being the Ricardos is definitely one of my favorite movies now. I have seen every episode of I Love Lucy multiple times and it will never cease to amaze me how casting managed to bring together such a bright cast of characters with dynamic chemistry. The film was a stunning tribute to the amazing people behind the iconic show
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Being the Ricardos is definitely one of my favorite movies now. I have seen every episode of I Love Lucy multiple times and it will never cease to amaze me how casting managed to bring together such a bright cast of characters with dynamic chemistry. The film was a stunning tribute to the amazing people behind the iconic show
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James
According to Desi they voted for Ike so it's not factually correct to say Lucy was basically a liberal Democrat although she did a great comic portrayal of being a scatterbrained, dishonest, celebrity worshipping, perpetual child with no concept of fiscal discipline so its understandable you might think so.
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According to Desi they voted for Ike so it's not factually correct to say Lucy was basically a liberal Democrat although she did a great comic portrayal of being a scatterbrained, dishonest, celebrity worshipping, perpetual child with no concept of fiscal discipline so its understandable you might think so.
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Moon
I think that they got the look of Lucille Ball (with Nicole Kidman) and Vivian Vance (with Nina Arianda) but fell short with the look of Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) and William Frawley (J. K. Simmons) I think that the make-up department did a great injustice to Javier Bardem and J. K. Simmons.
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I think that they got the look of Lucille Ball (with Nicole Kidman) and Vivian Vance (with Nina Arianda) but fell short with the look of Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) and William Frawley (J. K. Simmons) I think that the make-up department did a great injustice to Javier Bardem and J. K. Simmons.
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TrentoSan
I agree they should have put the original dialogue of Desis about The only thing red about her is her hair, and even that isnt legitimate. But according to Lucie Arnaz, she said that Desi DID get J Edgar on the phone to clear her. She says It in the documentary Lucy and Desi on Amazon
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I agree they should have put the original dialogue of Desis about The only thing red about her is her hair, and even that isnt legitimate. But according to Lucie Arnaz, she said that Desi DID get J Edgar on the phone to clear her. She says It in the documentary Lucy and Desi on Amazon
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Ca
This is whats wrong with all of the Mojo series. 90% of the facts are just taken from the source. No real research is done just trying to get another countdown out there and what can the casual viewer do except believe it unless they are willing to deep dive on the matter.
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This is whats wrong with all of the Mojo series. 90% of the facts are just taken from the source. No real research is done just trying to get another countdown out there and what can the casual viewer do except believe it unless they are willing to deep dive on the matter.
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klutzycutie
I loved the movie. It shows the dynamic and hardships behind the scenes. Desi Arnez was creative in letting the audience see and having 3 cameras. I felt terrible for Lucy tho with having fo deal with her cheating husband and working with him for the episodes.
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I loved the movie. It shows the dynamic and hardships behind the scenes. Desi Arnez was creative in letting the audience see and having 3 cameras. I felt terrible for Lucy tho with having fo deal with her cheating husband and working with him for the episodes.
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Marcel
In the Italian trip episode where Lucy steps into the vat full of grapes to make wine, Kidman does not make Lucy's face expressions well, Also Kidman have too much Botox and looks almost expressionless. Lucy's face and slapstick was brilliant and very natural.
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In the Italian trip episode where Lucy steps into the vat full of grapes to make wine, Kidman does not make Lucy's face expressions well, Also Kidman have too much Botox and looks almost expressionless. Lucy's face and slapstick was brilliant and very natural.
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Roja
I was constantly distract by how much Bardem didn't look anything like Ricky
With Kidman we could see her looking like Lucy every now and then, and the Mertzs got a good casting, but Ricky. nope, the actor is not latino and can't play latino
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I was constantly distract by how much Bardem didn't look anything like Ricky
With Kidman we could see her looking like Lucy every now and then, and the Mertzs got a good casting, but Ricky. nope, the actor is not latino and can't play latino
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michelleatwt
Veetameatavegamin? It's, VITameatavegimin. Like VITamins. You should know how to pronounce it or at least watch it first before you make a video about it! That is an iconic episode! One of my favorites! You should definitely watch it!
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Veetameatavegamin? It's, VITameatavegimin. Like VITamins. You should know how to pronounce it or at least watch it first before you make a video about it! That is an iconic episode! One of my favorites! You should definitely watch it!
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Alexandra
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were NOT an interracial couple! Desi Arnaz was born in Cuba, his parents had pure Spanish ancestry, therefore he was White. People from the European nations of Italy, Spain and Portugal are Latin, NOT Latino.
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Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were NOT an interracial couple! Desi Arnaz was born in Cuba, his parents had pure Spanish ancestry, therefore he was White. People from the European nations of Italy, Spain and Portugal are Latin, NOT Latino.
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Michelle
I absolutely LOVED I Love Lucy! I grew up watching reruns since I can remember. For one correction, its a long i in vtameatavegamin, which is my favorite episode. And I am totally against colonizing wonderful black & white shows & movies
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I absolutely LOVED I Love Lucy! I grew up watching reruns since I can remember. For one correction, its a long i in vtameatavegamin, which is my favorite episode. And I am totally against colonizing wonderful black & white shows & movies
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cornelia826
Interrracial? Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball were both white. Hispanic is not a race; Arnazs ethnicity/nationality was Cuban. After becoming a naturalized American citizen, he was American, according to his own autobiography, A Book.
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Interrracial? Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball were both white. Hispanic is not a race; Arnazs ethnicity/nationality was Cuban. After becoming a naturalized American citizen, he was American, according to his own autobiography, A Book.
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legionaireb
I remember thinking 'If Desi was REALLY able to get J. Edgar Hoover on the phone, that makes him the most powerful Cuban in American history. '
Now I just want to know if that 'Don't get in the Cuban's way' telegram was real.
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I remember thinking 'If Desi was REALLY able to get J. Edgar Hoover on the phone, that makes him the most powerful Cuban in American history. '
Now I just want to know if that 'Don't get in the Cuban's way' telegram was real.
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Alex
I really did like this film. Very difficult to choose such a small portion of their lives, to focus on for one movie! Finally, we witness how brilliant, absolutely brilliant and gifted they both were! She was gorgeous inside and out!
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I really did like this film. Very difficult to choose such a small portion of their lives, to focus on for one movie! Finally, we witness how brilliant, absolutely brilliant and gifted they both were! She was gorgeous inside and out!
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Tabris
Bardem looks NOTHING like Desi
Nicole simply NAILED IT. she deserves all the acting awanrds in the world
Lucille was brilliantly funny every single time (even in Mame. although she was the wrong choice for the part)
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Bardem looks NOTHING like Desi
Nicole simply NAILED IT. she deserves all the acting awanrds in the world
Lucille was brilliantly funny every single time (even in Mame. although she was the wrong choice for the part)
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Dave
Why do they say that Lucy and Desi were an inter-racial couple? Since when did Spaniards - which is what Desi was - become a different race? Yes, there are Cubans who are mixed race, but Desi was of white European ancestry.
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Why do they say that Lucy and Desi were an inter-racial couple? Since when did Spaniards - which is what Desi was - become a different race? Yes, there are Cubans who are mixed race, but Desi was of white European ancestry.
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