Ep 20. Lucy Gets a Paris Gown

Lucy Gets a Paris Gown is the twentieth episode of the fifth season of the iconic television series, I Love Lucy. The episode originally aired on March 18, 1957, and was directed by James V. Kern, with Jess Oppenheimer as the writer.

The plot revolves around Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Ethel (Vivian Vance) trying to impress a society matron, Mrs. Crumb, who is the head of a charity fashion show. The show is being organized to raise money for the local hospital. When Lucy accidentally volunteers to model a dress for the show, she becomes interested in finding the perfect gown to wear on the runway.

Lucy decides that she wants to wear a designer dress from Paris and convinces Ricky (Desi Arnaz) to take her to France so that she can purchase it. Ethel and Fred (William Frawley) join the couple on their trip, but Lucy's quest for the gown takes an unexpected turn when she falsely assumes the identity of a wealthy society woman and causes chaos at a fashion show.

The episode begins with Lucy and Ethel in their apartment reading a newspaper article about the upcoming charity fashion show. Mrs. Crumb is the head of the organizing committee and is requesting donations of clothes and models for the event. Lucy agrees to volunteer as a model and Ethel offers to make her a dress to wear on the runway.

Lucy is excited about the event and begins to imagine herself in a beautiful designer gown, inspired by the fashion shows she has seen in Paris. She persuades Ricky to take her to France to buy the dress of her dreams. Ethel comes along, hoping to find the perfect hat to complement her homemade dress. Fred is also going to Paris on business, and he and Ricky plan to visit some nightclubs while in the city.

Once in Paris, Lucy insists on visiting all the most expensive shops and boutiques. She tries on several dresses but none of them meet her expectations. Finally, she spots the perfect gown in a store window. She enters the store and tries on the dress, but when she finds out the price, she pretends that she cannot afford it.

As Lucy and Ethel leave the store, they have an encounter with a society matron named Mrs. Vanderveer. Lucy realizes that Mrs. Vanderveer is in Paris to attend a fashion show, and her dress is very similar to the one Lucy admired in the store window. Mrs. Vanderveer mistakes Lucy for a wealthy woman and invites her to attend the show as her guest.

Lucy, excited by the opportunity to see more designer gowns, accepts the invitation. She also decides to take on the identity of a wealthy woman named Beatrice Bordeaux, whom Mrs. Vanderveer has mistaken her for. Ethel is hesitant about the idea, but Lucy convinces her to go along with the plan.

At the fashion show, Lucy finds herself in a difficult situation when the models begin to parade on the runway. She is supposed to sit in the audience, but she jumps on stage, thinking that she is supposed to model. The crowd is shocked by her behavior, and Mrs. Vanderveer, who is embarrassed by Lucy's antics, quickly leaves the show.

Lucy is eventually discovered and is forced to apologize for her behavior. When she returns to New York, she informs Mrs. Crumb that she will not be able to participate in the charity fashion show. Instead, she makes a generous donation to the hospital and encourages others to do the same.

In the end, Lucy learns an important lesson about honesty and humility. She is grateful for the experience and for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. The episode ends on a poignant note, with Lucy and Ricky reflecting on the importance of giving back to the community.

Overall, Lucy Gets a Paris Gown is a classic episode of I Love Lucy that showcases the comedic genius of Lucille Ball and the incredible chemistry between the show's talented cast. It is a must-see for fans of the series and for anyone who appreciates classic television comedy.