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Once again, Lucille Ball is taking center stage in the American zeitgeist.
In December, 'Being The Ricardos' was released on Amazon Prime, bringing with it a Golden Globe Award and an AACTA International Award for Best Actress for Nicole Kidman for her portrayal of Lucille Ball, Oscar nominations for Kidman for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Javier Bardem for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and for J.K. Simmons for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.
On Tuesday, Amy Poehler, known for her time on 'Saturday Night Live' and in several movies of her own, came to the National Comedy Center for a special screening of her documentary, 'Lucy and Desi.' The film was released Friday on Amazon Prime to solid reviews as well.
Behind the scenes for both productions was the National Comedy Center. Poehler told those gathered at last week's screening at the Comedy Center that Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center executive director, and Laura LaPlaca, NCC archives director, helped Poehler find items in the NCC collection to help bring the documentary to life.
Poehler said she was able to visit Jamestown over the past summer to do research and visit the National Comedy Center.
"They have a real impact today and we can still discuss them in the present tense," Gunderson said. "It is so fitting that Amy has gifted Lucille Ball this fresh and respectful interpretation that is all about her approach to comedy as a craft."
Jamestown has a veritable treasure trove of Lucille Ball history, but we locals often find ourselves so bombarded with the Queen of Comedy we lose sight of her impact on comedy and our society. "Being The Ricardos' and 'Lucy and Desi' bring the genius of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz back into focus. Take a couple of hours and watch these two films.
You won't be disappointed.