ANOTHER TVXOHOF CENTENARY - DESI, NOT DIZZY

As we posted earlier, one hundred years ago today, Desi Arnaz was born.

From Wikipedia:
Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III (March 2, 1917 — December 2, 1986), better known as Desi Arnaz or Desi Arnaz, Sr., was a Cuban-born American musician, actor, television producer, writer, and director. He is best remembered for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the American television series sitcom I Love Lucy, starring with Lucille Ball, to whom he was married at the time. Arnaz was also internationally renowned for leading his Latin music band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. Ball and he are generally credited as the inventors of the rerun in connection with I Love Lucy.

As a producer he could arguably be considered for induction into the Television Crossover Hall of Fame in September for his work on various shows that dealt in crossovers.  But as a member of the League of Themselves, Desi Arnaz also qualifies with three appearances as himself in three different shows.  (All of which he produced himself.)

First up is 'Our Miss Brooks'....

'Our Miss Brooks'
- "The King and Brooks" (1955) ... Himself

When Miss Brooks discovered that one of her students was the son of a maharajah, she dreamt about what her life would be like if she went back to their country with them.

Here is the last segment of that dream, in which Desi Arnaz showed up and mistook Connie Brooks for his wife, Lucille Ball*.

Secondly, we have 'December Bride'......

'December Bride'
- "Sunken Den" (1956) ... Himself

Desi Arnaz appears as himself whose house begins to sink due to a construction error seemingly made by Lily's son-in-law. Lily conspires to meet with Arnaz to resolve the conflict.

And last, the one that calls on some splainin to do.....

'Land's End '
"Pilot"
Guest Wanting to Cash Check (uncredited)

Although he's not listed as being Desi, nothing says he couldn't be.  Arnaz produced this pilot which can be found on the bonus disk of 'The Mothers-in-Law' which was also produced by Desi Arnaz.  The pilot starred Rory Calhoun and Gilbert Roland and had Martin Milner as the guest star/villain.

So here's to you, Mr. Arnaz.  Congratulations to your membership into the Hall.

And wherever you are, happy birthday!