Another golden idea from producer Jess Oppenheimer was to get comedian and singer Tennessee Ernie Ford to make a second surprise appearance. All us fans remember him from two earlier episodes, but this one ROCKS.
Part two of the adventurous road trip to California, the guys now stuck
in Tennessee, arrested for speeding -- in your typical small town speed trap. Some episodes cut out the opening scene, showing their car racing down the street. IF that's the case, Ricky was really a lead foot and guilty of speeding. But why get into details! Everyone is hauled into the cozy jailhouse of sheriff Will Wright (who makes a dandy poker face lawman), and thanks to Lucy's wisecracks they're thrown in the jug. The dialogue by Bob Carroll, Jr and Madelyn Davis is UNforgettable.
*** Enter Tennessee Ernie. The sheriff doesn't trust him (never did, never will) and things get even worse, especially (as a trick!) he claims he'll marry one of his "plump" daughters, Weency (Rosalyn Borden) or Teency (Marilyn Borden), identical twins, who even get to sing.
Two outstanding scenes; the "saw through them bars" bit when Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel cut the jail bars to make their escape -- all the while Ernie is singing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," catch the EEYI EEYI OHHHH... Number Two; the grande finale square dance, beautifully produced, boasting some fine above head camera shots by director William Asher.
Notes, this episode was filmed not too long before Ernie's mega hit, SIXTEEN TONS, which made him a star. The Borden twins became quite popular in their own right. Producer Aaron Spelling has a bit as a gas station attendant.
To tell you the truth, wouldn't be surprised if all this wild stuff inspired the creators of the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES. Ya think?
As I've written before, no matter how many times you see this, it's a riot. Best of SEASON 4 EPISODE 15 remastered CBS dvd box set. The classic box with the color cover featuring Lucy and her putty nose on fire.
