Here's an actual fact: Here's the story behind the hiring of William Frawley, as told by Desi Arnaz in his autobiography "A Book." "The writers said, "It may be tiresome just to have Lucy and Ricky week after week. Also, the Lucy character needs someone to be her ally. The Ethel character should be the one she would talk into helping her with her wild plans and schemes, and even though Ethel many times would say. "Oh no you're not going to get me into that deal," Lucy would eventually connive or blackmail her into it." They also felt that Ricky needed the counterpart to Ethel. That would be Fred, her husband. Ricky's ally in these battles of the sexes. While we were trying to resolve all the physical, mechanical and bureaucratic problems, the writers had been busy writing the first few segments of the series, which we would have to start doing soon in order to meet our on-the-air schedule. So we had to find somebody -- two anybodies--who fitted what those neighbors were supposed to be like. I must say we were pretty lucky (all due respect to Philip Morris, who never allowed us to use that word while they were sponsoring our show) to find two people we found to play Fred and Ethel Mertz. Soon after this writer's conference and decision I got a call from William Frawley. I hadn't thought about him for the part, but somehow he knew about the series format and wanted to be considered for Fred. I had seen Frawley in many pictures with Bing Crosby, James Cagney, Pat O'Brien and other stars. He had been a top character actor for years but hadn't done anything lately. "Thanks for calling, Mr. Frawley," I said. "I think you might be a possibility. Let me call you back." After I hung up I kept seeing his puss and remembering how good he was at playing the kind of gruff character he usually played. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced he was Fred Mertz. I then checked with the CBS people, the sponsor and the advertising agency. They all said, "Yeah, we know what he had done in the past, but what has he done lately? Besides, he's an alcoholic. You'd be out of your mind to hire him. There are a lot of actors who are much more dependable and can play that part." The more they kept tearing this guy apart, the more I liked the idea of hiring him, and the more I thought he would be perfect for Fred. According to my contract as executive producer, I had complete creative control of the show. I knew I could land on my ass by doing the wrong thing, but I'd rather land on it by doing that than by having someone else talk me into doing something which would land me there anyway. I made up my mind to hire Frawley, regardless of what they said. I made a date to meet him the next day at Nickodell's, a restaurant and bar on Melrose Avenue, right behind RKO Studios. We had a drink together and I told him that everybody was telling me he was an alcoholic, that he might not even show up. etc. "Well those bastards, those SOB's," he said "They're always saying that about me. How the hell do they know, those bastards?" "Look, I don't give a damn whether you drink or not. I like to drink myself and I'll drink you under the table anytime you'd like to give it a try, except during working hours. But Lucy and I have everything going on this project. She's given up her motion-picture career and I've given up my band business. If we fail, I don't want it to be because some character like you loused us up." "Give us another drink here, will you?" He told the waiter. "Now listen, Mr. Frawley." "Call me Bill." "All right, Bill, I want you to know that I have given this thing a lot of thought. I have considered many good character actors for this part, especially Gale Gordon, who's very well liked by the agencies and the networks." "What can he do, that I can't?" Bill asked. "Nothing, it's what you do that he doesn't do that louses you up. But I am convinced that there is no one better in the whole world to play Fred Mertz than William Frawley." The drinks arrived and he told the waiter this was his tab. Then he turned to me and said, "All right, so what's your problem? William Frawley is now sitting next to you and willing to listen to the kind of proposition you are willing to offer him to make your show a success." "Okay, Bill, I'll tell you what I'll do with you. The first time you are not able to do your job, I'll try to work around you for that day. The second time, I'll try to manage again. But if you do it three times, you are through, and I mean through, not only on our show, but you'll never work in this town again as long as you live. Is that fair enough?" "All right, g..damn it, that's fair enough." "After work if you feel like coming to Nickodell's, and splitting a bottle of whatever you like, I'll be happy to come and split it with you." "Hey waiter, what the hell is this, the Sahara Desert? We are thirsty. Okay, Cuban, we have a deal and we'll show all them bastards how wrong they are." He never missed a day's work nor was he even a few minutes late during all the years he was with us.
What Desi said. My understanding was that Lucy wanted Gale but he was doing " Our Miss Brooks " and was not available. Great series, youse guys,and RIP.
Gale Gordon was a nice man, but he never appealed to me. He was more “fussy” and William Frawley was a bit gruff. I think the four actors were perfect in their roles.
Thank you for sharing this! It's a great account of how the absolute right decision was made. They don't even make "curmudgeons" like William Frawley anymore. BTW, I also loved Gale Gordon in The Lucy Show. I thought he was phenomenal as Mr. Mooney, but probably wouldn't have been a good Fred Mertz.
Lucy herself put it best," Bill Frawley WAS Fred Mertz. Period!" She also valued him enough that, after he parted ways with his final regular gig of 'My Three Sons' (and after Vivian Vance was no longer a regular on 'The Lucy Show' ), she had brought him on to do his last performance playing a horse trainer then having her latter character (Lucy Carmichael) remark 'He reminds me of someone I used to know," with the credits uniquely billing him ' Our Own Bill Frawley .as the Trainer',
Let's give the old guy credit, he worked drunk or not. And he gave character to the part he played, he was Fred in all videos, can't imagine anyone but him playing the part.
It's possible William Frawley kept his word, and didn't drink while working. Those hours not drinking could have caused his shaking hands. After work he could have made up for those missed drinking hours. Drinking a shot or two would have calmed those shaking hands. (Alcoholism runs rampant in my family.)
I agree with you about the shaking hands. Whoever made this video didn't follow through on his research as Desi Arnaz wrote in his book, A Book, and also said during interviews, that William Frawley kept his part of the bargain and never drank during working hours. Desi did not ask him to stop drinking. He told him that if he came to work drunk or drank while working on the series that he would be fired. I always thought about that when I would see Frawley's shaking hands. This video throws a bad light on someone who, no doubt sacrificed and, kept his word.
I agree he may have stopped drinking while working. I believe I read he came on the set drunk once and was told if he ever did again, he would be fired.
I'm an alcoholic 7 years into recovery and I dropped in here to say what you said. An alkie doesn't get shaky hands from drinking... it's from NOT drinking. Chronic depression of the nervous system by alcohol consumption causes a decrease in production of the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA itself normally depresses or calms the nervous system... remove GABA *and* the depressive effects of alcohol during a sober period and you don't just get the shakes, but sometimes terrible anxiety. The nervous system upset from alcohol and GABA withdrawal can be deadly, with seizures possible as well as heart problems (usually atrial arrhythmia or fibrilation). Not a pleasant way to live, so an alkie heads back to the sauce ASAP just to feel normal.
@@SansNeural Yes, it's vicious. There have been many alcoholics in my life and it is so painful to witness. I asked once why they drank alcohol for breakfast and he said "So I can function., so I don't get the DTs" It's rough.
I'm an ICU nurse and was going to mention the same, we don't see the detox symptoms until the patient is below thier "normal functioning" blood alcohol level. Wishing all of you the best in health & happiness! 🤍✌🏻
The most surprising thing I learned from this video is that Frawley worked in hard labor before he took up acting. ‘I Love Lucy’ was a constant in my life, as I grew up in the 1960s & early 1970s. The show was so popular that even after it stopped airing new episodes, reruns were shown 24/7 for decades. If it wasn’t on channel 5 in the morning then it was on in the afternoon on channel 11 or midnight on another channel. I watched every single episode so many times yet I never grew tired of the rip-roaring comedy. The interaction of Fred & Ethel was hysterical!
Yes, in spite of his difficulties, he was a n excellent actor. I admire Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for keeping him in the show and I am sure he avoided drinking while rehearsing and acting as per his contract but drank much of the rest of the time. He must have had almost constant withdrawal symptoms, hence the shaking hands. A brave man.
@@rongendron8705 Yeah, I'm just going on my own experience with my dad who destroyed his liver and other parts of his body with alcohol, but he made it to 73, however in very bad health.
@@paul16451 Jack Benny was also a heavy cigar smoker and he made it to 80. His wife Mary Livingstone smoked two or three packs of Parliament cigarettes a day for decades and she somehow lived to be 78.
@@rongendron8705 I know lots of smoker's who actually lived til their late 80's it's definitely not uncommon.. Smoking was real big in Hollywood back then almost everyone did it
I love hearing people who were lucky enough to be born and raised in enlightened times pass judgment on those who were not. "He was a product of his times, but that was no excuse"? Please, Your Honor, tell us what his punishment shall be.
And to think I Love Lucy was the #1 show without sex scenes, vulgar language, a Hispanic leading actor with a heavy accent..... they really did break the mold....and still decades later playing in reruns across the world..... Well done Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez 👍
Too many presumptions here about Bill's on-set behavior. Desi laid down the law from the outset. They also became the best of friends (you have to wonder why...but Desi drank his share too). Despite Bill's ornery temperament, you can't imagine I Love Lucy without him. Gale Fordon was the first choice as was Bea Benaderit for Ethel. But fate stepped in.
I totally agree!! Super Lucy fan here and 58 years old. I know all the I Love Lucy backstory and agree that Desi had a sit down with Bill and layed down the law. If you’re drunk just once on set, you’re out of here. Bill wanted that job and he never was drunk on set. I don’t know where he’s getting that info from that he was drunk the entire series I mean give me a break. And what’s with he always hid his hands? Every picture and clip, you could clearly see his hands and no clear attempt to try to hide them. As my brother would say, I think you added a little yeast to the story.
Just a little correction, the actor's name was Gale Gordon, and he later appeared in all three versions of Lucy's own shows as well as starring roles in other TV sitcoms such as Dennis the Menace, Make Room for Daddy and Our Miss Brooks.
@@ladywisewolf3942 -Gale Gordon appeared as Ricky’s boss, Mr Littlefield in several season one episodes of I Love Lucy. Bill Frawley played Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy. Gale Gordon did co-Star with Lucy on The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy.
No mention (except one photo) of his memorable role in the classic movie, "Miracle on 34th Street"? It wouldn't be Christmas for my family without seeing that film.
His hands shook uncontrollably in most scenes yet he never looked drunk. It's amazing he functioned so well with DTs. Arnaz said he never drank a drop at work. The crankiness from drinking would have came naturally.
Can you ever be truthful or accurate about any claim you make in your taglines? The claim is that William frawley hid his hands in every scene of I Love Lucy, then you're able to see his hands in more than just a few stills from the show. The truth is simply that his skill as a performer gave him the ability to do his job without revealing the effects of his alcoholism. He did not hide his hands in every scene. And there's a difference between being unwilling to give up your addiction and unable to. That's why it's an addiction.
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
One of the pillars of the show. It's common knowledge that there was no love lost between him and Vivian Vance. Loved him in Miracle On 34th Street. Speaking of, his performances outlasted all his flaws. His roles are beloved and his memory is honored.
@@noylj1 they hated each other. i believe frawley was extremely rude to her. He was verbally abusive to her on set. Barely anybody wanted to hire him because of his nasty attitude and he was a racist
@@kellygreen5556 she never started the feud with frawley. Frawley had reputation of being a racist, bad attitude and drinking problem. He verbally abuse her on set all the time so she gave him a dose of his own medicine. That's why desi told him. If they found him drunk on set. He was fired. Everyone from hollywood didn't want to work with william frawley.
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
It was the Yankees not the Dodgers...and Desi hired him on the condition that he never show up to work drunk and that he never miss a day due to drinking . First time would be tolerated...second he would be suspended and third time he would be fired.
Right! It's really hypocritical since Desi loved Daiquiris. He also would indulge (not sure If bf or after a shoot) Barbara Pepper was supposed to be Ethyl. But, Desi wanted to deal with only one "drunk" Bill. In some scenes you saw Bills hands shake. Larry Hagman & W.C. Fields tipped the bottle during filming as well.
He was what is now called a functioning alcoholic. I suspect this because i was one when i drank. I would never drink on the job or on like lunch breaks. But after work i would go home and drink on the evening's and most of the night. I could drink a 1/2 gallon of vodka every 2 days. My hands would shake like crazy until i had a couple of drinks. But like Frawley i was great at my job. I was in management for all of my career. Unless i worked for a company that i didn't want to be a manager. Luckily i finally stopped drinking in 2014. But that summer i almost died 3 times due to what the drinking did to my body medically. Every time i would stop drinking i would have secures. The last one i had caused me to go into a coma for 8 days. So i was actually lucky that time i didn't have to deal with the pain of DT's. So i knew that if i drank anymore after the coma i would either die or have to go thru the DT's so i never drank again.
My parents were both high-functioning alcoholics, both respected and well-loved. I think my dad was known for "liking a drink, " but no one who knew my mom would have believed it. It was hard being an only child, no witnesses. I know it was hard on you and your body. I wish you all the best!
That’s great news and I totally understand, I went through.go all of that hell, I’ve been sober 13 months and Naltrexone really has been helpful, while in those drunken hazes, it was the new normal and I didn’t realize the problems it causes me and family,until looking back as a sober person
I grew up watching reruns of these talented actors throughout most of my childhood. The show was old then, but still timeless. As an adult, learning of the struggles and vices these actors may have had, only makes them more endearing and real to me.. We all struggle with our individual demons, and as weird as this sounds, I take comfort in knowing even the great actors of shows like "I Love Lucy" had their own difficult problems to overcome in this thing called "life"...
I know Wm. Frawley drank a lot, but he could have also had some sort of problem related to Parkinson's. I remember seeing the tremor in his hands because my dad had the same thing. He had to quit working and retire early because he could no longer complete the required paperwork for his job. He was 58 and a tee totaler.
I hear ya there. I'm 68 and a fairly light drinker but I still have shaky hands from time to time. I was never a heavy drinker, unless you call a week's vacation a binge, ... and that's only once a year. Doc says I don't have Parkinsons and my annual blood work comes up good. OTOH, it may be too early for a good diagnosis.
@@rupe53 My dad's was diagnosed as having to do with Agent Orangr in Vietnam. But my mom also has tremors now that she's in her 80s too. The more nervous she is the worse it is. Her head shakes too sometimes.
I've read many articles and books that stated Frawley kept off the booze during filming I Love Lucy, but went on binges on the weekends. Also, he didn't seem to hide his hands that much but it was obvious he had some alcohol issues. He even put the trembling hands to good use in the Hollywood episode where everyone got on each other's nerves and Rock Hudson helped smooth things over for the couples. (In Palm Springs, S5).
Fred's career and history in California is far more interesting than Frawley's drunken interval. he went out to California and mastered the movie machine with not a whiff of scandal his entire career. he was an exemplar of self composure. made a lot of money in real estate and went fishing all day.
@@michaelfitzpatrick2453a long time ago, it was called The Nira. It's had a couple other names since then. The name just before now, was The White Horse. It is now Dueling Leo's. At one time, I believe it was a brewery. I know that it stored a lot of beer in earlier years.
Despite all that’s been revealed about these beings and no one’s perfect I want to enjoy the gift that keeps on giving.There incredible legacy the tv show let’s honor the best part of who they were.
William Frawley matched the role perfectly as an apartment building landlord in every aspect of his appearance and demeanor. Whether it was deliberate or not. The fact that he could contribute as an actor was a plus. A landlord is more of a cheap miserly recluse type of a commoner not at all a public customer service type. Frawley was a perfect fit. He an Ethel were in character representatives of the established older American couple forced to be miserly in their struggle to remain a float. Lucy was the American girl that married a Cuban immigrant who was also a celebrity entertainer. Gale Gordon was too insistant on himself wanting to put across a veneer of stuffiness he was more of a banker type as Proven later as he played Mr Mooney
Actually...William Frawley was a fan of the New York Yankees (which is why he was in the Yankees jersey in the photo shown), and the contract stipulation was that he wouldn't have to come in when the Yankees were in the World Series. (Baseball didn't have a formal playoff system until 1969.) During the run of "I Love Lucy", the only time the Yankees weren't in the Series was 1954.
I am sorry, but I know for a cold, hard, fact, to a moral certainty, that William Frawley NEVER once showed up for rehearsal or filming in any level of impairment. This meaning that, not only was he never drunk, but he had no alcohol use within at least 12 hours (possibly 8 hours due to his superhuman ability to hold his alcohol, but Desi says 12) before rehearsing or filming. In addition, there is no question at all that Lucy would have fired him, without the slightest delay, had he had any hint of alcohol. Desi would have also seen that as a betrayal; loyalty and honesty were a big part of what Desi saw as essential in a person he hired. Now, having said all that....There is no question that Frawley did drink on his off time! He drank like a parched fish. (Give me some time and I will come up with a better comedic analogy.) He was blessed with no small number of character flaws that made him quite unpleasant with whom to work; however it does appear that keeping his word was not among those character flaws. In addition, while I cannot state this with nearly as much certainty, but had he any level of impartment on "My Three Sons", Fred MacMurray would have had William Frawley fired in less than three-fifths of a heart-beat. While on both shows, there is no question that his years of incredibly heavy drinking had caught up with him, which ultimately showed in various physical traits and peculiarities. Both members of both shows were well aware that this did not imply drinking or being intoxicated on the job. There is certainly no question that William Frawley took Humphrey Bogart's philosophy of drinking to its ultimate conclusion... Bogie said, "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.”
Very good information. One thing I'd like to add is from an interview given by Don Grady long after the show was canceled. He recalled that he and the other boys would often be taken to a restaurant by Frawley for lunch. While there, Frawley would "indulge" his need for alcohol, according to Livingston. But his tolerance for booze was so great he was able to conceal the fact when he went back to work in the afternoon. Livingston also revealed another interesting point. They all tolerated Frawley's crochety attitude and sometime were amused by his jokes and stories. But when William Demarest took over, they found his character to be even more abrasive, and not amusing at all.
Linden Adkins: thank you. I knew all of what you just said; I think a lot of us do. So it came as a surprise to hear on FactsVerse that Frawley was drunk on the set. I did see 👀 his hands ✋ shake on set on more than 1️⃣ occasion. Thought it was due to an illness, though.
I enjoy watching his pre-Lucy films and thught he was a very good actor. He once said that he introduced the song, "Shine on Harvest Moon" on the vaudeville stage. I had heard about his fondness for the bottle but didn't realize the shaky hands were a side-effect. It cut his life short, as it did WC Fields. I just though Frawley had early Parkinson's. I recall one Lucy scene wher he fumbled getting cash out of a small money purse. And it's a known fact that he didn't get along well with Vivian Vance.
The problem with his hands can’t be seen in still pictures. On screen, he had to support his hands to keep them from shaking due to the DTs from his drinking.
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
The issue with he's hands. As an actor in movies i enjoyed see him acting. In I Love Lucy to me i don't think no one could have ever been a better actor in Fred Murts roll. He could have been what ever in he's life but no other actor could have done it better. I loved all of them in I Love Lucy. Best comedy show ever. RIP
Although you showed a still, I was surprised that you neglected to mention his role in the original film "Miracle on 34th Street" -- which was memorable for me. You also did not mention his feud with his TV-wife on "I Love Lucy".
@@jenniferhanson8136 He was; B&W version ONLY. He was the guy who advised the judge on politics; he says, with cigar-in-mouth: "Now politics, that's my racket"; then he goes on about what might happen if headlines read something like him putting 'Santi Claus' in jail, etc., while the kids are already scoffing at that judge!
Where did you get these rumors about Williams' drinking while making the I Love Lucy episodes. Just asking because I am thinking you may be using "artistic license" to enhance your videos.
So WHY did he hide his hands? It looks like you saw them often enough. In fact later on you could see his hands shaking. THAT would have been a reason to hide them then. But they weren't hidden if you saw them shaking, now could you? By the way, he appeared on I'VE GOT A SECRET with a "secret" that he was a Song Pluggerinhis youth and introduced "Melancholy Baby".
It is widely known that Frawley was a Yankee fan. He would not take kindly to be called a fan of the Dodgers. There's even a photo of him in this video wearing a Yankee uniform for his role in "Safe at Home."
Whoever wrote this doesn't understand alcoholism. Once an alcoholic reaches a certain point in dependence, they HAVE to have alcohol to function. It's very likely that Frawley HAD to drink before a shoot, otherwise he'd be sick, possibly even in DT's ("delirium tremens"). His inability to show up sober wasn't an unwillingness to "give it up" - it was simply a physical dependence.
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
Essential tremor is a very common problem with gross shaking of the hands. Alcohol actually reduces the tremor. Thus, based on the multiple comments indicating he was never drunk at work, it seems most likely that he had and essential tremor and not having alcohol in his system at work was the reason he shook more rather than signs of alcohol withdrawl.
On the contrary. I know atleast 3 alcoholics who had severe hand tremors during alcohol withdrawl while at work. I'm an addict. I never got to that point. I now have essential tremor and I'm clean and sober 28 years,5 months and a week.
@@BudTheDrummer congratulations on your sobriety, one day at a time I am sure. If Frawley took a drink to calm his shaking hands, how many would he have to take to stop the shakes and what else was affected by his taking a drink? I am sure his attitude was 'adjusted' under the influence.
This is a horrible video and completely inaccurate. Besides the fact that you see his hands constantly, he had an agreement with Desi or Nez that if the Yankees made the World Series not the Dodgers he was allowed off.
Desi Arnaz hired William Frawley with the explicit understanding that if Frawley EVER showed up drunk he would be immediately fired. According to Desi Arnaz himself Frawley never once showed up drunk or late to a rehearsal or taping.
Originally Lucy and Desi wanted Bea Benaderet and Gale Gordon to play Ethel and Fred. But Bea was hired on Burns & Allen. While Gale was on Our Miss Brooks.
I really enjoyed him on the old I Love Lucy & especially on My Three Son's! I know a lot of people's lives have been lost, or ruined due to alchohol or drug addiction. Very sad.💔
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Also Leonard Nimoy. After Star Trek, I was afraid I would see Spock every time I saw Paris in Mission Impossible, but that dissipated in under 5 minutes. The sign of a great actor molding themselves into the character. On the other hand every time I see Shatner, his acting was so shallow I see Captain Kirk
Probably becase they were co-stars on the My Favorite Husband radio show which was the precurser to I Love Lucy. He couldn't be on I Love Lucy because he was starring in Our Miss Brooks at the time.
With all the biographies I've read of old Hollywood your channel is the first one that said he engaged in drinking alcohol while on duty. I'd really like to know your source for this information other than rumor? Everything I've ever heard in the history of I Love Lucy has stated that he did not drink any alcohol during the filming of the show. Now being a crochety old fart I've heard that from many in my readings especially Vivian Vance who could not stand the man. But, as for drinking every other source I've ever read said he was sober.
*I always noticed that his hands appeared to be trembling and that he hid them in his pockets. Now we know why.* *Funny in the Palm Springs episode of I Love Lucy that dealt with their annoying habits Fred’s was that he constantly jingled his keys in his pockets.*
The most surprising part of this video was getting to see early pre-Miracle on 34th Street pictures of Frawley where he didn't look like the Fred/Bub I knew him as. Also very interesting. He was clearly never a leading man type, but had a great face for a character actor, and as he aged, I think his appearance suited that kind of work even more. I'm sure it was probably racist and sexist (given both the times and his personality), but I'm kind of curious what his stand up routine was like. I mean, he was good enough to make a living at it, so he must have been good at it.
I knew about Frawley's drinking habit from an interview with Barry Livingston, Ernie from My Three Sons. He and his brother actually had fun with Fraley, getting him back on set after he started drinking . He discribed the gruff William Demarest who took Fraley's on place on My Three Sons as William Fraley on rehab.
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
"He wasn't willing to give up his alcohol addiction" is about the most ignorant statement ever made about an addiction.. If one can give up an addiction, it wasn't an addiction in the first place..
He was funny and professional so he did his job well. Hands don't shake unless you are withdrawing from alcohol. Which means he wasn't drinking during the shoots
Actually more than likely he was drinking just enough to function and not Shake because if you're a long-term alcoholic you ain't going to dry out and function
Back in the day there was regular gas and then there was Ethel. Ethel was the premium gas. There were many jokes about Fred and Ethel like when Fred ran out of gas, he gassed up with Ethel. ⛽🤣😂
It wasn't like Desi and Lucy were stalwarts of sobriety. And smoking? Social norms on steroids. Desi warned Bill to be on time and not let drinking prevent him from being on the set. In that regard, he kept his word.
Title of the clip: Why William Frawley hid his hands in EVERY scene of I love Lucy. Clip: shows several shots of Frawley, taken from scenes in I love Lucy, with hands visible.
I watched a documentary on this show the thing he wasn't to do was drink on set, or he'd be fired from Lucy show. Shaking hands are from not drinking I don't think you know your facts might want to check them better or stop giving them...
Studio: William, you're going to have to really cut down on your drinking. We want you sober for filming. Frawley: You've got it. I'm not going to drink any more. Studio: You've got the job. Frawley after walking out of the meeting: I said I'm not going to drink any more, but I'm not going to drink any less either.
If he was drunk on the set, one could hardly detect it. In fact, Desi told him that he was forbidden to show up drunk on the set, or else he would be fired on the spot, so the statement that he wasnt sober on the set was totally false.
Alcoholics build up a tolerance too booze like other drugs.With someone like Frawley,who was what's called a chronic alcoholic, it would be easier to tell if he wasn't drinking because of withdrawals,then if he was.He clearly was occasionally having withdrawals when his hands would start to shake.But he was most likely under the influence most of the time.
@@oscarobrien once again if he was under the influence his performance sure didn’t show it, and again Desi told him if he was under the influence on the set he would fired on the spot, so he clearly wasn’t since he was never fired and never faltered with his performance
@@oscarobrien once again if he was it didn’t show up I. His performance. Remember Desi said he would be fired on the spot if he showed up drunk on the set. His hands shaking also could have been because of his age since he was 65 years old at the time.
*Want more I Love Lucy content? Click here: **ruclips.net/p/PLkXAntdjbcSIaeHXnJrNWFZQ2PFBSp6ez*
That’s why alcohol withdrawal is called the
“Shakes”
You can see his hands all over this video.
Nice try, but I have a rule, first, never check out a clip and always go to the comment section to see if the clip is BS or not.
Sounds like a great guy I would have liked to get drunk and raise h ell with him
Here's an actual fact:
Here's the story behind the hiring of William Frawley, as told by Desi Arnaz in his autobiography "A Book."
"The writers said, "It may be tiresome just to have Lucy and Ricky week after week. Also, the Lucy character needs someone to be her ally. The Ethel character should be the one she would talk into helping her with her wild plans and schemes, and even though Ethel many times would say. "Oh no you're not going to get me into that deal," Lucy would eventually connive or blackmail her into it."
They also felt that Ricky needed the counterpart to Ethel. That would be Fred, her husband. Ricky's ally in these battles of the sexes.
While we were trying to resolve all the physical, mechanical and bureaucratic problems, the writers had been busy writing the first few segments of the series, which we would have to start doing soon in order to meet our on-the-air schedule. So we had to find somebody -- two anybodies--who fitted what those neighbors were supposed to be like.
I must say we were pretty lucky (all due respect to Philip Morris, who never allowed us to use that word while they were sponsoring our show) to find two people we found to play Fred and Ethel Mertz.
Soon after this writer's conference and decision I got a call from William Frawley. I hadn't thought about him for the part, but somehow he knew about the series format and wanted to be considered for Fred. I had seen Frawley in many pictures with Bing Crosby, James Cagney, Pat O'Brien and other stars. He had been a top character actor for years but hadn't done anything lately.
"Thanks for calling, Mr. Frawley," I said. "I think you might be a possibility. Let me call you back."
After I hung up I kept seeing his puss and remembering how good he was at playing the kind of gruff character he usually played. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced he was Fred Mertz.
I then checked with the CBS people, the sponsor and the advertising agency. They all said, "Yeah, we know what he had done in the past, but what has he done lately? Besides, he's an alcoholic. You'd be out of your mind to hire him. There are a lot of actors who are much more dependable and can play that part."
The more they kept tearing this guy apart, the more I liked the idea of hiring him, and the more I thought he would be perfect for Fred.
According to my contract as executive producer, I had complete creative control of the show. I knew I could land on my ass by doing the wrong thing, but I'd rather land on it by doing that than by having someone else talk me into doing something which would land me there anyway.
I made up my mind to hire Frawley, regardless of what they said. I made a date to meet him the next day at Nickodell's, a restaurant and bar on Melrose Avenue, right behind RKO Studios. We had a drink together and I told him that everybody was telling me he was an alcoholic, that he might not even show up. etc.
"Well those bastards, those SOB's," he said "They're always saying that about me. How the hell do they know, those bastards?"
"Look, I don't give a damn whether you drink or not. I like to drink myself and I'll drink you under the table anytime you'd like to give it a try, except during working hours. But Lucy and I have everything going on this project. She's given up her motion-picture career and I've given up my band business. If we fail, I don't want it to be because some character like you loused us up."
"Give us another drink here, will you?" He told the waiter.
"Now listen, Mr. Frawley."
"Call me Bill."
"All right, Bill, I want you to know that I have given this thing a lot of thought. I have considered many good character actors for this part, especially Gale Gordon, who's very well liked by the agencies and the networks."
"What can he do, that I can't?" Bill asked.
"Nothing, it's what you do that he doesn't do that louses you up. But I am convinced that there is no one better in the whole world to play Fred Mertz than William Frawley."
The drinks arrived and he told the waiter this was his tab.
Then he turned to me and said, "All right, so what's your problem? William Frawley is now sitting next to you and willing to listen to the kind of proposition you are willing to offer him to make your show a success."
"Okay, Bill, I'll tell you what I'll do with you. The first time you are not able to do your job, I'll try to work around you for that day. The second time, I'll try to manage again. But if you do it three times, you are through, and I mean through, not only on our show, but you'll never work in this town again as long as you live. Is that fair enough?"
"All right, g..damn it, that's fair enough."
"After work if you feel like coming to Nickodell's, and splitting a bottle of whatever you like, I'll be happy to come and split it with you."
"Hey waiter, what the hell is this, the Sahara Desert? We are thirsty. Okay, Cuban, we have a deal and we'll show all them bastards how wrong they are."
He never missed a day's work nor was he even a few minutes late during all the years he was with us.
What Desi said. My understanding was that Lucy wanted Gale but he was doing " Our Miss Brooks " and was not available. Great series, youse guys,and RIP.
Gale Gordon was a nice man, but he never appealed to me. He was more “fussy” and William Frawley was a bit gruff. I think the four actors were perfect in their roles.
No need to read the book after your comment
Thank you for sharing this! It's a great account of how the absolute right decision was made. They don't even make "curmudgeons" like William Frawley anymore. BTW, I also loved Gale Gordon in The Lucy Show. I thought he was phenomenal as Mr. Mooney, but probably wouldn't have been a good Fred Mertz.
Thank-you..good research 👍
I loved Bill Frawley, still love him. The old “fuddy duddy” gifted me with hours of laughter.
Lucy herself put it best," Bill Frawley WAS Fred Mertz. Period!"
She also valued him enough that, after he parted ways with his final regular gig of 'My Three Sons' (and after Vivian Vance was no longer a regular on 'The Lucy Show' ), she had brought him on to do his last performance playing a horse trainer then having her latter character (Lucy Carmichael) remark 'He reminds me of someone I used to know," with the credits uniquely billing him ' Our Own Bill Frawley .as the Trainer',
I remember that episode
I vaguely remember that!
@Metal Fan Drinking like a fish, eating unhealthily and not exercising will do that!
😂
Watch him when he first comes out and the applause starts... he gives a sideways glance to the audience.
Reply
Let's give the old guy credit, he worked drunk or not. And he gave character to the part he played, he was Fred in all videos, can't imagine anyone but him playing the part.
Favorite quote from "I Love Lucy" -- "My feet swelled up so bad I had to wear Ethel's shoes." One of the best sit-com lines ever.
Lol! 🤣
@Euripides Feldman III I remember that line! 😂
Thank you for sharing your favorite quote of I Love Lucy! Who is your favorite cast member?
"I got wind of it!" still makes me literally laugh out loud to this day. 🤣😊
@@GavinsMarineMom Lol! 🤣 I remember that.
It's possible William Frawley kept his word, and didn't drink while working. Those hours not drinking could have caused his shaking hands. After work he could have made up for those missed drinking hours. Drinking a shot or two would have calmed those shaking hands. (Alcoholism runs rampant in my family.)
I agree with you about the shaking hands. Whoever made this video didn't follow through on his research as Desi Arnaz wrote in his book, A Book, and also said during interviews, that William Frawley kept his part of the bargain and never drank during working hours. Desi did not ask him to stop drinking. He told him that if he came to work drunk or drank while working on the series that he would be fired. I always thought about that when I would see Frawley's shaking hands. This video throws a bad light on someone who, no doubt sacrificed and, kept his word.
I agree he may have stopped drinking while working. I believe I read he came on the set drunk once and was told if he ever did again, he would be fired.
I'm an alcoholic 7 years into recovery and I dropped in here to say what you said. An alkie doesn't get shaky hands from drinking... it's from NOT drinking.
Chronic depression of the nervous system by alcohol consumption causes a decrease in production of the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA itself normally depresses or calms the nervous system... remove GABA *and* the depressive effects of alcohol during a sober period and you don't just get the shakes, but sometimes terrible anxiety. The nervous system upset from alcohol and GABA withdrawal can be deadly, with seizures possible as well as heart problems (usually atrial arrhythmia or fibrilation).
Not a pleasant way to live, so an alkie heads back to the sauce ASAP just to feel normal.
@@SansNeural Yes, it's vicious. There have been many alcoholics in my life and it is so painful to witness. I asked once why they drank alcohol for breakfast and he said "So I can function., so I don't get the DTs" It's rough.
I'm an ICU nurse and was going to mention the same, we don't see the detox symptoms until the patient is below thier "normal functioning" blood alcohol level. Wishing all of you the best in health & happiness! 🤍✌🏻
The most surprising thing I learned from this video is that Frawley worked in hard labor before he took up acting. ‘I Love Lucy’ was a constant in my life, as I grew up in the 1960s & early 1970s. The show was so popular that even after it stopped airing new episodes, reruns were shown 24/7 for decades. If it wasn’t on channel 5 in the morning then it was on in the afternoon on channel 11 or midnight on another channel. I watched every single episode so many times yet I never grew tired of the rip-roaring comedy. The interaction of Fred & Ethel was hysterical!
Yes, in spite of his difficulties, he was a n excellent actor. I admire Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for keeping him in the show and I am sure he avoided drinking while
rehearsing and acting as per his contract but drank much of the rest of the time. He must have had almost constant withdrawal symptoms, hence the shaking hands. A brave man.
I stiil watch I Love Lucy everyday 🥰
@@misstee9453 Isn’t it great to know that it’s still available to watch? There’s something comforting about that. 😌
@@sallywillis610 Great comment. 🥰 I agree.
Me too!
After a lifetime of alcohol abuse it's amazing that he lived as long as he did!
Many alcoholics, unlike heavy smokers, still live to a 'ripe old age'!
@@rongendron8705 Yeah, I'm just going on my own experience with my dad who destroyed his liver and other parts of his body with alcohol, but he made it to 73, however in very bad health.
@@rongendron8705 George Burns was a very notable exception! The difference between him and other smokers was, he kept exercising until the very end.
@@paul16451 Jack Benny was also a heavy cigar smoker and he made it to 80. His wife Mary Livingstone smoked two or three packs of Parliament cigarettes a day for decades and she somehow lived to be 78.
@@rongendron8705 I know lots of smoker's who actually lived til their late 80's it's definitely not uncommon.. Smoking was real big in Hollywood back then almost everyone did it
I love hearing people who were lucky enough to be born and raised in enlightened times pass judgment on those who were not. "He was a product of his times, but that was no excuse"? Please, Your Honor, tell us what his punishment shall be.
Exactly.
Sorry but if people tell me that Frawley was racist well a lot of people who lived during that time weren't.
With they're acting ability you would never know that the Ethel and Fred in real life couldn't stand each other. Great character actors!
Horrible grammar.
@@henrydiaz720 what?
Seems like she was a good judge of character
Their
@@ronc7743 uh uh. Spelling police. Seriously?
And to think I Love Lucy was the #1 show without sex scenes, vulgar language, a Hispanic leading actor with a heavy accent..... they really did break the mold....and still decades later playing in reruns across the world..... Well done Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez 👍
Too many presumptions here about Bill's on-set behavior. Desi laid down the law from the outset. They also became the best of friends (you have to wonder why...but Desi drank his share too). Despite Bill's ornery temperament, you can't imagine I Love Lucy without him. Gale Fordon was the first choice as was Bea Benaderit for Ethel. But fate stepped in.
I totally agree!! Super Lucy fan here and 58 years old. I know all the I Love Lucy backstory and agree that Desi had a sit down with Bill and layed down the law. If you’re drunk just once on set, you’re out of here. Bill wanted that job and he never was drunk on set. I don’t know where he’s getting that info from that he was drunk the entire series I mean give me a break. And what’s with he always hid his hands? Every picture and clip, you could clearly see his hands and no clear attempt to try to hide them. As my brother would say, I think you added a little yeast to the story.
Given the fact that Desi and Lucy financed “I Love Lucy” with their own money, Desi would not have tolerated a drunken Fred Mertz on the set.
Just a little correction, the actor's name was Gale Gordon, and he later appeared in all three versions of Lucy's own shows as well as starring roles in other TV sitcoms such as Dennis the Menace, Make Room for Daddy and Our Miss Brooks.
@@ladywisewolf3942 -Gale Gordon appeared as Ricky’s boss, Mr Littlefield in several season one episodes of I Love Lucy. Bill Frawley played Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy. Gale Gordon did co-Star with Lucy on The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy.
No mention (except one photo) of his memorable role in the classic movie, "Miracle on 34th Street"? It wouldn't be Christmas for my family without seeing that film.
His hands shook uncontrollably in most scenes yet he never looked drunk. It's amazing he functioned so well with DTs. Arnaz said he never drank a drop at work. The crankiness from drinking would have came naturally.
Probably not but he drank on his lunch breaks for My Three Sons.
Can you ever be truthful or accurate about any claim you make in your taglines?
The claim is that William frawley hid his hands in every scene of I Love Lucy, then you're able to see his hands in more than just a few stills from the show. The truth is simply that his skill as a performer gave him the ability to do his job without revealing the effects of his alcoholism. He did not hide his hands in every scene.
And there's a difference between being unwilling to give up your addiction and unable to. That's why it's an addiction.
And this video said he liked the dodgers I thought he liked the Yankees
[Ribbis
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
Fascinating. Thank you. ❤
No matter what the vices were with the actors, I loved the I Love Lucy show. It is still one of my all time favorites. ❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful words, thank you for your message for I Love Lucy! Which episode is the most memorable for you?
I just want to metion that I LOVE the four of them Lucille, Desi, Vivian and William!!!🙏❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
One of the pillars of the show. It's common knowledge that there was no love lost between him and Vivian Vance.
Loved him in Miracle On 34th Street. Speaking of, his performances outlasted all his flaws. His roles are beloved and his memory is honored.
Yep. Fred Mertz saves Santa with that advice to the judge.
When Vivian Vance ( Ethel Mertz) was told of Frawley's death she shouted " Champagne for everyone!" .
lol no love lost between those two
Was she a lib? Sounds like a normal lib response.
@@noylj1 I don't know her politics but do know she started the feud with Frawley
@@noylj1 they hated each other. i believe frawley was extremely rude to her. He was verbally abusive to her on set. Barely anybody wanted to hire him because of his nasty attitude and he was a racist
@@kellygreen5556 she never started the feud with frawley. Frawley had reputation of being a racist, bad attitude and drinking problem. He verbally abuse her on set all the time so she gave him a dose of his own medicine. That's why desi told him. If they found him drunk on set. He was fired. Everyone from hollywood didn't want to work with william frawley.
You never said why he hid his hands, AND his hands are visible in every scene. I don't get it...
I loved William Frawley and his drinking did not bother me one bit due to his fantastic acting. He was great.!!!
"William Frawley hid his hands in every scene of I Love Lucy."
Proceeds to show a dozen pics, all with William showing his hands. 😂
IKR.
Editors sabotaging due to low wages 🤣
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
It was the Yankees not the Dodgers...and Desi hired him on the condition that he never show up to work drunk and that he never miss a day due to drinking . First time would be tolerated...second he would be suspended and third time he would be fired.
Right ⁉️
Yes, the Yankees.
That’s funny coming from Desi since he was an alcoholic himself.
@@maryc6091 sure but stars make the rules....
Right! It's really hypocritical since Desi loved Daiquiris. He also would indulge (not sure If bf or after a shoot) Barbara Pepper was supposed to be Ethyl. But, Desi wanted to deal with only one "drunk" Bill. In some scenes you saw Bills hands shake. Larry Hagman & W.C. Fields tipped the bottle during filming as well.
They say he was a racist yet a minority Dezi Arnez gave him a break when he was a washed up drunk. Arnez must’ve been a helluva nice guy.
Desi was from a " white" Cuban family. Frawley may not have been racist against Latinos, just blacks.
@@kellygreen5556 Good point
Who said William Farley was a racist? I’ve never heard that!
He was what is now called a functioning alcoholic. I suspect this because i was one when i drank. I would never drink on the job or on like lunch breaks. But after work i would go home and drink on the evening's and most of the night. I could drink a 1/2 gallon of vodka every 2 days. My hands would shake like crazy until i had a couple of drinks. But like Frawley i was great at my job. I was in management for all of my career. Unless i worked for a company that i didn't want to be a manager. Luckily i finally stopped drinking in 2014. But that summer i almost died 3 times due to what the drinking did to my body medically. Every time i would stop drinking i would have secures. The last one i had caused me to go into a coma for 8 days. So i was actually lucky that time i didn't have to deal with the pain of DT's. So i knew that if i drank anymore after the coma i would either die or have to go thru the DT's so i never drank again.
Wow, same case with me.
That must have been terrifying..glad you are still here snd sober
Glad you made it. Stay well.
My parents were both high-functioning alcoholics, both respected and well-loved. I think my dad was known for "liking a drink, " but no one who knew my mom would have believed it. It was hard being an only child, no witnesses. I know it was hard on you and your body. I wish you all the best!
That’s great news and I totally understand, I went through.go all of that hell, I’ve been sober 13 months and Naltrexone really has been helpful, while in those drunken hazes, it was the new normal and I didn’t realize the problems it causes me and family,until looking back as a sober person
His personality was precisely why he was hired and stayed with the many shows he was on - character actor.
I remember when Nick at Nite had a commercial spot "The pants that ate Fred Mertz" 😅🤣😂
Those Nick at Nick parody shorts were hysterical. Milkman and Dr Will Miller "Why We Watch" were my favorites.
I remember that. It ate his tie lol
Frawley also introduce several famous songs such as "California Here I Come", "Melancholy Baby" and "Carolina In The Morning".
I watched this show for YEARS. Loved it. Never imagined, back then, that he was a drunk and hard to get along with. Evidently an exceptional actor.
I grew up watching reruns of these talented actors throughout most of my childhood. The show was old then, but still timeless. As an adult, learning of the struggles and vices these actors may have had, only makes them more endearing and real to me.. We all struggle with our individual demons, and as weird as this sounds, I take comfort in knowing even the great actors of shows like "I Love Lucy" had their own difficult problems to overcome in this thing called "life"...
I know Wm. Frawley drank a lot, but he could have also had some sort of problem related to Parkinson's. I remember seeing the tremor in his hands because my dad had the same thing. He had to quit working and retire early because he could no longer complete the required paperwork for his job. He was 58 and a tee totaler.
I hear ya there. I'm 68 and a fairly light drinker but I still have shaky hands from time to time. I was never a heavy drinker, unless you call a week's vacation a binge, ... and that's only once a year. Doc says I don't have Parkinsons and my annual blood work comes up good. OTOH, it may be too early for a good diagnosis.
@@rupe53 My dad's was diagnosed as having to do with Agent Orangr in Vietnam. But my mom also has tremors now that she's in her 80s too. The more nervous she is the worse it is. Her head shakes too sometimes.
I've read many articles and books that stated Frawley kept off the booze during filming I Love Lucy, but went on binges on the weekends. Also, he didn't seem to hide his hands that much but it was obvious he had some alcohol issues. He even put the trembling hands to good use in the Hollywood episode where everyone got on each other's nerves and Rock Hudson helped smooth things over for the couples. (In Palm Springs, S5).
I always thought William Frawley was the funniest character on I Love Lucy.
Surprising that William Frawley acted in a 1930s film with Fred MacMurray, his later costar in tv's My Three Sons.
Fred's career and history in California is far more interesting than Frawley's drunken interval. he went out to California and
mastered the movie machine with not a whiff of scandal his entire career. he was an exemplar of self composure.
made a lot of money in real estate and went fishing all day.
Another great talk of a actor favorite. I love lucy is great with him as Fred!
William Frawley was born in Burlington, Iowa. He grew up there. It's my home town!🙂 A bar here he used to frequent is still in operation!
I grew up in Burlington. What bar did he frequent there?
@@michaelfitzpatrick2453a long time ago, it was called The Nira. It's had a couple other names since then. The name just before now, was The White Horse. It is now Dueling Leo's. At one time, I believe it was a brewery. I know that it stored a lot of beer in earlier years.
That’s great. I do remember it as the Nira. Thanks.
as you can see by the picture at 1:33, he was a Yankees fan. Not Dodgers
Despite all that’s been revealed about these beings and no one’s perfect I want to enjoy the gift that keeps on giving.There incredible legacy the tv show let’s honor the best part of who they were.
I agree. Together they were all magic.
He was also a great dancer LOVE his performances so cute with the rest of the cast
William Frawley matched the role perfectly as an apartment building landlord in every aspect of his appearance and demeanor. Whether it was deliberate or not. The fact that he could contribute as an actor was a plus. A landlord is more of a cheap miserly recluse type of a commoner not at all a public customer service type. Frawley was a perfect fit.
He an Ethel were in character representatives of the established older American couple forced to be miserly in their struggle to remain a float.
Lucy was the American girl that married a Cuban immigrant who was also a celebrity entertainer.
Gale Gordon was too insistant on himself wanting to put across a veneer of stuffiness he was more of a banker type as Proven later as he played Mr Mooney
Actually...William Frawley was a fan of the New York Yankees (which is why he was in the Yankees jersey in the photo shown), and the contract stipulation was that he wouldn't have to come in when the Yankees were in the World Series. (Baseball didn't have a formal playoff system until 1969.) During the run of "I Love Lucy", the only time the Yankees weren't in the Series was 1954.
I Love Lucy Was One of My Favorite Shows, I had know idea William Frawley was a Racist 🥵
@@johnlock9318 it was common during that era
I am sorry, but I know for a cold, hard, fact, to a moral certainty, that William Frawley NEVER once showed up for rehearsal or filming in any level of impairment. This meaning that, not only was he never drunk, but he had no alcohol use within at least 12 hours (possibly 8 hours due to his superhuman ability to hold his alcohol, but Desi says 12) before rehearsing or filming. In addition, there is no question at all that Lucy would have fired him, without the slightest delay, had he had any hint of alcohol. Desi would have also seen that as a betrayal; loyalty and honesty were a big part of what Desi saw as essential in a person he hired. Now, having said all that....There is no question that Frawley did drink on his off time! He drank like a parched fish. (Give me some time and I will come up with a better comedic analogy.) He was blessed with no small number of character flaws that made him quite unpleasant with whom to work; however it does appear that keeping his word was not among those character flaws. In addition, while I cannot state this with nearly as much certainty, but had he any level of impartment on "My Three Sons", Fred MacMurray would have had William Frawley fired in less than three-fifths of a heart-beat. While on both shows, there is no question that his years of incredibly heavy drinking had caught up with him, which ultimately showed in various physical traits and peculiarities. Both members of both shows were well aware that this did not imply drinking or being intoxicated on the job. There is certainly no question that William Frawley took Humphrey Bogart's philosophy of drinking to its ultimate conclusion... Bogie said, "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.”
Thank you for the truth!! Respect. William deserved more than this shoddy assumptions in this video.
Very good information. One thing I'd like to add is from an interview given by Don Grady long after the show was canceled. He recalled that he and the other boys would often be taken to a restaurant by Frawley for lunch. While there, Frawley would "indulge" his need for alcohol, according to Livingston. But his tolerance for booze was so great he was able to conceal the fact when he went back to work in the afternoon. Livingston also revealed another interesting point. They all tolerated Frawley's crochety attitude and sometime were amused by his jokes and stories. But when William Demarest took over, they found his character to be even more abrasive, and not amusing at all.
Linden Adkins: thank you. I knew all of what you just said; I think a lot of us do. So it came as a surprise to hear on FactsVerse that Frawley was drunk on the set. I did see 👀 his hands ✋ shake on set on more than 1️⃣ occasion. Thought it was due to an illness, though.
Ppl
Mostly, the shaky hands were due to the absence of alcohol. It's called withdrawal.
I was very surprised to see William Frawley in Miracle on 34th Street.
I always noticed his hands shaking on I Love Lucy. Very noticeable. But what a character.
I saw it too but I thought it was just because he was so old.
I enjoy watching his pre-Lucy films and thught he was a very good actor. He once said that he introduced the song, "Shine on Harvest Moon" on the vaudeville stage. I had heard about his fondness for the bottle but didn't realize the shaky hands were a side-effect. It cut his life short, as it did WC Fields. I just though Frawley had early Parkinson's. I recall one Lucy scene wher he fumbled getting cash out of a small money purse. And it's a known fact that he didn't get along well with Vivian Vance.
I think it was more that she didn't get along with him. Vance thought that Frawley was too old and too homely to be believable as her husband.
And yet every scene shown, his hands are clearly visible?
Ikr?
The problem with his hands can’t be seen in still pictures. On screen, he had to support his hands to keep them from shaking due to the DTs from his drinking.
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
The issue with he's hands. As an actor in movies i enjoyed see him acting. In I Love Lucy to me i don't think no one could have ever been a better actor in Fred Murts roll. He could have been what ever in he's life but no other actor could have done it better. I loved all of them in I Love Lucy. Best comedy show ever. RIP
Although you showed a still, I was surprised that you neglected to mention his role in the original film "Miracle on 34th Street" -- which was memorable for me. You also did not mention his feud with his TV-wife on "I Love Lucy".
Are you talking about the black and white version of Miracle on 34th Street I didn't know that he was in is that movie
@@jenniferhanson8136 He was; B&W version ONLY. He was the guy who advised the judge on politics; he says, with cigar-in-mouth: "Now politics, that's my racket"; then he goes on about what might happen if headlines read something like him putting 'Santi Claus' in jail, etc., while the kids are already scoffing at that judge!
I was thinking the same thing.... isn't he the person who sang "Silver Bells" first?
@@tkarlmann thanks for that…It never clicked, now it does.😊
Facts Verse is not known for their accuracy.
Where did you get these rumors about Williams' drinking while making the I Love Lucy episodes.
Just asking because I am thinking you may be using "artistic license" to enhance your videos.
They should have had a spin off Hanging Out With Fred.
Fred’s lumbago flares up and a trip to the clinic proved of little help.
So WHY did he hide his hands? It looks like you saw them often enough. In fact later on you could see his hands shaking. THAT would have been a reason to hide them then. But they weren't hidden if you saw them shaking, now could you? By the way, he appeared on I'VE GOT A SECRET with a "secret" that he was a Song Pluggerinhis youth and introduced "Melancholy Baby".
I never knew that he was an alcoholic. He was so funny on I Love Lucy.
It is widely known that Frawley was a Yankee fan. He would not take kindly to be called a fan of the Dodgers. There's even a photo of him in this video wearing a Yankee uniform for his role in "Safe at Home."
Whoever wrote this doesn't understand alcoholism. Once an alcoholic reaches a certain point in dependence, they HAVE to have alcohol to function. It's very likely that Frawley HAD to drink before a shoot, otherwise he'd be sick, possibly even in DT's ("delirium tremens"). His inability to show up sober wasn't an unwillingness to "give it up" - it was simply a physical dependence.
Well said, my friend. Well said indeed
He was a gifted performer….RIP
He didn’t hide his hands. I’m watching Lucy right now.
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
😂😂😂😂
Essential tremor is a very common problem with gross shaking of the hands. Alcohol actually reduces the tremor. Thus, based on the multiple comments indicating he was never drunk at work, it seems most likely that he had and essential tremor and not having alcohol in his system at work was the reason he shook more rather than signs of alcohol withdrawl.
On the contrary. I know atleast 3 alcoholics who had severe hand tremors during alcohol withdrawl while at work. I'm an addict. I never got to that point. I now have essential tremor and I'm clean and sober 28 years,5 months and a week.
@@BudTheDrummer congratulations on your sobriety, one day at a time I am sure.
If Frawley took a drink to calm his shaking hands, how many would he have to take to stop the shakes and what else was affected by his taking a drink? I am sure his attitude was 'adjusted' under the influence.
This is a horrible video and completely inaccurate. Besides the fact that you see his hands constantly, he had an agreement with Desi or Nez that if the Yankees made the World Series not the Dodgers he was allowed off.
He is even wearing a Yankees cap in the photo, and they still get it wrong!
He was even wearing a Yankees cap in the photograph and they still got it wrong!
Don't be surprised at the inaccuracies. For a channel called facts verse, they get very few facts correct. It's not only this video.
ack36 Instead of Facts Verse it's more like Check Your Facts Verse
I agree. Finding a dyed-in-the-wool Brooklyn fan in a Yankee uniform would be next to impossible.
Desi Arnaz hired William Frawley with the explicit understanding that if Frawley EVER showed up drunk he would be immediately fired. According to Desi Arnaz himself Frawley never once showed up drunk or late to a rehearsal or taping.
That's what I heard, too
I've heard and read that too.
Originally Lucy and Desi wanted Bea Benaderet and Gale Gordon to play Ethel and Fred. But Bea was hired on Burns & Allen. While Gale was on Our Miss Brooks.
Interesting, thank you so much for sharing this information. What other types of video would you like to see?
@@FactsVerse Do a story on Gary Vinson on McHale's Navy
He was great in "Miracle On 34th Street".
We absolutely agree! Thank you for your watching our video. Be safe and have a great week ❤
I really enjoyed him on the old I Love Lucy & especially on My Three Son's! I know a lot of people's lives have been lost, or ruined due to alchohol or drug addiction. Very sad.💔
I thought this was fascinating. My fiancé’s grandfather Dutch Ruether (professional baseball player) was friends with William Frawley.
I've read about your fiancée's grandfather.
Sign of a good actor: you believe they ARE the character.
Bill was "Fred Mertz". Bill was "Bub" on My Three Sons.
Absolutely, we feel the same way! Thank you for sharing your sentiments and for watching our content. What other types of video would you like to see on our channel?
Also Leonard Nimoy. After Star Trek, I was afraid I would see Spock every time I saw Paris in Mission Impossible, but that dissipated in under 5 minutes. The sign of a great actor molding themselves into the character. On the other hand every time I see Shatner, his acting was so shallow I see Captain Kirk
So cool seeing early photographs! I only knew of him from Lucy and My Three Sons.
I think it was Gale Gordon that Lucy really wanted to play the part of Fred Mertz. It was Desi who insisted on having William Frawley play the part.
Probably becase they were co-stars on the My Favorite Husband radio show which was the precurser to I Love Lucy. He couldn't be on I Love Lucy because he was starring in Our Miss Brooks at the time.
No mention of his role in Miracle on 34th Street?
You stayed on the positive side and for that I thank you!
As a life long Dodger fan, that tidbit with Mr. Frawley put a big ol' smile on my face
Dont mean to spoil your smile, but it was the Yankees - not the Dodgers - for whom Mr. Frawley rooted.
Why was reference to why he hid his hands edited out of the video?
With all the biographies I've read of old Hollywood your channel is the first one that said he engaged in drinking alcohol while on duty. I'd really like to know your source for this information other than rumor? Everything I've ever heard in the history of I Love Lucy has stated that he did not drink any alcohol during the filming of the show. Now being a crochety old fart I've heard that from many in my readings especially Vivian Vance who could not stand the man. But, as for drinking every other source I've ever read said he was sober.
He supported his sister and brother financially most of his life, paid for a nursing home, too. I think they also had a drinking problem.
Many actors had bad sides with rscism, misogyny and nastiness, including Eugene Pallette and most notably Walter Brennan
Marion Robert Morrison (John Wayne) too.
@@kmoecub Everyone is racist! Including you, as far as they say. Feel better now?
Jimmy Stewart was the worst
They all just spoke their mind back then.. Lord forbid anyone speaks their mind now!! DAMN
@ JC Bulldog.... Amen
I see his hands in every pic you show from the actual show. He wasn't hiding them.
Wow, you really nailed it. Great research, well done.
*I always noticed that his hands appeared to be trembling and that he hid them in his pockets. Now we know why.*
*Funny in the Palm Springs episode of I Love Lucy that dealt with their annoying habits Fred’s was that he constantly jingled his keys in his pockets.*
The most surprising part of this video was getting to see early pre-Miracle on 34th Street pictures of Frawley where he didn't look like the Fred/Bub I knew him as.
Also very interesting. He was clearly never a leading man type, but had a great face for a character actor, and as he aged, I think his appearance suited that kind of work even more.
I'm sure it was probably racist and sexist (given both the times and his personality), but I'm kind of curious what his stand up routine was like. I mean, he was good enough to make a living at it, so he must have been good at it.
RIP Fred Mertz 🙏
I knew about Frawley's drinking habit from an interview with Barry Livingston, Ernie from My Three Sons. He and his brother actually had fun with Fraley, getting him back on set after he started drinking . He discribed the gruff William Demarest who took Fraley's on place on My Three Sons as William Fraley on rehab.
William Frawley bought a surf board for Barry Livingstons brother. He may have drank too much but he cared about the kids on my 3 sons
VIVIAN VANCE never liked him! Audrey Meadows not caring for Jackie Gleason? Jackie Pounded!
Interesting that none of the photos used showed Frawley with his hands in his pockets.(That I noticed) 😊
Most surprising…not one pic with his hands in his pockets…..?? 🤔🤔🤔
I think that the pockets was just one technique. I have never seen the show, before my time, and no interest, but if he had them in his lap, on his hips, was holding something, or had them on a table or whatever (all seen in the clips above) the tremble would be less noticeable. I think that he put them in his pockets when he had nothing else to do with his hands for that scene.
"He wasn't willing to give up his alcohol addiction" is about the most ignorant statement ever made about an addiction.. If one can give up an addiction, it wasn't an addiction in the first place..
He was funny and professional so he did his job well. Hands don't shake unless you are withdrawing from alcohol. Which means he wasn't drinking during the shoots
Actually more than likely he was drinking just enough to function and not Shake because if you're a long-term alcoholic you ain't going to dry out and function
Thanks for the info!
Back in the day there was regular gas and then there was Ethel. Ethel was the premium gas. There were many jokes about Fred and Ethel like when Fred ran out of gas, he gassed up with Ethel. ⛽🤣😂
He was hilarious in I Love Lucy.
I always noticed that he had shaky hands. But hey, he was Fred Mertz. Who else can say that? People have faults. Oh well.
The epitome of the "crusty but benign" act.
It wasn't like Desi and Lucy were stalwarts of sobriety. And smoking? Social norms on steroids. Desi warned Bill to be on time and not let drinking prevent him from being on the set. In that regard, he kept his word.
Yes, I have seen his hands shaking during some of the episodes.
In all of the clips shown, not one shows him hiding his hands
Title of the clip: Why William Frawley hid his hands in EVERY scene of I love Lucy. Clip: shows several shots of Frawley, taken from scenes in I love Lucy, with hands visible.
Understood that Bill was a devout Yankee fan. His drinking eventually ended his life at age 79. Insulting Ethel was a typical Fred trait. Dead Fred.
I'm not surprised or hearing this cuz I always notice it's shaking hands and I know that he was an alcoholic. But he was a great actor
I watched a documentary on this show the thing he wasn't to do was drink on set, or he'd be fired from Lucy show. Shaking hands are from not drinking
I don't think you know your facts might want to check them better or stop giving them...
Studio: William, you're going to have to really cut down on your drinking. We want you sober for filming.
Frawley: You've got it. I'm not going to drink any more.
Studio: You've got the job.
Frawley after walking out of the meeting: I said I'm not going to drink any more, but I'm not going to drink any less either.
Love it. Just when they are telling us why he hides his hands, there's a blip. Great.
If he was drunk on the set, one could hardly detect it. In fact, Desi told him that he was forbidden to show up drunk on the set, or else he would be fired on the spot, so the statement that he wasnt sober on the set was totally false.
Alcoholics build up a tolerance too booze like other drugs.With someone like Frawley,who was what's called a chronic alcoholic, it would be easier to tell if he wasn't drinking because of withdrawals,then if he was.He clearly was occasionally having withdrawals when his hands would start to shake.But he was most likely under the influence most of the time.
@@oscarobrien once again if he was under the influence his performance sure didn’t show it, and again Desi told him if he was under the influence on the set he would fired on the spot, so he clearly wasn’t since he was never fired and never faltered with his performance
@@oscarobrien once again if he was it didn’t show up I. His performance. Remember Desi said he would be fired on the spot if he showed up drunk on the set. His hands shaking also could have been because of his age since he was 65 years old at the time.