The Ricardos and Mertzes are becoming bored with each other. Each one is fed up with the others’ annoying habits, Ricky’s constant finger-tapping, Lucy’s incessant coffee-stirring, Ethel’s noisy eating, and Fred’s loose change-jingling (Ethel: “For twenty-five years I felt I’ve been married to the Good Humor man!”).
The only solution is to split up for a brief vacation. With a flip of a coin (Lucy: “Heads, we win; tails, you lose.”) the girls are on their way to sunny Palm Springs. After only a short stay, Lucy laments: “I miss Ricky.” Ethel: “I can top that. I miss Fred.”
Back in Los Angeles, the men are faring no better. The Hollywood Stars baseball game has been rained out, and they’re beginning to miss their wives, bad habits and all.
When Dore Schary’s secretary phones to ask Ricky to meet her movie exectuive boss in Palm Springs, he and Fred are delighted by the “coincidence,” an excuse to be reunited with their spouses. At poolside in Palm Springs, Lucy and Ethel meet handsome Rock Hudson, who introduces himself before going into a long-winded story about a script girl he knows, Adele Sliff, who had a quarrel with her husband over his annoying habits.
The tale hits home, and the girls start whimpering. Just then, Rock summons Ricky and Fred (who asked the star to concoct such a story) into the scene, whereupon the two couples melt into each other’s arms. Lucy gets the last laugh when she admits to being the voice of Schary’s secretary.
Aired: April 25, 1955
Filmed: March 17, 1955
Episode #123
Season #4 (1954-55)
Bloopers: In the first scene of this episode, the soundstage and equipment can be seen to the left of the set.
Lucy never shies away from crazy adventures — watch the grape-stomping fiasco next ➜ Click here
💡 Did You Know?
- This episode originally aired April 25, 1955, and was filmed March 17, 1955.
- The setting in Palm Springs was a rare location change for the show, adding to the “Hollywood meets TV sitcom” feel.
- Rock Hudson plays himself in the episode — one of the early major guest-star cameos on I Love Lucy.
🎭 Why Fans Love It
- It feels glamorous and special — Hollywood star meets TV stars.
- Lucy and Ethel get a fun “away from home” storyline, which makes their antics even fresher.
- The guest cameo by Rock Hudson gives the scene an extra sparkle, making it stand out.
Want more Lucy chaos? 😂 Don’t miss when Lucy and Ethel work the chocolate factory belt — full post ➜ click here
Whether it’s Hollywood luxury or suburban mayhem, Lucy and Ethel always make it unforgettable. In “In Palm Springs,” they met stardom — and delivered laughs in their signature style.
