"Jess [Oppenheimer] said, 'come on down to the run-through. When you see what Lucy does with your material, she'll make you think you're a writer.'"

    About This Interview

    In the half-hour solo portion of his interview, Bob Schiller (1918-2017) talks about his early childhood and service in the Army during World War II. He then explains how he got his start in the entertainment industry. He discusses radio shows and performers with which he was associated in his early career, including Duffy’s Tavern, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and The Jimmy Durante Show. He also details his transition from radio to television and working on Four Star Revue and The Red Buttons Show.

    In the three-hour joint portion of their interview, Bob Weiskopf (1914-2001)  and Bob Schiller talk about their work together. They remember how they formed their partnership, and recall their years as staff writers on I Love Lucy and The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour. They talk of their collaborations with Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh Davis, and Bob Carroll, as well as with the stars of I Love Lucy. They look back on the writing process for the show, and on the events that took place behind the scenes each week. They outline their work on The Lucy ShowThe Red Skelton ShowThe Carol Burnett Show, and The Flip Wilson Show. Schiller and Weiskopf then detail their collaboration with producer Norman Lear on Maude, and comment on the balance that was often required of them as writer/producers to find humor in dramatic situations. They chronicle their work on other Lear shows including All in the FamilyArchie Bunker's PlaceSanford and Son, and Checking In. Finally, they discuss their then-most-recent work on various television projects and pilots and speak of being honored with the Writers Guild of America's Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Achievement in 1988. Karen Herman conducted the interviews on April 4, 2000 in Santa Monica, CA.

    All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.
    People Talking About ...
    Thumbnail of Bob Schiller

    Bob Schiller on writing for The Red Buttons Show

    02:00
    Thumbnail of Bob Schiller

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how they came to write for I Love Lucy in its fourth season

    02:42
    Thumbnail of Bob Schiller

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on classic episodes they wrote on I Love Lucy, including "Lucy's Italian Movie" with the famous stomping of the grapes scene

    01:59
    Thumbnail of Bob Schiller

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the characters and the actors who portrayed them on Maude

    06:25
    Thumbnail of Bob Schiller

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing the All in the Family episode "Edith's 50th Birthday" (in which there's an attempted rape on "Edith")

    36:56
    Play Full Interview

    Chapter 1

    On his childhood and early influences; on "growing up with words" and a lot of laughter in the house

    02:42

    On his early interest in humor and his education at UCLA; on his early work in advertising

    04:23

    On his service in the Army during World War II; on his first memories of television

    02:16

    On his early work writing for radio; how he got hired by Ed Gardner to write for Duffy's Tavern

    50:38

    On working for Mel Blanc; on writing for the radio version of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet; on writing for radio version of The Jimmy Durante Show

    03:52

    On transitioning from radio to television

    04:31

    On working with Ed Wynn on Four Star Revue; on working with Garry Moore and writing for The Red Buttons Show

    03:58

    Chapter 2

    START OF JOINT INTERVIEW WITH BOB WEISKOPF: on how they became writing partners

    02:02

    On writing for Make Room for Daddy, That's My Boy, My Favorite Husband, and The Bob Cummings Show

    04:53

    On writing for It's Always Jan with Janis Paige

    01:15

    On how they came to write for I Love Lucy in its fourth season, the most popular show on TV at the time; on head writers Bob Carroll, Jr. and Madelyn Pugh Davis

    05:32

    On working with Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley

    10:39

    On the I Love Lucy writing process

    03:34

    Chapter 3

    On the writing process on I Love Lucy and a typical workweek

    10:09

    On the rehearsal process and lack of ad-libbing on I Love Lucy

    05:02

    On the below-the-line crew on I Love Lucy; on I Love Lucy' s guest stars

    04:59

    On some of the storylines on I Love Lucy

    02:48

    On classic episodes they wrote on I Love Lucy, including the "Lucy Does the Tango" episode

    05:15

    Chapter 4

    On the last half-hour episode of I Love Lucy; on their favorite episodes of the show

    05:15

    On the "classic" title given to I Love Lucy and how much they got paid; on Desilu studios and the transition to the hour-long Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour

    05:38

    On the personal relationship between Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball; on how the departure of Bob Carroll and Madelyn Pugh Davis affected them

    04:01

    On the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    On writing the pilot for The Ann Sothern Show, writing for Pete and Gladys, and for You're Only Young Twice

    06:02

    On The Lucy Show

    06:21

    Chapter 5

    On their favorite episodes of The Lucy Show; on leaving the show

    04:53

    On writing for The Red Skelton Show; on Red's reputation among writers

    05:54

    On writing for Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, and Flip Wilson

    06:23

    On writing for Maude and working with Norman Lear

    10:27

    Chapter 6

    On the writing process for and memorable episodes of Maude

    15:45

    On writing the pilot for All's Fair

    03:41

    On writing for All in the Family; on the transition from All in the Family to Archie Bunker's Place

    08:42

    Chapter 7

    On Archie Bunker's Place and comparisons to another bar-themed show, Duffy's Tavern; on Carroll O'Connor's influence on Archie Bunker's Place

    03:31

    On writing for Archie Bunker's Place; on their play "So Long, Stanley" getting produced; on writing the pilot of But Mother!

    07:26

    On shows they wrote for in the 1980s: Side by Side, He's the Mayo r, and The Boys; on winning the WGA's Paddy Chayefsky Award for Television Achievement

    10:59

    On deciding to retire; on their recollections of the Hollywood Blacklist

    06:32

    Chapter 8

    On writing for television versus writing for radio; on their successful writing partnership

    06:14

    On advice to aspiring writers and producers; on how they'd like to be remembered and their career highlights; on their favorite stories about each other

    07:52

    B-roll photos from their days working at I Love Lucy, The Red Skelton Show, and Maude

    05:49

    Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet, The

    Bob Schiller on briefly writing for the radio version of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

    01:51

    All in the Family

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for All in the Family

    03:21

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on specific episodes they wrote for All in the Family: "Cousin Liz", and "Edith's 50th Birthday" (in which there's an attempted rape on "Edith")

    02:39

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Edith's Crisis of Faith", and "The Stivics Go West" episodes of All in the Family

    01:48

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how All in the Family holds up over the years

    00:37

    All's Fair

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing the pilot for All's Fair

    03:41

    Ann Sothern Show, The

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing the pilot for The Ann Sothern Show

    02:07

    Archie Bunker's Place

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the transition from All in the Family to Archie Bunker's Place and the death of "Edith Bunker"

    00:54

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Archie Bunker's Place and comparisons to another bar-themed show, Duffy's Tavern

    00:30

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Carroll O'Connor's influence on Archie Bunker's Place; on the writing process on the show

    03:35

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Archie Bunker's Place

    01:02

    Carol Burnett Show, The (1967-78)

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for The Carol Burnett Show

    01:43

    Checking In

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing an episode of Checking In

    00:22

    Danny Thomas Show, The aka Make Room for Daddy

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing as a team for Make Room for Daddy

    00:35

    December Bride

    Bob Schiller on writing for the radio version of December Bride

    00:33

    Duffy's Tavern

    Bob Schiller on writing for the radio show Duffy's Tavern and working with Ed Gardner

    05:38

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Archie Bunker's Place and comparisons to another bar-themed show, Duffy's Tavern

    00:40

    Flip Wilson Show, The

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for The Flip Wilson Show

    03:50

    Good Guys, The

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing and producing for The Good Guys

    01:03

    I Love Lucy

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how they came to write for I Love Lucy in its fourth season

    02:42

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on becoming replacement writers on I Love Lucy - the most popular show on TV at the time

    17:03

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their style of writing for I Love Lucy - "backwards plotting"

    00:32

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on working with Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy

    01:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their I Love Lucy scripts, Lucille Ball's performances, and working with Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley

    13:09

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on I Love Lucy and why Jess Oppenheimer left the show

    03:31

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the I Love Lucy writing process

    10:09

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the rehearsal process on I Love Lucy and how little rewriting there was on the show

    05:02

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on below-the-line crew on I Love Lucy

    00:32

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on working with CBS and sponsors on I Love Lucy

    00:24

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on staff members on I Love Lucy

    00:52

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on guest stars on I Love Lucy

    03:11

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on some of the storylines on I Love Lucy - aging "Little Ricky" and moving the "Rircardos" to the country

    02:48

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on classic episodes they wrote on I Love Lucy, including "Lucy's Italian Movie" with the famous stomping of the grapes scene

    01:59

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Lucy Does the Tango" episode of I Love Lucy

    02:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on classic episodes they wrote on I Love Lucy

    03:14

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of I Love Lucy and their favorite episodes

    05:15

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "classic" title given to I Love Lucy, and how much they got paid

    03:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a photo of the writing staff of I Love Lucy

    00:26

    It's Always Jan

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for It's Always Jan with Janis Paige

    01:15

    Jimmy Durante Show, The

    Bob Schiller on writing for the radio version of The Jimmy Durante Show

    00:52

    Lucy Show, The

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for The Lucy Show

    06:21

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their favorite episodes of The Lucy Show

    04:53

    Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their favorite episodes of the The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour; on how Danny Thomas did his best work when angry

    02:26

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the transition to the hour-long Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour

    01:48

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how the departure of Bob Carroll and Madelyn Pugh Davis from The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour affected them

    03:13

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    Maude

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Maude and working with Norman Lear

    03:07

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the characters and the actors who portrayed them on Maude

    06:25

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writers on Maude

    00:55

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on Maude and Norman Lear's involvement with the writing

    02:52

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on being on set during the tapings of Maude

    00:37

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on topics for scripts on Maude and the two-part abortion episode

    02:30

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Norman Lear's contributions to storylines on Maude

    03:16

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on network interference on Maude

    01:04

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Maude and the Psychiatrist" episode of Maude

    00:44

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Bea Arthur and other cast members not always sticking to scripts on Maude

    01:14

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on racial issues on Maude

    01:25

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "The Face Lift" and other episodes of Maude; on why they left the show

    01:16

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Maude and the Psychiatrist" and "Florida's Problem" episodes of Maude

    00:34

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on photos from their days working on Maude

    02:26

    My Favorite Husband

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for My Favorite Husband

    00:39

    Pete and Gladys

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Pete and Gladys

    01:09

    Red Buttons Show, The

    Bob Schiller on writing for The Red Buttons Show

    02:00

    Red Skelton Show, The

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for The Red Skelton Show; on Red's reputation among writers

    04:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on memorable characters and pantomimes on The Red Skelton Show

    01:54

    That's My Boy!

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for That's My Boy!

    02:00

    Censorship / Standards & Practices

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on network interference on Maude

    01:04

    Characters & Catchphrases

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the characters on Maude

    06:25

    Classic TV Series Episodes

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Lucy Does the Tango" episode of I Love Lucy

    02:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    Comedy

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Lucy Does the Tango" episode of I Love Lucy

    02:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    Hollywood Blacklist

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their recollections of the Hollywood Blacklist

    02:17

    Industry Crossroads

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their recollections of the Hollywood Blacklist

    02:17

    Memorable Moments on Television

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Lucy Does the Tango" episode of I Love Lucy

    02:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the famous two-part abortion episode on Maude

    02:20

    Pop Culture

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Lucy Does the Tango" episode of I Love Lucy

    02:00

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the characters on Maude

    06:25

    Representation on Television

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on racial issues on Maude

    01:25

    Television Industry

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on flack for portraying a divorced woman (Vivian Vance's character) on The Lucy Show

    00:37

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on network interference on Maude

    01:04

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their recollections of the Hollywood Blacklist

    02:17

    Underrepresented Voices

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on racial issues on Maude

    01:25

    War

    Bob Schiller on his five-year service during World War II

    00:38

    We Considered

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the famous two-part abortion episode on Maude

    02:20

    We Laughed

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the "Lucy Does the Tango" episode of I Love Lucy

    02:00

    World War II

    Bob Schiller on his five-year service during World War II

    00:38

    Producers

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on advice to aspiring producers

    00:49

    Writers

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on plotting scenes backwards on I Love Lucy

    00:32

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on I Love Lucy

    01:52

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on I Love Lucy and a typical workweek

    10:09

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing Lucille Ball's physical comedy into the scripts of I Love Lucy

    00:37

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on Maude and Norman Lear's involvement with the writing

    02:52

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on winning the WGA's Paddy Chayefsky Award for Television Achievement

    01:07

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their writing style and discipline, on why they've had a successful writing partnership

    04:11

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on advice to aspiring comedy writers

    02:31

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on why their writing has held up over the years

    00:21

    Comedy Series

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how they came to write for I Love Lucy in its fourth season; on the writing process and working with the cast

    19:45

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on I Love Lucy and memorable episodes they wrote

    28:13

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the hour-long Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour

    08:26

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for The Lucy Show

    06:21

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for The Red Skelton Show

    05:54

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Maude and working with Norman Lear

    10:27

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process for and memorable episodes of Maude

    15:45

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for All in the Family; on the transition from All in the Family to Archie Bunker's Place

    08:42

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Archie Bunker's Place

    05:07

    Bud Abbott

    Bob Schiller on working for Abbott & Costello's radio show

    00:38

    Edie Adams

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    Desi Arnaz

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Lucille Ball's working style on I Love Lucy

    01:10

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on working with Desi Arnaz on I Love Lucy

    00:55

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Desi Arnaz's management style on I Love Lucy

    01:49

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Desi Arnaz's management style

    07:17

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Desi Arnaz's business acumen

    00:50

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's personal lives affected production on I Love Lucy

    00:48

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Desi Arnaz helping to resolve a writer's strike

    00:47

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a power play by Desi Arnaz

    00:51

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a picture with Desi Arnaz

    00:18

    Beatrice Arthur

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on working with Bea Arthur on Maude

    00:40

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Bea Arthur and other cast members not always sticking to scripts on Maude

    01:14

    William Asher

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the longest laugh on I Love Lucy and how director William Asher didn't think the premise would work

    00:29

    Lucille Ball

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy

    14:21

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on meeting and working with Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy

    01:03

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their I Love Lucy scripts and Lucille Ball's performances

    02:18

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Lucille Ball's working style on I Love Lucy and how she showed appreciation for the show's writers

    02:41

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing Lucille Ball's physical comedy into the scripts of I Love Lucy

    00:37

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's personal lives affected production on I Love Lucy

    00:48

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance's relationship

    00:41

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Lucille Ball's legacy

    00:51

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a picture with Lucille Ball

    00:27

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a picture of Lucille Ball

    00:28

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a picture of Lucille Ball

    00:18

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a picture of Lucille Ball and Milton Berle with Bob Schiller

    00:23

    Milton Berle

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a picture of Lucille Ball and Milton Berle with Bob Schiller

    00:23

    Mel Blanc

    Bob Schiller on working with Mel Blanc

    00:36

    Gary Burghoff

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing a pilot for Gary Burghoff

    01:08

    Bob Carroll, Jr.

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how they came to write for I Love Lucy in its fourth season

    00:35

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how the departure of Bob Carroll and Madelyn Pugh Davis from The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour affected them

    03:13

    Lou Costello

    Bob Schiller on working for Abbott & Costello's radio show

    00:38

    Phyllis Diller

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Phyllis Diller

    00:49

    Jimmy Durante

    Bob Schiller on working with Jimmy Durante

    00:52

    William Frawley

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Vivian Vance and William Frawley on I Love Lucy

    01:55

    Larry Gelbart

    Bob Schiller on working with Larry Gelbart writing for The Red Buttons Show

    01:58

    Susan Harris

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the famous two-part abortion episode on Maude

    02:20

    Ernie Kovacs

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the final episode of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, "Lucy Meets the Mustache" with Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams

    01:08

    Norman Lear

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for Maude and working with Norman Lear

    01:34

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on Maude and Norman Lear's involvement with the writing

    02:52

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the famous two-part abortion episode on Maude; on Norman Lear's contributions to storylines

    04:07

    Lorne Michaels

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Lorne Michaels first writing job in the U.S. - for Phyllis Diller

    00:22

    Garry Moore

    Bob Schiller on working with Garry Moore

    00:21

    Gary Morton

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the involvement of Lucille Ball's then-current husband, Gary Morton, on The Lucy Show

    00:50

    Carroll O'Connor

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the transition from All in the Family to Archie Bunker's Place and the death of "Edith Bunker"

    00:54

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Carroll O'Connor's influence on Archie Bunker's Place

    02:52

    Jess Oppenheimer

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the writing process on I Love Lucy and Jess Oppenheimer leaving the show

    01:52

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Jess Oppenheimer wanting them to write for I Love Lucy

    01:15

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the I Love Lucy writing process and the management style of Jess Oppenheimer as a producer

    08:07

    Madelyn Pugh Davis

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how they came to write for I Love Lucy in its fourth season

    00:35

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Madelyn Pugh Davis and Bob Carroll, Jr. - writers on I Love Lucy - and their contributions to the show

    02:03

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how the departure of Bob Carroll and Madelyn Pugh Davis from The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour affected them

    03:13

    Esther Rolle

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Esther Rolle's roll on Maude and why she left the show

    00:26

    Martha Scott

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing the pilot for You're Only Young Twice

    02:45

    Red Skelton

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing for The Red Skelton Show; on Red's reputation among writers

    05:54

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on a picture of Red Skelton with Bob Schiller

    00:22

    Ann Sothern

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on writing a TV show for Ann Sothern

    02:07

    Jean Stapleton

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on working with Jean Stapleton on All in the Family

    00:48

    Ben Stein

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on hiring Ben Stein as an adviser for All's Fair

    01:48

    Keith Thibodeaux

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on aging "Little Ricky" on I Love Lucy

    01:00

    Danny Thomas

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on their favorite episodes of the The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour; on how Danny Thomas did his best work when angry

    02:26

    Vivian Vance

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Vivian Vance and William Frawley on I Love Lucy

    01:55

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance's relationship

    00:41

    Orson Welles

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on how Orson Welles blew a Shakespeare line on I Love Lucy

    00:43

    Flip Wilson

    Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on Flip Wilson

    03:18

    Ed Wynn

    Bob Schiller on working with Ed Wynn

    01:01

    All Interviews

    Loading Interviews...