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Loving Lucy

Oct 2005

In 1964, Barbra Streisand went on the air with Lucille Ball during "Let's Talk to Lucy," a syndicated radio show that was carried on CBS-owned stations around the country. The three-part interview was moderated by Lucy herself and was broadcast on October 7, 8 and 9. This fascinating conversation took place inside Barbra's New York apartment shortly after she and Elliott Gould moved in.

In the annals of broadcast history, Lucy's interview of Barbra is historic for the simple fact that it brought together two of the century's most iconic entertainment figures (current and future). So if providence intervened to make this meeting happen, it was only fitting.

The animated discussion between Barbra and Lucy was insightful and even more entertaining given Lucy's comic personality. Lucy, herself a television star of the highest magnitude, interviewed Barbra with intimate familiarity. The questions were informal, casual and at times, even personal. It was as if they were sitting together having tea, which they might very well have been. It was a moment when iconic paths crossed. And it was delightful.

"Let's Talk to Lucy"

Lucy:

Hi. This is Lucy. Again today I'm talking with that delightful young star, Miss Barbra Streisand. Barbra is starring in the Broadway musical Funny Girl, which is a marvelous story about Fanny Brice. Barbra, before we ran out of time yesterday, you were showing me around your apartment, and I think what you and Elliott have done here is just wonderful. I'd love to have you come and see our house in California. You know we're always adding to it ... I don't ever like to be really finished with a place.
Barbra:

I know what you mean. I want to do so many other things, and I can't concentrate on them until I finish this house.

Lucy: What do you mean other things?
Barbra: I mean, I know what I want it to look like, so therefore it's a matter of time to get it.
Lucy: Yes?
Barbra: You know, the time to look for the things and get it. But I'll like it when it's done. I'd like to be able to come home and do nothing, just walk around and look at it, and read, have lessons here, and have people over for lunches ... I'd like to have it finished ...
Lucy: Then you'll get it finished. I have an idea that anything you go after you get done.
Barbra: I don't know. I start things then leave them.
Lucy: You do? It surprises me ... You still did a mountain of things and you didn't leave it before you conquered it, thank goodness, or we wouldn't  know the Barbra Streisand that we know today.
Barbra: Those things are even easier. Performing is easier for me, but studying a language, see, that's a real hard thing because it's a technical thing. It's not a matter of talent. You must discipline yourself and you must memorize and study. It's not a matter of just being talented. If you have a good ear, that helps. But you still have to study. That's what kills me ...
Lucy: ...When you say disciplining yourself, I have my way of disciplining myself. Could you give me a quick answer on how you discipline yourself?...
Barbra: What do you mean?
Lucy: What are your disciplinary measures? Do you say "I'm gonna spend so much time today and that's it no matter what?"
Barbra: No.
Lucy: What do you do?
Barbra: I get very distracted very easily. My discipline is not a studied one. In fact, I have a strange kind of discipline. An inner discipline.
Lucy: Can't you tell me what it is?
Barbra: No. I mean, I can't define it. See, I'm studying Italian now, but I haven't completely learned it. Obviously, my disciplinary measures don't work, you know?
Lucy: But you're still going at it diligently every day, is that right?
Barbra: No. I hate to disappoint you.
Lucy: You're not disappointing me. I just want to find out about you because I think your complexities are what's so marvelous about you.
Barbra: My teacher went on vacation, so I don't study. It's sort of like I goof off. I like that she's on vacation so I don't have to study. You know what I mean?
Lucy: It's like going to the dentist and finding out that he's not able to take you that day...

Barbra, dear. We were talking yesterday about yours being such a unique career. Instead of the usual story of struggle and disappointment, you've had nothing but notice and acclaim at every turn of your career. And now in less than four years, you have achieved real stardom. Does this surprise you, or have things always happened easily for you?
Barbra: Well, it's a combination of both, I think. I mean, I remember when I was about sixteen and I wanted to be famous and be an actress and I was studying acting. And I decided, oh, I better make the rounds. They all say you better make the rounds, you know? You're supposed to knock on people's doors.
Lucy: And go from agency to agency?
Barbra: Yeah. And I spent two days at it and it was so ridiculous. They all say, "what have you done," I say, "well nothing."
Lucy: Which comes first, the chicken or the egg.
Barbra: Yeah. And, "can you give me a chance to read," and they say, "no, we have to see your work." I mean it was so stupid. I'd say, "well, you'll be sorry."
Lucy: And you meant it ... But then, how did it happen?
Barbra: So, I mean...I gave up the theatre. I said I'm not gonna beg for nobody.
Lucy: Was that after I Can Get It For you Wholesale?
Barbra: No, no. Before. So I just decided I better learn a couple of songs and start to sing.
Lucy: That's another thing I wanted to get into.
Barbra: You see, I don't know how anybody becomes famous as an actress. I don't know how you get noticed. Nobody gives you a chance.
Lucy: Your first appearance on Broadway was in the musical I Can Get It For You Wholesale for which you received the Entertainer of the Year award, and married the show's leading man, Mr. Elliott Gould. Mrs. Gould means a lot to you, doesn't it?
Barbra: Yeah.
Lucy: Barbra, you're very much in love. I think that's wonderful. You don't take being married lightly, not at all.
Barbra: I happen to be very fortunate. Elliott is the stable one of the two, you know, and he has a very clear mind and knows what he wants. And he also understands me very well...
Lucy: Where are you from originally?
Barbra: Brooklyn.
Lucy: And where is Elliott from?
Barbra: Brooklyn.
Lucy: Oh really? But you didn't know each other over in Brooklyn.
Barbra: No.
Lucy: The first time you saw him, did you fall for him?
Barbra: No.
Lucy: Well, you thought he was very attractive. He's certainly a very attractive man. You must have blinked twice, didn't you?
Barbra: Yeah, I mean, he offered me a cigar, and I took it.
Lucy: A cigar? You took it, but did you smoke it? You don't smoke.
Barbra: I like cigars. Little ones. I don't inhale...
Lucy: ...What made you finally decide to be married?
Barbra: Well, it's interesting about marriage. We always knew we had to get married, that we were meant for each other. We started going around together. You have to take that step. It finalizes the relationship.