Lucille Ball wanted it all. She wanted to become an A-list actress. She wanted to have children. She wanted a happy marriage. But if the 1940s taught her anything, it was that she wasn’t in control.

Her husband, Desi Arnaz, cheated on her constantly. They wanted children together, but suffered several miscarriages. By the end of the decade, Lucy’s only unequivocal professional success was a comedy radio show called “My Favorite Husband.” The network wanted to rework the show for a new thing called television, but Lucy wasn’t so sure.

“Love, Lucy,” by Lucille Ball

“The Plot Thickens” podcast from Turner Classic Movies

“The Life of Lucille Ball,” by Kathleen Brady

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