When Arnaz passed away in 1986, Ball was among the final customers to speak to him, revealing their mutual love for each other. That ultimate, tear jerking conversation turned out to be on the anniversary date of the marriage of theirs. 5 days later, Ball was honored by the Kennedy Center, which read a letter composed by Arnaz before his death. From it, Arnaz said, “I give Lucy ninety % of the credit for the success of’ I Love Lucy ;’ the majority of us were just props. Lucy was the show. And’ I Love Lucy’ was never ever simply a title.” Watching this letter be checked out to Ball, and also watching Ball ‘s reaction to Arnaz’s profession of love for her, was extremely emotional for me; despite the ups and downs of their marriage, I was able to not only see, but feel, the everlasting love between the two of them.
The documentary was raw and emotional, comedic but heartbreaking. It really can make you think about just how one is public image may be so distinct from what will go on behind the scenes. The utilization of tape recordings was crucial to the authenticity of the documentary, as it allowed Arnaz and Ball to express to their story themselves. At the opening of the documentary, one of the primary statements Arnaz Luckinbill said was, “At the center of all the uncomfortable things is unconditional love.” That has become the legacy of Desi and Lucy as a few.
