Danny Thomas' The Wonderful World of Burlesque: Second Edition (1965) watch online HD

This second Danny Thomas tribute to burlesque features Lucille Ball, Jerry Lewis and Shirley Jones in a sketch about two down-on-their-luck guys (Thomas and Lewis) taking two dolls (Jones and Ball) to a posh restaurant knowing full well they cannot afford to pay the bill. A parody of "White Cargo" features Lucy as Tondelayo and Lewis and Thomas as the Englishmen she seduces. Lucille Ball performs an aerial ballet wearing a Bob Mackie-designed butterfly costume.

This was the second edition of "The Wonderful World of Burlesque." The first program aired in March 1965 and starred Jack Benny, Mickey Rooney, and Frank Sinatra. A third edition aired in December 1966 starring Carol Channing and Dean Martin. The fourth and final edition was aired in September 1967 featuring Phil Silvers and Nanette Fabray.

Lucille Ball played burlesque performer Bubbles in the 1940 film "Dance, Girl, Dance."

"Lucy Saves Milton Berle" (S4;E12) premiered on CBS two days prior to this special.

Lucy's "Butterfly Ballet" is included (in color) on "The Lucy Show" season 4 video set as a DVD extra.

The show's sponsors are Timex and Dutch Masters Cigars.

Lucy's aerial ballet featured flying by Peter Foy, the theatrical artist who flew "Peter Pan" on Broadaway. Film of the "Butterfly Ballet" became part of the Foy archives.