Ida Lupino (February 4, 1918 - August 3, 1995)

Ida Lupino is a true unsung hero. She appeared in 57 films between 1931 and 1978. In 1949 she became one of the indutries first female writer/directors. On television she guest starred on numerous programs such as "Climax!", "I've Got a Secret", "Toast of the Town", "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show", "Four Star Playhouse", "Lux Playhouse", "77 Sunset Strip", "The Twilight Zone", "Bonanza", "General Electric Theater", "The Rifleman", "The Untouchables", "The Virginian", "Burke's Law", "The Wild Wild West", "The Mod Squad", "Family Affair", "Medical Center", "Barnaby Jones", "Ellery Queen", "Police Woman" and "Charlie's Angels." On December 13, 1937 she appeared on the "Lux Radio Theatre" in Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" in which she portrayed Pamela. She co-starred opposite Robert Montgomery. From January 1957 to September 1958 she headed up her own sitcom "Mr. Adams and Eve" opposite her then real life husband Howard Duff (1913-1990).
Four of Ms. Lupino's performances stick out the most in my mind.
1). "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse Presents the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show." - "Lucy's Summer Vacation" (June 8, 1959). Now this episode has been bashed by some critics who have even gone as far as to call this the worst episode in the "I Love Lucy" universe. Now I will agree that it could have been better but I wouldn't call it the worst. I think my favorite part is when Lucy and Ricky encounter Ida Lupino and Howard Duff in the cabin and the following dialogue is exchanged: Ida: Who are you? Lucy (stunned): Ida Lupino and Howard Duff! Ida (smiles): We know who we are, who are you? 2). "Batman" - "The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra" (March 7, 1968). She played, of course, Dr. Cassandra and she was a formidable opponent to the terrific trio. Using her alvino raygun she turned Batman, Robin, and Batgirl into cardboard cut outs. She then with the aide of her husband Cabala (again Howard Duff) she went to Gotham State Penitentary and busted out The Joker, The Riddler, The Penguin, The Catwoman, Egghead and King Tut. Also in her arsenol were her invisibility pills...but in the end with the help of Alfred, Commissioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara the terrific trio wins again. 3). "Suspense" the radio program - "Fugue in C Minor" (June 1, 1944). Ida is wonderful as Amanda Peabody...a woman whose new stepchildren insist that their father sealed their missing mother inside the pipe organ. Did he do it? Listen and then you tell me! 4). "Suspense" the radio program - "Summer Night" (July 15, 1948). Anna McCauley plans to elimiate her arch rival in order to win her true loves affections at the same time a serial killer stalks the country side. Anna plans pin her friends murder on the "Lipstick Killer" but when the killer's identity is revealed it will chill you to the bone. Ida Lupino had the perfect voice for radio and she had the perfect face for the screen. She will never be forgotten.

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