Vintage Negative captures television icons Lucille (Lucy) Ball and Desi Arnaz celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary with a surprise party on November 30, 1953.

The Story Behind the Photo

The surprise party was thrown by Desi Arnaz at the famous Hollywood nightspot, The Mocambo, located on the Sunset Strip.

• The Ruse: Desi convinced Lucy that they were simply having a quiet dinner with movie director Vincente Minnelli and his girlfriend.
• The Surprise: When they arrived, Desi led her into a back room where 40 of their closest friends were waiting. Lucy later remarked, "This is the first time in my life I've ever really been surprised."
• The Costumes: The party had a festive, theatrical theme where guests donned elaborate, humorous headdresses and crowns, as seen in the photo.
• The Broadcast: At 9:00 PM during the party, a television set was wheeled out so the guests could watch that night’s scheduled broadcast of I Love Lucy (the Season 3 episode, "Too Many Crooks").

Size: Measures approximately 3 7/8 by 4 7/8 inches overall.

Condition: Nice condition as pictured. No rips or tears. Please see all the pictures as they are part of the description.  

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