Bob Hope's opening monologue talks mainly about the Presidential Election, which would take place in two weeks. Incumbent president Gerald Ford ran against Jimmy Carter. He also touches on the World Series, The Swine Flu epidemic, Zsa Zsa Gabor's multiple marriages, and the CB radio craze.
Bob introduces Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo aka Lucy Carmichael aka "the bionic woman of comedy."
Bob asks Lucy the secret to her show's endearing success. She says that it has to do with the domestic situations created by the writers. Bob add that the physical comedy gives her comedy world-wide appeal. Lucy says that as of last count her shows were seen in 79 countries. Lucy says she's heard herself dubbed in Japanese, and that in South America it is HER who as the accent. Asked about being a legend, Lucy says it is "kind of like an obituary" but she's very grateful.
Norman Lear mentions he has no shows on NBC. They talk about "Mary Hartman Mary Hartman," the 'Family Hour,' his flops like "Hot L Baltimore," and Archie Bunker.