In this CBS one-hour TV special, Lucy Calls the President, Lucille Ball is Lucy Whittaker, who is a homemaker in a small town in Indiana. When she is concerned about a local housing project, she decides to call in to President Jimmy Carter’s weekly radio-program. President Carter (he is not actually seen on the show, but his mother Lillian Carter appears as a cameo later) tells her that he would like to discuss the matter in person, and further into the discussion he agrees to come to her home for dinner. Lucy initially prepares dinner for ten guests, however, the guest list expands since everyone from family, in-laws, friends, neighbors, to even the mayor demands to be invited.
 
Lucille Ball is definitely funnier in high pressure scenarios or in the midst of chaotic situations. Therefore, the plot of this special seems to be perfect. Fans of her most beloved show I Love Lucy and other follow-up shows such as The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy will certainly be pleased to see her reunited with her sidekick, Vivian Vance (unfortunately, this is Vance’s final television appearance with Lucille Ball), along with Gale Gordon and Mary Jane Croft. I noticed that the picture quality is not really crisp, and the colors look a bit uneven. Nevertheless, this is still tolerable, considering the fact that this show was originally aired in 1977.
 
It really does not matter whether Lucille Ball plays Lucy Ricardo, Lucy Carmichael, Lucy Carter, or Lucy Whittaker. Her character is not afraid to tell what’s on her mind or tell it to you straight. Even though you can almost predict what she is going to do or say next, her comic timing and delivery are right on, and her facial expressions are still fun to watch. This DVD is a treat for her fans to experience Ball engaging and entertaining the audience with her wisecracking lines, screwball antics, and slapstick comedy.