Forever, Darling

Ball and Arnaz's give and take had already been so well established by five years of TV's I Love Lucy, that this fitfully amusing offering is at times like a stroll in the park. His important work as a biologist has left her slightly adrift in the marriage, but the arrival of her guardian angel soon restores equilibrium. He takes human form in the shape of Mason (her fantasy figure), sparking an inventive sequence in the cinema watching the 'real' James Mason gleefully hamming in a jungle adventure - 'Shadows of Africa!' - mocked up for the occasion. Elsewhere, the frolics really only spring to life in the concluding field trip with Desi, when Lucille hits her stride in physical slapstick. Packing that inflatable raft? Not a wise idea.