Imagine this: two iconic figures of comedy, Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance, nervously stuffing chocolates into their mouths, hats, and shirts to avoid getting fired. This hilarious scene from the 1952 I Love Lucy episode 'Job Switching' is etched into TV history. But here's the fascinating part: the chocolate factory where Lucy and Ethel's chaos unfolded—Kramer's Kandy Kitchen—was inspired by a real-life candy company that’s still in business today. Yes, you read that right! See’s Candies, the very place where Ball and Vance practiced their chocolate-wrapping skills, has been delighting sweet tooths for over a century. And this is the part most people miss—the specific factory they visited, located on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, is still churning out treats today.
I Love Lucy, the groundbreaking sitcom that ran from 1951 to 1957, turned Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley into household names. With timeless episodes like 'Vitameatavegamin' and 'Lucy's Italian Movie' (where she famously stomps grapes), the show became a staple in American homes for generations. But it’s the 'Job Switching' episode that highlights the show’s genius—and the real-world connection to See’s Candies. To prepare for their roles as bumbling chocolate wrappers, Ball personally reached out to See’s president to arrange a rehearsal at their factory. Here’s where it gets controversial: while the actors learned the basics of dipping and packing chocolates, it’s unclear how much of their on-screen chaos was inspired by their real-life training. Did their practice make the scene funnier, or was it pure Lucille Ball magic?**
See’s Candies, founded in 1921 by Charles A. See, has a rich history of its own. Using recipes passed down from his mother, Mary See (whose portrait still graces their chocolate boxes), the company quickly became a Los Angeles staple. By the 1950s, their iconic black-and-white storefronts and checkered floors were a familiar sight across California. But here’s a fun fact: See’s was delivering candies via custom motorcycles by 1928, catering to celebrities and locals alike. Was this how Lucille Ball discovered the brand? We can only speculate. Today, with over 250 shops nationwide, pop-up holiday stores, and an online presence, See’s continues to thrive—despite a major recall that once affected millions. Their free chocolate samples and classics like Scotchmallows, peanut brittle, and dark chocolate-covered almond clusters keep customers coming back.
As someone who’d gladly follow in Lucille Ball’s footsteps, I’d have begged to practice with those Scotchmallows—they’re pure perfection. But back to the story: See’s Candies isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a living piece of history, connecting us to one of TV’s most iconic moments. So, the next time you bite into a See’s chocolate, remember the laughter it helped inspire. Now, here’s a question for you: Do you think Lucille Ball’s real-life practice at See’s made the 'Job Switching' episode funnier, or was her comedic genius enough on its own? Let’s debate in the comments!
