The trailer in The Long, Long Trailer (1954) was a New Moon 40-foot Redman “New Moon” mobile home. This behemoth became the focal point of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo’s hilarious cross-country adventure, symbolizing both their dreams of domestic bliss and the chaotic realities of married life on the road.
Unpacking the New Moon: More Than Just a Shiny Shell
The film The Long, Long Trailer, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, is more than just slapstick comedy; it’s a time capsule offering a glimpse into the nascent era of recreational vehicle travel in post-war America. The trailer itself, a magnificent and unwieldy New Moon, plays a character as significant as the Ricardos themselves. It represented the aspirational lifestyle of freedom and adventure that many Americans craved, but the film hilariously subverts this ideal with scenes of comical ineptitude.
A Symbol of Post-War Prosperity
The 1950s saw a surge in prosperity, enabling more families to afford luxuries like travel. The mobile home, once primarily associated with transient workers, began to be viewed as a vehicle for leisure and adventure. The New Moon trailer perfectly embodies this shift. Its spacious interior, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters, offered a semblance of home comforts on the road. The film tapped into this emerging desire for nomadic exploration, albeit with a generous helping of comedic mishaps.
The Comedic Catalyst
The trailer wasn’t just a set piece; it was the primary catalyst for much of the film’s comedy. The sheer size and weight of the trailer, coupled with Ricky’s lack of experience towing it, led to a series of increasingly ridiculous situations. Lucy’s penchant for collecting souvenirs, and subsequently over-packing the trailer, further exacerbated the challenges. From navigating narrow mountain roads to struggling with basic maintenance, the trailer became a symbol of their escalating marital discord, ultimately forcing them to confront their communication issues and reaffirm their love.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Long, Long Trailer
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the trailer and its impact on the film:
1. What exactly was the make and model of the trailer used in “The Long, Long Trailer”?
The trailer used in The Long, Long Trailer was a 1953 or 1954 New Moon 40-foot Redman “New Moon” mobile home. Identifying the precise year is difficult as Redman often used similar designs across multiple years.
2. How long was the trailer, and what were its key features?
The trailer was 40 feet long, a significant size for its time. It boasted a fully functional kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, and sink; a bathroom with a toilet and shower; and separate sleeping quarters. Interior features included built-in cabinets, dinette seating, and ample storage space (which Lucy famously filled).
3. Why was the New Moon trailer chosen for the film?
The New Moon was chosen for its size, luxurious appointments, and visually appealing aesthetic. Its large size allowed for comedic potential, while its relatively modern design showcased the burgeoning trend of mobile home living. The trailer’s presence also amplified the film’s central theme of domesticity clashing with the open road.
4. Was the trailer specifically modified for the movie?
Yes, the trailer underwent some modifications for filming purposes. The interior layout was altered to allow for better camera angles and easier movement for the actors. Some of the appliances were also replaced with dummy versions for safety and practical considerations during filming. Reinforcements were added to the frame to withstand the stresses of the stunts performed.
5. How much did a New Moon trailer like that cost in the 1950s?
A 40-foot New Moon trailer in the mid-1950s would have cost approximately $4,000 to $6,000. Considering inflation, this is equivalent to roughly $45,000 to $70,000 today.
6. What kind of car was used to tow the trailer in the movie?
The car used to tow the trailer was a 1953 Mercury Monterey convertible. While the car looked stylish, its ability to handle such a large trailer was questionable, adding to the comedic element.
7. Was it common for cars of that era to tow trailers that size?
No, it was not common. The Mercury Monterey was significantly underpowered for towing a 40-foot trailer. The filmmakers deliberately chose a car that was not ideally suited for the task to heighten the comedic effect and illustrate the couple’s naivety. More typically, trucks or heavy-duty station wagons were used for larger trailers.
8. What were some of the biggest challenges in filming with such a large trailer?
Filming with the trailer presented numerous challenges. Maneuvering the trailer in tight locations was difficult, and coordinating the actors’ movements inside the confined space required careful planning. The weight of the trailer also posed a safety hazard, requiring extra precautions during stunts and driving scenes. Maintaining a consistent look for the trailer across different shooting locations also demanded significant logistical coordination.
9. Did Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz actually own the trailer used in the film?
No, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz did not own the trailer. It was rented specifically for the production. After filming, the trailer was likely returned to the rental company or sold off.
10. What happened to the trailer after filming was completed?
The exact fate of the trailer after filming is unknown. Most likely, it was returned to the rental company and subsequently used for other film productions or sold to a private owner. Tracing its current whereabouts is exceedingly difficult.
11. How did the movie impact the popularity of mobile homes and RV travel?
The Long, Long Trailer played a significant role in popularizing mobile homes and RV travel in the United States. While it highlighted the challenges of traveling with a large trailer, it also showcased the potential for adventure and freedom that these vehicles offered. The film’s comedic portrayal made the lifestyle seem more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, contributing to the growth of the RV industry.
12. Are there any surviving examples of New Moon trailers from that era?
Yes, there are surviving examples of New Moon trailers from the 1950s. However, finding one in pristine condition can be difficult. These trailers are considered vintage collectibles and are often restored by enthusiasts. Online forums and vintage RV clubs are excellent resources for locating and learning more about these historical mobile homes.
The Enduring Legacy of the Long, Long Trailer
The Long, Long Trailer remains a beloved classic not just for its comedic genius, but also for its glimpse into a bygone era of American optimism and the burgeoning RV culture. The New Moon trailer, a silent co-star, symbolizes the aspirational dreams and the hilarious realities of navigating life, love, and the open road. Its legacy extends beyond the silver screen, continuing to influence how we perceive recreational travel and the enduring quest for the perfect home away from home.