Mannerisms and Facial Expressions

I have always said ILL was a show that could be enjoyed by both the deaf and the blind,
due to the comedy deriving from both Ball's expressive eyes and face, as well as her delivery
of dialogue.

But nobody has ever said (at least in my memory) anything about the mannerisms and
facial expressions of Ricky, Fred, and Ethel.

Here are a few from each that I enjoy.

Ricky

The sudden wide-eyed look! His forehead rises and his gorgeous brown eyes become
large and inquisitive. This happens in subtle situations (like from a snarky comment from
Lucy or Fred), or from just seeing something questionable or bizarre.

Another one I love is when Ricky (in obvious shock) places either one or both of his hands
on his cheeks. It's very simple, but extremely effective and cute. He does this, for example,
when Fred and Ethel suddenly start to sing "Carolina in the Morning" at the Tropicana in
the 1920's revue, which he had no part in staging. Also, we tend to think of the "Tango" laugh
with the eggs as LUCY'S "surf", but Desi is right along with her, and when they're in two-
shot, his look is just as funny. He transitions from wide-eyed shock, to one hand on his face,
to folding his arms and just staring. Wonderful.

Fred

I love it when Fred will purse his lips, as though he were saying "oooooooh" and roll his
eyes around. He will also rub his hands together quickly. He does this to a variety of
situations, both positive and questionable.

I also love "the face." This is the one he milks for laughs, say, when Ethel states that she,
too, is too young to die (in the Swiss cabin).

Ethel

One of my ALL-TIME favorites is Ethel's "wait-then-shrug." It's very subtle, but Vance
employs it in many episodes. It's usually after she knows she's not going to get her
way (with Fred or Lucy), so she just shrugs and continues on. For instance, in "The
Diner", after they've agreed to "split it in half", Lucy says, "Either BUY something, or
get off our seat." Fred motions her to do so, but Ethel has that look, pause, then she
shrugs and does so. Brilliant.

I also love Ethel's "look." This is one where she tilts her head, and folds her arms, usually
after Lucy has tired to sell her, or another character in the room, a bill of goods. For
example, in "Ricky's Movie Offer", Ethel comes into the kitchen and starts eating grapes.
The girls are dumbfounded that everyone in the neighborhood knows a talent scout is
coming over. Ethel says, "I didn't tell anybody, did you?" Lucy:" I didn't tell a soul. And
they all promised to keep it a secret." Ethel, eating a grape, tilts her head, and gives Lucy
the "look."

Examples of any others?