Sale of Lucy items blocked, but on again
LOS ANGELES -- Some of Lucille Ball's love letters and awards will be sold at an auction after a judge ruled to block the sale but imposed a hurdle that the comedienne's daughter cannot overcome.
While Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert O'Brien agreed to block the sale Friday, he imposed a $250,000 bond that Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill would have to pay to get a restraining order issued. Her attorney, Ronald Palmieri, said the amount is too high and can't be met.
Luckinbill is the daughter of Ball and first husband Desi Arnaz. She sought the return of some of the items after Susie Morton, the widow of Ball's second husband, Gary Morton, offered them for sale. Luckinbill's brother and Ball's son, Desi Arnaz Jr., lives in Boulder City.
Ball and Gary Morton were married until the time of the actress' death in 1989. He later married Susie Morton. She consigned several items to Heritage Auction Galleries, including a Rolls-Royce, some of the couple's love letters, photos and Ball's personal items. The items are scheduled to go on sale today at an auction being conducted online and in Beverly Hills, Calif.
