MovieChat Forums > William Frawley Discussion > Perpetual Residuals

Perpetual Residuals

posted 3 years ago by PaladinNJ (21587)
6 replies | jump to latest

Interesting stories coming out due to the new movie.
Apparently Desi Arnaz felt so bad for having to let Frawley go from My Three Sons he wrote a clause into his release granting him residuals "in perpetuity". As long as I Love Lucy & My Three Sons are airing, he (or his estate) will receive royalties. Even now almost sixty years after his death, he's still making money. Even Desi & Lucille Ball's residuals have expired.

Since the new movie is using Frawley's image and likeness, his estate will be paid.

PS: Because Lucy and Desi Arnaz Jr. are Executive Producers on the project they're probably still receiving a bundle for it.

[–] Redsfan001 (6177) 3 years ago

Interesting thanks for posting.

I"m not a lawyer, but I've read
It is such a rare thing to see "in perpetuity" these days in any contract.

I read a similar story regarding the Houston Rocket's basketball owners who bought the team and obtained a sweet deal for 100% broadcasting rights "in perpetuity" in the 1990's. It wasn't a big deal then, but worth billions now.Most team owners have a unbalanced deal that splits with the lions share going to the networks.

[–] jk90us (7680) a year ago

It is such a rare thing to see "in perpetuity" these days in any contract.

So true. These days it’s as little as possible or none at all. Then studios cook the books to make it seem like projects lost money.

[–] thbryn (231) 3 years ago

Desi was about the only person who could get along with BF. He hired him and treated Frawley very well. But supposedly Desi thought the Fred character was just as popular out in TV = land as any of the other three. Viewers loved him and Arnez admired his popularity.

[–] PaladinNJ (21587) a year ago

Lucille Ball grew to be quite fond of Bill as well.

[–] Destinata (3507) a year ago

I always liked Desi Arnaz.

[–] jk90us (7680) a year ago

Me too.