Red Skelton: America's Funniest Man

The Red Skelton Show is a television variety show that starts with a monologue spotlighting humorous characters such as browbeaten husband George Appleby or two seagulls named Gertrude and Heath cliff. This is followed by a performance by a distinguished guest star who is usually a singer or actor. The guest star then appears with Red in a comedy sketch

These comedy sketches are based on one of Red’s many colorful characters. Clem Kadiddlehopper, an unsophisticated Hillbilly from Cornpone County, Tennessee or Freddie the freeloader, a tramp with a kind heart who is the most well known and performed in clown makeup. Then there is Deadeye, a bumbling sheriff in the old West; Cauliflower McPugh, a punchy boxer; or San Fernando Red, a dishonest real estate agent. These are comedy skits sometimes performed in pantomime.

These skits are followed by a soundless spot where Red performs a skit with Freddy the Freeloader or another silent character. Red always ends the show with these words: “Goodnight and may God bless."