The Red Skelton Hour

Watch The Red Skelton Hour

  • TV-G
  • 1966
  • 1 Season
  • 8.1  (1,367)

The Red Skelton Hour was a television variety show that aired between 1951 and 1971. The show starred comedian Red Skelton, and was produced by David Rose. The show featured Skelton performing comedic sketches, often featuring his many beloved characters, such as Freddie the Freeloader, Clem Kadiddlehopper, and Sheriff Deadeye.

Each episode of The Red Skelton Hour typically began with Skelton delivering a monologue, during which he would offer his humorous observations on the world around him. The show then moved on to a series of sketches, which often involved Skelton playing a range of different characters. These sketches were usually based on everyday situations, such as going to the doctor or attending a baseball game, but with Skelton's unique perspective and comedic timing, they always managed to be hilarious.

One of the most popular recurring characters on The Red Skelton Hour was Freddie the Freeloader, who was essentially a tramp or homeless person. Skelton would don ragged clothes and a hat and play the character, who would often be seen trying to find free food or shelter. Despite his less-than-ideal circumstances, Freddie was always upbeat and maintained a good sense of humor, much to the delight of audiences.

Another beloved character was Clem Kadiddlehopper, a Southern country bumpkin who often found himself getting into ridiculous situations. Clem was often accompanied by his girlfriend, Daisy June, and together, they had many misadventures. Skelton was particularly skilled at transforming himself into the character of Clem, adopting a distinctive drawl and mannerisms that perfectly captured the essence of the character.

In addition to these recurring characters, The Red Skelton Hour also often featured musical performances, with Rose serving as the show's musical director. Rose was an accomplished composer and arranger, and he brought a high level of musical expertise to the show. Guests would often come on the show to perform, with some of the biggest names in music appearing over the years.

One of the interesting things about The Red Skelton Hour was how it evolved over time. In the early years of the show, it was more straightforward in its humor, with Skelton relying on physical comedy and slapstick to get laughs. However, as the show progressed, Skelton began to incorporate more subtle humor, often using wordplay and puns to great effect.

Another feature of The Red Skelton Hour was that it was a family-friendly show. Skelton was well-known for his gentle, homespun humor, and he had a particular knack for making children laugh. The show was careful to avoid any material that might be considered risqué or inappropriate, and it was a favorite of families across the country.

One of the most enduring aspects of The Red Skelton Hour was Skelton's ability to connect with audiences. He had a distinctive style of comedy that was both timeless and irresistible. Whether he was playing one of his famous characters or simply delivering a monologue, Skelton was always able to make people laugh. He had a charisma and charm that was unparalleled, and he remains one of the most beloved comedians of all time.

Overall, The Red Skelton Hour was a classic television show that brought joy and laughter into the homes of millions of people across the country. Skelton and Rose created a winning combination that proved to be immensely popular, and the show remains a treasured part of American television history.

The Red Skelton Hour
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Seasons
Autograph Hounds
13. Autograph Hounds
October 28, 1969
"Autograph Hounds" with John Wayne. A special show celebrating John Wayne's 40th Anniversary in motion pictures. Red plays all the different types of people who ask for autographs, a True Grit sketch, and Wayne has a special role...as the cue card boy!
If at First You Don't Succeed, Forget it
12. If at First You Don't Succeed, Forget it
March 18, 1969
"If At First You Don't Succeed, Forget It" with Merv Griffin. Cauliflower McPugg guest stars on the Merv Griffin Show and Willie Lump-Lump makes trouble in the audience.
The Best Thing to Get Out of Marriage Is to Get Out of Marriage
11. The Best Thing to Get Out of Marriage Is to Get Out of Marriage
January 14, 1969
"The Best Thing to Get Out of Marriage Is to Get Out of Marriage" with Audrey Meadows. Includes Red's treasured recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Columbia later issued his performance on a 45-rpm single and it cracked the Billboard Top 50.
He Who Steals My Robot Steals Trash
10. He Who Steals My Robot Steals Trash
September 24, 1968
"He Who Steals My Robot Steals Trash" with Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, and Ed Sullivan. Red plays country bumpkin Clem Kadiddlehopper who gets mixed up in the work of mad scientists Dr. Nelson, Sr. (Karloff) and Dr. Nelson, Jr. (Price).
The Revenge of Prudence Pennyfeather or Wide Saddles in the Old Corral
9. The Revenge of Prudence Pennyfeather or Wide Saddles in the Old Corral
October 15, 1968
"The Revenge of Prudence Pennyfeather or Wide Saddles in the Old Corral" with Martha Raye. Raye plays Prudence Pennyfeather looking to invest her scads of money and Sheriff Deadeye is suddenly in love. Crack-ups ensue in the Cactus Gulch Saloon!
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of George Appleby
8. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of George Appleby
March 12, 1968
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of George Appleby" with Mike Connors and Tom Jones. Appleby (Skelton) gets a visit from his old friend and fraternity brother Henry Pringle (Connors), only to find out Henry may be trying to run off with his wife.
Red's Relatives
7. Red's Relatives
November 21, 1967
"Red's Relatives" with Polly Bergen and Pat Carroll. See Red's most famous characters as they come to the reading of the will and last testament of their grandfather Methuselah Skelton - Bolivar Shagnasty, Cauliflower McPugg, and Willie Lump-Lump.
A Spy is Peeping Tom on Salary
6. A Spy is Peeping Tom on Salary
October 10, 1976
"A Spy Is A Peeping Tom On Salary" with Fernando Lamas and The 5th Dimension. George Appleby (Skelton) is on vacation with wife Clara in Hong Kong, where they accidentally get wrapped with Master Spy Harry Sneak (Lamas) and his secret assignment.
Hippy Days Are Here Again
5. Hippy Days Are Here Again
October 31, 1967
Hippy Days Are Here Again with Jackie Coogan, Tim Conway, Nancy Ames. The lovable hobo of Freddie The Freeloader finds himself at a Hippy Love In with Cherry Sweet Face (Conway) and the High Priestess of Purity, Hands Off Hanna (Ames)
Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle Of Dumb
4. Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle Of Dumb
February 14, 1967
"Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Dumb" with George Gobel. Red and George crack up on the seven seas as Forsooth (Skelton), a poor but stupid shipbuilder's apprentice, and Christopher Columbus (Gobel). The true story of how America was really discovered!
Eenie Meenie Minee Schmo
3. Eenie Meenie Minee Schmo
September 20, 1966
"Eenie Meenie Minee Schmo" with Mickey Rooney and Simon & Garfunkel. Red plays the fan favorite Tennessee hick Clem Kadiddlehopper who also happens to be the "Swami of Las Vegas" in this episode and "Mickey The Loser" can't catch a break
The Red Skelton Scrapbook
2. The Red Skelton Scrapbook
March 1, 1966
"The Red Skelton Scrapbook" with John Wayne. Red attempts ballet, hilarious One Minute Dramas, the famous Dunking Donuts bit, and Willie Lump-Lump goes topsy turvy in this annual event.
When Nut Hood Was In Flower
1. When Nut Hood Was In Flower
January 4, 1966
"When Nuthood Was In Flower" starring Forsooth (Skelton), an apprentice at Ye Olde Pain & Torture Shoppe, and Nogood (Milton Berle), the playboy son back from college. Milton can't keep his lines straight and Red has trouble keeping a straight face!
Description
  • Premiere Date
    January 4, 1966
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (1,367)