The Red Skelton Show Season 5 Episode 10 The Barbershop Quartet
- January 3, 1956
- 25 min
The Red Skelton Show season 5 episode 10, titled The Barbershop Quartet, is a classic episode in the series. The show is a variety show that features a mix of sketches, comedy bits, and musical performances. Skelton, a master of physical comedy, is the star of the show, and his unique humor and wit are always on display.
In this particular episode, Skelton portrays a member of a barbershop quartet, along with other members – played by regulars on the show – David Rose, Tom Hansen, and Cliff Arquette. The quartet performs a number of songs throughout the episode, showcasing their impressive vocal skills and tight harmonies.
The episode opens with Skelton and the quartet singing "Sweet Adeline." Their rendition is beautiful, but their performance is soon interrupted by a bumbling stagehand who accidentally drops a piece of scenery, causing a domino effect on the entire set. Skelton's physical comedy skills are on full display as he tries to avoid the falling debris and save his fellow performers.
Throughout the episode, the quartet continues to perform various songs, including "Darktown Strutters Ball," "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," and "Down by the Old Mill Stream." Each performance showcases their unique vocal talent and humor.
In addition to the barbershop quartet segments, the episode also features a number of comedic sketches and bits. One notable sketch features Skelton as a door-to-door salesman who tries to sell a vacuum cleaner to an elderly woman. Skelton's physical comedy shines through as he struggles with the awkward and heavy vacuum cleaner, eventually getting it stuck in the door.
Another sketch features Skelton as a radio announcer who gets into a hilarious argument with his sound effects technician. The two go back and forth trying to one-up each other with ridiculous sound effects, including a "phlegm clearing" sound and a "flying saucer landing."
Throughout the episode, Skelton also engages with the live studio audience, cracking jokes and performing quick bits with audience members. His ability to connect with his audience is a hallmark of his performances.
All in all, The Red Skelton Show season 5 episode 10, The Barbershop Quartet, is a classic episode of the series. Skelton's talent for physical comedy, along with his impeccable vocal skills, are on full display in this episode. The variety of sketches, musical performances, and audience interactions make for an entertaining and memorable viewing experience.