Red Skelton

An in-depth look at the early days of television and its first stars.

Hollywood has seen the coming and going of many comic geniuses, but only a select few have been as universally beloved as gentle, low-key Red Skelton and his cavalcade of characters that include the clown Freddie the Freeloader, the goofy Clem Kadiddlehopper, and his seagulls Gertrude and Heathcliffe. This 2 DVD set showcases some of the most classic material ever shown on TV during Red Skelton's lifetime.

Comedian Red Skelton, who delighted millions in his radio, TV, and movie appearances for more than fifty years, once said, "I'm nuts and I know it. But as long as I make 'em laugh, they ain't going to put me away." You'll see how nuts he can be-and how much he can make you laugh-in this hilarious collection of sketches, clips, monologues, and routines featuring goofs, flubs, missed cues, blown lines, and zany antics. Whether he's wincing over a joke that died, cracking up his co-stars, or muttering about what he did during rehearsal, these moments that weren't in the script showcase Skelton at his wild and unpredictable best. You'll see him clowning with guest stars Harpo Marx, Vincent Price, and Audrey Meadows, and as Deadeye, Clem Kadiddlehopper, San Fernando Red, Freddy the Freeloader, George Appleby, and other classic roles.

Trace the history of television and its impact on American culture with clips, newsreels, and exclusive interviews from television greats like Walter Cronkite, Carol Burnett, and Jay Leno.

Faye Dunaway hosts a behind-the-scenes look at the Hollywood star-making machine.

John Calvert performs an array of tricks inspired by celebrated escape artist and magician Harry Houdini.

William Shatner, Liz Taylor and many more stars blow lines, lose their pants and more in this hilarious collection of movie and TV bloopers.

A documentary film about dancing on the screen, from it's orgins after the invention of the movie camera, over the movie musical from the late 20s, 30s, 40s 50s and 60s up to the break dance and the music videos from the 80s.

This performance was recorded live on Red Skelton's 70th Birthday on 18 July 1983 and released on the pay cable channel HBO on 22 April 1984. The recording took place before the Royal Family at London's Royal Albert Hall and before a packed house of Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen. Red tosses off jokes, one-liners, and works through elaborate pantomime routines both classic and new. Highlights include Skelton's uproarious "Guzzler's Gin" routine, his "Fisherman and the Little Boy" mime, and his heartbreaking "Old Man Watching a Parade." Additionally , he mimes a scarecrow and an old golfer. His legendary rapport with audiences is clearly evident here.

Freddie the Freeloader sets out to have Xmas dinner in a very expensive New York restaurant with his good friend, the Professor. Along the way he stops in a hospital to entertain some children on Xmas. Red Skelton does a couple of songs on his own & a duet with Vincent Price.