"The Red Skelton Show" (1951)TV series 1951-1971

Directors:

Jack Donohue
John Gaunt

Writers:

Johnny Carson (writer)
Will Fowler (writer)

Seasons:

7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 20 | unknown

Release Date:

30 September 1951 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Long-running weekly show that spotlighted legendary comedian and beloved TV clown, Red Skelton. Each show featured comedy skits, gags and vignettes starring Skelton and guest performers.

Plot Keywords:

Variety | Based On Radio Show

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 12 nominations

Cast

Red Skelton	...	Freddie the Freeloader / ... (23 episodes, 1952-1971)
Vincent Price	...	Himself / ... (11 episodes, 1959-1971)
Mary Beth Hughes	...	Clara Appleby / ... (11 episodes, 1955-1970)

Also Known As:

The Red Skelton Hour (USA) (new title)

Runtime:

60 min | 30 min (1951-1962)

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White (1951-1955 and 1958-1965) | Color (1955-1958 and 1965-1971)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:TV-G

Company:

CBS Television

Trivia:

Red Skelton had a reputation among comedy writers as being extremely difficult to work with, since he didn't like writers in general and resented CBS for insisting that he use them on his show; he wanted to write all the sketches himself, his reasoning being that no one knew his characters as well as he did. Sherwood Schwartz, prior to taking the position as head writer on the show, had it written into his contract with CBS that Skelton was under no circumstances allowed to discuss anything about a show's script with him before he was given it prior to taping, which often resulted in Skelton not knowing what a sketch was about or even what character he would be playing until shortly before airtime. That's why Skelton would often break character in the middle of a skit and turn to the audience and say something like, "Don't blame me, folks, I don't write this stuff."

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Unearthly (#4.20)" (1991)

Soundtrack:

Holiday for Strings

what made it last so long?

Red Skelton was watched weekly even before I was born. As I watched the shows, it was if he was part of our family. My father would laugh and giggle along with the rest of us. What made the show funny was not only the rehearsed script, but the ad lib comments. He included us as if we were right there with him. While some considered him as unprofessional by causing others to crack up on stage, we the audience found it funny to see the serious characters laughing and smiling on screen. I am sure the performers came on the program to enjoy a bit of lighthearted performing. If the program had been a professional polished perfect performance, I don't think the program would have lasted as long. It was funny, entertaining, and at times, very poignant. I think one of my most memorable performances was Freddy the freeloader with the Raggedy Ann doll that changed to a 'live' partner. It taught me that all people crave someone. It touched my heart then and every time I think of it. It was a Yuletide performance and it is in my memory as a child. Red Skelton wasn't only a performer, but a human being to share his humor and wit. It is one of the programs such as Leave it to Beaver, Father knows Best, and others to build a set of standards that make me a better man today! The statement God Bless was a statement at the end to wish everyone in every aspect of life to have their life improved.