The Red Skelton Collection

This collection of four HBO specials catches the beloved comedian late in his career and, truth be told, very much past his peak performance years. In fact, the sole reason to tap into this DVD is the 1984 Royal Command Performance, with Skelton doing a one-man show incorporating his most memorable standup routines for an appreciative London audience (perhaps they were unfamiliar with Skelton's classic bits, or else were extremely indulgent of his corny jokes, but the star clearly enjoyed the adulation and gave a spirited turn). Beyond that, however, the pickings are mighty slim. The 1981 “Red Skelton's Christmas Dinner” is never funny (despite the insistence of the canned laugh track), and even the presence of reliable talent such as Vincent Price and Imogene Coca cannot raise the level of icky-sticky Yuletide cheer above the mediocre mark. “Red Skelton's More Funny Faces" (1981) and “Red Skelton's Funny Faces III” (1982) offer occasional moments of mirth and ingenuity in the star's pantomime routines--and Marcel Marceau is on hand to match wits with Skelton--yet for anyone who knew and loved Skelton's comedies, these productions come across as labored and repetitive. At this late date, Skelton was basically rehashing material from his primetime peak years (1951 to 1971), but even at the tail end of the earlier period the gags were growing a bit old around the edges. Diehard Skelton fans may find nostalgic charm here and there in this compilation, but those new to the comic's work will wonder why audiences found him hilarious. Presented with a solid transfer, but no extras, this is an optional purchase. (P. Hall)