The Red Skelton Show: The Early Years—1951-1955

Red Skelton made a highly successful transition from radio to television in 1951 and reigned supreme as America's favorite TV comedian for two decades, playing such characters as goofy bumpkin Clem Kadiddlehopper, Willie Lump Lump, inept Sheriff Deadeye, punch-drunk boxer Cauliflower McPugg, and good-hearted tramp Freddie the Freeloader (in classic clown makeup and often performed in pantomime)—all presented within spotlight skits during the half-hour show. Most of the guest stars appeared only briefly, at least in the first couple of seasons, when Milton Berle, Bob Hope, and John Wayne did walk-ons for a bit of banter with Skelton. He was clearly the star, from his opening monologue, to the sketches written around his trademark personas, to the final farewell. Later segments featured more guests (incorporated more fully), as in “Dial ‘B' for Brush,” with Clem Kadiddlehopper as a traveling salesman in a castle with Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr.; and “A USO Thanksgiving,” with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. A piece of TV history (one of the most highly rated programs of its day) and a tribute to a beloved comic, this set will likely be of interest to older viewers and nostalgia buffs. Compiling 90 episodes from the first four seasons (1951–55), extras include the feature-length biographical profile of Skelton America's Clown, a complete dress rehearsal of the episode “Deadeye From Mars,” and a Look magazine awards special hosted by Skelton. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)