THE PLOT THUS FAR
The incomparable Red Skelton returns to America’s living rooms in The Red Skelton Show: The Early Years- 1951-1955! This amazing ninety episode collection is a perfect showcase for Red’s indisputable comic genius as well as a delightful journey back to the Golden Age of Television.
Throughout Red’s incredible run on network television, his parade of classic characters- including Clem Kadiddlehopper, Cauliflower McPugg, Willie Lump Lump, and Freddie The Freeloader – had audiences at home and in the studio rolling with laughter. A gaggle of guest stars and musical acts joined in the fun on a weekly basis, cementing Red’s reputation as one of America’s most beloved comedians.
In this specially selected collection, drawn from the Red Skelton vault exclusively by Timeless Media Group, generations of fans can experience the pleasures of these classic episodes, many never before seen on DVD. Featuring appearances by a legion of Hollywood legends (including Jackie Gleason, Johnny Carson, Diahann Carroll, John Wayne and many more), The Red Skelton Show: The Early Years-1951-1955 is a fabulous opportunity to enjoy one of America’s pioneering comedians at the top of his game.
INCLUDES MANY EPISODES NEVER BEFORE SEEN ON DVD! Due to the fact that Red Skelton refused to have any of his shows put into syndication, most of the episodes included in this collection were only broadcast on their original air date, never to be seen again … UNTIL NOW!
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“The Red Skelton Show” is ninety episodes of comedy that will play over the heads of most readers. However, true comedy students will take inspiration from Red Skelton’s work ethic in creating such environments. The guest stars are never-ending and Skelton uses everyone’s abilities to create a better show. That being said, the age of the material will probably scare off the younger tykes.
The character work on the show set the groundwork for all related comedy shows to follow. There is very little before this that was captured on Television. Flying by the seats of their pants, Skelton and company taught America to expect more out of comedy. The humor was clean and everyone got what was going on. Plus, Miles Davis got to reference Freddie the Freeloader and make jazz music for the Weather Channel. Look it up.
The DVD comes with dress rehearsals, bonus episodes and a featurette as the special features. The A/V Quality is astonishing for the material being so old. The mono track is appropriate. Plus, the transfer is so clean. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to fans.
RELEASE DATE: 10/21/2014