Freddie the Freeloader's Christmas Dinner | |
---|---|
Created by | Red Skelton |
Written by | Red Skelton |
Directed by | John Trent |
Starring | Red Skelton Vincent Price Imogene Coca |
Composers | Red Skelton Ian Bernard |
Country of origin | United States |
Production | |
Producer | Riff Markowitz |
Running time | 50 minutes |
Production company | Home Box Office |
Original release | |
Network | HBO |
Release | December 13, 1981 |
Freddie the Freeloader's Christmas Dinner (aka Red Skelton's Christmas Dinner) is a TV special that premiered on Home Box Office (HBO) on December 13, 1981. [1] The program stars Red Skelton and was part of HBO's Standing Room Only series of specials. This was one of Skelton's final television performances. [2] [3] [4] [5]
Freddie the Freeloader prepares to scrape together money and enjoy a Christmas dinner with his equally poverty-stricken friend Professor Humperdo at one of New York's fancy restaurants. When a lost dog appears in his apartment, he is accused of thievery by his wealthy owner. After a meeting with the bag lady Molly, he visits a hospital and entertains some children for Christmas. Freddie busts the professor out of the drunk tank and the two eventually reach the restaurant - and treat themselves to a feast.
The special includes drama, miming, and music, for which Skelton was noted. Songs sung by Skelton in this special include "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" and "I Believe". [6]
Richard Bernard Skelton was an American entertainer best known for his national radio and television shows between 1937 and 1971, especially as host of the television program The Red Skelton Show. He has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in radio and television, and also appeared in burlesque, vaudeville, films, nightclubs, and casinos, all while he pursued an entirely separate career as an artist.
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