Red Skelton, Vol. 3 (1951) On DVD

With a career beginning in vaudeville, Red Skelton found success in radio and film before his television variety show brought him into America's living rooms in 1951. Skelton's slapstick bits and colorful characters were extremely popular and the show remained on the air for two decades. A strict adherent to the concept of doing only one take, his program retained an off-the-cuff style, with flubbed lines and frequent ad-libs becoming part of his immense charm.

Red Meets Archie Moore: Champion prizefighter Archie Moore stops by to knock some sense into Red.

The Da Vinci: Art expert Vincent Price appraises Freddie the Freeloader's original Da Vinci.

The Spy: Red tries to keep an inventor's secret safe from spies.

Cleopatra: Martha Raye portrays Cleopatra and Red is the servant that rejects her affections.

The vaudeville-trained son of a clown, Red Skelton made a living telling jokes. From 1951 to 1971, THE RED SKELTON SHOW showcased the zany comic stylings of its carrot-topped star, whose talent for improv in the face of unexpected flubs lent the series much of its charm. Full of gags and sketches, as well as a host of guest performers, this three-volume collection includes 12 episodes of the comic variety show and its legendary funnyman.