mike48128 An HBO Special way back in 1981, it's available on "Red Skelton Farewell Specials" DVD (Mill Creek) from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. There are 3 additional HBO specials on the disc, with "Funny Faces III" being the best, (in my opinion) but this alone is a reason for buying it-quality is surprising good! Not a stand-up routine, this IMDb reference is misleading. It's a 50 minute well-produced video program with good production values. An all-star cast including Imogene Cocca and Vincent Price, all very old, and it's all very pleasant to see them "alive" again! Red plays "Freddie the Freeloader" in a marvelous indoor set that portrays a city in Wintertime. Quite predictable, as Freddie sings a few songs and does some pantomime as well. A simple story of "street people" and "street urchins" coping with poverty and need at Christmastime. Absolutely charming although no one would ever confuse "Freddy" the hobo with an eccentric "rich man". He ends up sharing a banquet dinner with "The Professor", played by Vincent Price, and two penniless children at the most ridiculously expensive and "snootiest" restaurant in town. It's more in the line of a fable or fairy tale in nature. It's very corny, and I mean this in a very, very, good way. Outstanding for all audiences, although the other 3 programs are "slightly" PG or may bore little children.

TheLittleSongbird I admittedly am not familiar with Red Skelton as much as others are, but of the stuff I have seen him in he comes across as very likable. And he certainly does here, he manages to be very charming and funny as well as instantly lovable. His miming scene is definitely a highlight. And he is brilliantly supported by the ever commanding Vincent Price, and both are further aided by their likable characters. The film looks good, and the songs are sweet, memorable and catchy. The gags are clean and fun, and the story is always interesting with its fair share of amusing and heartwarming moments. While it is relatively short, it doesn't feel over-extended or scant.All in all, a piece of escapist fun that will charm and warm your heart. 10/10 Bethany Cox

mniner9 I wish I knew where I could buy this, if anyone has a heads up, let me know please!!!!!! I watched this series for several years until they quit showing it. It delivers a very sweet message as it is what the time of year means.My hat's off the the folks that produced the show!Legends of this king we only see once in a life time. I wish the sureness of vulgar language would notice that Red's stuff was just plain funny, without any offbeat vulgar humor. The big ones from that era, Jackie Gleason, Art Carne Sid Ceaser et,al are now gone. Their lives on and some of us would still like to enjoy it

robken0174 this TV special was shown on HBO back when it came out in 1981. i was 7 and i loved watching it every year after that. i hadn't seen it for years up until a few years ago. i found it on VHS and snatched it up. i now watch it every Christmas and it's just as wonderful as ever. Red Skeleton was an original. his songs and gags in this special are clean and timeless. if you know anything about his "freddy the freeloader" character then you'll love this. even if you know nothing about Skeleton or his "freddy" character your in for a treat. his clean humor is great for the kids also, no matter how young. the songs and guest appearances add to the holiday fun. if you come upon this on VHS or DVD pick it up. Red Skeleton will win you over.