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 Red
Skelton has entertained and charmed Canadian
audiences since 1936. In Red's travels on the
concert hall circuit he developed a deep respect
for the country and its people.
To express his affection, he composed and
narrated a poem based on our national anthem,
"A Tribute to Canada". It is a powerful
message...
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NOW
AVAILABLE: |
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Red's "A Tribute to Canada" cassette
$6.00 plus $1.50 shipping & handling
Red's "Getting Personal" VHS or DVD
$15.00 plus $3.00 for shipping & handling
Call
1-800-387-6214 To Order |
RED SKELTON's childhood was mired in difficult
circumstances. His father had died two months before he
was born. The family business, a corner grocery store,
burned to the ground when he was six months old.
Mother Skelton was faced with the task of keeping her
family of four sons together in an era without any form
of government assistance. She held down two jobs and
depended upon the Skelton wit and pluck.
Red recalled an evening when his mother called the
youngsters into the kitchen. "Boys", she
said, "I want to make you a deal. I can cook supper or I
can give you each ten cents and you can go to bed." The
boys opted for the princely sum of a dime. The next
morning, their resourceful mother called them together
for another meeting. "Boys", she said, "would you like
breakfast?" "Oh, yes!" they roared in unison. "Okay
boys", she replied, "that will cost you ten cents each!"
At age ten, Red realized he had a knack for entertaining
as he sold newspapers on a street corner. His singing,
gags and dancing on the street paid better tips than the
newspaper business. A medicine show passing thru town
realized his talent and hired him at $10.00 per week. He
kept $5.00 for expenses and sent the other five dollars
back home to his mom. A career in show business had
begun.
In his later years, Red was grateful for two things. He
had been given a gift to create laughter that
entertained the whole family. He was Number One in
vaudeville, radio, the movies, television and the
concert tour. He became so beloved he would say, "I can
travel the world and never meet a stranger."
There were several times in each day he would pause to
give thanks.
In this Limited Edition Sculpture, 1913, artist
COLLEEN BLANKENSHIP echoes his sentiment.
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 Who
is that Dignified Hobo, Freddie the Freeloader ?
It was the midst of the Great
Depression. Hobo camps and soup lines were
common. Millions were suffering extreme economic
circumstances due solely to the era. It was thru
no fault of their own.
The times inspired Red to
create "Freddie the Freeloader". This lovable
guy has lost it all. He once wore formal
garments and now he is threadbare. Freddie is
penniless but he has a wealth of wit and pluck.
Freddie's Message: Never
let the bad times affect your good cheer.
Red performed hundreds of
"Freddie" skits and Christmas specials on his
television show based on this theme. These five
figurines are signature pieces of his life.
"Freddie the Freeloader" is Red Skelton. |
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click on image to enlarge
