If you’ve never heard Red Skelton give his teacher’s historical interpretation of The Pledge of Allegiance, you might enjoy this clip. A great entertainer, Red was one of our favorites of early television. I noticed quite a few films of this routine on YouTube, but most were prefaced with partisan remarks. This version, although a little shaky, comes without outside commentary.
Red Skelton In The Pledge Of Allegiance @ Yahoo! Video
Much of Red Skelton’s humor is online or available on DVD. My favorite characters were Clem Kadiddlehopper and Freddie the Freeloader. For a written copy of the Pledge and for lots more information about this genius of comedy, visit the official website.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I loved him; He was an amazing talent!~ What a wonderful reminder; Great post~
This takes me back to my childhood, too. I watched his show every week. Clem was my favorite.
How truly ironic this “sketch” is…
I recall watching the Red Skelton show many, many times. Thanks for sharing this serious and touching clip.
Red Skelton always comes across as kind and genuine – and of course hilarious.
This is such a heartfelt speech. As a Canadian I don’t know the entire speech, but I’ve heard enough to know it quite well. I love this interpretation/explanation. Very nice.
Happy Independence Day, Patricia! We always watched Red Skeleten in our house growing up. I like him a lot and this was very touching even for us non-americans…
Good morning, everyone, and a happy Independence Day, as we used to call it in the old days, to Americans everywhere.
We’re experiencing a rare power outage in my neighborhood this morning, so I’m not sure when or how long I’ll be online today.
BTW, this was my first experiment with putting a video clip on my blog. It was so easy, I cannot believe I haven’t done it before. I know exactly what I’m going to post for tomorrow.
I well remember Red Skelton. I had seen this before, but not for a long time. Thanks for sharing it today.
I remember as a young child watching Red Skelton with my Dad. That was his favorite program. I always enjoyed the show, but found was of his characters had a very sad side. Thanks for this reminder today. Hope you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
I love Red Skelton, but hadn’t heard this bit for a long time. What a great reminder on the 4th for what our pledge really means 🙂 Thanks for posting it!
My father loves Red Skelton, but I hadn’t heard this. Thank you, Patricia. A first for me–a serious Red Skelton!
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
I had heard Of Red Skelton before, I enjoyed your post as usual.
Enjoy your self this 4th of July.
Yvonne.