Ep 17. The Disc Jockey

The Red Skelton Show was a popular variety show that ran from 1951 to 1971 on CBS. The show was hosted by the talented comedian and actor Red Skelton, who created and performed a variety of characters and skits that kept audiences entertained for years. Season 1 episode 17 of the show is titled "The Disc Jockey", and it features Skelton as the host of a radio station and the various shenanigans that ensue.

The episode begins with Skelton as the host of the WFFF radio station, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The station is throwing a big party, and Skelton is in charge of entertaining the guests. Skelton starts off with a monologue about the history of WFFF and how it came to be such a successful radio station.

Then Skelton introduces the first act of the night, a ventriloquist named Jacqueline, who performs a hilarious routine with her dummy. Skelton is impressed with her talent and tells her that she has a bright future in show business.

Next up is a teenage singer named Yvonne Craig, who performs a sweet ballad that brings tears to Skelton's eyes. He tells her that she has a beautiful voice and that he's sure she will become a big star one day.

The next act is a comedy duo called The Two Fools, who perform a slapstick routine that has the audience laughing uncontrollably. Skelton joins in on the fun and ends up getting covered in cake and frosting.

As the night wears on, Skelton becomes more and more tired, but he soldiers on, introducing each act with his trademark wit and charm. He even performs a few skits of his own, including one where he plays a bumbling waiter who causes chaos in a fancy restaurant.

But then disaster strikes. Skelton's boss, Mr. Hargraves, arrives at the party and informs Skelton that the radio station is in trouble. Their ratings are falling because listeners aren't tuning in to hear Skelton's show anymore. Skelton is devastated, but he decides to take action.

He comes up with a plan to improve the ratings by hosting a contest where listeners can call in and request their favorite songs. Skelton becomes the DJ and takes calls from all over the city, playing requests and bantering with his callers in his trademark style. The ratings shoot up, and Skelton saves the day.

Overall, "The Disc Jockey" is a fun and entertaining episode of The Red Skelton Show. Skelton is at the top of his game, and his guests are all talented performers who keep the laughter coming. The episode is a testament to Skelton's versatility and showmanship, and it's easy to see why the show was so popular for so many years.