Ep 4. Cafe Paree
- November 11, 1951
- 26 min
The Red Skelton Show season 1 episode 4, entitled "Cafe Paree," takes place in a French bistro where Red Skelton's comedic character, Clem Kadiddlehopper, arrives with his trusty hound dog, Bubba. The bistro's owner, Mademoiselle La Rue, is played by guest star Gisele MacKenzie. Upon arrival, Kadiddlehopper and Bubba cause chaos, accidentally releasing a group of caged birds while attempting to secure a table.
Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to Skelton's signature physical comedy, as he attempts to catch the escaped birds and keep them from flying around the restaurant. Meanwhile, MacKenzie's Mademoiselle La Rue attempts to navigate the chaos and maintain her composure as a refined French business owner.
Other comedic sketches throughout the episode include Skelton's pantomime skit, "The French Lesson," in which he portrays a hapless student attempting to learn the French language with hilarious results. In another sketch, Skelton portrays a waiter who is eager to be of service to his customers but is repeatedly foiled by a series of mishaps, including a broken dish and a misplaced order.
In addition to the comedic sketches, The Red Skelton Show season 1 episode 4 also features a musical performance by guest star MacKenzie, who showcases her vocal talents with a rendition of the French classic, "La Vie en Rose."
Overall, "Cafe Paree" is a classic episode of The Red Skelton Show that highlights the comedian's physical comedy skills and incorporates a number of comedic sketches and musical performances. The episode's French bistro setting and guest appearance by Gisele MacKenzie add to the overall charm and entertainment value, making it a must-see for fans of classic TV comedy.