Ep 17. 3-D

The Red Skelton Show season 2 episode 17 titled "3-D" takes the audience on a comedic adventure filled with laughter, music, and skits. The show begins with a short skit where Red Skelton plays a character who has trouble selecting a bottle of soda from a vending machine. This skit is filled with physical comedy, and Red's exaggerated facial expressions leave the audience in stitches. Following this, the show transitions to a musical performance by Ina Ray Hutton and her all-girl orchestra.

Next up, Red portrays his famous character Freddie the Freeloader. Freddie is up to his usual antics and is concerned that his television is not displaying a clear picture. He decides to take matters into his hands and attempts to fix the TV himself. This skit showcases Red Skelton's talent for physical comedy and his ability to deliver jokes with perfect timing.

The highlight of this episode, however, is the 3-D segment. Though it aired in 1952, this episode was later re-released in 1984 as 3-D technology became popular once again. The 3-D skit features Red Skelton as Clem Kadiddlehopper, an endearing character he often portrayed. In this segment, Clem decides to attend a movie advertised as 3-D and mistakenly believes that he must wear special glasses to see the movie in 3-D. Hilarity ensues as Clem dons various glasses that distort his vision and result in comedic situations. The 3-D effect is achieved through the use of special glasses that were mailed to viewers before the episode aired. Though viewers watching today may not have access to these glasses, the comedic performance by Red Skelton still makes for an entertaining watch.

The episode concludes with another musical performance by Ina Ray Hutton and an appearance by Red Skelton's famous character, the Mean Widdle Kid. In this skit, the Mean Widdle Kid is asked to perform a good deed and, predictably, things do not go according to plan. The episode ends with Red Skelton rounding up the cast for a final song and dance number, leaving the audience with a smile on their face.

Overall, The Red Skelton Show season 2 episode 17 titled "3-D" is a classic example of the kind of wholesome, family-friendly entertainment that was so popular during the 1950s. With its mix of physical comedy, musical performances, and memorable characters, the episode is an enjoyable watch for viewers of all ages. While the 3-D segment may not have the same impact today as it did in 1952, it still serves as a fun reminder of the technological advancements of that time and the inventive ways in which The Red Skelton Show used them to entertain its audience.