Ep 3. The Kadiddlehopper Mural

The Red Skelton Show season 7 episode 3, titled "The Kadiddlehopper Mural," is a comedy sketch show from 1957. The episode features Red Skelton, a popular comedian and entertainer of the time, performing various comedic skits and sketches for a live studio audience.

In this particular episode, Skelton takes on the role of his classic character, "Freddie the Freeloader," in a sketch that sees him attempting to paint a mural for a wealthy woman named Mrs. Belford (played by actress, Pat Carroll). Freddie is hired by Mrs. Belford to paint a mural in her living room, but things quickly go awry as Freddie's lack of artistic skills cause him to turn the mural into something resembling a child's finger painting.

Throughout the sketch, Skelton uses his trademark physical comedy and humorous facial expressions to bring the character of Freddie to life. The audience is treated to a series of hilarious moments as Freddie tries to cover up his mistakes with increasingly absurd solutions, such as painting a tree to hide a crooked line or adding a turtle to distract from an eye that was painted too big.

In addition to the main sketch, the episode also features a variety of other comedic moments, including a bit where Skelton plays a hypochondriac who is convinced he has every illness under the sun, and another where he plays a character who is trapped in a phone booth.

As the episode progresses, Skelton is joined by a cast of supporting performers, including actress Diana Millay, who plays Mrs. Belford's daughter. Millay's character is a source of comedic tension, as she continually chastises Freddie for his lack of artistic talent and seems to delight in his misfortunes.

Throughout the episode, the studio audience is clearly enjoying themselves, laughing and cheering at Skelton's antics. And it's easy to see why - Skelton's humor is timeless, with a charm and wit that still holds up today. His performances are a masterclass in physical comedy, and his ability to make the audience laugh with just a simple facial expression or a silly voice is truly remarkable.

Overall, "The Kadiddlehopper Mural" is a classic episode of The Red Skelton Show, featuring some of Skelton's best comedic moments and a cast of talented performers who help bring his sketches to life. It's a must-watch for fans of classic comedy, and a great reminder of why Skelton was such a beloved entertainer in his time.