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Freddie the Freeloader - Red Skelton's famous Hobo clown

Freddie the Freeloader – Red Skelton’s famous Hobo clown

Red Skelton’s most famous character, Freddie the Freeloader, is a happy hobo clown.  Unlike Emmett Kelly‘s Weary Willy tramp clown, Freddie the Freeloader had a perpetually upbeat personality, sure that good fortune awaited him just around the corner. He typically (depending on the need of the skit) lived in a ramshackle shack in the garbage dump, where he slept in a bathtub.  Although it was a running joke that he didn’t bathe regularly.   For instance, in several episodes of the Red Skelton Show, someone asked Freddie the Freeloader if he was alone.  Freddie the Freeloader would scratch himself, pantomiming that he had fleas, and reply that he wasn’t totally alone.

Freddie the Freeloader – Red Skelton’s famous Hobo clown
Clem Kadiddlehopper, Red Skelton's country bumpkin character

Clem Kadiddlehopper, Red Skelton’s country bumpkin

Clem Kadiddlehopper – Red Skelton’s country bumpkin character

Clem Kadiddlehopper was one of Red Skelton’s most popular characters, portrayed on radio and television for decades. He was a country bumpkin, slow-witted and big-hearted. Although never intentionally hurtful, he would often cause clownish harm.  Often to his long-suffering father. (“When the stork brought you, Clem, I should’ve shot it on sight!” )

Clem Kadiddlehopper, Red Skelton’s country bumpkin
The banning of the Pledge of Allegiance

The banning of the Pledge of Allegiance



Back in 1969,  Red Skelton on his television show presented the  Pledge of Allegiance. He presented it as he said he’d been taught it in the fourth grade by his teacher, a Mr. Laswell. It’s a powerful presentation, and I urge you to follow the text link above. Read it for yourself or listen to Red present it.

On June 26, 2002, the Pledge of Allegiance was banned from the public schools. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that, since the pledge contains the phrase “under God,” it is an unconstitutional establishment of a religion. The court, shocked by popular outrage, put a stay on the order until the entire 9th Circuit Court could review it. As of March 28, 2003, the 9th Circuit Court has done so — and upheld the original judgment. Attorney General John Ashcroft condemned the decision. He said the Justice Department will “spare no effort to preserve the rights of all our citizens to pledge allegiance to the American flag.”

The banning of the Pledge of Allegiance