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Red Skelton, as Willy Lump Lump, in the topsy turvy room in The Red Skelton Scrapbook 66

Willy Lump Lump – Red Skelton’s inebriate character

One of Red Skelton‘s “core” characters is Willy Lump Lump. Willy’s perpetually drunk, much to the chagrin of his suffering wife. How he started drinking varies, depending on the episode. Once, his wife said that it began with rum-filled chocolates that they received as a wedding gift. In another story, it goes back to when she was dating Willy. And she got him liquored up, so that he would propose to her!

Willy Lump Lump – Red Skelton’s inebriate character
Smokeless Sunday - The Red Skelton Show, season 1, episode 4, originally aired October 21, 1951

Smokeless Sunday [Red Skelton Show]

Smokeless SundayThe Red Skelton Show, season 1, episode 4, originally aired October 21, 1951

Smokeless Sunday begins with Red Skelton playing checkers with a dog … and losing.

Next is Red’s opening monologue, that leads into Cauliflower McPugg with his million dollar idea. Which involves a human fly climbing 100 feet on a ladder and jumping into a small cup of water. When the fly loses his nerve, Cauliflower takes his place … and regrets it.

Smokeless Sunday [Red Skelton Show]