Freddie the Freeloader's Christmas Dinner

Freddie the Freeloader's Christmas Dinner (aka Red Skelton's Christmas Dinner) is a TV special that premiered on Home Box Office (HBO) on December 13, 1981.^[1] The program stars Red Skelton and was part of HBO's Standing Room Only series of specials. This was one of Skelton's final television performances.^[2][3][4][5]

Plot

Freddie the Freeloader prepares to scrape together money and enjoy a Christmas dinner with his equally poverty-stricken friend Professor Humperdo at one of New York's fancy restaurants. When a lost dog appears in his apartment, he is accused of thievery by his wealthy owner. After a meeting with the bag lady Molly, he visits a hospital and entertains some children for Christmas. Freddie busts the professor out of the drunk tank and the two eventually reach the restaurant - and treat themselves to a feast.

The special includes drama, miming, and music, for which Skelton was noted. Songs sung by Skelton in this special include "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" and "I Believe".^[6]

Main cast

• Red Skelton as Freddie the Freeloader
• Vincent Price as Professor Humperdo
• Imogene Coca as Molly, a bag lady
• Jack Duffy as Santa
• Tudi Wiggins as Mrs. Witherspoon^[7]

See also

• Standing Room Only
• On Location

References