Podcast Summary: "Red Skelton Show 41-12-02 (009) Waking Up"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Red Skelton Show 41-12-02 (009) Waking Up
• Release Date: June 19, 2025
• Description: Relive the charm of the Golden Age of Radio with classic episodes featuring beloved shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more. Gather your family around the radio to enjoy timeless entertainment before the advent of television.

Introduction to "Waking Up"

In this delightful episode of Red Skelton Show titled "Waking Up," listeners are immersed in the humorous tribulations of starting the day. Red Skelton, alongside co-stars Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard, brings to life the chaotic morning routines that many can relate to, all delivered with Skelton's signature comedic flair.

Main Discussions and Key Points

1. The Morning Struggle Begins ([03:24] - [11:09])

The episode kicks off with Red Skelton addressing the challenges of waking up. Ozzie Nelson initiates the conversation by referencing Red's appearance in Movie and Radio Guide magazine, setting a light-hearted tone.

• Notable Exchange:
  • Ozzie Nelson ([03:27]): "Did you see your picture in Movie and Radio Guide magazine?"
  • Red Skelton ([03:30]): "I certainly did. Oh, that reminds me too. Movie and Radio Guide. Movie and Radio Guide. Movie and Radio Guide."

This playful banter segues into Red's recounting of riding with Santa Claus, highlighting his humorous take on enduring cold weather with "long winter underwear."

• Quote:
  • Red Skelton ([04:03]): "Yeah, I rode with Santa Claus. And I had a nice, warm, comfortable place, too. But those kids kept trying to pull me out of the bag."

2. The Battle with Junior ([11:09] - [19:16])

Harriet Hilliard portrays Junior, Red's persistent spouse, who relentlessly tries to wake him up. Their back-and-forth showcases the comedic tension between wanting to stay in bed and facing daily responsibilities.

• Humorous Interactions:
  • Junior ([07:52]): "Oh, honey, please leave me alone."
  • Red Skelton ([09:06]): "Did you ever notice the trouble that different people have trying to wake up and starting the day off right? Especially in the Skelton family."

Red employs physical comedy and witty remarks to illustrate his reluctance to rise, such as pretending a turtle is in bed or exaggerating the effort needed to wake up.

• Quote:
  • Red Skelton ([10:07]): "Every time I bend over, I hear a lonely shepherd playing."

3. Boarding House Shenanigans ([23:54] - [27:17])

Transitioning to a new sketch, Red Skelton introduces a boarding house scenario where the tenant, portrayed humorously, struggles with waking up and dealing with an overbearing landlord.

• Key Moments:

  • Red's character complains about stubbed toes and broken alarm clocks, adding to the morning chaos.
  • The landlord, played by Truman Bradley, recounts Red's wild antics from the previous night, including attempting to stop a bus with one hand.

• Quote:

  • Red Skelton ([25:21]): "I could eat a horse."

4. Comedic Attempts to Wake Up ([27:17] - [28:38])

Furthering the theme, Red engages in slapstick humor while trying to use an electric razor incorrectly, emphasizing his continuous struggle with waking up.

• Playful Dialogue:
  • Red Skelton ([27:39]): "I ain't piping down. Oh, look, the Wadeo. If I do, I get a weapon."
  • Junior ([28:03]): "You stop putting things in your mouth and go to sleep."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Red Skelton ([04:17]): "Well, every time I bend over, I hear a lonely shepherd playing."
• Junior ([07:52]): "Oh, honey, please leave me alone."
• Red Skelton ([09:20]): "Clam, get up. It's 4am what are you gonna do, sleep all day?"
• Red Skelton ([13:27]): "I almost froze to death last night. That insurance fella lied to me."
• Red Skelton ([26:16]): "After all, men like Napoleon and Edison only had three hours. They only slept three. Three hours."
• Red Skelton ([25:21]): "I could eat a horse."

Insights and Themes

"Waking Up" masterfully captures the universal struggle of morning routines through humor and relatable scenarios. Red Skelton's interactions with co-stars and characters like Junior highlight the comedic tensions within familial settings, making the episode both entertaining and endearing.

The recurring theme of resisting the urge to stay in bed resonates with many listeners, while the exaggerated situations and witty dialogue provide ample laughs. Additionally, the incorporation of physical comedy and situational irony underscores Skelton's versatility as a comedian.

Conclusion

The "Waking Up" episode of the Red Skelton Show exemplifies the timeless humor of the Golden Age of Radio. Through a series of comedic sketches and playful dialogues, Red Skelton and his co-stars deliver a memorable portrayal of the morning's challenges. This episode not only entertains but also connects with listeners by reflecting everyday experiences with a humorous twist. It's a testament to Red Skelton's enduring legacy in radio comedy, making it a cherished piece for both long-time fans and new audiences alike.