AllMovie

Fans of Red Skelton were treated to two TV appearances by their favorite comedian during the second week of October in 1959. In addition to his regular Tuesday-night series, Skelton presided over The Red Skelton Chevy Special on Friday, October 9. Taped at a Hollywood party honoring Red's 30th year in show business, this full-color, one-hour special featured guest appearances by actors Rhonda Fleming and James Arness and musical performers Burl Ives, Tommy Sands and Lionel Hampton. Among the highlights: Clem Kadiddlehopper (Red) and Burl Ives square off in a squaredance-calling competition; a western spoof with Fleming, Arness and Sheriff Deadeye (Red again); a "battle of the singers" with Sands and Freddie the Freeloader (Red yet again); and a xylophone duet performed by Hampton and George Appleby (Red still yet again!) Skelton and Ives team up to sing "I Wish I Was", while Ives solos on "Lavender Cowboy"; Sands croons "Get Happy" and "Good Day"; and Hampton performs "Piccadilly Shuffle". The Red Skelton Chevy Special was put together by Skelton's regular staff, including director Seymour Berns.