Standing Room Only (TV Series) Red Skelton's Christmas Dinner (1981) User Reviews

Now Available on DVD!-Outstanding Nostalgia!

[mike48128 · 9/10 · 12 February 2014]

An HBO Special way back in 1981, it's available on "Red Skelton Farewell Specials" DVD (Mill Creek) from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. There are 3 additional HBO specials on the disc, with "Funny Faces III" being the best, (in my opinion) but this alone is a reason for buying it-quality is surprising good! Not a stand-up routine, this IMDb reference is misleading. It's a 50 minute well-produced video program with good production values. An all-star cast including Imogene Cocca and Vincent Price, all very old, and it's all very pleasant to see them "alive" again! Red plays "Freddie the Freeloader" in a marvelous indoor set that portrays a city in Wintertime. Quite predictable, as Freddie sings a few songs and does some pantomime as well. A simple story of "street people" and "street urchins" coping with poverty and need at Christmastime. Absolutely charming although no one would ever confuse "Freddy" the hobo with an eccentric "rich man". He ends up sharing a banquet dinner with "The Professor", played by Vincent Price, and two penniless children at the most ridiculously expensive and "snootiest" restaurant in town. It's more in the line of a fable or fairy tale in nature. It's very corny, and I mean this in a very, very, good way. Outstanding for all audiences, although the other 3 programs are "slightly" PG or may bore little children.

fantastic t.v. special

[robken0174 · 10/10 · 23 December 2006]

this TV special was shown on HBO back when it came out in 1981. i was 7 and i loved watching it every year after that. i hadn't seen it for years up until a few years ago. i found it on VHS and snatched it up. i now watch it every Christmas and it's just as wonderful as ever. Red Skeleton was an original. his songs and gags in this special are clean and timeless. if you know anything about his "freddy the freeloader" character then you'll love this. even if you know nothing about Skeleton or his "freddy" character your in for a treat. his clean humor is great for the kids also, no matter how young. the songs and guest appearances add to the holiday fun. if you come upon this on VHS or DVD pick it up. Red Skeleton will win you over.

Good TV movie

[emilie41 · 15 December 2004]

I throughly enjoyed watching Freddy the Freeloader's Christmas Dinner. I try and watch it every holiday season. I find that the part where Red Skelton does a mime of sewing a button is very good!! I've always enjoyed Red Skelton. I could actually see the button, needle and thread. I also enjoyed the part where Freddy meets up with the drunk Santa Claus played very well by Patrick Duffy.

It's a feel good movie for the holiday season. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Red Skelton. All in all, I would have to say that it's a very good movie that I enjoy watching at least once during the Christmas season. It also reminds me of when I used to watch the Red Skelton show on TV when I was much younger.

Clean, fun and heartwarming

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 17 February 2013]

I admittedly am not familiar with Red Skelton as much as others are, but of the stuff I have seen him in he comes across as very likable. And he certainly does here, he manages to be very charming and funny as well as instantly lovable. His miming scene is definitely a highlight. And he is brilliantly supported by the ever commanding Vincent Price, and both are further aided by their likable characters. The film looks good, and the songs are sweet, memorable and catchy. The gags are clean and fun, and the story is always interesting with its fair share of amusing and heartwarming moments. While it is relatively short, it doesn't feel over-extended or scant.

All in all, a piece of escapist fun that will charm and warm your heart. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Freddie

[mniner9 · 10/10 · 11 August 2009]

I wish I knew where I could buy this, if anyone has a heads up, let me know please!!!!!! I watched this series for several years until they quit showing it. It delivers a very sweet message as it is what the time of year means.

My hat's off the the folks that produced the show!

Legends of this king we only see once in a life time. I wish the sureness of vulgar language would notice that Red's stuff was just plain funny, without any offbeat vulgar humor. The big ones from that era, Jackie Gleason, Art Carne Sid Ceaser et,al are now gone. Their lives on and some of us would still like to enjoy it

Freddy the Freeloader iIs Alive and Well!

[billmallek · 10/10 · 18 March 2020]

Freddy shares a poor man's Christmas in a warm and engaging story. Vincent Price flexes his tongue in cheek genius as he pals with Freddy as they crash high society with hilarious results. We get a scene with Imogene Coca as a bonus too!

A not so happy Christmas for those who tune in

[bobscott · 3/10 · 4 December 2002]

Here's a film that might have been more at home in the 1930's or 40's, but even then, I don't see who would find it enjoyable. The entire film had a feeling of wrongness.

I don't dislike Red Skelton, but his performance (along with those of the rest of the cast) is awful. Nothing funny happens. A few scenes attempt to be heartwarming, but it's not like they're shooting for any depth or originality. The musical numbers felt completely out of place (like most of the scenes in the film).

In the end, this film left me wondering why I'd just sat through it. The first few minutes started the boring experience that was the entire film. Thankfully, it wasn't a full-length feature film!

For those who are tempted to watch this turkey, I'd say you'd find your holidays a bit brighter if you didn't.