Spinless World

The clip below was originally aired on CBS Television’s “The Red Skelton Show” in 1969. I was eight years old at the time and remember seeing it live. When I first saw it, I remember thinking that what he suggested at the end would never happen. “This is America,” I thought “We would never allow something so fundamentally American to be twisted in that way.”

After viewing this clip again the other day — and witnessing the direction this country has taken since 1969 — I realized just how wise Mr. Skelton was. I also realized just how naive I was as a child.

Mr. Skelton would often blend his unique comedic style with social commentary. He was such a master at it that at times it was difficult for his audience to notice the transition. As you will see in this clip, at first the audience chuckles as he begins telling his story. As they notice the passion with which he spoke, the crowd becomes silent until their resounding applause at the end.