This is How Movies Should Be Made

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

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.

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

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

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.