| Runtime: | 50 minutes |
| Creator: | Red Skelton |
| Starring: | Red Skelton Vincent Price Imogene Coca |
| Producer: | Riff Markowitz |
| Company: | Home Box Office |
| Country: | United States |
| Network: | HBO |
| Director: | John Trent |
| Composer: | Red Skelton Ian Bernard |
Freddie the Freeloader's Christmas Dinner (aka Red Skelton's Christmas Dinner) is a TV special that premiered on Home Box Office (HBO) on December 13, 1981.[1] The program stars Red Skelton and was part of HBO's Standing Room Only series of specials. This was one of Skelton's final television performances.[2] [3] [4] [5]
Freddie the Freeloader prepares to scrape together money and enjoy a Christmas dinner with his equally poverty-stricken friend Professor Humperdo at one of New York's fancy restaurants. When a lost dog appears in his apartment, he is accused of thievery by his wealthy owner. After a meeting with the bag lady Molly, he visits a hospital and entertains some children for Christmas. Freddie busts the professor out of the drunk tank and the two eventually reach the restaurant - and treat themselves to a feast.
The special includes drama, miming, and music, for which Skelton was noted. Songs sung by Skelton in this special include "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" and "I Believe".[6]