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If I am remembering correctly, didn’t Clem sorta’ hop his legs in the air while walking and a little bell would jingle when he did it? Always good for a laugh!
I believe he was supposed to have “jake leg,” which was kind of funny to observe, but was actually a serious partial paralysis (caused by drinking an alcohol-based patent medicine, during Prohibition). And rather sad.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaican_ginger
Pappy, did you ever hear that Red Skelton had to overcome personal tragedy or trial of some kind before becoming the acclaimed actor and comedian ? I can’t remember if it was alcoholism or loss of a child or both but I seem to remember he had undergone a deep and personal trial. ED
I’m no authority on Red Skelton… I was right that Clem Kadiddlehopper was one of his characters, but apparently he was the “country bumpkin” rather than the drunk. He did lose a child (to leukemia). This seems to be my day for posting Wikipedia links — Skelton’s is very informative. And has a link by which one may listen to some of his old radio shows. My memory of him, now dimming, is mostly from black and white TV shows of the 1950s, when I lived “at home,” and my dad picked the programs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Skelton
I watched every Red Skelton show (on Tuesday nights) and once saw him perform in Raleigh. He was an honorable comedian and a wonderful person. Not only did he lose a child, but his ex-wife committed suicide.
Gertrude and Heathcliff were two of my favs, followed by Freddie the Freeloader…especially the Christmas specials. He was one with a true sense of what was funny…without expletives or knocking other races.
In fact, I have the programs on tape….good for when there’s nothing else on tv worth watching….it was truly a sad day when the world lost him…may he rest in peace…good night and may God bless.
Homer Briarhopper was a truly different individual. It was a homegrown local show that produced country music. He wore a wide brim white hat and my grandfather watched him every morning…and it was on early like about 6:30.
http://www.answers.com/topic/briarhopper-homer
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