NEW From Historic Films! The RED SKELTON Show

*** From 1951 to 1971, THE RED SKELTON SHOW was a television entertainment staple and an institution to a generation of viewers. In the decade prior to hosting the show, Comedian Richard “Red” Skelton had a successful career as a radio and movie star and from the 1940s-80s was one of American’s most beloved comedic entertainers. During its run, the program received three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award as the Best TV show (1959). The show’s largely topical comedy sketches offered a comedic twist to such contemporary topics as the 1960s’ space program and race to the moon, women’s rights, presidential politics and youth culture . The show also presented a fabulous array of musical guests including The Rolling Stones ( in their FIRST US TV Show appearance), Diana Ross & The Supremes, John Wayne, Phyllis Diller, Lou Rawls, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Simon & Garfunkel and many many more. On behalf of Shout! Factory, Historic Films is proud to offer the exclusive clip rights to segments from this iconic American television program. ***

JOSEPHINE BAKER LIVE AND IN COLOR 1951

*** Musical performer Josephine Baker left the United States in the mid-1920s bound for Paris and by the end of that decade had become the darling of the French musical theater . She held court at the Folies Bergere for decades. Josephine Baker as well became the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture (Siren Of The Tropics in 1927). Baker was celebrated by artists and intellectuals of the era, who variously dubbed her the "Black Venus" the "Black Pearl" the "Bronze Venus" and the "Creole Goddess”. She aided the French Resistance during World War II. During the civil rights movement in the United States Baker refused to perform for segregated audiences.  Historic Films, on behalf of the Bradfield family, offer this rare, special color footage of Baker performing on stage in Chicago in 1951. Recently discovered, this footage has been restored and transferred in 2K. It is currently available for licensing through Historic Films. *** 

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