Red Skelton – Swindling Racket 1943, (retro439)

As the cast enter, they learn how Red is selling tickets to the policeman’s ball. Harriet Hilliard learns how Red got himself arrested in the process. Ozzie Nelson and Harriet sing, Johnny Zero.

Red tells Harriet about venders on the streets of New York City. Mickey, a street merchant talks with Ozzie, then shows off his technique at selling his wares. Harriet sings, As Time Goes By. Ozzie chimes in, and with Harriet they present a little drama of love into the music.

Here he is, Clem Kadiddlehopper makes his appearance when he trudges in from the country. A couple of city slickers poke fun at him, but he manages to dish it back in his rustic way. Daisy June comes along just in time to save Clem from spending money on the questionable products of the city slickers.

The mean little kid plays junior G-man as he aggrivates his mom. The fat man at the door, named Slim, is out to raise funds for the shipyards. To distract him, the kid listens to radio shows, commenting on them and the commercials he hears. Catching a late breaking news flash, he springs into action to rescue his mom from a swindler.

Being an AFRS presentation, musical interludes close out the show, rather than the usual commercials.

Bonus Track:
Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard 1937, As Long As You’ve Got Your Health.