Red Skelton on NBC

A long-running and classic variety series. Skelton, whose sign-off was `Good night and God bless,' was a comic from a gentler time, a giant, prodigiously talented at mime and knockabout clowning. The radio and movie star brought his warmth to the new medium, with a show graced by indelible characters such as lovable dimwit Clem Kaddiddlehopper; the silent tramp Freddie the Freeloader; and boozy Willie Lump-Lump. His guests were eclectic, ranging from the Rolling Stones to Spiro Agnew.