Freddie the Freeloader appears with special guest Jackie Gleason as his character, the Poor Soul. The two comedians do a historical sketch tracing the origins of Skelton's character, Freddie the Freeloader. It seems Freddie was once a flashy great baseball pitcher and returns to the stadium. But Freddie gets the bum's rush at the gate and commiserates on a park bench with the Poor Soul. Also visiting is Mel Allen in the baseball sketch. Some publications list Art Carney as a special guest with David Burns returning as a supporting player. On October 4, 1955, The Red Skelton Show was telecast in color for the first time. Legend has it that Red droves the color technicians crazy by putting on green makeup.