Overview: “The screen needs smooth comics like this one,” The New York Times’ Bosley Crowther wrote about Red Skelton’s starring debut in Whistling in the Dark [Disc 1]. What was true then is true today when Red unleashes live-wire goofiness as the Fox, a radio sleuth kidnapped by crooks wanting him to devise a perfect murder. The result? Perfect chaos!

DVD Verdict: In 'Whistling in the Dark' (1941), Red plays a radio actor/writer who does a weekly murder mystery radio show. Coming up with near perfect crimes for his radio character to solve. But he is kidnapped by the mob. They want him to plan perfect murders for them that they will actually carry out.

It`s a laugh a minute as Red`s cowardly character tries to keep his own skin intact and escape with same without becoming involved in a real murder.

The light-hearted thrills, laughs and fun start from there and never let you down. Be forewarned, this film is in black and white, but don't let that stop you!

In 'Whistling in Dixie' (1942), Red stars once again as Wally "The Fox" Benton who is still trying to marry the love of his life, Carol Lambert, played by Ann Rutherford. When Ann receives their sorority distress call pin from a sorority sister summoning her and her fiance to help in solving a murder, wedding bells are once again put off in exchange for whistling around with another murder.

Indeed, 'Whistling in Dixie' is almost as good as the first film in the series. Wally and his girl go way down south and become involved in trying to solve a murder with absolutely hilarious results.

Rags Regland plays a duel role in this film as one of the good guys and one of the bad guys. He is nearly as funny as Skelton as he plays twins Chester and Sylvester.

'Whistling In Brooklyn' (1943) is Red's third, and final outing here as radio detective the Fox. This time he's mixed up with a villian named Constant Reader but still finds time to clown around with the Brooklyn Dodgers. You'll want to pay close attention to the umpire's calls when Red is at bat, especially ball 3.

Rags Ragland and Jean Rogers are also hilarious. At times, I even find Ragland funnier than Skelton. But my favorite is still Ann Rutherford (Carol, the reporter) - I've never seen her in such a role!

Red Skelton was one of the best comedians who ever lived. It was often said that he could do more with less than just about any other comedian. He was a natural born clown. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

'RED SKELTON - Whistling Collection' is exclusively available via the WarnerArchive.com: http://bit.ly/WAC_RedSkelton