Monstanto Presents Walt Disney's America on Parade with Red Skelton (1976)

Monstanto Presents was a short lived TV variety show in the spring/summer of 1776. They produced one episode set in the Disney parks tying in with the bicentennial celebration. At the time, the Walt Disney Company had a huge celebration of American history in both of their parks. It was the first time both parks shared the same parade. This TV special uses footage shot in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Monsanto also had a long relationship with Disneyland having sponsored several attractions in Tomorrowland including the House of the Future.

Comedian Red Skelton was chosen to host this TV variety special. Today he may be obscure but he had been a popular entertainment figure for decades on par with Bob Hope and Lucille Ball. In this TV special, which he co-wrote, he plays many of his popular characters such as Freddie the Freeloader, Sheriff Deadeye, Grandpa, and others. He also does his routine explaining the Pledge of Allegiance. Skelton was particularly known for doing this in numerous appearances of his acts.

We also get several songs from the Disney parks performers.

This is a great time capsule of what the parks were like during the bicentennial.

Footage note: Due to the age of this broadcast, and it only aired once, and the unusual run time of this footage, this may not be the complete broadcast. It's all the footage that can be located online. If more surfaces this video will be updated.

Original air date April 3, 1976

Posted for historical purposes. This channel is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.