Clarabell speaks

Clarabell was a mute clown on the Howdy Doody Show.

Clarabell didn't speak until the very end of the final episode. It was only at this moment that Clarabell, still gesturing and using his horn, tells Buffalo Bob that he could actually talk. Amazed, Bob frantically tells Clarabell to prove it as it would be his last chance. The camera slowly moves in close on Clarabell as a drum roll grows louder and then dies out. At this point Clarabell tearfully whispers: "Goodbye, kids."

Embedded above is that final episode, from September 24, 1960.  Found at About Last Night.