Product Description
While Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are more famously known for their straight comedy routines, they did make a number of films in which horror played a crucial role. The first part of this critical reference examines the Abbott and Costello "Meet the Monsters" spoof films (Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Mummy). The second sections deals with Abbott and Costello's films with horror elements that do not follow this formula: Hold That Ghost, The Time of Their Lives and Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff. The plot of each film is examined in detail with special attention paid to the comedians' styles of comedy, the effect of the horror scenes, and the place of the film in the Abbott and Costello canon. The reactions of critics (then and now) and the influences the films have had on the horror and comedy genres and on pop culture are also discussed. A lengthy introduction provides background on the lives of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello and the development of Universal Studios as the premier horror factory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Don't Expect Too Much
This book proclaims to be a "critical assessment," though what the author ends up with is little more than detailed descriptions of seven of A & C's films, personal asides and a desire to make odd homosexual allusions to scenes and characters. The vast majority of anecdotes on the making of the films are taken (though footnoted) from a number of previously published books and articles and the author provides little new information except for his own outlandish and baseless claims.

His "critical assessment" might more accurately be described as "judgmental musings." The author often repeatedly makes the same comments about various sight gags being "more suited to The Three Stooges," or gives his opinion on whether certain jokes work, or not. Critical, perhaps. "Bitchy," certainly and more accurately. What is never clearly established is his credibility or expertise to make such comments on the merits of A & C's material. Another annoying habit the author has is to make assumptions on the part of "most viewers." He proudly points out a bit of business, background action or technical flaw that he has discovered upon countless viewings of the films and makes the claim that "most viewers miss this." How does he know? Is it possible that the rest of the audience caught it on the first viewing and he is just now catching up?

The book is poorly written and, aside from the time it occasionally takes to figure out his point, is a quick read. One's time might be better spent watching the films and drawing one's own conclusions. Also, any of the sources cited in the author's bibliography provide all the behind-the-scenes information and more, making them a better value if they can be tracked down.

A GUIDE TO THEIR GREAT HORROR COMEDIES
I guess it's pretty ironic that a comedy team that did over 30 films together over 16 years is most remembered for their horror spoofs that continue to be enormously popular to this day.In "The Horror Spoofs of Abbott & Costello" author Jeffrey Miller takes a look at the horror comedies the team did, with a particular focus on horror spoofs involving classic monsters.Miller provides a complete cast and credit list along with a very lengthy and detailed synopsis of each film including many of the notable lines, gags, and scenes.It also includes comments taken from cast and crew of the day and recent comments from the likes of Sara Karloff, Bela Lugosi Jr., and Paddy Costello, who were on the set of these films as children.Miller also includes information on critical reviews of the day, box office results, as well as adding his own insightful analysis of the films.

Without a doubt the most popular A & C spoof (in fact their most popular film period) was "Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein".Boris Karloff refused to appear in the film feeling it made a mockery of the monster.Lon Chaney Jr. felt the film would forever ruin the classic Universal Monsters.But time has proven them both wrong as the film works as both a comedy and a horror.It's at least as scary as Chaney's role as Count Alucard in "Son of Dracula".The fact that the film has legions of fans, including many famous filmmakers such as Quentin Tarrantino, is also a tribute to its staying power.For his part, Lugosi enjoyed himself on the set.One would guess he was probably just happy to be in a Universal production again as opposed to the poverty row films he had been doing in the 1940's.There was a lot of pranks pulled on the set...some of these outtakes are even captured on the A&C Meet Frankenstein special edition DVD.As has been pointed out on many occasions, this film would be Universal biggest moneymaker in years and virtually saved the studio from bankruptcy.

While Karloff refused to do that film, he did sign on for two others including "Abbott & Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."Karloff would play this famous role for the first an only time but as Miller notes, the studio originally wanted Basil Rathbone for the part.Both he and the boys were surprised at how well the film did at the box office.The other films that Miller highlights in the spoof section are "Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man" and the final spoof, "Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy".`Mummy' was their last film for Universal and by this time they were past their prime and not getting along well on the set.Universal knew it was the end of the road and did little to support the film and it's become regarded as one of their worst (although it isn't really all that bad).

Miller also looks as the teams other horror-comedies including "Hold that Ghost", "The Time of their Lives", and "Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff"."Hold that Ghost" is a particular favorite as its their version of and `old dark house' style film that was so popular in the 1930's and similar in style to the very good Bob Hope film "Ghost Breakers""Hold that Ghost" would even have Evelyn Ankers in the cast who would go on to become one of the great scream queens of the 1940's.

Miller's research into these films is outstanding and while I'm a big fan, there were a lot of new things I learned.While very detailed it's never dry and Miller does a wonderful job at conveying the great routines of Abbott & Costello.Just beware if you have somehow never seen these films as the plot is fully described from beginning to end.By all means see the films and then pickup this book.Another fantastic book by the people at McFarland Publishing who put out some of the best books on genre film and film studies around.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Abbott and Costello Meet the Who's Who of Horror
This is a great book that goes into the plot of their various A&C meet...(fill in the blank)films as well as "Hold That Ghost" and "The Time of Their Lives". There is even a brief section on their quasi sci-fi films. Each major "horror/comedy" film is detailed and behind the scenes info is given. Actor/actress backgrounds as well as changes in scripts and plots are also added for a totally enjoyable book. A section supplying background info on Abbott & Costello is given in the introductory chapter, and then it is on to my all time favorite "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein". A must for all A&C fans! ... Read more

Product Description
The personal archivist of the Abbott and Costello estates and the founder of the Official Abbott and Costello Fan Club join forces to produce this definitive history of the timeless comedy team's fabulous film career. Drawing on studio archives, Bud and Lou's personal scrapbooks and more than 75 interviews, each of Abbott and Costello's 36 movies is described in remarkable detail, including cast and crew credits, synopsis, script excerpts, production notes, cut scenes, and final reviews. Also documented is the team's early career in burlesque and radio, as well as the years following their split. Includes over 150 rare, behind-the-scenes photos; an introduction by Jerry Lewis; foreword by Bud Abbott Jr. and Chris Costello, Lou's daughter; and the complete text of "Who's On First?" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Abbott & Costello Movie Detail
This book gives you all the background you could ask for regarding A&C's movies. If you are a fan, this book will really put you in the late 30's all the way thru the middle 50's, when they were the king of comedy and the world's highest paid entertainers.

Every movie they ever made is richly detailed.

Worth a read.

Finally a real look into the making of A&C's Films!
For years..The fans of Abbott & Costello wanted to know how their classic film comedies were created.But very few books gave any real insight into how the movies evolved(The exception being..Leonard Maltin's"Movie Comedy Teams"and Jim Mullholland's"Abbott & Costello Book").But Finally those questions are answered in "Abbott & Costello In Hollywood!".This book written by the former president and founder of The Abbott & Costello Fan Club:Ron Palumbo and A&C & Jerry Lewis Archivist:Bob Furnemack uses indepth research,a large collections of rare photos and interviews from the many collegues,family members and friends of the team to show the creation,the evolution and the success of the team's films and tv series.The book also reveals that Bud And Lou were going to work on other projects that never came to fruition:A stage musical..In which they would clash with Universal Pictures most infamous monsters:"Dracula","The Wolfman"and "Frankenstein's Monster",A kids tv game show"Penny For Your Thoughts", another comedy/variety tv series and Lou producing some movies during his convelesence from Reumatic fever.The book also shows us some scenes from their films that were edited from the final release prints of the movies and more insight into what lead to the team's second and final breakup.For fans of A&C or for fans of comedy history..Who want to see the creation and evolution of classic comedy films and tv shows? This is one book worth having.Bravo Ron & Bob! Kevin S.Butler.

Lots of Info
I truly liked this book. There is much information on each of their movies including behind the scenes events. Several photos throughout. For each movie, you get the cast, a summary, photos, and background information.

I didn't feel there was too much information. When reading about older movies, I like having as much information as possible. I enjoy the history, and this book does a good job of providing that.

A great tribute to a great team
If only all film books could be as thorough and well-written as this one! There are so many behind-the-scenes details and photographs of the making of each of the team's classic films ("Buck Privates," "HoldThat Ghost," "Time of Their Lives" and "A&C MeetFrankenstein" etc.) that you actually feel like a visitor on the set.Interviews with dozens of people who were there--including Hillary Brookeand the Andrews Sisters--make it all come alive. Fascinating chapters onthe boys before and after Hollywood put their movie years in perspective.Also includes an index (thanks!) and a transcription of what is (I think)the best version of "Who's On First?" (from "NaughtyNineties"). An absolute must for A&C fans and classic Hollywoodmovie buffs.

An overload to be overlooked
I was sorely disappointed with this book.The quality of the paper is bad.The pages are like Pringles chips.The photographs, while rare indeed, are printed the size of postage stamps, and the book is simply adry read.There is a lot of research in here, suitable if you were goingto catalog every move Abbott and Costello made, and every bowel movementthey ever took.But it's too much.The writing style is uninteresting andcatalog-like.As an avid collector and fan of Bud and Lou, I was expectingso much more from the authors.It looks like a ripoff of a much betterbook by Cox/Lofflin: "The Abbott & Costello Story."You'd bebetter off buying that book.At least it has better pictures and a morewell-rounded approach. ... Read more

Product Description
As two of the most popular entertainers of the mid-century film industry, comic greats Bud Abbott and Lou Costello offered an essential balm to the American public following the sorrows of the Great Depression and during the trauma of World War II. This is the first book to focus in detail on the immensely popular wartime films of Abbott and Costello, discussing the production, content, and reception of 18 films within the context of wartime events on the home front and abroad. The films covered include the service comedies Buck Privates, In the Navy, and Keep 'Em Flying; more mainstream comic relief films such as Pardon My Sarong and Who Done It?; and post-war experiments such as Little Giant and The Time of Their Lives. More than 120 stills and lobby cards from the author's personal collection illustrate the text, including many showing outtakes or deleted scenes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Book
As a long time fan of this great team, books are rare on the duo. I think you can count all the books written about this great team on one hand. I found this to be an enjoyable study of there films. Yes, it does delve more into the 1941 to 1946 period, hence the title, but it does cover all of them as well. I also have to agree with Mr. Nollen on one point. The duos most underrated films (Little Giant and The Time of Their Lives) were two of there best.
A Good Read!

Title a bit misleading, but a fantastic read !!!!
First off, I love Abbott and Costello. Grew up watching them on Sunday mornings in New York. I was also very curious about the lore of not only thier films, but about thier personal lives on and off screen. This book tells about those happenings. But the title is a bit misleading. I was under the impression that this was geared to a more in-depth look at the wartime films they did - BUCK PRIVATES, IN THE NAVY, KEEP 'EM FLYING and maybe BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME. This book was a rehashing some previous books that I read such as a book called Abbott and Costello in Hollywood that basically told the same scenarios. HOME FRONT has updated information perhaps, but info that I haven't heard of or read before. I just thought that this was going to be what the title indicates - A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE WARTIME FILMS. It's not, but it is enjoyable reading nonetheless and if you are a Bud and Lou fan, there is no reason why this book should not be added to your collection. It's a great read ! I highly recommend it !

Superb Book On This Great Comedy Team
I think this is the best book ever written on the comedy team of "Abbott & Costello". There is very detailed information on ALL the films they made. Very well researched and numerous hours spent compiling this book. What made this book special to me was the information about their own lives as well. I was honestly moved by this book. I had no idea that they had many set backs in their own lives like we all do. In a very respectful and diplomatic way this great author goes into detail about their good times and bad times. I was not expecting this.

I had no idea that Lou Costello wanted to do serious roles on television or films later in life. He was not able to realize this dream completely. There are many great pictures of original lobby cards and original stills too from this authors personal collection in this book. Some of these rare stills depict scenes that were later deleted from the film. Lou's youngest daughter Chris Costello wrote the great foreward to this book. It was interesting to read in the text quite a few quotes from her through out the book. For an author to have access to a family member for information is a wonderful thing. A very RARE opportunity. I highly recommend this book. Fantastic reading!!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Work Of A&C are finally reconized in Mullholland's book!
For years,the work of Abbott & Costello have been ignored or even unfairly criticized by many film and tv historians.Except for Leonard Maltin's "Movie Comedy Teams"and "Great Movie Comedians".The boys'efforts have recevied little or no reconition at all.Until now.Film and TV Comedy writer Jim Mullholland has finally written a book that gives us all some insight into the team's careers.Using reserch,interviews with the boys colleages,family members,performers and craftspersons from the films and tv work and from Maltin.Mr.Mullholland looks at the duo's humble beginnings in Burlesque,With The Steel Pier Mintrels,performing on "The Kate Smith Radio Hour"and in nightclubs.To their debut in The Broadcway Musical revue:"The Streets Of Paris!"with Carmen Miranda and Bobby Clark to hosting their own weekly radio series'on NBC and later on ABC Radio.The book goes on to look at their film careers and at their work on tv:First as semi-regular guest hosts/performers on NBC TV's:"Colgate Comedy Hour!"and then as the stars of "The Abbott & Costello Show".The book also has a filmography of their movies and a listing of their second tv series.Plus photos of the time(Many of these pictures are from private collections).While the book does not go into the problems that exsisted behind the scenes(Including the sorid details of the team's second and final breakup in December,1956)and there is only a small ammount of info about the creation of the films.It still gives us a look into the creation and successes of one of show business'most popular teams.This is one book that Abbott & Costello fans should have.Along with fans of comedy history.Bravo Jimmy! Kevin S.Butler. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Interesting, but poor quality paper
Information is intersting, but the paper is such poor quality it is yellowed and similar to old newsprint or old manila construction paper.

hey, what a fun book
love A&C. this book is fun to read & look at. nice photographs. wished they published more andrews sisters photos. highly recommended for A&C fans.************ ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

It captures the comedy of Abbott and Costello as well as print media ever could
Abbott and Costello were a comedy team for their times but their brand of humor has not worn well over the ages. Much of what they did was based on wordplay and puns and modern comedy has a much harsher tone. Slapstick was also a fundamental component of their routines and that brand of humor has also gone out of favor.
Using still photos and captions from their movies, this book is designed to capture the essence of the unique humor of Abbott and Costello. It is hard to capture the complete experience in a sequence of stills, so it is a weak substitute. Their routines relied on timing, facial expressions, body movements and voice inflection, which obviously cannot be delivered in this manner. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of Abbott and Costello, you will enjoy the book as you can see some of the comedic personalities and genius of both men.

It captures the comedy of Abbott and Costello as well as print media ever could
Abbott and Costello were a comedy team for their times but their brand of humor has not worn well over the ages. Much of what they did was based on wordplay and puns and modern comedy has a much harsher tone. Slapstick was also a fundamental component of their routines and that brand of humor has also gone out of favor.
Using still photos and captions from their movies, this book is designed to capture the essence of the unique humor of Abbott and Costello. It is hard to capture the complete experience in a sequence of stills, so it is a weak substitute. Their routines relied on timing, facial expressions, body movements and voice inflection, which obviously cannot be delivered in this manner. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of Abbott and Costello, you will enjoy the book as you can see some of the comedic personalities and genius of both men.

It captures the comedy of Abbott and Costello as well as print media ever could
Abbott and Costello were a comedy team for their times but their brand of humor has not worn well over the ages. Much of what they did was based on wordplay and puns and modern comedy has a much harsher tone. Slapstick was also a fundamental component of their routines and that brand of humor has also gone out of favor.
Using still photos and captions from their movies, this book is designed to capture the essence of the unique humor of Abbott and Costello. It is hard to capture the complete experience in a sequence of stills, so it is a weak substitute. Their routines relied on timing, facial expressions, body movements and voice inflection, which obviously cannot be delivered in this manner. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of Abbott and Costello, you will enjoy the book as you can see some of the comedic personalities and genius of both men.

the best abbott and costello book out there
this book is for all abbott and costello fans out there that love thier routines. Withclassic routinssuch as "sesquahana hat company' and "who's on first". The routines along with pictures are taken right from thier movies such as "Buck privates" "Hit the ice" "Keep 'em flyin" and many many more. Thepictures bring just as much laughs as the routines.This book really captures thier personality in thier movies. I gladly give this book5 stars ... Read more

Product Description
Abbott and Costello perfected the Horror spoof with thisfirst installment of their famous "Meet the Monsters" series.Commentary by all the children of the famous duo.Includes thecomplete shooting script with an introduction by John Landis (directorof An American Werewolf in London and The Blues Brothers). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Probably the Best Bud and Lou Flick!
Bud and Lou battle Dracula and Frankenstein with help from the Wolfman.Dracula wants Wilbur's (Lou) brain for the monster because he wants to make sure the monster is super dumb.Wilbur and Chick (Bud) work as shipping clerks and are tasked to deliver the "supposed" remains of the Frankenstein monster and Dracula to a wax museum.When the two monsters escape, Chick and Wilbur are blamed.

The one person who believes them is Lawrence Talbot but it appears that everytime he is trying to help there is a full moon.There are many laugh out loud funny parts to this gem that brings together Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price and Glenn Strange in one film.A timeless classic.

THE BOOK ABOUT THE MOVIE WE ALL LOVE
For those familiar with The Munsters Television's First Family of Fright written by Stephen Cox, this Abbott and Costello book follows a loosely similar format. At least for the first part of the book. Printed on standard book paper with information about the cast, crew, how this movie came to be, and what happened during filming. Lots of photos and theatrical poster art. All in Black and White. There's even a three page section of reprinted newspaper articles. Magnifying glass or eyes like Superman required. The infamous story about the previous treatment where Bud and Lou are on a ship and the Monsters are brought to life by food is not mentioned at all in this book. As for the script itself (the bigger part of the book), don't try to read along as you try to listen to the movie. It follows the basic premise of the finished product. But there are enough changes that all you'll get is flustered if you try. The current lowest sale price is nearly double theprice of $19.95 printed on the back of the book. I guess increased price is due to rarity. I think it would be really wonderful if this book was revised in the same fashion Stephen Cox was able to revise his Munsters book with A Trip Down Mockingbird Lane.Think about this Glenn Strange was the last actor to portray the Frankenstein Monster with the famous iconic look of tall, dark suit, flattop head with hair, and bolts in neck, in a serious manner before Fred Gwynne got the role of Herman Munster. And when the series began you can notice how Gwynne's make-up started off with the Karloff look and slowly evolved into the Strange look. Glenn that is.

i was even born yet****
a great book with nice pictures and stories. i'm afraid the script printed didn't match what the actors' were saying. however, i still enjoyed the movie. this classic will live on forever. laugh & enjoy. ****

Fans finally see how A&C Meet Frankenstein is created.
For years.The fans of Abbott & Costello wanted to find out how their most famous film parody of horror movies"Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein!"came about.A few books have come to light in recent years:"Movie Comedy Teams"by Leonard Maltin,"The Abbott & Costello Book"By Jim Mullholland and:"Abbott & Costello In Hollywood!"by Ron Palumbo & Bob Furnemack.Now..As a companion to These three manuscripts is the paperback edition of the film's script.Film historian Phil Riley has found an early draft of the script that shows us all scenes and dialogue that never appeared in the final release print:"Oh Oh! And Up Pops The Devil","You're not going to leave me with all of this work"."You're not suppose to throw away all of that fat wasite".etc in terms of the film's dialogue.There is one scene that was never used in the film and sadly.It prohibieted Poor Lou from using his improvational skills as a true movie clown.The scene has "Dracula"(Bela Lugosi)using his hyponotic powers to lure poor"Wilber Brown"(Costello)back into the castle for the brain transplaint.Lou keeps trying to run away.But the power of the evil vampire's spell is so strong that he is constantly being pulled back into the castle via the cave entrance.He finds a rock and sits there."Dracula"(Bela) by now is getting madder than hell! And he says to "Wilber"(Lou)"I Said Come Back!"."Wilber Brown"sits on the rock and says"'No! I'm sitting right here and I'm not going back!".Until both Lou and the rock are zipped back into the cave and into the evil clutches of "Dracula"(Bele Lugosi) and "Dr.Sandra Morney"(Lenore Aubert).The book also shows some photos from the film and some wonderful behind the scenes candid pictures from the cast members,the film's director(Charlie Barton),The film's producer(Bob Arthur)and Dialogue Director(Norman Abbott..Bud's newphew)and the members of the Abbott & Costello families.There are also some thoughts about the making of the film from the team's family members and the true story of how this classic parody was conceived and filmed by the book's author:Mr.Riley.For fans of horror movies and for fans of classic comedy movies.This is one book to have in your collection.Bravo Phil! Kevin S.Butler.

Magicimage Filmbooks Presents Abbott and Costello Meet Frank
This is a great treasure for Abbott and Costello fans as well as Chaney, Lugosi, or Universal fans. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book. The script is still titled "The Brain of Frankenstein" and includes deleted scenes which further add to the story. As someone who has seen the film many times the added info gives new insights as to the characters performances. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

The Abbott And Costello Story
This is a highly recommended ( now out of print? ) book. Covers all the films, all the T.V. shows along with plenty of biographical info. If you like A and C this is for you, a great companion to your film collection.
( One point, when you order, make sure it's packed well unlike the flimsy bit of card mine was packed in ).

Disorganized But Affectionate
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello had their moments of friction, but remained friends even after calling it a day as a comedy team. Bud really was watching "Who's On First" when news of Lou's death came over the TV. Both had tax troubles, but were never destitute.

Sorting fact from myth, "The Abbott & Costello Story" offers fair-minded perspective on what may well have been Hollywood's most successful comedy team, but there's a hole at the heart of the book. It was first published in 1990, 16 years after Bud died and more than 30 years after Lou's passing. Surviving memories seem vague. Abbott & Costello were never embraced by the literati. The one attempt at a definitive history, Bob Thomas's "Bud And Lou", seems to have been something of a smear job. All we really have left is the work itself.

Coming out of vaudeville, Bud and Lou first made a splash on the Kate Smith radio show in 1938. Their first film, "A Night In The Tropics", was a dud, even with a snippet of their trademark "Who's On First" routine thrown in. Movie #2, "Buck Privates", a service comedy released just as the United States geared up for war in 1941, made them megastars.

"They hit when the war broke, and they made America laugh," is how Costello's daughter Paddy explains it here. A top-ten box office draw for more than decade, A&C's light comedies often put them in military service or spooky situations. Storylines were usually secondary; it was the routines that mattered, absurdist bits like Bud explaining to Lou how he was laying off thousands of people by not putting mustard on his hot dog or else just slapping the poor pudgy guy silly.

The pair worked at a furious pace. By the end of 1942, they had already made seven more films since "Buck Privates." The two were rich and not careful with money. Both had many hangers-on, and played poker with pots running to thousands of dollars. A photo from the book shows a standing ashtray Bud kept at home, its crystal basin lined with paper money underneath.

Photos are some of the book's strongest features, posed shots of the pair from their various films as well as others of Bud and Lou with their families. But someone wanting the story of how Bud and Lou first connected will be disappointed. Authors Stephen Cox and John Lofflin present different stories, but shrug off offering anything definitive. The prose tends to be dry. There's a lot of chronology hopping, and not a lot of depth. Even most of the movies get short shrift.

Most annoying is the element of baseball inserted in the text, in the chapter titles, and even in the illustrative iconography. Abbott & Costello may be best known today for their baseball routine, "Who's On First", but it's not the sum total of their career, as quotes by Jerry Seinfeld and others here make clear. A lot of people have seen "Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein" without having heard "Who's On First".

The best moments come in the margins, like the "Sidelights" section on their movies ("Buck Privates" was nominated for two Oscars; Henry Mancini's first work on a film score was "Lost In Alaska") and the notes accompanying many of the photographs. In one, Joe DiMaggio is seen with Lou on the set of "Abbott And Costello Meet Captain Kidd"; with a quote from the Yankee Clipper marveling at how eager the celebrated actor Charles Laughton was to make a movie with Bud and Lou. Even the other legends of their day were in awe of Abbott and Costello; you finish this inconsistent book feeling that way, too.

Who's on first?
First published in 1990 as THE OFFICIAL ABBOTT & COSTELLO SCRAPBOOK, this 1997 release of THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO STORY by Stephen Cox and John Lofflin is an affectionate and nostalgic journey through the career of these two comedians. It's everything the Abbott and Costello fan would want to know, and then some.

A majority of the book's thirteen chapters comprise a narrative history of the team's progression through burlesque, radio, film, television, and animation. Additionally, there's one chapter summarizing each of their 36 films (production facts, cast members, plot, and sidelights), plus the one film that Costello did solo, from 1940 to 1959, and one chapter summarizing each of the 52 installments (cast and plot) of their TV show , which aired in 1952-53. Finally, and perhaps over the top for the reader satisfied with less rather than more, there's a chapter of one-paragraph program synopses for the 156 Abbott & Costello cartoons produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions in the late 60s, by which time Lou was dead, though Bud, by then in declining health, managed to provide the voice for his character.

THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO STORY includes lots of sidebar stories, the most significant of which is perhaps daughter Chris Costello's defense of her father as he was depicted in the 1978 NBC-TV docudrama "Bud and Lou", a production she loathes to this day.

Cox and Lofflin manage not to be too slavish in their admiration of the pair. The authors don't hesitate to remind the reader of A&C's addiction to gambling, in which they lost vast sums at cards, Bud's alcoholism and cavalier attention to U.S. tax law, and Lou's borderline sadistic sense of humor when it came to playing on-set pranks on an old pal, Bobby Barber, whom Costello apparently hired for just that purpose. The most amusing negative aside is one noted as coming from character actress Mary Wickes, who appeared in two A&C films ("Who Done It?" and "Dance with Me, Henry"), and who said:

"I didn't care for them. But that's alright. They just had no taste. They were coarse."

THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO STORY is loaded with photos, which might make it a coffee-table book except that, in its paperback format, it wouldn't likely serve as such in a Martha Stewart home. On the other hand, because of its awkward size - 10" x 8" x 3/4" - it doesn't fit easily on a bookshelf nor is it amenable for inclusion in carry-on luggage for reading on a plane. Perhaps the best way to approach it is to leave it at the bedside, enjoy it immensely at your leisure, then pass it on to a friend when finished.

THE BOOK to read and own on Abbott & Costello!!!
I've read a lot of (good, medium and bad) books on Abbottt and Costello -- and this is the BEST e-v-e-r.

If you're just discovering Abbott and Costello (and a major movie is reportedly in the works so you will hear more about them) you'll discover in these lively, profusely illustrated pages why the team greatly inspired Jerry Seinfeld and others. If you're into comedy and want to learn about their techniques and routines, you'll get plenty of helpful analysis plus some superb transcripts of some of their most famous, classic routines. If you're a Baby Boomer and want to read THE ULTIMATE book to take you down a nostalgic path to your beloved childhood stars, this is all you need. Why? A few reasons:

1. It's filled with tons of bio material about their careers, long lively quotes, a complete listing of their movies, tv and other appearances.

2. It is not a fanzine book. It looks at the two, warts and all, dispells a few of the myths that grew up due to bad reporting and, in one case, apparently, a highly inaccurate Hollywood movie about them done nearly 30 years ago.

3. It traces their whole careers, their triumphs, the sad loss of Costello's drowned son (how he went on the radio nonetheless with his show), their split up, Costello going solo, his tragic untimetly death, Abbott's attempt to stay in show biz, Abbott's tax problems and final years.

4. It has the BEST interviews from people who worked with them and knew them.

5. It has the BEST photos, illustrations - even a full color section that is not available in any other book on them. We don't usually think about this team in color, even though they made two color flicks.

6. Its the BEST COLLECTION of info and the most UP TO DATE. This is basically a comprehensive rewrite (LOTS of new stuff) and expansion of an earlier book on them under a different title. I have both books now and will not part with either.

The biggest compliment of a show biz bio book is that you read it and you immediately want to re-examine the artists' work. You truly won't want to put this book down if you're a comedy fan, just discovering this team, or remember them. Save your money on the other books -- get, read and/or gift this. I'm an entertainer and I collect show biz bios...NO OTHER BOOK ON THIS COMEDY TEAM COMES CLOSE.

This Abbott and Costello story is a rerun
Abbott and Costello fans be warned: this book shamelessly recylces and abridges material from earlier books, including Jim Mulholland's "Abbott and Costello Book" (1975) and Furmanek and Palumbo's"Abbott and Costello in Hollywood" (1991) in an offhand attemptto cover all of Bud and Lou's work. As a result, it covers nothing well.Other detriments: no index; numerous errors; the corny "theme ofbaseball" approach; a gushy, juvenile writing style suitable fornine-year-olds. Pick up either of the other books, which are vastlysuperior. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Heyyyyyyyyyy Abbott
There have been quite a generous amount of comedy teams over the years, but none as good, IMHO, as Abbott and Costello.This very fast read, will tell you the behind the laughter story of one little, fat, funny man whose ego got him into trouble and another dapper straight man who usually went along and did not want to rock the boat. He eventually ended up penniless.Both squandered their immense monies away gambling. Bud drank, had epilepsy, and Lou understood that he was the real talent and many times let Bud know it. Lou took more of 1/2 his share of the money many times taking advantage of Bud.But still, after reading this book, I want to know more, and still love the shenanigans of the fellows, especially "Who's on first?" ... Read more

Product Description
These 18 newly released half-hour radio broadcasts will delight you! The wordplay and comedic timing of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are great. Plus, as a bonus, a classic rendition of "Who's On First?" is included. Broadcast dates: 10-26-44, 12-07-44, 12-14-44, 12-21-44, 01-11-45, 05-03-45, 06-28-45, 11-15-45, 11-29-45, 12-05-45, 12-27-45, 03-13-47, 04-24-47, 10-28-48, 01-27-49, 03-03-49, 04-28-49, 05-19-49. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Good
Don't let the suspiciously low price steer you away from this. It's a good little CD. The two classic radio shows are funny (including the "Who's on First?" bit) and the sound quality is surprisingly outstanding. If you're a fan of Abbott and Costello, you could do worse than give this a try. ... Read more

Product Description
Two entertaining hours of the most requested old time radio shows. 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Humor that stays funny and does not grow tiresome
If there is a comedy bit funnier than the Abbot & Costello routine "Who's On First?", I have yet to see or hear it. I am not a prude by any means, and as a former construction worker, have uttered my share of expletives. Nevertheless, I have grown tired of "comedians" whose idea of humor is to swear a lot. This tape took me back to the days when humor was situational, based on timing, delivery and intonation.
In listening to the "Who's on First?" routine, you cannot help but be impressed by the crispness of the delivery, the inflection on the words and the genuine laughter of the live audience. I found myself laughing at it, even though I have heard it so many times. The other routines are also funny,again based on quality dialog and the delivery skills of two master comedians. I listened to it twice, enjoying it even more the second time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For it's one... two... three CDs out at the old ballgame!
According to manufacturer Radio Spirits, Yogi himself selected the vintage shows that comprise this 3-hour, 3-CD collection.

Dubs are from original broadcast transcription discs. A certain amount of surface noise and crackle is inevitable from these 60 to 70-year old records, but it's not so obtrusive as to render listening unpleasant. Recommended for all old time radio and baseball fans.

CONTENTS:

Disc One--
THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO SHOW: Who's on First? (4/17/47)
THE BOB HOPE SHOW - guests: Jackie Robinson and Joe Page (10/11/49)

Disc Two--
LUX RADIO THEATRE: The Pride of the Yankees - Gary Cooper (10/4/43)

Disc Three--
THE EDDIE CANTOR SHOW - guest: Joe DiMaggio (2/12/41)
THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM: "Trip to Cleveland" - guests: Bob Feller and Bob Hope (6/20/48) ... Read more

Product Description
Audio Cassette containing episodes from each of the listed Authors. UPC = 051375050398 ... Read more

Product Description
Beloved movie and television stars Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their name on the radio, and the resulting long-running radio show preserved a rich vaudeville tradition and sensational comedy sketches.

The sarcasm of Abbott's stern straight man is the perfect comedic compliment to the muffled screams of Costello's blustery baaaad boy. This collection presents the flat-out funny misunderstandings and wacky word play you expect from Bud and Lou, and is a tribute to the legendary timing and chemistry that elevated one good natured goof and his patient pal to enduring symbols of silliness.

These 17 digitally restored and remastered radio episodes from the 1940s include rare never-before-released selections, and are accompanied by a Program Guide by Ivan G. Shreve, Jr. with photographs and background information about the show.

EPISODES INCLUDE: The Abbott & Costello Show: 11-19-42, 02-01-45, 03-20-47, 11-18-48, 12-02-48, 12-09-48, 12-23-48, 01-20-49, 02-03-49, 02-10-49, 03-10-49, 03-17-49, 03-24-49, 03-31-49, 04-07-49; The Chase and Sanborn Program: Featuring Abbott & Costello 02-08-42; Bonus Track: Show Stoppers: Featuring Abbott & Costello 03-22-46 ... Read more

Product Description
Abbott & Costello captured the flavor of the vaudeville and burlesque days in their live TV series. The original television commercials have been included in this 60 minute tape to contribute to the feel of the era. In this first volume of the series, Abbott & Costello perform their most classic comedy sketch routine of all time: WHO'S ON FIRST - here in one of the most glorious and energetic performances ever given, televised live from their 1950's TV show! ... Read more