In this week’s edition of The Showplace blog, guest blogger Artie Freeman shares his opinions and insights on some of classic films and television’s greatest entertainers.
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Every once in a blue moon, someone comes along and they become synonymous with a title. That happens to be the case when you mention comedy duo – the names that come to mind are Abbott and Costello. They are the standard by which other duos prior to or after them are measured.
Their work in radio, film, and television made them the most popular comedy team of the 1940s and early 1950s. They were the highest-paid entertainers in the world during World War II. Their routine “Who’s on First?” is considered one of the best-known comedy routines of all time. Fifty years later a Black Comedy Duo, Arceneaux & Mitchell, had a “Who’s on First” routine using pimps and street numbers instead of baseball players and their positions.
Between 1940 and 1956 Abbott and Costello starred in 36 films, most of them as a duo. They were both born in New Jersey but didn’t meet until they were adults.
William Alexander “Bud” Abbott was born October 2, 1897 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In his late teens Abbott began working in the box office of the Casino Theatre, a burlesque house in Brooklyn. Eventually Abbott began producing and performing as the straight man in burlesque shows that toured. Initially he was only the producer, but due to limited money he couldn’t afford to pay a straight man, so he assumed the duties.
Lou Costello was born March 6, 1906, as Louis Francis Cristillo in Paterson, New Jersey. He attended Public School 15 in Paterson and was considered a gifted athlete. He was an excellent basketball player and an expert free throw shooter, which he put to good use in 1945’s Here Come the Co-Eds. All of the trick basketball shots seen in the movie were done by Costello without the use of special effects. He was also a boxer; he fought under the name “Lou King”. He put those skills to good use in the boxing sequences in Abbott & Costello meet the Invisible Man.
In 1927 Costello went Hollywood to become an actor, but could only find work as a laborer or extra. He was an extra in the Laurel and Hardy 1927 film short, The Battle of the Century. Little did he know at the time that he and Abbott would surpass them as a comedy duo. Because of his athletic background he sometimes worked as a stunt man.
Abbott and Costello met in the early 1930s but didn’t work together until 1935 when Abbott filled in for Costello’s regular partner who was sick. In 1936 they officially formed a partnership that lasted 21 years.
The team’s first known radio broadcast was on The Kate Smith Hour in 1938, in which they gained national exposure. Initially, the similarities between their voices made it difficult for radio listeners to tell them apart during their routines. To help distinguish their voices, Costello developed his signature high-pitched, childish voice.
In 1940, Universal Studios signed them for a musical, One Night in the Tropic. They could have been arrested for grand larceny. They were cast in supporting roles, but ended up stealing the movie. They performed several of their classic routines, including “Who’s on First?” I feel sorry for anyone who had to follow that act, the term “dead man walking” comes to mind.
The relationship between Abbott and Costello was strained over the years due to money and their egos. When they worked in burlesque, they split their earnings 60%–40%, favoring Abbott. This was general practice because the straight man was always seen as the more valuable member of the team. They eventually changed the division to 50%–50%, but after arriving in Hollywood, Costello insisted on a 60%–40% split in his favor. Costello demanded that the team be renamed “Costello and Abbott”, but Universal Studios rejected the idea. That caused a rift in their relationship. Abbott suffered from epilepsy. To manage his condition, he excessively self-medicated with alcohol. Abbott’s drinking added more tension to their relationship.
In early 1943 Costello was out of commission with rheumatic fever and spent six months in bed. On November 4, 1943, the same day that Costello returned to their radio show, his son Lou Jr. drowned in their swimming pool. Costello was informed of the tragedy prior to the show but insisted on performing because he wanted his son to hear him on the radio. The radio show was performed with a live audience watching; they were unaware of Costello’s loss. After his son’s death, close friends say that Costello was never the same, his light-hearted personality was gone.
In 1945, Abbott hired a maid who had been fired by Costello. Costello was angered and refused to speak to him except when they were performing. The following year they made two films in which they appeared as separate characters and had minimal scenes together.
Costello started a foundation for people suffering from rheumatic fever. Abbott suggested naming the foundation the “Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation”. After that gesture there was no way Costello could remain angry at his friend.
In 1948 they had their most successful movie, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. It’s surprising to learn that they didn’t enjoy filming this movie. They made life difficult for the director, Charles Barton. Barton was quoted as saying “All three of the “monsters” were the nicest. The real monsters were Abbott and Costello.”
In the 1950s Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis dethroned Abbott and Costello as the top comedy duo. The reason for their decline was overexposure. Every year they made two new films. Realart Pictures re-issued their older movies and in 1952, their television series was syndicated on over 40 local stations. They became redundant and although they worked on new projects, they were using old material.
The IRS charged them for back taxes and they were forced to sell their homes, most of their assets, and the rights to most of their films. This was due to the fact that both of them spent their money in excess and were heavy gamblers.
In 1952 they made a significant film, Jack and the Beanstalk.What makes this film special is that it was their first color film and we happen to have it in our movie vault for you to enjoy!
In 1955 their contract with Universal was not renewed when they demanded a raise. In 1956 they made an independent film, Dance with me Henry, which would be their last film together.
In 1957 they gave their final performance of “Who’s on First?” on Steve Allen’s variety show.
On March 3, 1959 Costello died of a heart attack three days before his 53rd birthday. That day the curtain came down for the last time, ending an era.
Abbott attempted a comeback in 1960 with a new partner, Candy Candido. The new act received good reviews, but Bud called it quits, saying, “No one could ever live up to Lou.” Abbott made a solo, dramatic appearance on an episode of General Electric Theater in 1961.
In 1966, Abbott voiced his character in the Abbott and Costello cartoons made by Hanna-Barbera. Lou’s character was voiced by Stan Irwin.
Bud Abbott died of cancer on April 24, 1974 at the age of 76.
Groucho Marx considered Abbott be the “the greatest straight man ever”. Arthur Lubin, who directed the team’s first five starring films, said: “I don’t think there has ever been a finer straight man in the business than Bud Abbott”.
Abbott and Costello are among the few non-baseball personnel to be memorialized (not inductees) in the Baseball Hall of Fame. A plaque and a gold record of the “Who’s on First?” sketch have been on permanent display there since 1956, and the routine runs on an endless video loop in the exhibit area.
Abbott and Costello each have three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their work in radio, television and motion pictures.
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Be sure to check our upcoming guild listings for Abbott and Costello’s classic comedy showcased on ATVN programming and be on the lookout for more contributions from Artie Freeman in future “Showplace” posts. Artie provides great introductions to many of the classic movies airing weekly on ATVN’s “Movie Vault” and also hosts “Take 5” interviews featuring unique people and community leaders in our viewing area.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.