Abbott & Costello: The MGM Movies review

[@amovieatbedtime4716]

Nice job Rob, really enjoyed the movie breakdown and inside info on the two stars. I didn't realise they worked into the mid '50s, they had a pretty long run then in Hollywood. Interesting what you said about over exposer being a factor in their decline at the box office. Familiarity breeds contempt I guess. Did they write their own material? Maybe they had less creative control at MGM. It's also very difficult for a new studio to pick up the same comedy vibe. Which is your favourite film of theirs. Thanks for looking back at some of the old classic performers. Still being referenced today in Rainman (who's on first) "It's comedy Ray, it's not a riddle". Take it easy Rob.

[@RandBreviews]

Thanks. I am glad you enjoyed the video. Yea, they got together in 1935, made their first movie in 1940 and broke up in 1956. The overexposure I feel played a role. As with writing their own material, they didn't when they got to movies. I highly recommend books Burlesque Revisited by Dick Poston and The Best Burlesque Sketches: by Ralph Allen. They talk about this history of Burlesque (where Abbott and Costello started). Apparently, some owners owned a chain and sometimes comedians roatated theaters but there was stock sketches like Niagara Falls that most comics knew and adapted it to their styles. I imagine that is where A&C learned some of the sketches. There used to be an later interview on youtube that Curly Joe DeRita did where mentioned what it was like in Burlesque. I think was better at sophisticated comedies, musicals, and dramas. Not the slapstick comedy. Look at the MGM films Buster Keaton, The Three Stooges (with Ted Healy), and Laurel and Hardy did compared to the work with their home studios. RKO , Paramount and Columbia were the best at that type of comedy.

[@amovieatbedtime4716]

@@RandBreviews Great stuff thanks Rob, interesting details and recommendations. Yes as you say all these prob spent years refining their acts on tour before taking it to Hollywood. I think people forget how difficult it is for performers to be funny and look spontaneous at same time. Cheers for all the info Rob.

[@RandBreviews]

I think so too. I read they had character actor Bobby Barber ruin takes to make them laugh and keep their energy up.

[@henrymockingbird9645]

I review Abbott and Costello rio Rita I review Abbott and Costello mgm film lost in harem

[@RandBreviews]

I will need to check them out.

[@henrymockingbird9645]

@@RandBreviews please do I also plan to review Abbott and Costello in Hollywood