The Naughty Nineties | Who’s on First? - Abbott and Costello

Relive one of the most iconic scenes in film history as Sebastian Dinwiddle (Lou Costello) struggles to figure out the names of the players on the field.
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Film Synopsis:
Comedy legends Bud Abbot and Lou Costello perfected their most famous routine ever, "Who's on First?" in The Naughty Nineties. Set in the 1890s, a ham actor (Abbott) and his dim-witted assistant (Costello) set sail on the Mississippi showboat, the River Queen. When the boat docks in St. Louis, the boys try to rescue Captain Sam (Henry Travers) from a poker game with three card sharks but are too late. The gamblers win a controlling interest in the River Queen and - to Captain Sam's dismay - set up a crooked casino operation on board. As the duo attempts to rid the showboat of the villains, they find themselves in a series of hilarious missteps that showcase some of the most hilarious moments ever captured on film!
Cast: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Alan Curtis, Henry Travers
Produced by: Milton Feld, John Grant, Edmund L. Hartmann
Directed by: Jene Yarbrough
#UniversalPictures #TheNaughtyNineties #WhosOnFirst

[@Arxane]

There is a reason why Who’s on First? became Abbott & Costello’s signature routine. The two of them got so good at performing this skit that they could lengthen or shorten it on the fly, and the two of them would play off each other as naturally as if they had rehearsed everything beforehand.

[@greenwave369]

I didn't like this skit as a child, as an adult I can appreciate their chemistry and undoubtable humor

[@ILikeToLaughAtYou]

I thought Naturally was on first?

[@harbottle8580]

He's not. Who's on first. He throws it to who, naturally.

[@Ymerthemad]

@@ILikeToLaughAtYou who is!

[@MrJesusrosario]

⁠@@Ymerthemad that what he’s asking!

[@michaelkyle106]

One of the best infield lineups ever... Jimmy Hu, Fred Watt, Victor Adunough, Tom Wye, Cesar Tamara, Haruto Tidei, and Eidon Givatarn. Legends!

[@Triggered6277]

Oh I thought it was Eidon Cayr

[@clone151]

What about Aaron Becauz and Will Neverno? (Who I imagine as the right fielder)

[@devilman3373]

@@clone151 Although the right fielder was never identified in the original skit, In the old Selchow and Righter board game, the right fielder's name is Nobody.

[@P47HFIND3R]

@@clone151 Nononono Who is on First

[@SpaceCore2053]

@@P47HFIND3R That's what I'M TRYING TA' FIND OUT!!

[@histrings]

Even when Lou trips over and breaks one of the footlights, they continue without skipping a beat. Classic!!!

[@PlumbPitiful]

This was a scene from a movie, not a live show. So breaking the light was intentional

[@seanpoag4170]

Wait, was that a genuine mistake they decided to leave in? Nice.

[@greenwave369]

@@seanpoag4170 it was intentional

[@kg7787]

No it was a mistake.

[@EEEEEEEE]

‎‎‎‎‎E

[@SkulShurtugalTCG]

If you listen closely, you can hear some of the crew off-camera struggling not to laugh. There were a LOT of takes for this sketch where they tried not to laugh, but the director gave up and left this take in, cuz he knew it was impossible NOT to laugh at this.

[@djmocha7]

You’re right. I think I heard a wheeze when Abbott says “He’s on third. We’re not talking about him.”

[@nathangeise2009]

Surprised there wasn't more laughing

[@derekllewellyn6663]

@@djmocha7 it's looks like going good I love it so much it's looks like fanny movie it's looks good I love it so much it's looks like new DVD releases review history books documentary about biography book of the day away magic

[@Joel-Serra]

Yes, I'm listening to this with headphones and I can clearly hear people snickering and giggling behind the camera.

[@greenwave369]

who's laughing I don't know if I heard it today

[@alfredocuomo1546]

Never gets old, the old riddle "Who are the only people in the baseball hall of fame that never played ball, Announced or coached a game" & the obvious answer is Abbott & Coastello. I've watched this skit many times at the baseball hall of fame, Classics.

[@TheHippieRat]

No, Who’s on first

[@alfredocuomo1546]

@@TheHippieRat I don't know ... Third Base..!!!!

[@tak-475]

​@@TheHippieRat Naturally 👍

[@aspenrebel]

I've never been there. I've been to the NFL hall of fame in Canton Ohio.

[@KHopeJHope]

@@TheHippieRatI was just coming here to comment that!

[@awesomeinspector5270]

Their best rendition of this routine. The timing, the setup, the physical comedy, etc.

[@rev.paull.vasquez4001]

Actually, I think the Retired Actors is best, because they naturally adjust their performance with the reaction of the live audience. Abbot even turns to address the crowd at least once. That recording is also the result of doing the routine over so many years.

[@thegoat5141]

@@rev.paull.vasquez4001 Totally agree!

[@erichfiedler1481]

Nah, the best rendition of this routine was in the Animaniacs episode "Woodstock Slappy", just replace baseball with rock music and band names and you got a brilliant comedy bit

[@randallulrich]

@@erichfiedler1481: Slappy Squirrel - Who's on Stage?: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5XUp2iufth5gq8

[@EEEEEEEE]

E‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎

[@shadowjack8]

This is the definition of a classic comedy routine. You know every line that is going to be said, and you still laugh.

[@electrictroy2010]

It’s strange how people of this era (1930s-40s) viewed the 1890s with happy memories & nostalgia. I guess because it was pre-Depression and pre-World Wars

[@Manoj17Patankar]

the funny thing is, when you break it down slowly and examine the words for grammatical accuracy.. the whole thing holds up perfectly. It is the easiest thing to do - slipping up - especially during the bits with the most cadence, and yet they deliver it without a single deviation. This is an education in setting up an extremely funny premise and using it to produce a tight, accurate and edge of the seat comedy.

[@Y-two-K]

There were a few instances where "whom" should have been used to be technically gramatically correct, although it's a rule that native speakers break all the time anyway.

[@postbunnie]

But his name wasn’t whom.

[@stitchfan_8290]

@@Y-two-K I have never even heard someone say “whom” except when someone is correcting someone's grammar.

[@cooldude2251]

@@Y-two-K no whom is the coach

[@greenwave369]

Naturally!

[@Tyler_Mills26]

I love when the guy with the bat starts describing his play and the skinny goes "that's the first thing you've said right all day!" To which the other guy yells "I don't even know what I'm talking about!" Also his little squeals of frustration is hilarious xxx

[@VHSo_o]

The short, rotund guy is Costello, and the tall one is Abbott

[@markstench4470]

@@VHSo_o Bud Abbott and Lou Costello

[@marcconte3275]

We officially are in a generation that doesn’t know who Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are

[@Tyler_Mills26]

@@VHSo_o that's it I can never get them the right way round lol neither can my dad haha xxx

[@Tyler_Mills26]

@@marcconte3275 I do know who they are in the sense of I've seen their stuff before like I have a box set of their stuff I just never get them the right way round xxx

[@MrBawdry]

This is easily the best American sketch of all time. Sublime.

[@ItCameFromTheSkyBeLo]

This is the best American Sketch. And the Cheese Shop is the best British sketch.

[@peachcobblercake3968]

Naturally.

[@Zwei4815]

At least until Steamed Hams.

[@Takeslongpoops]

I’d take the Dave Chappelle Clayton Bigsby sketch as the best ever.

[@MrBawdry]

@@Takeslongpoops that's inspired and sublime and definitely up there.

[@bartsimpson83]

In high school in the late 90s/early 2000s, I performed this bit with the art teacher in the school talent show (I was Abbot, he was Costello). You could tell a lot of the audience had never heard it before. They cracked up. Just goes to show good comedy never dies.

[@wordeye]

Did you do the whole bit? Because that's a lot to understand and also to remember.

[@bartsimpson83]

@@wordeye We did do the whole bit. The internet was kind of a new thing back then but already there were sites where you could print off the scripts for things like this to memorize.

[@wordeye]

@@bartsimpson83 mad kudos to you and the art teacher. If there's video, please post it, or just pics.

[@markvrahas5080]

Same haha

[@shaun2urz]

​@@wordeye Video hadn't been invented back then, even the internet was in its' infancy.....

[@Majima-San01]

This is a fond memory for me. My dad passed away this year from cancer and he absolutely loved this. Who’s on First was his favorite Abbott and Costello things

[@irishshawn3310]

Sorry for your family's loss 😢

[@Majima-San01]

@@irishshawn3310 sorry. I just saw this. Thank you so much for your condolences. I think I used that word right.

[@TimeandMonotony]

So sorry for your loss! My dad also died of cancer, so I know what you're going through.

[@natedeanmaan2]

My dad ran this joke with me a good number of times, and I surprised him with the joke because a friend of mine had shown me this skit, and we always had a good laugh about it

[@xpendabull]

My dad passed almost exactly one year ago and this was also one of his favorites. I'm glad he showed it to me when I was young

[@SulliMike23]

This is one of those routines that NEVER gets old.

[@electrictroy2010]

Never. A&C are my favorite comedians of all time. It’s strange how people of this era (1930s-40s) viewed the 1890s with happy memories & nostalgia. I guess because it was pre-Depression and pre-World Wars

[@TeeHeesandSeriousGiggles]

……hm.

[@PlumbPitiful]

2:51 ... Lou almost forgets the name of Bud's character, remembering just in the nick of time before the take was ruined! "Misterrrrrr Broadhurst!" 😆

[@electrictroy2010]

It’s strange how people of this era (1930s-40s) viewed the 1890s with happy memories & nostalgia. I guess because it was pre-Depression and pre-World Wars

[@TheTyke]

@@electrictroy2010 Similar to us with the 80's and 90's.

[@michaeltyler4034]

I’ve probably seen this routine a hundred times and I laugh every time. One of the greatest comedy bits ever.

[@Bolshewo1941]

Бери выше. Тысячи просмотров и все равно смешно. Я 20 лет смеюсь. Привет из России!

[@jarethloveland4159]

No matter how many times I see this, it still makes me laugh.

[@nikhilb375]

True 😂😂😂😂

[@TheNearsightedGamer]

Agreed!!

[@Rick-mx5kh]

Same here. I've laughed at this classic for 60 years. It never gets old.

[@-James-A]

Naturally.

[@EEEEEEEE]

E‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎

[@gregpst77]

Absolute Legends. This act will ALWAYS stand the test of time. Truly impressive.

[@jonathonpettit3858]

Such a great gag routine here. Oh, and if you are wondering what the player’s name is on right field, he’s Nobody. No, they actually gave him a name and it was “Nobody” in an adaptation of the gag.

[@pressureworks]

No WHATS on second!

[@thefandom6243]

@@pressureworks I Dont Know

[@pressureworks]

@@thefandom6243 3rd base!

[@dougfowler1368]

Thanks, I was thinking one of them played right field but that may have been another adaptation.

[@pressureworks]

@@dougfowler1368 One of Them........3rd Base Coach !!!

[@DOLPHINLADYFOXandPUP]

I am 65 grew up w/ this, I named my dog..."MY DOG" thus when someone asked "what is your dogs name"? my reply "MY DOG" person then looks at me like ??? then they ask again "what is your dogs name"? MY DOG , yes I know its your dog but what is its name? MY DOG...if the person is old enuff to remember, it then turns into "who's on 1st" this must be in the Guinness world book of records as the best comedic timing skit of all time!

[@Robynhoodlum]

This is even better than our third cat named “New Cat” - who is no longer the newest cat.

[@biggy0917]

You are a legend

[@murphy9924]

I'm half your age and would get that in a heart beat. Abbott Costello is my level of humor and no one my age gets it. Ever.

[@jazzgrackle1021]

Okay, and What’s your cat’s name?

[@MrBroon25]

​@jazzgrackle1021 I thought What was on second?

[@danbaranowski]

Pure fricking genius. The Naughty Nineties (along with Go To Mars and Mexican Hayride) is my favorite Abbott & Costello movie outside of their meetings with Universal’s Monsters from 1948-1955

[@marcconte3275]

Great selections. I love Pardon My Sarong

[@rcb3921]

2:51 I'm pretty sure Costello is so deep in the act that he can't remember Abbot's character's name, but he dives deep and saves the take. It's impressive.

[@wyattstevens8574]

"MR. BBBBROADHURST!"

[@ImAFatNerd90]

One of the greatest comedic duos ever.

[@JustinCage56]

1:51 It's that little pause and look he gave him is what destroyed my sides

[@worldofhunter1636]

2:32 That sounded like one of the set crew members in the background wheezing with laughter....

[@caryrevels6584]

These two guys gave me many laughs growing up in Brooklyn NY, My father actually knew Bud Abbott. Who sadly passed away in a home for former Hollywood actors. He passed on Apr 1974 i remember my dad getting a call from the nursing home. he was so sad to get that news. RIP Bud and Lou Bless you both.Thanks for the memories.

[@derekwilliams3093]

Well, I hope What's and Idontknow and the rest of the team showed up for Who's funeral

[@dorianvaughn1915]

@@derekwilliams3093 who showed up for the funeral?

[@sophianradio]

@@dorianvaughn1915 sure, he was in the box!

[@dorianvaughn1915]

@@sophianradio What's the guy's name in the box?

[@SulliMike23]

@@dorianvaughn1915 No Who's in the box.

[@keithvazquez6107]

After 80 years still funny as all hell.

[@bradsexton2315]

This is so timeless, I don't care how often I see it. It always makes me laugh. Costello's comedic timing is just perfect.

[@joekerns2916]

This will never stop being funny. Every version I've seen of this skit with them I have laughed so hard I cried. Absolute perfection. They don't make comedy like this anymore. I love it

[@eileenpepek6558]

Classic!! "Who's on First" has always been one of my favorite Abbott and Costello bits since the first time I saw it when I was a kid.

[@franklight2947]

This never gets old

[@cellpat2686]

4:47 - "I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!" 😄😄😄😄

[@jollybegood]

Watch comedy Oscar with Stalone, same line in a very similar scene

[@kaleobharrison2607]

#1 St. Louis Cardinals fan here and I'm proud of our heritage

[@DF.A.B.L.E.]

Saint Louis represent

[@alexmartinez5859]

Cubs fan here, but just because it’s St. Louis doesn’t mean I can’t laugh.

[@DF.A.B.L.E.]

@@alexmartinez5859

[@LittleBigKid707b]

Some things are timeless. Certain video games, movies, sitcoms, skits and whatever else. This was way before my time, but I'm every bit as entertained. This never ages!!

[@edwardmctaggart6841]

One of the best comedy sketches ever. Amazing timing and precision. Abbot and Costello were among the greatest and their comedy is still watchable today Marvellous!!!!

[@danielwhite5997]

The absolute cleanest rendition. Wonderful.

[@steinetrinder696]

I am now sitting on my granddads leg, watching Abbott and Costello. Jerry Lewis and Dean martin. Sherly Temple and all the greats. A trip down memory lane.

[@rong3795]

It's still the best comedy routine that no one today could ever recreate.

[@michaelrussell3890]

Jeff Dunham did a pretty good version (Peanuts Password Panic)

[@redneckrambo9626]

A century later and Abott & Costello still remain the greatest comedy duo in history. This skit and 17x3=28 are my two favorite comedy skits of all time.

[@corn8857]

7x13, not 17x3

[@mikemickypeterdavy]

I love the 13 x7=28 routine.

[@newblackdog7827]

Still genius! Love from England! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧👍🏻

[@robertbrezinski9348]

This version of "Who's on First?" is played on a continuous loop at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

[@ianmangham4570]

Awesome, I seen it everyday since 2008 😅

[@kathleenwindasgoodwin9165]

As it should! Can’t compete with perfection.

[@TeeHeesandSeriousGiggles]

I HOPE YOURE NOT LYING.

[@scorpius6667]

Probably the best running gag in comedic history! 🦂

[@garryanthonystx]

LOU: "I throw the ball to first base." BUD: "...And Who gets it..." LOU: "He better get it...." That always gets me crackin' up!

[@F3sterJ3ster]

Of every version of this act this one is hands down my favorite. The whole movie was gold.

[@keithnelson5376]

"Now thats the first thing you've said right" "I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 4:45

[@AnthonySomber17]

In the year 3023 people will still be watching and listening to this classic A&C routine because great comedy is timeless. Laughter is forever!!!

[@ajarthis1602]

That's pure comedic Gold! 😂😂😂

[@DouglasBlake]

This routine never gets old!

[@TeamRemForever]

I saw this in 9th grade, and I was dying of laughter 😂😂😂😂 I never laughed so hard in my life!!!

[@chaynelafantaisie7137]

This all checks out! These guys are absolute legends!!

[@Craftedbywaltz]

This is insanity outstanding 😂😂😂😂

[@qualx2003]

This is such a great skit. You can feel his frustration. They did so well, no mistakes.

[@pretzelchannel1]

The way they quickly and grammatically correctly respond to each of their super confusing statements is insanely impressive and hilarious. Truly a testament to the older school of acting and comedy.

[@michman2]

An all-time favorite, naturally.

[@kayeplaguedoc9054]

Truly timeless. This hasn’t aged a day.

[@AviatorCJ87]

Given how vehemently he was insisting that you "don't throw the ball to Naturally, you throw it to Who," and that all other positions were accounted for, I can only assume that Naturally is the right fielder.

[@melissaupton9104]

No, Nobody is right fielder

[@greatandmightykevin]

@@melissaupton9104 They don't have a right fielder? Who's over there??

[@GigaDarkness]

​@@greatandmightykevinWho's on first!

[@shawnlam3109]

Broadhurst’s on Right Field

[@Jr_Researcher_Equinox_SCP]

⁠​⁠@@greatandmightykevin No, Who’s on first, Nobody is the right fielder

[@ultravulva]

This is one of my most favorite comedy sketches.

[@CrystalShard9871]

Has to be my favorite skit. Love these two.

[@Summer_Reigns]

One of the greatest comedy routines of all time!

[@Rick-mx5kh]

The greatest...this is classic comedy at its best.

[@majintv24]

At 2:32 i swear i hear someone in the background weezing at the bit

[@RandyRieger]

Like 80 years later this is still incredibly clever and funny. Genius by definition. Legendary

[@tgurlamber5874]

Never gets old.

[@singlecatt]

One of my favorite skits. I and a friend did this skit for our senior "follies" in high school. I did the Costello part. Never cracked a smile

[@TresLanes]

That part at 4:05 where they both quickly go back to 3rd base.....brilliant, gets me everytime! 😂

[@theresecallahan8548]

I never get tired of this routine. LOL!

[@yodizzll]

I honestly think this is the funniest joke I’ve ever heard in my life

[@carlyedwards1422]

Showed this to my 7 year old who loves baseball. He laughed out loud. This bit will never die

[@megalon73]

This was probably there most Iconic of Abbot and Costello comedy career.

[@martinalarcon3108]

I still love this slapstick, bring memories of watching with my cousins as little kids

[@Theknightinhell]

"I'll BREAK YOUR ARM you say WHO'S on FIRST!" gets me every time

[@d4l3k15]

That is so hilarious and frustrating at the same time! 🤣

[@paulgoethe]

5:41 - the moment he realizes who "Who" is. lol

[@georgeblumer1496]

I first read this in a book about comedy in the school library and got hushed for laughing, it was the only time I couldn’t control my laughter in the whole book.

[@Kaiser_XIII]

"I'll break your arm if you say who's on first!" 🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelhilborn4204]

This stuff never gets old. It’s as funny today as it was a hundred years ago. Possibly my favourite comedy bit of all time. 😂

[@pamelawright6138]

I love this. I had a difficult call at work dealing with Coordination of Benefits and immediately felt like this was a fitting example of the confusion. 😂 I said the gentleman that I was helping "who's on first?".

[@lescobrandon3047]

Brilliance! I’ve watched these since i was a kid. And still laugh, slapping my knee.

[@sobreezymimi7622]

I remember this. Omg. I loved these two.

[@jamesdutton7083]

This is before my time it's still and absolute classic. I love it !!!!

[@ShadowsOnTheScreen]

Nowadays it is before just about every bodies time!

[@gd-jvy-official]

3:14, the delivery of the "Why" is so hilarious and I've no idea why lmao

[@henriquenolasco7990]

What a great routine. This is the first time I heard the complete version. Thanks a million Abbot & Costello for such an immortal scene 😂🤣😂👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@King_Colombia_Inc]

My father *ADORES* these two.

[@pamczech5984]

I have this movie and a lot of others with Abbott and Costello you just can't get enough of of them the shell game is great too when Lou uses oranges

[@hallnelson2897]

Truly one of Abbott and Costello's best and funniest skits ever 😊😅😂

[@LivinLarge589]

This skit should be played during every ballgame's 7th inning stretch. Loved it as a kid growing up and even now in my retirement. Good clean hearty humor without the 'foul' language!

[@douglasmcconnell8116]

This Baseball classic never gets old.

[@l.salisbury1253]

CHALMERS: Well, Seymour, it seems we've put together a baseball team and I was wondering Who's On First? SKINNER: Yes. Not the pronoun but rather a player with the unlikely name of Who is On First. CHALMERS: Well, that's just great, Seymour! We been out here six seconds and you've already managed to blow the routine!

[@Storm-jn5ct]

@@NoNameAtAll2 no

[@BBD-AITB]

@@NoNameAtAll2 that’s where it spits.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Even on an old Abbott and Costello video, Steamed Hams can't be escaped.

[@KuonilerariLoufanwald]

@@JTCurtisMusic Except that's not a Steamed Hams reference, there's literally an episode with that dialogue

[@000xyz]

I was watching this episode just now and naturally i go see you know, and what is second....i don't know....third? Naturally

[@Robbie_Lugos]

This is my favorite scene from any movie or tv show, and it was released before any of my favorite movies, tv shows, or scenes from either that weren’t made by Abbott and Costello. This will always amaze me!

[@dplatt7290]

I was about 7 or 8 when I first heard this routine (on an old radio tape) and it's still funny. You could play this for a kid today and they'd laugh.

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

nobody: my grandparents, married 70 years, having a normal conversation:

[@georgew4629]

The more you listen and understand the pure brilliance, the more you laugh

[@rachelguevarabjarke6020]

Humor for stressful situation. Proud of you music❤

[@reinbew62]

This is truly a comedy classic.

[@reddragonlegacy]

Still makes me belly laugh to this day. Truly a classic skit

[@loncaselton]

Still one of the greatest comedy skits of all time..

[@Eman-wj8gq]

That SS bit got me I was waiting for them to mention that. What a classic bit.

[@dennispasch9538]

One of the best comic teams ever, clean fun and entertaining…

[@williamsanborn9195]

If I ever performed this skit with a friend, I would NOT be able to hold back my laughter. It’s just THAT funny! 🤣

[@waynecassels3607]

One of, if not the greatest comedy routine ever.

[@mattanderson6336]

We’re just a week away from the four most beautiful words of spring. ‘Pitchers and catchers report.’

[@WhereTheyPlayForPay]

Impossible to watch this without cracking up at least once