Abbott and Costello Meet The Podcast

As the great Count Floyd might say, "Oooh, this is a SCARY one, folks!"  Yes, it's our Halloween special featuring our pal, Paul Castiglia (author of the upcoming book, SCARED SILLY).  In this episode, inspired by the work of Bud and Lou, we take a close look at a collection of horror comedies.  We discuss Laurel and Hardy, Schilling and Lane, Hugh Herbert and Dudley Dickerson, Brown and Carney, The Bowery Boys, and more!  So, turn out the lights, watch for moving candles, and get ready for a Boo-tiful time.

Join Nick and Jerry as they take a deep dive look at all things Sammy Petrillo.  We discuss BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA, and the great new book about Sammy by Dave Abramson.  We go into Duke Mitchell, too.  It's fake Jerry Lewis for everybody!  Enjoy!

We've had a lot of requests to do a deep dive into the wild and crazy Ritz Brothers.  You'll meet Harry, Jimmy, and Al as Jerry and Nick discuss their career, their films, and their amazing talent.  Some people love them and others don't, and we are in the former group and we hope this helps put you into that category, as well.  And please DON'T HOLLER!!!

Join Jerry and Nick as they do a deep dish dive into THE BOWERY BOYS, and all their incarnations.  You'll meet the Dead End Kids, The East Side Kids, and even The Little Tough Guys.  You'll hear the whole story.  Were Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall a great comedy team?  You be the judge...and have FUN!

In this episode Jerry and Nick explore the 2nd most popular comedy duo of the 1930s. Wheeler and Woolsey seem to be an acquired taste, even though they used many of the same writers/composers as the Marx Brothers.  The results?  Judge for yourself.  Warning:  There are some strong opinions in this episode, but why should this one be any different.  ENJOY EVERYBODY!

Join Nick and Jerry as they discuss some of the less  comedy remembered teams, the ones we didn't cover in episode #53.  Here we take a look at Clark and McCullough, The Ritz Brothers, Olsen and Johnson, Brown and Carney, and even a few obscure ones!  It's real egghead stuff, man, so put on your Leonard Maltin tee shirt, your MAKING AMERICA FUNNY AGAIN hat, and your rip-away pants and join in on the fun!

Get ready, because Jerry and Nick meet here in person for the very first time, and the laughs are flying wild!  In episode #53 we discuss Bud and Lou's reputation as a couple that just didn't get along.  We also discuss the other great comedy teams and take a close-up look at how THEY all got along.  Luckily Jerry and Nick get along just fine.  ENJOY!

Join us as Jerry and Nick finally take a hard look at The Abbott and Costello Show.  Syndicated in the early 1950s, it's considered one of the most influential TV comedy shows of all time, and it is still airing today.  Here we take a look at 3 episodes from the first (superior) season, and 3 from the second (inferior) season.  Either way it's lots of fun, and there is even a visit to the Bud Abbott Variety Show, featuring a special guest.  Enjoy! 

If you're like Jerry and me you were HUGELY disappointed with Frank Coniff's commentary for WHO DONE IT? in the Universal Film Collection.  So, we are doing our own commentary on the film that many believe is their absolute best.  Listen in while watching the film along with us, or just listen and let your imagination take the lead.  Either way, have fun and watch out for that Limburger Cheese!

Celebrate our 50th episode with us!  The gang's all here, Nick, Jerry, and our special guest, The Ghost of Bud Abbott.  As promised, here is fan favorite, ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN with our commentary as it plays.  Just set up your DVD, Blu Ray, VHS tape, or streaming version of the film and begin watching on Jerry's cue.  We can all watch it together, or you can just listen along as you drive.  Just remember to have fun.  We did.  :)

On episode #49 of Abbott and Costello Meet the Podcast Jerry and I look at our top 5 favorite Bud and Lou films.  We begin at # 5 and work our way up from there.  There are a few surprises, lots of laughs, and a whole lot of fun information

Join Jerry and Nick as they discuss the OTHER comedy team that was under contract to Universal at the same time that Bud and Lou reigned there.  Here we discuss HELLZAPOPPIN', CRAZY HOUSE, GHOST CATCHERS, and SEE MY LAWYER, all 4 of Olsen and Johnson's Universal output.  See the links below:
HELLZAPOPPIN:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9pPh...
CRAZY HOUSE: https://archive.org/details/CrazyHous...
GHOST CATCHERS:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0DQH...
SEE MY LAWYER:  https://m.ok.ru/video/3352180361949?
rtu=%2Fdk%3Fst.cmd%3DuserMovies%26amp%3Bst.vdsrch%3Dsee%2Bmy%2Blawyer%2B1945...

Join Jerry and Nick as we answer the requests for a sequel to our last episode.  Here we choose 5 more of Bud and Lou's classic routines, and one surprise radio show at the end.  You'll also hear a fresh clip from Kevin Brownlow as we find Bud in another very unusual situation. 
AND you'll even meet up with a little Biffle and Shooster.  Enjoy!

Here are the links:
DICE GAME:  (Begins at 11:54)
  • The Lux Radio Theatre: Buck Privates (1941) 

Jonah and the Whale in Co-eds:
  • Here Come The Co Eds 1945 | Abbott & Coste...    (Begins at 34:07)
<...

In this episode Jerry and Nick look at their favorites of the boys' routines, and their favorite versions of them, as well.  So, join in on the fun for this super special "Greatest Hits" extravaganza!
LINKS:
Dollar A Day from ONE NIGHT IN THE TROPICS:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.out...
Loan Me $50 from BUCK PRIVATES :  You'll have to check out your DVD.  The link is too lengthy to post.  Sorry.
You're 40 and she's 10:  Can also be found on your Buck Privates DVD.  Too lengthy a link to post.  Sorry.
The Magic Trick ("Tin"):  https://na01.safe...

In this episode we look at Bob Thomas' terrible book, BUD AND LOU, and at the terrible TV movie it's based upon.  It's terrible-ness in abundance as we look at what boils down to Eddie Sherman's revenge.  Their manager obviously had a bone to pick with the boys, and especially Lou.  And the movie features some of the worst depictions of Abbott and Costello material you will ever see, or WANT to see.  Buddy Hackett and Harvey Korman do nobody proud as we deep dive into these messes.  Join us, if you dare!

Join Jerry and Nick as we delve into the sensation caused by those two burlesque comedians in BUCK PRIVATES and the scramble by the other studios to claim some of that gravy.  Suddenly everybody seemed to have a "comedy team" in a service comedy.  You'll learn about Brown and Carney, Stan and Ollie, Gleason and Durant, Haley and Oakie, and SIlvers and Durante!  And for the very first time in 44 episodes Jerry disagrees with Nick about something.  :)  Join the fun!

Jerry and I have an in depth discussion about Lou's first project as a producer, A WAVE, A WAC, AND A MARINE (Monogram 1944). You'll hear all about the director, the production, and the incredible cast. Lou paid back some favors here and his loyalty is a thing of beauty, especially in Hollywood. We also discuss Ed Watz's scurrilous article on the boys for COMIQUE magazine, a fantastic documentary about "Gorilla Man" Charlie Gemora, and we read and comment on your always welcome emails (I'm at: [email protected]).

IT'S HOLIDAY TIME and in this episode Jerry and I read and answer your emails, you'll hear a letter from my co-author Matthew Coniam, and together we'll watch an Abbott and Costello cartoon, Lou's Birthday episode of their TV show, and THE COLGATE COMEDY HOUR CHRISTMAS SHOW!  Tis the season for Bud and Lou, so join in on the holiday fun!  THIS PART TWO OF TWO.

IT'S HOLIDAY TIME and in this episode Jerry and I read and answer your emails, you'll hear a letter from my co-author Matthew Coniam, and together we'll watch an Abbott and Costello cartoon, Lou's Birthday episode of their TV show, and THE COLGATE COMEDY HOUR CHRISTMAS SHOW!  Tis the season for Bud and Lou, so join in on the holiday fun!

On Episode#41 of ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE PODCAST: SON OF BITS AND PIECES.  It's Lou demonstrating his ice making machine.  Bud and Lou do Who's On First for the last time on video, and there are 3 appearances of Lou as a solo on The Steve Allen Show.  And for the grand finale, Lou proves his dramatic chops on WAGON TRAIN:  The Tobias Jones Story.  Join Jerry and Nick for this shared experience as we watch these appearances as a group.  ENJOY!
ICE MACHINE:  https://youtu.be/8Jzcf1n2UDo?feature=shared
WHO'S ON FIRST: https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Join Jerry and Nick as they explore the boys meeting up with The CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, and two episodes of The GE Theater:  BLAZE OF GLORY with Lou Costello, and THIS LAUGH IS ON ME with Bud Abbott.  We can all watch them together or you can just listen to the commentaries we provide.  Here are the links in order:  BLAZE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-oZjUjKyW0 
LAUGH:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LVBoA_oe0g
CREATURE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-j-VlKTIRo

On episode #39 of ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE PODCAST we take a gander at the compilation film, THE WORLD OF ABBOTT AND COSTELLO, a  look at the boys' Universal films based on the success of Robert Youngson's compilation films.  We also take a close look at the Lou Costello, Jr. Youth Foundation in 10,000 KIDS AND A COP, a plea for purchasing Christmas seals in IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME, and THIS IS YOUR LIFE, LOU COSTELLO.  

It's the end of the trail for Lou Costello in his only solo film.  It's a satire of the many "giants go on a rampage" movies from the 1950s, and Dorothy Provine is our lovely giantess.  There are many familiar faces in this movie including Gale Gordon, Doodles Weaver, Bobby Barber, Joey Faye, Charles Lane, and more.  It's a so-so farewell to Lou's film legacy, but it's nothing to be embarrassed about.  There is LOTS of interesting information and a lot of laughs.  And remember to press "Like" and please "Subscribe".  Thanks!

Here's all the lowdown on Bud and Lou's final film as a team.  This ends their wildly successful 20 year partnership, which included 16 years of moneymaking films.  Here the boys are fighting actual deadly gangsters (with guns!), as well as the even more dangerous Mary Wickes from the Child Welfare Board!  Rusty Hamer is in it (from Make Room For Daddy), and so is Inspector Henderson from The Adventures of Superman (Robert Shayne).  Jerry and I both like this film a lot.  Maybe you will, too.  We hope so.

It's Mummy dearest here in Bud and Lou-Land as they meet Klaris, a giant lizard, and Richard Deacon.  It's their final film for Universal and it's darned good.  In fact, we think it's one of their better films.  Marie Windsor is at her sultry best, and the cross-talk routines are back.  This film also features one of their best routines (The Deadly Necklace).  Join us for more fun than anyone has a right to have.

Grab your truncheon and your droopy mustache and join us for a close-up look at Bud and Lou's penultimate Universal film. The boys didn't come from this world of film slapstick, but they take to it like champs. Fred Clark lends terrific support, and even the old man (Mack Sennett) shows up to remind us from whence this all came. Join the fun...and subscribe to the channel.

 Join Jerry and Nick as they discuss this interesting chapter in the boys' monster series for Universal. This one is problematic in that there are no classic verbal routines, and there is an awful lot of stuntmen falling down a lot. Learn all about the folks in and around the film, and thrill to Boris Karloff as he only plays Dr. Jekyll for $15,000.00. 

It's up and away as our heroes traverse outer space, New Orleans, and Anita Ekberg!  It's a fun one, folks...better than you remembered.  See a rocket go through the Lincoln tunnel without paying toll!  See the Statue of Liberty duck!  See Venus instead of Mars!  But mostly, SEE how much fun we have in this episode.

AHOY MATIES, hoist the anchor, set the sails, and drink some port because it's time to look at this salty tale of the bounding main.  Bud and Lou team up with the great Charles Laughton for ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET CAPTAIN KIDD.  See Hillary Brooke looking gorgeous, Laughton out-mugging Bud and Lou, and some really terrific color photography.  Come aboard and join us for the fun.  

Not one of their best (by a long shot), but it's our boys and they're worth the look.  At least there is Tom Ewell and Mitzi Green in fine support, and there are a couple of routines the boys had never used before, and Lou gets to do a song with Mitzi.  Fish fly, Bud is really abusive, and the fake snow is everywhere!  Have fun!

 Let's climb up the beanstalk with our boys, Bud and Lou as they confront a giant, a talking harp, and some really bad dancers. It's their first film in color and it looks great. This one is for the kids, the kids inside of all of us. Lots of inside info, sound clips, and terrible puns. 

It's that time again! ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE PODCAST is ON the AIR. You'll hear Jerry and I realize that this is one damned funny movie. There's hillbilly music to spare (supplied by The Park Avenue Hillbilly, Dorothy Shay). You'll meet the cast, the crew, Buddy boy and Lou (Burma Shave). ENJOY! (And sh...but there's a Bud segment from Kevin Brownlow.)

Bud and Lou are gumshoes out to clear boxer Tommy Nelson of a murder charge. His being invisible only fuels the hilarity, and the boxing scenes are worth the price of admission. A really good A and C film, and one of their last true gems. Oh, and Adele Jergens is in it. AOOOOGAH!!!

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! It's sand, sabotage, and satire in this funny comedy adventure. Bud and Lou visit the world of professional wrestling, desert warfare, and Beau Gest-uring. And this one has a great supporting cast, as well as the lovely Patricia Medina. 
Give it a listen as Jerry and Nick cover every last detail.

Just when you thought it was safe to re-enter ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE PODCAST we give you THIS film. It's murder and mayhem by the yard as the boys try to solve multiple murders in a spooky hotel. This one benefits from a very strong supporting cast, and the Lost Cavern Bottomless Pit is there just waiting for you. This is not only a funny Bud and Lou film, but it's a creepy journey with more inert bodies than can be found at a session of congress. And Karloff isn't really in it much, but his name brought value...

 UMGOWA! (Which means "Entangle" in Swahili). It's time for Jerry and Nick to dig really deep into the African Jungle, as we go on safari to the wilds of Independent Film Production with AFRICA SCREAMS! This is the film that not only pairs two Stooges, but it also features Hillary Brooke! Nick rated this one as one of his least favorites. Listen in and see how that changes. 

Join Nick and Jerry as they take a close look at MEXICAN HAYRIDE, Bud and Lou's adaptation of the hit Broadway Cole Porter Musical...without the Cole Porter music. You'll hear the whole story as Nick screws up the writers names, and also metaphorically compares Mexican Hayride to Shemp Howard. Tune in and find out why.

 Join Jerry and me as we look deeply into not only Count Dracula's eyes, but into this amazing horror comedy, too. It has never been topped. You'll hear behind the scenes stories about the film and it's creators, as well as facts about all the main actors. We LOVE this movie, and hopefully this will open the door for the uninitiated. This is the movie the boys will be remembered by. Enjoy! 

Join Jerry and Nick as they look deeply into Bud and Lou's first independent feature, THE NOOSE HANGS HIGH. It's a real dandy of a flick, and their great burlesque routines are especially plentiful here. With a terrific cast including Joseph Calleia, and Leon Errol, this is easily one of the boy's best films.