From the 1940s to the early 1950s, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were the biggest comedy duo in the world. Originally starting in burlesque shows, they first achieved success with their radio show, where they performed their greatest comedic hits. Soon enough, they signed a contract with Universal Studios, starting with One Night in the Tropics in 1940. However, it wasn’t until 1941’s Buck Privates that Abbott and Costello became a household name as box office hits. Though they were loaned out to MGM every so often, they were Universal’s biggest moneymakers next to their monster movies. Speaking of, it was only a matter of time before the boys would be paired up with the classic monsters. Though reluctant at first due to script issues, they agreed to take part in this horror-comedy mash-up. Finally, in 1948, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein was released and comedy history was made.
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Synopsis
Baggage clerks Chick Young (Bud Abbott) and Wilbur Grey (Lou Costello) must deliver two crates to McDougal’s House Of Horrors. These crates are supposed to contain the remains of Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Frankenstein’s monster (Glenn Strange). However, Wilbur gets a call from Lawrence Talbot/The Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.), warning them not to deliver them. Unfortunately, his warning falls on deaf ears as they deliver the crates, only for Dracula to escape with Frankenstein’s monster. Dracula meets up with Dr. Sandra Mornay (Lenore Aubert), a surgeon planning on transplanting Wilbur’s brain into the monster’s body. Meanwhile, Talbot meets up with Chick and Wilbur and again pleads for their help, which they reluctantly agree to. Alongside insurance investigator Joan Raymond (Jane Randolph), they travel to Sandra’s castle to confront her, Dracula, and Frankenstein’s monster. Hijinks ensue as the Universal monsters meet the comic stylings of Abbott and Costello!
Review
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is often credited as the first great horror-comedy, and it’s easy to see why. First off, Abbott and Costello are genuinely funny in this, playing off each other and exchanging witty banter throughout. Their comedy perfectly contrasts with the more serious terror of the Universal monsters, especially their scenes with Lon Chaney Jr. While Chaney is once again acting his heart out and taking the role seriously, Costello responds with a comeback. Despite it being 17 years since he first donned the cape, Bela Lugosi steps back into the role effortlessly. Though not quite as fresh as his 1931 outing, Lugosi still exudes the same charm and intensity as before. Unlike the last few films, Glenn Strange is given much more to do and even say as the Frankenstein monster. It also helps that the monsters are given equal amounts of screentime.
Admittedly, this movie doesn’t have much continuity from the other films, but it’s almost expected at this point. Also, given that this is meant to be a horror-comedy, the lack of continuity can be excused this time. Some classic horror fans might be disappointed to see the Universal monsters being seemingly made fun of, which is untrue. Sure, the monsters are involved in some wacky hijinks, but it never feels like Universal is insulting their own characters. It feels more like they’re laughing along with the audience at pitting two comedians with terrifying monsters. Unlike The Invisible Woman, where the comedy felt horribly outdated, here it’s more timeless thanks to the clever dialogue. It’s that perfect blend of slapstick antics and witty retorts that will make you howl with laughter. Overall, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is a fun horror-comedy that even non-horror fans can enjoy.
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