Abbott & Costello | The Art of Chemistry | A Docu-Mini

Summary

This script explores the legendary comedy duo Abbott and Costello, highlighting their unique chemistry and significant contributions to the entertainment industry. From their accidental pairing in 1935 to dominating radio, film, and television, the duo's rapid-fire humor and iconic routines, such as 'Who's on First,' left an indelible mark on comedy. Despite personal tensions and the tragic end of their partnership with Lou Costello's death, their legacy continues to inspire generations of comedians.

Takeaways

• 😀 The comedy double act of Abbott and Costello was a highly successful and influential partnership in the early 20th century.
• 🎭 They dominated various platforms including vaudeville, radio, film, and television, showcasing their longevity and versatility.
• 🎬 Abbott and Costello are known for their iconic 'Who's on First?' routine, which they didn't originate but performed to great acclaim.
• 👥 The duo's contrasting styles in cadence, delivery, and physical appearance contributed to their comedic chemistry.
• 🎼 They had a successful radio program and ventured into television with their sitcom, which was influential to later comedians.
• 🎦 Their film career included collaborations with Universal Studios, where they starred in numerous features, often incorporating musical numbers and romantic subplots.
• 🤝 The accidental pairing of Abbott and Costello in 1935 led to an immediate connection on stage, setting the foundation for their future success.
• 👻 Their collaborations with Universal's monsters created a unique blend of horror and comedy, which were both entertaining and inventive.
• 📺 The 'Abbott and Costello Show' was a popular TV sitcom that emphasized funny situations and had an impact on later sitcoms like 'Seinfeld'.
• 🔄 Despite the changing backdrops and plots in their films, Abbott and Costello's dynamic and routines remained consistent, adapting well to various settings.
• 💔 The strain of continuous work and a box office disappointment led to the dissolution of their act in 1957, marking the end of an era for the comedy duo.

Q & A

What was the significance of the comedy double act in the early 20th century?

The comedy double act was a prominent form of performance in the early 20th century, with duos achieving great longevity and a high volume of work, unlike the occasional pairings of today.

Who were Abbott and Costello, and what made them stand out among comedy duos?

Abbott and Costello were a comedy double act who dominated various platforms, including radio, film, and TV, with their unique brand of humor and impressive volume of work in just over two decades.

What is the 'Who's on First' routine, and why is it iconic?

The 'Who's on First' routine is a classic comedy skit by Abbott and Costello, known for its clever wordplay and confusion, which they didn't originate but performed best and made famous.

How did Abbott and Costello's contrasting styles contribute to their success?

Their contrasting styles in cadence, delivery, and physical appearances allowed them to create a rhythmic and perfectly synced comedic performance, enhancing their appeal.

What was the impact of Abbott and Costello's radio program on their career?

Their radio program helped them reach a wider audience and showcased their ability to perform without the visual element, leading to increased popularity and recognition.

How did Abbott and Costello adapt their comedy routines for film?

Abbott and Costello adapted their stage routines for film by integrating them into movie narratives, maintaining their rapid-fire delivery, and adding elements like musical numbers and romantic subplots.

What was unique about Abbott and Costello's collaborations with Universal's monsters?

Their collaborations with Universal's monsters were unique because the horror elements were played straight and serious, creating a perfect blend of styles that resulted in inventive and entertaining horror comedies.

Why did Abbott and Costello decide to make films independently of Universal?

Abbott and Costello signed a new deal that allowed them to make one movie independently of Universal per year, which gave them more creative freedom and control over their work.

What was the 'Abbott and Costello Show' and how did it influence future comedy?

The 'Abbott and Costello Show' was a TV sitcom that emphasized funny situations over life lessons, influencing later shows like 'Seinfeld' with its focus on humor and character relationships.

What factors led to the dissolution of Abbott and Costello's partnership?

Tensions behind the scenes, combined with the box office disappointment of 'Dance with Me Henry,' led to the formal dissolution of Abbott and Costello's partnership in 1957.

How did Abbott and Costello's legacy continue after their partnership ended?

Their legacy continued through an animated series, numerous homages, and the influence they had on generations of comedians, as well as Bud Abbott's brief comeback attempts and final performance in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon show.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 The Golden Era of Comedy Duos: Abbott and Costello

This paragraph introduces the legendary comedy duo, Abbott and Costello, who rose to fame in the early 20th century with their unique brand of humor. They are known for their longevity and extensive body of work, including 36 films, a radio program, and a groundbreaking TV sitcom. Their contrasting styles in delivery and appearance, combined with their impeccable timing, created a comedic chemistry that influenced generations of comedians. The paragraph highlights their most famous routine, 'Who's on First,' and their collaborations with Universal's monsters, showcasing the duo's ability to adapt and reinvent routines for different platforms.

05:01

📽️ Abbott and Costello's Journey to Stardom

The second paragraph delves into the duo's rise to stardom, starting from their chance meeting in 1935 when they filled in for each other's partners at a burlesque theater. It details their initial struggle to organize their act and the development of their unique comedic style. The paragraph also discusses their transition to radio and film, highlighting their first movie, 'One Night in the Tropics,' and the subsequent films that established them as movie stars. The duo's ability to carry a film with their natural comedic talent is emphasized, as well as the evolution of their film roles and the importance of their individual contributions to their acts.

10:01

🎬 The Dynamic Film Career of Abbott and Costello

This paragraph explores the duo's film career, emphasizing the variety and adaptability of their routines across different movie settings and genres. It discusses their successful transition from the burlesque circuit to feature films, with a focus on their ability to make each movie feel distinct despite the consistent dynamic between the two. The paragraph also touches on the behind-the-scenes tensions that arose due to the rigorous production schedule, leading to two comedies where they did not appear as a duo, and their independent film projects outside of Universal.

15:02

📺 The Abbott and Costello Show and Their Legacy

The final paragraph discusses the duo's venture into television with 'The Abbott and Costello Show,' which allowed them to develop relationships with other characters and focus on funny situations. The paragraph also covers their last film together, 'Dance with Me Henry,' and the dissolution of their partnership in 1957. It reflects on the legacy of Abbott and Costello, highlighting their influence on future comedians and their irreplaceable chemistry as a team. The paragraph concludes with a tribute to their unique contribution to comedy and the enduring popularity of their work.

Keywords

💡Comedy Double Act

A 'Comedy Double Act' refers to a performance by two comedians who work together to entertain audiences, often with one playing the 'straight man' and the other the 'funny man.' In the video, the theme revolves around the iconic comedy double act of Abbott and Costello, who dominated various entertainment platforms in the early 20th century with their unique chemistry and humor.

💡Abbott and Costello

Abbott and Costello were a famous comedy double act consisting of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. They are central to the video's narrative, highlighting their impact on comedy and their extensive work in radio, film, and television. The script mentions their most influential TV sitcom and their iconic 'Who's on First' routine as examples of their comedic genius.

💡Rhythmic Delivery

Rhythmic Delivery in comedy refers to the timing and pace at which jokes are told, often creating a beat or rhythm that enhances the humor. The video describes Abbott and Costello's comedy as 'almost rhythmic in its delivery,' emphasizing their 'carefully crafted rapport' and 'lightning-fast wordplay,' which contributed to their success.

💡Burlesque

Burlesque is a form of theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance, and comedy, often with satirical or parodic elements. The script mentions that Abbott and Costello's partnership began in a burlesque theater, which was the starting point of their journey to becoming a legendary comedy duo.

💡Straight Man

In a comedy double act, the 'Straight Man' is the performer who plays the serious role, often setting up the jokes for the 'funny man.' Bud Abbott is described as 'probably the best straight man that there ever was,' highlighting his role in delivering deadpan lines that set up Costello's punchlines.

💡Comedic Foil

A 'Comedic Foil' is a character who contrasts with another to highlight their comedic traits. Lou Costello is credited as being the perfect comic foil in the script, as he would project his frustrations onto the audience, creating a dynamic that played off Abbott's straight man role.

💡Who's on First

The 'Who's on First' routine is a famous comedy skit performed by Abbott and Costello, based on a play on words and misunderstandings. The script notes that while they didn't originate the routine, their version is considered the best and most influential, showcasing their ability to reinvent and excel in comedy.

💡Universal Monsters

The term 'Universal Monsters' refers to a series of films produced by Universal Studios featuring classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. The script mentions Abbott and Costello's collaborations with these characters, creating a unique blend of horror and comedy that became some of their most memorable works.

💡The Abbott and Costello Show

The 'Abbott and Costello Show' was a TV sitcom that allowed the duo to showcase their comedy in a new medium. The script describes it as a 'surreal TV sitcom' that emphasized funny situations and was an influential precursor to shows like 'Seinfeld,' demonstrating their lasting impact on comedy.

💡Duo

A 'Duo' is a pair of two individuals who perform or work together. The video frequently uses the term to describe Abbott and Costello's partnership, emphasizing their synergy and the fact that their combined efforts far exceeded what they could have achieved individually.

💡Hanna-Barbera

Hanna-Barbera is a reference to the animation studio that produced 'The Abbott and Costello Cartoon Show,' which featured the voices of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. The script mentions this as part of their legacy, showing how their comedy transitioned into animation and continued to entertain audiences.

Highlights

The comedy double act of Abbott and Costello was a lost form of performance that once dominated various platforms.

Abbott and Costello achieved impressive feats such as 36 movies, a radio program, and an influential TV sitcom in just over two decades.

Their legacy continued with an animated series and homages from generations of comedians.

Contrasting in cadence, delivery, and appearance, Abbott and Costello had a perfectly synced comedic timing.

Their comedy was rhythmic, with a carefully crafted rapport and lightning-fast wordplay.

Abbott and Costello are most known for their iconic 'Who's on First' routine, which they performed best.

Their pairing came about by chance in 1935, and they knew from their first moments on stage that they clicked.

It took them three years of struggle to organize their first act and material together.

Lou Costello was the perfect comic foil, projecting frustrations onto the audience.

Bud Abbott was considered the best straight man, setting up jokes almost effortlessly.

Their natural ability to play off one another made them huge stars on the burlesque circuit.

In 1938, they made their first radio performance, adapting their stage routines for radio.

Universal Pictures took a gamble on them, hiring them for supporting roles in 'One Night in the Tropics'.

Their success in 'Buck Privates' cemented Abbott and Costello as movie stars.

They continued to dominate with several features a year, adapting their routines into various movie plots.

The duo's collaborations with Universal's monsters resulted in some of the most inventive horror comedies.

Abbott and Costello's TV sitcom emphasized funny situations over life lessons, influencing later comedy shows like Seinfeld.

Their independent movie 'Dance with Me Henry' was a box office disappointment, leading to the dissolution of their act.

Lou Costello's death ended one of the most popular comedy acts in film history.

Bud Abbott attempted a comeback but remarked that no one could live up to Lou, leading to his retirement.

Their teamwork was so special that their individual work would not have been as impactful.

Transcripts

I've always shared with you that you

have if I had two cigarettes I'd give

you one that's right and if I had two

pair of shoes I'd give you a pair don't

I know that and if I have two girls yeah

well

why don't you like that cigarette put on

those shoes and take a walk for yourself

the comedy double act has become a lost

form of performance

while the occasional comedy pairing is

still popular today that in no way reach

the same level of longevity and sheer

volume of work as Duos did in the early

20th century

case in point Abbott and Costello

[Music]

a comedy double act who dominated each

platform they performed in

they not only had Vine 36 elaborate and

varied movies they also hosted an

acclaimed radio program and created what

is considered to be one of the most

influential TV sitcoms of all time these

Feats are all the more impressive

considering they accomplished them in

just over two decades

but their legacy wouldn't end there with

an animated series and countless homages

to follow give me the bird him

all right

to mention generations of comedians born

from their influence

no please excuse yourself individually

they couldn't have been more contrasting

particularly in their Cadence delivery

and physical appearances

[Applause]

I was playing choo choo train never mind

that hey you never let me have no fun

but as a pair they sync together

perfectly put a dollar in the pot

silly dude look the button on the table

not at a table certainly

all right now will you take that off

what are you doing you told me so not

bad their comedy was almost rhythmic in

its delivery a carefully crafted Rapport

that included Lightning Fast wordplay

yeah 15 went South what do you mean you

gave me a lot of faster

okay here's your five give me back my

two ten that's better now get out of

here okay all right now you wanna ten

more to you that's the idea how about

you friend and physical comedy

where are you guys going we're walking

out

today while they are most known for

their iconic who's on first routine a

routine that bud and Lou didn't

originate but one they reinvented and

performed best that's whose name yes

have you got a contract with the first

baseman well naturally who signed the

contract well now you wouldn't expect

anybody else to sign it but whole yes or

their collaborations with Universal's

monsters seasoned fans of their work

know that there is so much more to their

lives and partnership

so let's take a look back at how William

Abbott and Louis Costello became Abbott

and Costello creating a chemistry that

changed comedy performance forever

[Music]

as with other popular comedy teams of

that era Abbott and Costello's pairing

seemed to come about by pure chance

in 1935 they were both booked to appear

on the same bill with their own

respective Partners at a burlesque

theater in New York

when Lou's Straight Man partner became

ill but Abbott filled in for him while

they would have a long road ahead of

them the two knew from their first

moments on stage that they clicked

together like they hadn't with their

other partners our timing our timing was

perfect for each other but it took oh at

least three years of struggle to get our

First Act organized and the material

together while Lou Costello deserves

credit as being the perfect comic foil

expertly projecting his frustrations

onto the audience unpack that grip

unpack the grab

run away we got nothing Affairs right

but on second part if they came in that

door right now you know what will happen

they take us to jail we'll pick that

grip I like that grip hurry up before

they get in here take a grip

that's fine Bud Abbott deserves

mentioning as probably the best straight

man that there ever was look you're 40

years old and you're in love with this

little girl that's 10 years old now

you're four times as old as that girl

you couldn't marry her could you not

unless I come from the mountains there

you go you see you why don't you ask me

where did I finish this most of the

laughs in their comedy routines come

from buds setting up the joke almost

effortlessly taste that dish

[Music]

it's delicious

how do you like it good what are you

doing

their natural ability to play off one

another made them huge stars on the

burlesque circuit throughout the

mid-1930s

in 1938 they made their first radio

performance

no what is one second I'm not asking you

who's answer who's on first

things

buddy I'm only asking you who's the guy

on pushback that's right okay all right

foreign

audiences couldn't visualize them it was

hard to tell them apart which was

essential for their rapid fire comedy

delivery to combat this Lou pitched his

voice up higher than buds sounding more

childish it was a fixture that would

remain in their act from then on and I

heard one of the boys say that but you

didn't play in the game they wouldn't

let me I was too young oh well that's

different I didn't start on Tuesday I'm

going out with girls I don't blame you

as they continue to dominate the

airwaves eventually starting their own

program in 1940 Universal pitchers

decided to take a Gamble and hired them

to appear in supporting roles in a

comedy film called One Night in the

tropics while bud and Lou don't get too

much screen time here they easily steal

the show with all the reviewers at the

time suggesting as much I like question

you what what foreign

Universal's gamble had paid off and they

quickly signed the duo to headline 2

features commencing with buck privates

in 1941.

the World War II comedy saw bud and Lou

join the ranks of the U.S military

suppose you had five dollars in this

Pan's pocket and ten dollars in this

pants pocket what would you have the

captain's pants on there you are yes

nobody asked me those kind of questions

hey ask me a nice easy one and

screenwriters didn't yet understand how

to properly utilize them the duo just

worked a lot of their stage routines

naturally into the story accompanied by

a romantic subplot and musical numbers

by the Andrew sisters your chins up get

your chest out throw out your chest

and your chest down throw it out I'm not

throwing it quiet

after filming was completed Universal

rushed them into another production A

Haunted House comedy to be called oh

Charlie

while filming for this comedy was

underway Buck privates was released and

exploded at the box office grossing over

four million dollars cementing Abbott

and Costello as movie stars

come on pick it up I thought I had it

pick it up all right come on come on

Snap into it with a surprise smash hit

on their hands Universal decide not to

change the formula for their next movie

and oh Charlie was put on hold a

navy-based comedy was then quickly

developed and rushed into production it

would also include a romantic subplot

and musical numbers by The Andrews

Sisters I know these numbers were huge

crowd Pleasures at the time but when

watching today I always yearn for the

plot to get back to Bud and Lou

their comedy makes up for the slow

pacing though with them perfectly

adapting their stage or Kings into the

story there you are there's one two by

the way how many years have you been in

the Navy six years six what's that got

to do without my chains six yeah seven

eight nine ten it's much better it's

also great to see Shen power to appear

with them in several of these movies

the towels or something Universal

actually attempted to mimic the success

of Aberdeen Costello by teaming Shemp

and Wolfman actor Lon Chaney Jr they

only made one film together though

times 13 is what 28 prove it seven times

three 21.

times one seven

eight

oh

oh Charlie was retool to become Hold

That Ghost shoehorning in nightclub

segments so The Andrews Sisters could

make yet another appearance

the movie's success showed the studio

that Abbott and Costello didn't need a

military backdrop to make a hit taste it

fertie

might be poisoned

I want to taste it

might be poison what are you worrying

about in 1942 alone they pumped out four

films ending with one of their most

popular the murder mystery who'd done it

murder

Ed

get out

[Music]

which was their first film not to

include any musical numbers or elongated

subplots the result is a movie with

tight pacing that puts Abbott and

Costello front and center showing they

were capable of carrying a movie on

their talents Alone come here you what's

your name

it's in the book I'm getting a lot of

silly things from this guy he ain't

answering me we'll Grill them huh Grill

them I'm not hungry

it also helps that there is an engaging

mystery at the film's core with bud and

Lou worked seamlessly into that vulture

what yes I'm asking you what's votes

that's right I'll

swats Watts watch watch volts

Universal's vigorous production slate

left very little Breathing Room in

between films despite this each of their

movies managed to feel different with

different settings and backdrops

they would get stranded on a tropical

island paradise and pardon my sarong

that's the dollar I owe you the dollar

you owe me you pick out a fine time to

pay me where am I gonna spend a dollar

up there he gives me the dollar now that

he knows

become Heroes of the West in the wistful

Widow of wagon Gap when you say that

smile

and Escape imprisonment in the Middle

East and lost in a Harem

Abbott and Costello didn't reinvent

their Dynamic for each of these movies

rather they carefully adapted their

already proven routines so the

constantly changing worlds of these

movies I want to tell her well go ahead

and tell her I don't care no no tell her

in the bank tell her in the bank tell

her outside tell any place you want I

will listen they also remade routines

Popular by other Comics adding their own

spin on the joke

you doing over there soda

and what will you have Stan

soda in just a moment please pardon me

give me a turkey sandwich and a cup of

coffee please what do you have I don't

care for them oh go ahead have something

give me a turkey sandwich

I just kept through telling you I refuse

once tonight that's enough it's also

impressive to watch Lou bounce off the

walls doing his own stunts and several

impressive sequences throughout their

career well but Abbott stands slightly

off just reacting naturally

what are you doing now

I don't know how to get you out you stop

playing marrying around and stand still

continuing to pump out several features

a year was leading to tensions behind

the scenes though

[Music]

this combined with universal wanting to

mix things up would result in two

comedies where they wouldn't appear as a

Duo one of those 1946 is the time of

their lives is one of their most

acclaimed comedies here bud and Lou play

individual characters who don't interact

much one-on-one during the film the

result is a terrific yet different

comedy that showcases Abbott and

Costello as individual performers here

you can really see what a great

character actor Bud Abbott could have

been as a psychiatrist I've got to agree

with him and if we all intend to keep

our sanity we've got to get to the

bottom of this as the 1940s were coming

to an end Abbott and Costello signed a

new deal that would permit them to make

one movie independently of universal per

year while they had been loan to MGM in

the past I'm are you nervous

I don't know

it was through this Arrangement that the

duo made some of their most elaborate

Works including their only two color

movies Abbott and Costello Meet Captain

Kidd

ing

you look different

you do too

and later Jack and the Beanstalk

it was in the late 1940s though that bud

and Lou also began their collaborations

with the universal monsters I can't go I

got a date in fact I got two dates but

you and I

have a date with Destiny

let Jake go with Destiny I've covered

these movies in a separate video because

there's so much worth talking about

there but to summarize what I said all

of these team-ups work so well because

all the horror elements are played

straight and serious like an actual

Universal horror movie the fact that

Abbott and Costello are there is just

incidental

the result is a perfect blend of styles

becoming some of the most inventive and

entertaining horror comedies of all time

now I'll show you who is the boss I no

I'll show you who's boss

who said that the voice is familiar but

I can't quite place the face this

resulted in most of their movies from

then on including Abbott and Costello in

the titles it was mostly a marketing

Ploy with titles such as Abbott and

Costello in the Foreign Legion and one

of my personal favorites Aberdeen

Costello go to Mars and which they don't

actually go to Mars but rather New

Orleans

[Music]

and later Venus it's so bizarre and out

there that I can't help but appreciate

it for what it is a button loot take on

a Sci-Fi B movie

with a new decade Dawning Abbott and

Costello continued making films for

Universal so they were failing to draw

the same box office numbers as their

earlier work

just come out of this one uh Hey a dog

was swimming in there you're crazy

[Music]

[Applause]

but Bud and Lou still had to trick up

their sleeves in the form of the Abbott

and Costello show

The Surreal TV sitcom was produced for

syndication beginning in 1952. here they

were able to establish relationships

with other characters such as the

landlord played by Sid Fields I like to

see you do that again oh you would would

you

where the pesky stinky played by Joe

besser

he knocked me down the show emphasized

funny situations over life lessons

something that Larry David and Jerry

Seinfeld later used for inspiration when

creating Seinfeld over here

[Music]

it ran for two seasons of 26 episodes

and was incredibly popular in its own

right

in 1954 they finished out their

Universal contract with Abbott and

Costello Meet The Mummy the shovel is my

pay oh no that's a pick there's a shovel

that's what I picked as a shovel how can

I how can a shovel be the pick look if I

wanted to pick I'd have picked a pick

they decided not to renew their contract

when they couldn't come to terms with

the studio

what are you doing they made an

independent comedy feature next called

Dance with Me Henry in 1956.

the box office disappointment of this

movie put further strains on their

partnership though and they formally

dissolved the act in 1957.

well they were both open to the

possibility of re-teaming in the future

Dance with Me Henry will become their

final film as a pair

Lou Costello made one solo film called

the 30-foot bride of candy Rock the

following year

sadly though he died of a heart attack

shortly after filming had completed

ending one of the most popular comedy

acts in film history

you thought I was gonna fall in and

didn't you

but Abbott attempted a comeback with a

comedian named candy candido in the

1960s

despite a warm reception from audiences

buds soon dissolved the ACT remarking no

one could live up to Lou

he eventually retired shortly after only

coming out of retirement once to voice

himself in hanna-barbera's the Abbott

and Costello cartoon show

what's that I don't know but that's a

good name for him it became Bud Abbott's

last performance prior to his death in

1974.

when examining their career and sheer

volume of work it's hard to imagine

anyone else coming close to this level

in the future Abner Costello's work is

just a wonderful window and to a time

when two performers couldn't exist

without one another

what show me a lightsaber

oh my Lifesaver okay

which is really just a testament to how

truly special they were as a team when

we were overseas you didn't fire off a

gun I didn't have to I did all my

fighting with a knife with a knife with

a knife I had 6382 to my credit enemies

no potatoes

like Laurel and Hardy before them these

two were so great together that the work

they could have accomplished on their

own would have been nowhere near as

special as what they were able to do

together who's on first I don't know

he's on third there I go oh no no no

every time you hear those two guys who's

that voice watch a second I don't know

that little fat guy he killed hash no

good