Abbott & Costello | The Art of Chemistry | A Docu-Mini
Summary
TLDRThis 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
- π The comedy double act of Abbott and Costello was a highly successful and influential partnership in the early 20th century.
- π They dominated various platforms including vaudeville, radio, film, and television, showcasing their longevity and versatility.
- π¬ Abbott and Costello are known for their iconic 'Who's on First?' routine, which they didn't originate but performed to great acclaim.
- π₯ The duo's contrasting styles in cadence, delivery, and physical appearance contributed to their comedic chemistry.
- πΌ They had a successful radio program and ventured into television with their sitcom, which was influential to later comedians.
- π¦ Their film career included collaborations with Universal Studios, where they starred in numerous features, often incorporating musical numbers and romantic subplots.
- π€ The accidental pairing of Abbott and Costello in 1935 led to an immediate connection on stage, setting the foundation for their future success.
- π» Their collaborations with Universal's monsters created a unique blend of horror and comedy, which were both entertaining and inventive.
- πΊ The 'Abbott and Costello Show' was a popular TV sitcom that emphasized funny situations and had an impact on later sitcoms like 'Seinfeld'.
- π Despite the changing backdrops and plots in their films, Abbott and Costello's dynamic and routines remained consistent, adapting well to various settings.
- π 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
π 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.
π½οΈ 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.
π¬ 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.
πΊ 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Comedy Double Act
π‘Abbott and Costello
π‘Rhythmic Delivery
π‘Burlesque
π‘Straight Man
π‘Comedic Foil
π‘Who's on First
π‘Universal Monsters
π‘The Abbott and Costello Show
π‘Duo
π‘Hanna-Barbera
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
Browse More Related Video
The Best Backcourt In NBA History: The Story Of The Splash Brothers
20 Television Actors Who Died Way Too Soon
She Died Over 10 Years Ago, Now Her Children Confirm The Rumors
El cojo no quiere que se sepa esto! - Pur de Patos T2 Ep.11
Biggest Busts of Old Hollywood Ranked by Size
India's Greatest Architect Charles Correa
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)