Amazon.com

Unlike the fly in the 1958 horror classic, they never really explainwhat happens to the neighbor's sheepdog when young Wilby Daniels trades places with it. The dog just vanishes, or is subsumed or assumed or something, leaving Wilby (Tommy Kirk) to explain to his dog-hating, allergic, mailman father (Fred MacMurray) that he's turned into a canine.The Shaggy Dog seems like the first instance of Disney packaging, as most of the principals were either Mouseketeers or had been in the short Disney segmentSpin and Marty or a previous Disney film. As successful as The Absent Minded Professor for humor, Dog follows Wilby and a rival as they vie for the hand of the new French girl in school, and the girlnext door (Annette Funicello). The exchanges with Wilby's younger brother, Moochie (Kevin Corcoran), who always wanted a family dog, are alone worth the price ofthe tape. Indeed the most successful element of this overall endearing film is the re-pairing of the two actors as brothers (they had done so before in 1957's Old Yeller). This is family fare that's diverting without pandering, a feat that the later Disney regime would have a difficult time re-creating. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Sweet, nostalgic Fun
This movie may seem a pretty dated to today's kids and teens, but adults will enjoy this family film about a boy (Tommy Kirk) who can shape-shift into a big, shaggy dog. The wonderful Fred MacMurray plays his allergic-to-dogs father.It is funny and innocent, set in a more carefree time. I highly recommend this movie. 5 Stars!

Hot diggetty Dog!
I hadn't seen this black and white Disney classic since I was knee-high to a sheepdog! It's a fun reunion with old friends and an enjoyable treat for the whole family. Fred MacMurray is a mail man. He hates dogs. His older son, Wilby (Tommy Kirk) is a geeky teenager. Younger son Moochie, (Kevin Corcoran) wants a dog. Annette Funicello (after the Mickey Mouse Club but before the Beach) is the girl next door whose hold on Wilby and his friend Buzz (later to be the eldest of MacMurray's Four - there were 3, and then he left and Ernie - Chip's real-life brother- came and there were still Three - TV Sons ) is threatened by an exotic new girl on the block, Francesca. Francesca has a very large Bratislavian (Shaggy) Sheepdog and a father with lots of unsavory friends and associates, including Struther Martin who will later have a "failure to communicate" with Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke."

It is 1959. It is the height of the Cold War with the USSR and its Eastern Bloc. Wilby has stumbled (literally) into possession of an accursed ring of Lucretia Borgia's - which, at unpredictable times and places "shape shifts" him into the Shaggy Dog or back into Wilby. In his various incarnations, Wilby overhears a plot to destroy America. He and his family and friends must save Democracy! Along the way we see a pajama clad Dog gargling and brushing his teeth at the sink before bedtime, chatting with confounded policemen, and leading them on a merry high speed car chase. A Bratislavian Sheepdog driving a convertible at a rapid rate is quite a sight to see! My favorite line is Buzz (an Eddie Haskell type of adolescent) hitting up Wilby for some money. "I'll need some gas. You wouldn't happen to have a buck on you?" Things have changed.

Disney gets big laughs with new comedy formula
This movie has kids and teens, animals, fun music, a magic ring that changes a person into a dog, spies, fumbling police, mixed up identities, fast cars, action and chase scenes, and a suffering dad who has to take the brunt of his boys antics including an attempt to prove he is crazy by a psychologist. This is an important film as the first live action comedy made by Disney introducing a popular series of formula Disney comedies through the sixties. The best parts of this film were mimicked in so many others.

It is also the first Disney film to feature Fred MacMurray. This was a comeback vehicle for the actor who was languishing without much work since the type of film he was known for was no longer produced. But after this film he went on to do many films for Disney, the "Absent Minded Professor" and its sequal "Son of Flubber","Bon Voyage", "The Happiest Millionaire", "Charley and the Angel", and "Follow Me Boys", a non-comedy sentimental film Dinsey made about a boy scout leader.

Tommy Kirk is also in this film as Freds son "Wilby" and the hero, of sorts. After all, he is the one turns into a dog with the accidental help of a magic ring. Juvenile Disney star Moochie (Kevin Corcoran)plays his younger brother, and is outright hilareous with his show stealing antics. The ever charming Annete Funicello is here, along with a couple of other Mouseketeers in bit parts. But mouseketeer Roberta Shore plays the sweet Franceska, the new neighbor that Wilby falls for. Her dog looks just like the dog that Wilby turns into when he is enchanted, so Wilby takes his place to find out how good a dog's life really is. But Wilby soon finds out that her villainous father is a dangerous foreign spy.

While it was filmed as a low budget piece, it was very succesful comercially raking in $8 million in its first theatrical release. That was very big in 1959. The movie concept was first offered to a TV network as an idea for a new series, and they gruffly turned it down as "a stupid idea that no one would want to watch". Walt made it anyway, turning it into a theatrical release. When the crowds poured in to the theatre the studio boss called Walt to admit his mistake. Walt laughed all the way to the bank, and created a whole series of movies based on some ideas from this movies formula. This includes the police officer scratching his head, and other character actors that seemed to crop up in the next dozen comedies.

A great Disney advertising campaign aimed at teenagers capitalized on the then-current fad for "I was a teenage ____" movies. The film starts with some great animated titles done expertly by veteran Dinsey animators X. Atencio, T. Hee, and Bill Justice. Released in 1959, written and produced by Disney Studio man Bill Walsh. Directed by Charles Barton. Disney veteran Bill Koehler did the animal training with the sheepdog that is used in some scenes as he did on at least half of the Disney films. (read his rare book "The Wonderful World of Disney Animals" if you can find it.)

Look out for famous Disney voice talent Paul Frees in this, he is the narrator and is seen as the psychiatrist (a rare on-screen appearance for the voice actor). His famous voice is featured throughout Disneyland ride attractions, especially in the Haunted Mansion (ghost host)and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The plot has a touch of 50's paranoia about the cold war, but spoofs it rather than warning of the dangers. Kids just love this film and so do parents and teens.
A sequal called "The Shaggy DA" was made after this. This movie was also remade recently for television by Disney with more modern effects.

Just hilarious.
This is one of the funniest Disney movies they ever made. The adults are goofy, the kids adorable, and the exchanges between the two brothers....priceless. I'd forgotten how much I love it.

Funny
this is a funny movie about a teenager who finds this magic ring and reads what it says on the ring, he sometimes (you never now when) will turn into a dog, and worse the dog that he turns into belongs to a girl he likes. very funny good family movie ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Abott & Costello's Best
By far my favorite Abbott & Costello movie ever. Costello is considered a traitor and sentenced to live in a well until he as a ghost can prove that he wasn't a traitor. He haunts Bud Abbott who plays a great great grandson of the man who betrayed Costello until he finally helps Costello...who plays a tinker, prove his innocence. The movie is very funny and in my opinion the best plot of any of the Abbott & Costello films. If you want one Abbott & Costello movie, this is the one you should get!!!

Slapstick and Sentiment
Lou Costello stars as a tinker who is mistakenly shot and killed as a traitor during the American Revolution, and then cursed to spend the rest of time until doomsday on the property where he died. Marjorie Reynolds is also trapped there with him as a ghost, and they develop a warm friendship as time goes by. The film fast forwards as a young couple restore the estate and move in, only to discover that the rumours about it being haunted are true. Bud Abbott stars as a visiting friend of theirs, a man who is a descendant of one of Costello's enemies. This is not a typical Abbott and Costello film, since they are not really teamed together, despite sharing some scenes, and it is also unusual because this film not only has the expected slapstick, but it also displays a lot of heart and sentiment. Costello and Reynolds are very effective as the unfairly accused traitors trying to put their pasts behind them (even after death), and Gale Sondergaard as the clairvoyant housekeeper is an excellent choice for that role. Fans of the duo and people who generally don't watch their films will want to catch this one because it will probably surprise them quite a bit.

The Greatest Abbott & Costello movie ever
I just finsihed reading everyone's reviews and agree wholeheartly: this is the BEST Abbott & Costello movie ever! I remember watching their movies every Sunday morning at 11:30 when I was a kid. But this one is by far the best and is my all time favorite! The funny thing is, I haven't met too many peoole who know this movie!

Bring on the DVD!!

The Creme de la Creme
There is a lot of silliness in most Abbott & Costello movies -- but not this one.

This is a great film, and so much more than an Abbott & Costello vehicle.

Truly great stuff.

The time of their Lives
I saw this when I was a kid and was facinated and enjoyed it immensly. It was a change from the slapstick comedy Abbott and Costello usually do. Costello is an intelligent man and I always hated when he was abused by Abbott. This was a movie that I would see a million times and am trying to get it on DVD ... Read more

Amazon.com

Universal Pictures made a great deal of money from its monster movies in the 1930s. In the early '40s, the burlesque team of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello kept the studio's coffers full. When the two franchises were combined in 1948, the result was another windfall--despite the apparent oil-and-water mix of subject matter. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein was the first of these summit meetings, although the title is a misnomer. Actually, Bud and Lou bump into most of the Universal heavy-hitters, including Count Dracula (played by Béla Lugosi himself), the Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.), and the Frankenstein monster (veteran monster Glenn Strange). There's even a token appearance by the Invisible Man, whose disembodied voice is recognizable as that of Vincent Price. Sure enough, the film is funny, especially since it gives the portly Costello multiple opportunities to do his wide-eyed, quivering scaredy-cat routine. Audiences ate it up, and in future installments Bud and Lou would run into Boris Karloff, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Invisible Man, and the Mummy. But the first was the best. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (86)

AN ALL-TIME CLASSIC!
This was the film that had me eagerly watching The Abbott & Costello Movie each week as a kid...praying that this would be the one aired. What a classic that works on so many levels. It's funny! It's scary! It's nostalgic! And most importantly it treats all of the Universal Monsters seriously! The movie does not make Dracula, Frankenstein, or the Wolf-Man cartoons an buffoons...Bud and Lou rightfully handle that aspect.

The DVD is overall a nice presentation complete with trailers, production notes and photos, a "Making of..." featurette, and an outstanding audio-commentary by film historian Gregory Mank. I loved this commentary because it includes a little bit of everything: how much did each actor make on the film, what were the actors like to work with, where did they go after making this film, where are they today, and how were aspects of this film made. You can tell that Mank did plenty of research before recording this commentary.

If you want to laugh, then check out Abbott and Costello and the monsters in one of the all-time classics from Universal. If you're a real fan of the Lon Chaney Wolf-Man character you may want to read the incredibly fun book by Jeff Rovin, The Return of the Wolf-Man which picks up right where this movie concludes.

Dracula, Frank, and Wolfman scare Bud Abbott & Lou Costello
Lon Chaney becomes "The Werewolf", Bela Logosi as "Dracula" and Glenn Strange as "Monster" (well we all know its Frankenstein). This film was a neat idea to get some of the well known liked actors who are known for their famous roles they have played before together again. Lon Chaney played "The Werewolf" in THE WOLF MAN (1941) and FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943). Bela Lugosi played "Dracula" in DRACULA (1931). Glenn Strange played the Frankenstein monster in HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1944). If you've seen this film before, I would recommend turning on the Audio Commentary of Film Historian, Gregory W. Mank. This commentary played throughout the film is very detailed and precise. It's wonderful to have a commentary that you can learn so much from. Bonus materials are: a 33-minute featurette, "Abbott & Costello Meet The Monsters". Very entertaining behind-the-scenes info and interesting tidbits. The host is David J. Skal. Also 109 Production Photographs, Theatrical Trailer, Production Notes and Cast & Filmmakers' film info.

Richard Lees thanks for your incite
I just acquired this A&C DVD so I checked into amazon to see what the other customers thought and I enjoyed Richard Lees' comments and I'd like to invite him and all Abbott & Costello fans to www.abbottandcostello.net (the official site) especially the message boards where fans can meet and exchange stories and info. There is a lot to talk about these days with many of the movies and TV shows finally being released on DVD.

And now my first impressions about this DVD:

I tend to agree with other reviewers that say that a less than pristine film print was used to transfer to DVD when compared to the print for "Hit The Ice" on The Best of Abbott & Costello Vol.2, for example. There are the film "artifacts" and less than sharp image with harsh contrasts and not the subtle gray tones you see in some of the movies on the "Best of" packages. When the boys first turn on the lights in McDougall's House of Horrors the picture quality is particularly bad. Oh well, I bought "...Meet Frankenstein" for the special features that likely will not be included when The Best of Abbott and Costello Vol.3 comes out in August. I hope Universal has remastered the film for that edition, it will be the third time I have purchased "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein". Yes, the film is that good. So I give 4 stars for the movie itself and the extras and not give it a full 5 stars because of defects in the print and/or transfering to DVD. Also, this DVD was a little pricey. For example, it cost twice as much (where I live) as "Once Upon a Time In The West" which just came out in a 2 DVD special edition with all the bells and whistles.

Bud and Lou's Fairst and and great scary comedy
I have just recieved Abbott and Costello meets Frankenstein and it is better watching it on DVD than on video, this is because of better sound and picture quality and to see a couple of very rare outtakes and the cometary was very interesting and informative about the actors and actress of it and of course the director. the interviews with daughter of Lou was also very interesting as well as the other people in the documentary.

I would highly recommend this DVD if you are an Abbott and Costello fan.

A Little family gratitude for all your kind reviews
Hello All
I was just wandering through amazon and came upon this section and was just delighted to find "A&C meet Frankenstein" getting such nice compliments.
I would like to let you all know that my father Robert Lees and his writing partner and an old family friend, Freddy Rinaldo, wrote this film.
Freddy is no longer with us but my father is still, all of 92 years old, and is thrilled that after all these years you all like the film.
A little addenda:
You all must remember that A&C were essentially radio comedians,
and it was from his training in radio that Costello had the bad habit of coming unglued if he didn't consistantly get laughs from the crew for each gag each take, no matter how many takes were involved in getting a scene right.. For him the crew was a live audience, so if he didn't take the house down, he would put in another piece of business and reinvent the scene on the spot until he did - and he was very inventive! I don't know how successfull they were, but they tried to take him aside and explain how important it was to actually follow the script!! Dad said that Lugosi enjoyed this aspect of Costello very much although I'm not so sure whether the director did, or the writers either for that matter.
Both Dad and Fred respected the "horror/terror" genre in literature very much noting to me when I was younger how complex and interesting the form had become in the hands of writers like Dunsynane Tolstoy Lovecraft Saki,or Poe to name a few.
Tolstoy wrote some strange and luminous things in this old form, once a short story about a Vampyre.
But in those days and by the time Universal Studios got through exploiting it all, "The Wolfman meets Dracula, meets Frankenstein,meets the Mummy, meets the Andrews Sisters" well, lets just say that the bloom was well off the rose.....
And so the object for them was not to parody the genre (at least the serious part) but to parody what Universal Studios had by this time done to the genre....
One of my favorite parts in the film is that sublimely dysfunctional chase scene at the end.
And its true, they had a blast writing the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ma enters the Bread & Jam event at the Fair and a horse race
It was the film THE EGG AND I (1947) in which the MA and PA KETTLE first appeared in a film. Someone got a smart idea and decided two years later to give them there own film series. The next film was simply titled, MA AND PA KETTLE (1949), followed by MA AND PA KETTLE GO TO TOWN (1950), MA AND PA KETTLE BACK ON THE FARM (1951), and this MA AND PA KETTLE AT THE FAIR (1952). The video starts out with animated "Preview Pete" giving you a sneak preview trailer of the movie you are about to see. The beginning of the film is the mailman trying to put some mail in the Kettles mailbox, sort of simular to the "BLONDIE " film series. The County Fair is here again and Ma is going to be stiff competition in the Bread & Jam event like she did in THE EGG AND I (1947) (they lived on the poor farm then). I like this film because it really has that small town feeling, back to a simpler time. The way towns should be. That is actor James Best as "Marvin". Wait until you hear Pa speak in the church. The Kettles also try to figure out a way to send Rosie to college. The next film in the series is MA AND PA KETTLE ON VACATION (1953), the following films are: MA AND PA KETTLE AT HOME (1954), MA AND PA KETTLE AT WAIKIKI (1955), THE KETTLES IN THE OZARKS (1956), and the last THE KETTLES ON OLD MACDONALD'S FARM (1957).

ma and pa at their best
Fun family movie. I highly recommend it

A decent Kettle film, but not the best one.
During the course of the Kettle films, there are a few character traits that are written in stone. Pa appears lazy, but has a penchant for winning things....just enough to keep his family ahead. So when big things come up, like a college education, events such as the fair provide opportunity. However, by this time Pa has won a house and a trip for two to New York City. Perhaps this plot is getting thin by the time it is used in this film. Also, to this point, Ma has been hard working, but never rewarded. This film attempts to fix this by bringing these ideas together. Ma wins money to help send a daughter to college through her work and talents making jam and quilting. Unfortunately, this film doesn't flow as well as some of the other Kettle adventures, though there is a wealth of screwball comedy and veiled social commentary to keep one entertained. Pa's "assistance" with Ma's breadmaking is worthwhile, and is an effective use of the "slippery slope" type of humor common to this genre of film. Overall, I'd say worth seeing, collect them all. Better than MacDonalds Farm and In the Ozarks, but probably #7 of the 10. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Killer!
A very good murder mystery. However, this is not the funniest performance Abbott & Costello put on. One of the better stories for an Abbott & Costello movie. This movie reminds me much of "Clue" and has it's similarities to the Pink Panther's "Shot In The Dark". Overall this is a fine movie for murder mystery fans but if you're looking for laughs there aren't as many in this one. Try "Rio Rita", "In The Navy" or "Time Of Their Lives".

Another Good - Who Done It?
Another who done-it with a hotel bellhop Freddie (Lou Costello) and house detective Casey (Bud Abbott) become mixed up in a murder at the "Lost Cavern" hotel. A famous lawyer gets kills and the evidence points to Freddie and as Casey tries to help, Freddie gets into worse trouble. The Swami (Karloff) tries to hypnotize Freddie into killing himself but with his subnormal mentality Freddie can't be hypnotize - at one point Freddie is ask how he want to die and he responds "old age." Finally Freddie is lured to the Lost Caverns and finally chases the real killer back to the hotel.

The movie has lots of laughs with dead bodies turning up and moving around on Freddie. Seeing Lou dress up, as a hotel maid is a sight one must see. Karloff's main scene is when he tries to hypnotize Freddie - his part is not large but effective.

Great movie!!
I have rented this movie at least 11 times! Even the children love it. This is one of there best movies!!

A and C Fun for all
This is a real snappy comedy mystery.Alan Mowbray plays the hotel manager. Karloff seems to be having so much fun saying his lines.He borrowed Bela's hand techniques here with hypnotic results

The A and C routines are just fine with dead bodys all over the place and the big search for the culprit who may not be the murderer. All this and Lenore Aubert too!! How can you miss it!!

Bud & Lou Meet the Red Herring, Boris Karloff
Surely we're revealing no secrets that Boris isn't the killer in this film. What he is,however, is extremely funny! Karloff was a seasoned pro who could hold his own in any genre he attempted, and he comes off just fine playing against our two favorite ex-burleque comics. Fine special effects during the cave climax add to the thrills, ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Sad Swan Song
The last Abbott and Costello picture together is a sad, unfunny vehicle that is difficult to watch. When this film was made the team was off the screen for over one year and this outing was supposed to be their comeback film. Next to Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Cops, this is the team's worst film and finds its way into film collections solely because it is the team's last film together.

ABBOTT & COSTELLO'S LAST FILM TOGETHER
Charles Barton does fine job directing the team's swan song to the big screen. The boys play the owners of an amusement park, who get mixed up with notorious gangsters. The film teams the duo up once again with Mary Wickes, who co-starred with them in their classic film "WHO DONE IT ?" . Look close and you'll notice actor Robert Shayne. Best known for his role of "INSPECTOR HENDERSON" in the "ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN" TV series. ... Read more

Product Description

One of Abbott & Costello's funniest comedies. The bumbling pair are hired as guides by gangsters who are in search of a secret treasure. They embark on a journey that leads them on a wild safari of outlandish fun. Abbott & Costello will keep you laughing as they encounter hungry cannibals, growing lions and brooding apes. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One act that doen't stand test of time
I rented this mainly for my 5- and 3-year olds, who were predictably amused, though they volunteered that Abbott & Costello aren't as good as the Marx Brothers. That's putting it mildly.

I also wanted to see if they were as entertaining as I remembered them from my childhood: They aren't. I can only suppose they were an innovative act in their heyday in the '40s, when they were the biggest grossing movie comedians, but -- what can I say? -- they fail the proverbial test of time. They were fated to Trotsky's ash heap of history -- or, in this case, comedic history -- along with Eddie Cantor, Ma & Pa Kettle, Martin & Lewis, and, hopefully before long, Adam Sandler.

There's a saving grace or two, though, in this movie: One of the Three Stooges, Shemp Howard, has the best bit as a Mr. Magoo-like big game hunter, while a future Stooge, Joe Besser, who, eerily, would one day replace the deceased Howard, does his usual turn as a ludicrous sissy. If only this Abbott & Costello feature had a tenth of the classic qualities of those Three Stooges shorts that contemporaneously got so little respect!

Classic Abbott & Costello!
Being born in Paterson NJ, I guess maybe I'm a little privy to the whole Abbott & Costello thing. I remember when channel 11 was WPIX..now it's WB11....but every Sunday morning; at 11:30AM, they'd run an Abbott & Costello film(they did this for years)and Africa Screams was one of our favorites.

Why? Well, it was classic Bud & Lou all the way. Picture Lou finding a trail of diamonds.....calling on Bud to help him carry ALL HIS MONEY! I'M GOING TO BUY POLO PONIES...OFFICE BUILDINGS!!!

I forget the name of the guy who plays Gunner, but you'll recognize him instantly as well........YOU GOTTA BUY THIS!!!!!!

Would you trade Lou Costello for a bunch of diamonds?
Diane Emerson (Hillary Brooke) is looking for a copy of the book "Dark Safari" by the famous explorer Cuddleford in the book department of Klopper's Department store. When Buzz Johnson (Abbott) hears Diane will pay $2,500 for a map that is in the book, he passes off Stanley Livingston (Costello) as a great explorer, who had accompanied Cuddleford to Africa. Stanley says he can reproduce the map, but when Buzz overhears Diane offer Clyde Beatty $20,000 to lead an expedition to Africa, he knows there is much more money to be made. So the boys take Diane and her henchmen to Africa, where they set out to locate the Ubangi tribe, which has a fortune in uncut diamonds. Eventually the group stumbles on the Ubangi and find out the cannibals are willing to trade the diamonds for Stanley.

The best comedy routines in "Africa Screams" involves Costello and animals, whether it is Abbott dressed up in a lion skin so "Stanley" can prove what a great hunter he is or being rescued by a gorilla. But my favorite scene is when Buzz thinks Stanley is dead and does not notice that his "dead" friend is commiserating with him over his regrets for having treated Stanley so badly. "Africa Screams" is one of the funnier Abbott & Costello films from this period, playing to Costello's strength in pantomime. This 1949 film was directed by Charles T. Barton and features not only the famous hunters Clyde Beatty and Frank Buck, but Shemp Howard of the Three Stooges as Gunner, the near-sighted gunman employed by Diane, and former World Heavyweight Champion Max Baer and his "little" brother Buddy as Grappler McCoy and Boots Wilson, her two goons.

ONE OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO'S BEST FEATURES
A classic A & C film. The boys play two employees of a NY department store. Lou's claim that he can draw a map from a famous big game hunter's book, gets them involved with an unscrupoulous gang of fortune hunters who are organizing a safari to Africa, to hunt for diamonds. Two of the film's BEST highlights are the team's encounters with then famous big game hunters Clyde Beatty and Frank Buck. The film also teams them with Hillary Brook (who co-starred with them in the film "ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET CAPTAIN KIDD", and later co-starred with them in the first season of their TV series "THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO SHOW"), and Joe Besser and Shemp Howard ( of "THE THREE STOOGES". Howard co-starred with the team in their films "BUCK PRIVATES", "IN THE NAVY", and "IT AIN'T HAY". Besser co-starred with them in their TV series "THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO SHOW" playing the part of 'STINKY'). ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The one you have been waiting for as Lou gets the upper hand
Abbott & Costello make a rather unusual western with "The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap." In this 1947 comedy Bud is Duke Egan and Lou is Chester Wooley, a pair of traveling salesmen who stop in the wild town of Wagon Gap, Montana on their way to California. When Fred Hawkins is shot and killed the boys get charged with the murder. This is where this film comes up with the unusual twist. Someone finds a Montana law that says the winner of a gun duel has to assume the debts and dependents of the dead man. This means that the Widow Hawkins (Marjorie Main) and her seven children are now the responsibility of Chester (it would not be as funny if it were Duke, trust me). So while the Wistful Widow works Chester from sunrise to sunset to take care of the dependents, the saloonkeeper works Chester at night to pay off the dead man's debts. Then Chester makes a remarkable discovery: no one dares to shoot him because that would mean they would inherit the Hawkins clan. Suddenly Chester is the Sheriff of Wagon Gap and starts cleaning up the town!

Marjorie Main who steals a lot of scenes as the title character had just played Ma Kettle for the first time in "The Egg and I" and was about to start the popular "Ma and Pa Kettle" series with Percy Kilbridge. Costello's best comedic moment comes with the "Frog in the Soup" routine, but I have to admit my favorite is when Chester starts ordering Duke around. It had taken a long time for the worm to turn, but "The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap" comes up with the perfect situation for Lou to finally get the upper hand. For that reason alone I have to put this film in the upper echelon of Abbott & Costello comedies. A short but brisk film at only 78 minutes, this 1947 film was directed by Charles Barton.

ONE OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO'S BEST FILMS
Classic western spoof with Bud and Lou. The film was inspired by a real-life law. The film opens with the title: "MONTANA-IN THE DAYS WHEN MEN WHERE MEN. WITH TWO EXCEPTIONS". The two exceptions of course are Abbott and Costello playing travelling salesmen 'DUKE EGAN & CHESTER WHOOLEY". When the duo arrive in the town of Wagon Gap, Lou is accused of killing the town drunk and gambler "HAWKINS". Put on trial the team is sentenced to take care and provide NOT ONLY the "WIDOW HAWKINS" (Marjorie Main - of the 'MA & PA KETTLE' series of movies), but for his brood of SEVEN children. Later, Costello is commissioned to the job of the town sheriff, since NO ONE wants to kill him for fear of inheriting the 'HAWKINS' clan. Look carefully at one of the co-stars. He is Gordon Jones who later co-starred with the team once again on their 1950s TV series - 'THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO SHOW'.

Brilliant Western staire.
Barton ties up film in a small but enjoyable package, Main is hilarious as is Lou. Another Bud and Lou winner. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Herman's a big lovable frump.
I remember seeing this movie when I was a kid. I hadn't seen it in many years. How could you not love the comedy team of Gwynne and Lewis. From "Car 54, Where Are You" to Herman and Grandpa, they are as well matched as any of the great duo's. The one thing missing in this movie are the laugh tracks. Some people hate them. I think they were nostalgia for that time period. I realize this was a movie, but I feel the use of the laugh track was a big part of the TV show's success because there are some parts of this movie that needed it. Comments that were funny, but were dry and/or quiet because of it not being there. This movie is a full length continuation of the TV show. I also enjoyed being able to see them in color and finally getting to see their green skin. The black and white TV show is reminiscent of all the great original monster movie's of the 30's and 40's seen in that same format and another plus in my opinion to the show's success. The Munsters were and still are an enjoyable part of my life. Even my five year old grandson loves Herman. That's got to tell you something.

From a die hard Munsters fan...
I loved this movie, I am sure to watch it, with my children several more times this year! The kids were just introduced to the Munsters this year and it looks like this movie may have inducted a new generation of fans!

Good Family Fun
Fans of the sitcom will enjoy this film, in which the Munster family become involved in a series of oddball capers during a trip to England. The British cast members complement the TV cast quite well, making this a very funny film which the entire family can enjoy. Another interesting feature about this film is that, unlike the TV series, it is filmed in color, giving the viewer an opportunity to see the Munsters in all their delightfully ghoulish glory. This one is vastly superior to both the 1981 reunion film "Revenge of the Munsters" and the dreadful syndicated series, "The New Munsters" which has none of the attributes which made the original series a winner. This one boasts the full TV cast (in their prime), a good script, and good direction. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Solid Abbot / Costello Movie
This was a solid A&C film, the plot dealing with $50,000 stolen by some bad guys. A post-WWII comedy, when the nation was in the mood for light-hearted, non-heavy entertainment.

The Noose Hangs High
Not one of A&C's better works. Their performances are very flat and they are trying to force the laughs.

THE FUNNIEST A&C!!
My favorite A&C film. The boys are window cleaners mistaken for messengers by a gangster who offers them money to collect a parcel for him. Needless to say, Bud & Lou foul up and the rest of the movie is spent trying to get back the gangsters missing money. This film is nearly all A&C routines and they are all hilarious. The "Mustard" routine, the "I Can Prove You Ain't Here" bit, "Mudder and Fodder," plus a whole lot more. There is also a funny (crazy) dentist in Lou's "Toothache" segment and Leon Erroll is great as Julius Caesar McBride....a big-time gambler. This movie is one big laugh from begginning to end. I've watched it many, many times and I still love it! Definately worth checking out.

Side splitting humor
I laughed so hard just watching my younger brother laugh it was great. This was the scene where Abbott kept telling Costello to put on his pants to an immediate take them off. This went on for several minutes. Great team humor. It does not exist any more. One of the boys better films.

ONE OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO'S BEST FILMS
Charles Barton does fine job directing this classic A & C film. The plot is very simple. Mistaken identity leads to complications with the boys getting robbed of a large sum of money. This film teams the duo with another popular film comedian at the time - Leon Errol. He plays the role of J.C. (Julius Ceasar) McBride, a compulsive gambler who NEVER loses. The BEST highlight of the film has Errol filling in for Abbott as he and Costello perform the classic A & C routine "MUDDER AND FODDER". Again 5 STARS to Bud and Lou for keeping generations and generations of fans laughing all these years. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Funny and Touching Film.
Bud and Lou return to the States and want to keep a young girl named Evie they adopted while in France, thus they enter world racing championship race to win a lot of money and become foster uncles to Evie. As expected things go wrong and Lou ends up in the race car, but in the end, things turn out all right. The useual laughs are also under-lined by some tender moments as Bud, Lou, and Evie slowly start to become a family.

This sequel is better
Buck Privates was very good but i think you will find this movie even better because its faster paced, good action, plenty of funny moments, and i believe it has better direction. I highly recommend this one. This is another Abbott and Costello film well worth watching. Not all of thier films are great but this one is so just enjoy it.

Abbott & Costello in top form
Another rare case of a sequel topping the original. There is some effective sentiment to go along with the clowning. Along with 'The Time of Their Lives' and 'Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein', this one ranks as one of the boys' best.

BUD AND LOU ARE AT AGAIN IN HILARIOUS SEQUEL
The ONLY SEQUEL to an A&C film and one of their BEST. The boys return from the war in Europe after having ACCIDENTLY enlisted in the Army in the first film. (One wonders how Abbott & Costello could have POSSIBILY taking part in WW II and having the Allies still win). The film begins with the classic "DRILL ROUTINE" from 'BUCK PRIVATES'. On the ship carrying the boys home, Lou tries to smuggle in a French war orphan named Evie. The ONLY way the comedy team can keep the girl is to get REAL JOBS, REAL MONEY, and a REAL WIFE. The boys gather together their old pals from their platoon and convince them to put up the money for Evie's "AUNT SYLVIA'S" fiance's midget car who is sure will win the big race. This investment pits "SLICKER & HERBIE" against their old nemesis "SGT. COLLINS" (The policeman who tried to arrest them in the first film for selling neckties without a license and who later became their Army sergeant.) The climatic chase seen is one of the highlights of this VERY FUNNY,HILARIOUS sequel to "BUCK PRIVATES" [NOTE: Shortly after the release of this film, Abbott & Costello were reunited with the SAME WRITERS and the SAME DIRECTOR, for what will be the BEST HORROR COMEDY ever filmed - " ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN"]

not as innocent as buck privates//costello tries too hard
..good sequel /top of film is padded with original buck privates//segments of the film are too serious//costello is not as innocent /right//left sequence is funny//midget race car sequence is excellent. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Genuine Joy of the Season
This great two-story video celebrates humanity and humor in the heartwarming and embraceable persona of Hazel, the loveable and irrepressable housekeeper. One episode in black and white celebrates Missy's great affection for her housekeeper. And one episode in color demonstrates the metamorphisis of a dissatisfied husband/boss into a happy fellow ready to celebrate with the family. Great for the season, but great to watch anytime you're feeling blue or short on humanity.

Classic Christmas Episodes of A Television Icon
The classic 1960's TV comedy series "Hazel", starring veteran actress Shirley Booth was a popular favourite through most of the early part of that decade and gained immortality for Shirley Booth as the lovable and take charge maid of the Baxter household, Hazel Burke. Based on the very popular cartoon character that appeared regularly in the Saturday Evening Post, it was a perfect marriage of actress and character.

"A Double Holiday Dose of Hazel", includes the two much loved Christmas episodes from the series, the first "Just 86 Shopping Minutes left till Christmas", is in colour and the second from earlier in the series "Hazel's Christmas Shopping",is in black and white. Both are very endearing stories appropriate for the festive season and really display the great character that Shirley Booth became famous for in the later part of her accomplished career. The first episode has a strangely modern theme to it in that Hazel's employer George Baxter (Don DeFore), has grown tired of all the commercialism of Christmas and decides that this year he will not allow the family to give gifts they can't afford to each other. Hazel being who she is can't help but step in to try and rectify the situation and not let her beloved "Missy" ..Dorothy Baxter go without a Christmas present. Hazel saves the day for the family and George sees the error of not celebrating Christmas in the traditonal way and ends up with a last minute beautiful gift for Dorothy. The second episode finds Hazel in a different dilemma where she finds she is short of money to buy Dorothy a beautiful dressing table set for Christmas. Hazel takes a part time job at the department store to get the extra money she needs and in the process manages to take over the whole shop floor much to the frustration of the store floor walker. In between selling gloves and dispensing wisdom over the counter Hazel manages to catch a compulsive shoplifter who in the Christmas rush is stealing everything from skis to televisions from the store. All ends happily with Hazel getting the present for Dorothy she so badly wanted.

Both these episodes are totally charming and make heartwarming viewing during the festive season. They are really brought alive by the great acting of Shirley Booth in the central role of Hazel. She made this lively maid a unique television character and ended up winning two Emmy Awards for the role. A veteran dramatic actress on Broadway and in her Oscar winning film of "Come Back Little Sheba", with Burt Lancaster, Booth was warned not to take the role on a television sitcom by her New York acting friends who considered it a real come down for such an acclaimed actress. Happily Shirley Booth thought otherwise and saw the great potential of this colourful character. Ignoring that advise she went on to even greater stardom with a wider audience than she had ever had before.

I strongly recommend "A Double Dose of Hazel", to all lovers of 1960's sitcoms and for any people who like myself love Christmas themed episodes of popular programs from the Golden years of television in the 1950's and 60's. It's a pity more episodes of Hazel apart from these two Christmas episodes, aren't available on video. However these two are a wonderful way to spend 45 minutes and they allow you the unique opportunity of becoming acquainted with America's most famous maid the immortal Hazel Burke.

A classic Christmas
A Double Holiday Dose of Hazel is just one more video cassette released from a cllassic television show. Hazel,protrayed by Shirley Booth, is the lovable but sometimes meddlesome housekeeper for the Baxters. In the two episodes contained on this video - Christmas makes for laughs.Just 86 shopping minutes Left Till Christmas is an amusing story of Hazel wanting to purchase a gift for Mrs.Baxter when her husband George decides against giving gifts or anything to do with Christmas.Buying Mrs. Baxter a Christmas gift also plays a role in the second episode. Hazel's Shopping List is also a charming and funny tale of Hazel moonlighting to bu her "Missy" a beautiful vanity set. Although at times even the viewer will become annoyed at Hazel's behavior laughs are always present. However, the real star of this show is the store's shoplifter.If you are looking for a screwball comedy and out-of-this world antics like I Love Lucy, Pease buy this tape. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fighting Westerner not worth buying
Imagine my disappointment when "Fighting Westerner" (my hero Randolph Scott) arrived, dubbed by Front Row Entertainment Video of New Jersey who should be ashamed of the product they produced. I would keep away from anything this company does. My video was incredibly scratched and grainy and impossible to adjust let alone watch! This is the second time I have been caught out by this company. Wouldn't it be nice if Amazon Com could print the name of the company on the films web page so that the buyer has all the information! If I could have rated this product by Front Row Entertainment I would have given its true value at minus 5000! Perhaps Amazon Com should develop a blacklist of poor video/DVD suppliers.

More a mystery than a Western
Chic Sales, playing Randolph Scott's sidekick almost up stages Scott. But's it's a mystery with little shooting and no wild west action scenes.

A chance to see a legend or two
This terribly corny movie was dated when made, yet it holds some amazing treats. For devotees of the turn of the century American theater, it has a performance with sound by the legendary and scandalous Mrs.Leslie Carter,later made immortal on film in "the Lady with Red Hair", starring Miriam Hopkins. Mrs Carter tried to out Bernhardt Bernhardt, and this film, made the year before her death, reveals her to have kept her dramatic and seductive qualities even at the very sunset of her life. Randolph Scott(of the iron jaw) and a very young Ann Sheridan can also be admired in this very early film from the start of their careers. But it is worth the purchase price just to see Mrs.Carter.The legends about her are fully confirmed here. ... Read more

Reviews (86)

AN ALL-TIME CLASSIC!
This was the film that had me eagerly watching The Abbott & Costello Movie each week as a kid...praying that this would be the one aired. What a classic that works on so many levels. It's funny! It's scary! It's nostalgic! And most importantly it treats all of the Universal Monsters seriously! The movie does not make Dracula, Frankenstein, or the Wolf-Man cartoons an buffoons...Bud and Lou rightfully handle that aspect.

The DVD is overall a nice presentation complete with trailers, production notes and photos, a "Making of..." featurette, and an outstanding audio-commentary by film historian Gregory Mank. I loved this commentary because it includes a little bit of everything: how much did each actor make on the film, what were the actors like to work with, where did they go after making this film, where are they today, and how were aspects of this film made. You can tell that Mank did plenty of research before recording this commentary.

If you want to laugh, then check out Abbott and Costello and the monsters in one of the all-time classics from Universal. If you're a real fan of the Lon Chaney Wolf-Man character you may want to read the incredibly fun book by Jeff Rovin, The Return of the Wolf-Man which picks up right where this movie concludes.

Dracula, Frank, and Wolfman scare Bud Abbott & Lou Costello
Lon Chaney becomes "The Werewolf", Bela Logosi as "Dracula" and Glenn Strange as "Monster" (well we all know its Frankenstein). This film was a neat idea to get some of the well known liked actors who are known for their famous roles they have played before together again. Lon Chaney played "The Werewolf" in THE WOLF MAN (1941) and FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943). Bela Lugosi played "Dracula" in DRACULA (1931). Glenn Strange played the Frankenstein monster in HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1944). If you've seen this film before, I would recommend turning on the Audio Commentary of Film Historian, Gregory W. Mank. This commentary played throughout the film is very detailed and precise. It's wonderful to have a commentary that you can learn so much from. Bonus materials are: a 33-minute featurette, "Abbott & Costello Meet The Monsters". Very entertaining behind-the-scenes info and interesting tidbits. The host is David J. Skal. Also 109 Production Photographs, Theatrical Trailer, Production Notes and Cast & Filmmakers' film info.

Richard Lees thanks for your incite
I just acquired this A&C DVD so I checked into amazon to see what the other customers thought and I enjoyed Richard Lees' comments and I'd like to invite him and all Abbott & Costello fans to www.abbottandcostello.net (the official site) especially the message boards where fans can meet and exchange stories and info. There is a lot to talk about these days with many of the movies and TV shows finally being released on DVD.

And now my first impressions about this DVD:

I tend to agree with other reviewers that say that a less than pristine film print was used to transfer to DVD when compared to the print for "Hit The Ice" on The Best of Abbott & Costello Vol.2, for example. There are the film "artifacts" and less than sharp image with harsh contrasts and not the subtle gray tones you see in some of the movies on the "Best of" packages. When the boys first turn on the lights in McDougall's House of Horrors the picture quality is particularly bad. Oh well, I bought "...Meet Frankenstein" for the special features that likely will not be included when The Best of Abbott and Costello Vol.3 comes out in August. I hope Universal has remastered the film for that edition, it will be the third time I have purchased "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein". Yes, the film is that good. So I give 4 stars for the movie itself and the extras and not give it a full 5 stars because of defects in the print and/or transfering to DVD. Also, this DVD was a little pricey. For example, it cost twice as much (where I live) as "Once Upon a Time In The West" which just came out in a 2 DVD special edition with all the bells and whistles.

Bud and Lou's Fairst and and great scary comedy
I have just recieved Abbott and Costello meets Frankenstein and it is better watching it on DVD than on video, this is because of better sound and picture quality and to see a couple of very rare outtakes and the cometary was very interesting and informative about the actors and actress of it and of course the director. the interviews with daughter of Lou was also very interesting as well as the other people in the documentary.

I would highly recommend this DVD if you are an Abbott and Costello fan.

A Little family gratitude for all your kind reviews
Hello All
I was just wandering through amazon and came upon this section and was just delighted to find "A&C meet Frankenstein" getting such nice compliments.
I would like to let you all know that my father Robert Lees and his writing partner and an old family friend, Freddy Rinaldo, wrote this film.
Freddy is no longer with us but my father is still, all of 92 years old, and is thrilled that after all these years you all like the film.
A little addenda:
You all must remember that A&C were essentially radio comedians,
and it was from his training in radio that Costello had the bad habit of coming unglued if he didn't consistantly get laughs from the crew for each gag each take, no matter how many takes were involved in getting a scene right.. For him the crew was a live audience, so if he didn't take the house down, he would put in another piece of business and reinvent the scene on the spot until he did - and he was very inventive! I don't know how successfull they were, but they tried to take him aside and explain how important it was to actually follow the script!! Dad said that Lugosi enjoyed this aspect of Costello very much although I'm not so sure whether the director did, or the writers either for that matter.
Both Dad and Fred respected the "horror/terror" genre in literature very much noting to me when I was younger how complex and interesting the form had become in the hands of writers like Dunsynane Tolstoy Lovecraft Saki,or Poe to name a few.
Tolstoy wrote some strange and luminous things in this old form, once a short story about a Vampyre.
But in those days and by the time Universal Studios got through exploiting it all, "The Wolfman meets Dracula, meets Frankenstein,meets the Mummy, meets the Andrews Sisters" well, lets just say that the bloom was well off the rose.....
And so the object for them was not to parody the genre (at least the serious part) but to parody what Universal Studios had by this time done to the genre....
One of my favorite parts in the film is that sublimely dysfunctional chase scene at the end.
And its true, they had a blast writing the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I envy Diego's Patience!
Don Alejandro's brother-in-law, Don Estaban (played by Cesar Romero!!) comes to visit, and wrecks havoc on the peaceful life of the de la Vega's. Through his various get-rich-quick schemes, he manages to amuse Diego and infuriate Don Alejandro. Don Estaban manages to even capture the attention of Zorro, who manages to foil each scheme as it happens. And how Zorro/ Diego kept his sense of humor with Don Estaban is beyond me... Even when Don Estaban steals Tornado and tries to set Diego up with Margarita (then decides that her 10,000 acres and 1000's of head of cattle would make his fortune pretty quickly)! I thoroughly enjoy this movie! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wagon Train, Indians, Randolf Scott
Great wagon train epic. Randolph Scott gets great support from many fine actors including sidekicks Raymond Hatton and Olin Howland. Fantastic theme song that will stick in your mind for days. A woman hating scout (Scott) and his two sidekicks lead a wagon train of easterners into Indian country. Major action scenes, pictures of the majestic wagons, romance, and Monte Blue as a half-breed villain you'll not soon forget. This is one you'll watch again and again.

Wagon Wheels - A Great Western from 1934
A well made film from 1934, this movie has everything a good western should have: a good guy wearing the white hat and a bad guy wearing the black, chivalry, campfire songs, humor, and a great cowboys v. indians shootout. This movie was ahead of it's time in 1934, and a pioneer to great westerns and action films that followed. This is a classic that was influential and should not be forgotten. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Abbott and Costello
I think the movie was very funny. The story line was excellent. I own it and I would recommend this movie to anybody who likes Abbott and Costello. There are many funny and hilarious scenes, like when Costello tries to get dressed and the samba is playing at the same time. Buy it!

Hellish Hayride
Extremely dissapointing film with Bud and Lou heading south of the border(for some reason not made entirely clear). You'd think Mexico would be a gold mine for these guys, but they squander the oppurtunity. The main problem is that Costello tries to play it straight. A major dissappointment.

Biggest budget-fewest laughs
This one is a real stinker for several reasons. First, the gags are often dumb and Costello milks each one so they go on and on. Second, the story is a confused mess so you care about nothing. Third, The whole thing seems to go on forever and there's only one song! On the plus side, the silver ore routine, the bullfighting finale, and Bud tearing Lou's clothes off are all funny. But this dog out barks the few laughs.

ONE THE TEAM'S BEST FEATURES.
Abbott & Costello play two con-men friends, who have to prove that a phony goldmine exists. The FUNNIEST highlight of the film is the climatic bullfight sequence which pits Lou against a FERIOUS bull. Charles Barton does a fine job directing this A&C feature based on the Cole Porter musical (but without the songs).

Weakest entry of all.
Unfuuny, rahter pathetic entry for A+C; an inept version of the Cole Porter hit. ... Read more

Description

The episodes included are:

Spur Line to Shady Rest

Please buy my Violets ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Out of My Time
I'm 20 years old and hooked on Petticoat Junction. My mother got me into it a few years back and I've watched it every day and night since then. I have a huge poster adorning my wall and other great memorabilia. I recently recieved this video and absolutly loved it. Escpecially all the old commercials which I've obviously never seen before. Every eposide is new to me and it is a joy to watch. Betty Joe and Steve 4ever!

memory lane
I purchased this video here on Amazon and already had these two episodes in my "classic tv collection", but having them with the commercials from when I was growing up truly brings back a whole lot of memories. Yes, you can get these two episodes else-where without commercials, but that is part of the word "CLASSIC", the commercials add that special something. And the price was great. So "Ride the little train that is rollin' down the track to the Junction......" you know the rest.

Amazon forgot this info...
Anyone who is interested in Petticoat Junction videos may already have these particular episodes, which seem to be a couple of the easiest to obtain. The two (2) episodes on this tape are:

Spur Line to Shady Rest, and

Please buy my Violets.

They are plenty good, but, I bought the video without knowing what was on it. The Amazon discription leaves this data out. For $4.60, I took a chance, and as it turns out, I already have these particular episodes. You may, also.

A Great Nostalgic Presentation
Marathon Music and Video has gotten hold of the original television masters of these two premiere episodes of the Paul Henning classic PETTICOAT JUNCTION. Part of Paul Henning's 'Hooterville Trio',which also comprised of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES and GREEN ACRES, it told of Kate Bradley (Bea Benederet) and her three lovely daughters Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo and Betty Jo, who lived at the Shady Rest Hotel.

Also included are the original commercials that accompanied the episodes and it is a great addition to any classic television video collection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

He ain't in it.
I have come to this screen from the Alan Ladd site and would like to advise fans that he does not appear in this movie. However as a fan of Johnny Mack Brown I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this movie which for it's time had a good story line and characterisations. ... Read more