As far as the Abbott & Costello flicks go, this is one of the best (although I rather like the comedy-fright films done later in their careers). Particularly in many of the early A&C films, the theme was "variety entertainment", and this is a very good example. In addition to the comedy of A&C, you also have some great singing by Ella Fitzgerald (yes, really), Dick Foran, and the Merry Macs. And, BTW, in the print that I just saw on TCM, the film was in excellent condition and as crisp a B&W film as you'll find.
The only problem with the Abbott & Costello films is that they are very formulaic. It's often a case of setting being different, but the A&C routines don't vary a lot. In this case, the duo is out west at a dud ranch, so there are lots of Indians (some funny stuff there) and bad guys. Lou Costello was probably brilliant, but the same old same old got a little old. So if I watch A&C, it's usually a couple of times a year...then I enjoy them.
Ella Fitzgerald does her "A Tisket A Tasket" number. Dick Foran (who I believe was underrated) sings a couple of songs, and he was a very good singer and a decent actor).
This might be the best Abbot & Costello film to watch...or certainly right up there.
The only problem with the Abbott & Costello films is that they are very formulaic. It's often a case of setting being different, but the A&C routines don't vary a lot. In this case, the duo is out west at a dud ranch, so there are lots of Indians (some funny stuff there) and bad guys. Lou Costello was probably brilliant, but the same old same old got a little old. So if I watch A&C, it's usually a couple of times a year...then I enjoy them.
Ella Fitzgerald does her "A Tisket A Tasket" number. Dick Foran (who I believe was underrated) sings a couple of songs, and he was a very good singer and a decent actor).
This might be the best Abbot & Costello film to watch...or certainly right up there.