Review of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) by Greg H — 02 Jun 2008
This is easily the best horror/comedy film ever made. Abbott and Costello are in top form, and don't rely on using their old staple of Vaudeville routines that turn up time and time again throughout their other films and television series (although the tv series was to preserve all of their routines).
The original title, THE BRAIN OF FRANKENSTEIN didn't sit well with Universal executives, but this film single handedly saved the struggling studio from bankruptcy in 1948. With a fairly simple plot (Count Dracula wants to put the brain of a simpleton into the Frankenstein Monster so he can be easily controlled.
..Costello is that simpleton), it's fun from start to wild finish. Also along for the adventure is Lon Chaney, Jr, who returns to his most famous role of that as Lawrence Talbot aka The Wolf Man. This film works because the monsters are not reduced to bumbling versions of their former selves.
They play it straight and leave the laughs to Abbott and Costello. An excellent film, and a annual Halloween tv favorite of mine growing up (I refused to stay out trick or treating to catch this on WGN!).
This review of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) was written by Greg H on 02 Jun 2008.
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein has generally received very positive reviews.
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