Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Universal Filmscripts Series Classic Comedies, Vol 1)
- Book Review,
by Philip J. Riley (Editor)
Book Description
Abbott and Costello perfected the Horror spoof with this first installment of their famous "Meet the Monsters" series. Commentary by all the children of the famous duo. Includes the complete shooting script with an introduction by John Landis (director of An American Werewolf in London and The Blues Brothers).
From the Back Cover
The Universal Filmscripts Series - Classic Comedy Vol. 1 Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Universal Pictures 75th Anniversary Edition 1915-1990 For the first time in history, Universal Studios has opened its vaults and is allowing us to view these rare artifacts of filmmaking. Previously seen only by the stars and technicians, we now have the opportunity to review the complete original shooting scripts from these classic motion pictures. Each book also contains the complete story of the making of the film, many rare behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the people in front of and behind the camera, and complete pressbook. Production Background! Pressbook! Rare behind-the-scenes photographs! Biographical notes on the cast & crew! "I shall treasure my copy of the script, and many thanks for your splendid contribution to its preservation." ..Franklin Coen (screenplay author, This Island Earth) "I've been seeing Universal pictures since 1923. The Universal Filmscripts Series is unique, and a highly prized portion of my collection of 40,000 books." ...Forrest J. Ackerman "As they say in the Coming Attractions-'Don't Miss It!'"...Robert Bloch "The Ackerman Archives provide another treasure for posterity."...Ray Bradbury "A fascinating addition to magical movie lore."...Vincent Price.
Excerpted from Magicimage Filmbooks Presents Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Universal Filmscripts Series Classic Comedies, Vol 1) by Philip J. Riley, John Landis, Marisa Donato-Riley, Robert Semler. Copyright © 1990. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello started in burlesque delivering classic baggy pants routines between strippers. Within a relatively short time they became the future stars of the theater, radio, and the movies. With the fortuidtous timing of the release of the Buck Privates, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, they were suddenly thrust into movie superstardom. Most of the Abbott and Costello movies were given "B" budgets and basically served as a showcase for their old burlesque and radio skits, my two favorites being ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN and IN SOCIETY (IN SOCIETY mainly because of the wonderfully insane Susquehanna Hat Company routine). Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein manages to not only be a solid Abbott and Costello vehicle but also a decent monster movie. It has excellent production values, and the monsters are treated with respect. The idea of pitting comics against the supernatural is always a crowd pleaser. From Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy, to Bob Hope, Martin and Lewis, Dan Akroyd and Bill Murray, the comics response when confronted with an object of fear always strikes us funny. One of things I find admirable about Abbott Costello Meet Frankenstein is the presentation of the monsters. Laurence Talbot remains a tormented victim, the Frankenstein monster a pathetic brute, and Dracula truly a sinister and evil figure. Bud Abbott's character is not as openly contemptuous of Lou Costello's character as in many of the other films, and the whole supporting cast behave with the seriousness of purpose to allow the comic needs plenty of room maneuver. Looking at the film now, it's hard to believe that when I was a kid, the picture genuinely frightened me. I remember fondly the delicious tingle of apprehension when we turned on the TV and a picture was about to start. For earlier generations seeing this first run in a theater (always the best way to see a movie) must have been really delightful. (from the introduction by John Landis)
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