Publisher's Synopsis
While Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are more famously known for their straight comedy routines, they did make a number of films in which horror played a crucial role. The first part of this critical reference explores the Abbott and Costello "Meet the Monsters" spoof films. The second section deals with Abbott and Costello's films with horror elements that do not follow this formula, such as "Hold That Ghost" and "Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff".;The plot of each film is examined in detail, with special attention paid to the comedians' styles of comedy, the effect of horror scenes, and the place of the film in the Abbott and Costello canon. The reactions of critics (both now and then) and the influences the films have had on the horror and comedy genres and on pop culture are also discussed. An introduction provides background on the lives of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello and the development of the Universal Studios as the premier horror factory.
