jimtinder
Abbott and Costello are at their comedic best in their underrated gem, "The Naughty Nineties." It's interesting to note that this could be considered their first film where their characters aren't a team. Abbott plays a ham actor on a show boat, with Costello as a drummer and handyman. It's rumored that A&C began to have a falling out at the time this film was made in early 1945, which may (or may not) have led to playing separate characters. ("Little Giant" and "The Time of Their Lives" are two more examples.)The film is best known for the classic "Who's on First" routine. While the boys have the routine down pat and perform it almost flawlessly (except when Costello almost forgets the name of Abbott's character), it falls a little flat without audience reaction. Evidently, the director instructed the audience in the show boat not to laugh, which robs A&C of natural audience reactions. The funniest bit in the film is the part where Costello attempts to sing "My Bonnie"; thinking he is being coached by Abbott, he raises and lowers his voice with comedic hilarity -- one of the funniest segments in the entire A&C series of films.Ably supported by a decent cast, "The Naughty Nineties" comes in at a snappy 76 minutes of fun and laughter. One of their best from their mid-40s period. 8 out of 10.
Caddyshack_
This is a great Abbot and Costello movie in which is the famous "who is on first scene". There is also much more in the movie and there is a lot of slap stick comedy. If you want to laugh with your family all night this is the one to rent.
dspires
If you want the complete, though edited, "Who's On First" script, here it is! ("I don't give a damn" is "I don't care" in this one). Henry Travers as good ol' Capt'n Sam Jackson of the River Queen is slipped a Mickey Finn and, in a crooked poker game, ends up losing control over the honestly-run river boat -- and losing it to 'shudder' dishonest gamblers.One for the entire family. Watch the show, relax, and enjoy this glimpse of the 1890s (Well, for the boys that was only fifty years ago...).
JWLJN
Although not critically acclaimed as one of the team's best, Abbott and Costello use some of their best loved and remember skits in this film. The movie is worth watching for the "Who's On First?" skit alone. Good, clean, fun for the entire family.
AD
