Starring together in 36 films and with stage, radio and television shows, Abbott and Costello were the most popular comedy team of the 1940s and '50s. Their inimitable banter and classic routines such as "Who's on First" made them immortal. The charm of their films continues to carry on and stands the test of time. Market Street Matinees at the James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., celebrates this iconic duo in August with four fantastic films that highlight their comic genius. August also features a bonus Fifth Tuesday Musical, "Show Boat."
The showings are held at 2 p.m. each Tuesady on the third floor of the Welch Wing at the James V. Brown Library. Viewers must be 18 or older to attend R-Rated Films.
For more information, visit Market Street Matinees at www.jvbrown.edu or call 326-0536.
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Aug. 2 "The Time of Their Lives"
The film stars Marjorie Reynolds and Binnie Barnes and is directed by Charles Barton. It runs 82 minutes, is black and white and was made in 1946.
This unusual fantasy-comedy is one of Abbott and Costello's best. Costello was mistakenly shot as an accomplice to Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War and his ghost returns to haunt the manor that Abbott eventually acquires.
Aug. 9 "Buck Privates Come Home"
The films stars Tom Brown, Nat Pendleton and Joan Fulton and is directed by Charles Barton. It runs 77 minutes, is black and white, not rated and was made in 1947.
In this sequel to 1941's "Buck Privates," Bud and Lou are on their way home from the war in Europe (having joined the Army by mistake in the first film). Lou is smuggling home Evey, an adorable French orphan. When Evey is discovered and scheduled for deportation, the only way Bud and Lou can keep her is to get real jobs, a real home and a real wife. They seek out Evey's "Aunt" Sylvia for help, but first her fiance needs some quick cash to get his midget-car racer ready for the big race. "Buck Privates Come Home" is one of those rare sequels that may be better than the original.
Aug. 16 "Pardon My Sarong"
The films stars Virginia Bruce and Lionel Atwill and is directed by Erle C. Kenton. It runs 84 minutes, is black and white, not rated and was made in 1942.
One of Abbott and Costello's biggest commercial successes, this smooth comedy features the duo as a pair of bus drivers entangled with jewel thieves on a tropical island.
Aug. 23 "Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein"
The film stars Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. and is directed by Charles Barton. It runs 83 minutes, is black and white, not rated and was made in 1948.
Wilbur Grey (Lou Costello) is chased by Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) who wants to transplant Chick Young's (Bud Abbott) brain into the skull of Frankenstein's Monster. The Wolfman thwarts Dracula's plans, however. Even the Invisible Man makes a non-appearance in this superb horror comedy.
August 30 5th Tuesday Musical "Show Boat"
The film stars Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner and Howard Keel and is directed by George Sidney.
The film runs 108 minutes, is not rated and was made in 1951.
A colorful musical about life along the Mississippi in the early 1900s. Popular songs include "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" and "Make Believe."
