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 (Beyond)
No, not the Liberal politicians (who aren’t funny at all)
Back in the ‘40s, through their movies, TV appearances, radio broadcasts and live stage shows, one of the biggest comedy acts in America comprised Bud Abbott (the tall, skinny straight man) and Lou Costello (the short, fat fallguy). But their career went to yet another level when they began a regular TV series in 1952. Jerry Seinfeld has said that this show was one of the inspirations for his series, and you can see why. Unusual domestic situations and harebrained get-rich schemes take all kinds of improbable turns, only to spiral completely out of control. Whether it’s an uncle from Italy who sings opera, a new neighbour who’s a jealous boxer, or their continuing attempts to earn rent money in bizarre ways, nothing goes right for them. With their misadventures using a combination of silly slapstick and smart wordplay, they come across as try-hard dimwits barely dealing with everyday life. But even if the situations seem ridiculous (Costello mistaking a radio program on car repainting as one about massage), their banter and their timing make it work. This DVD collection brings you their entire second and last series from 1953-1954, a total of 26 episodes spread over five discs. The extras include some of Costello’s home movies in colour and interviews with his daughters, and it also revisits the duo’s legendary sketch, Who’s On First. All up, that’s over 11 hours of material. As you’d expect, seeing it’s every episode, some of it is a little uneven, but if you’re a keen fan, this would be a must-have set from one of the classic duos of comedy. On the other hand, less dedicated fans may be better off tracking down a movie or two to get a smaller serving of their comic talent.
*** ½
BILL HOLDSWORTH
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