Customer Rating:  
Summary: So Who WAS on First Anyway?
Comment: So much from "The Golden Era of Television" is lost that what DOES survive has to be seen as valuable cultural artifacts. Apparently, a good deal of the Abbott and Costello Comedy Hour has survived and much of it has been released now on DVD. I only recently viewed two episodes on a VHS tape I came across in my public library--and, yes, I'd certainly like to see more.
Every era--like every culture--has its own particular sense of humor. I've read that Lou Costello (especially) and Bud Abbott always worked clean (a must of TV, of course, and in the movies of the era) but even live, apparently, they never went "blue." Now I like edgy, contemporary humor as much as the next fellow. But I can't help but feel a certain nostalgia for the more innocent humor of an earlier age. This video has a sequence with featuring a somnambulent Lizabeth Scott unwittingly crawling into Lou's railcar berth. Lou's reaction is more panicked than lewd--and that seems kind of sweet, actually.
Now that more than half a century has elapsed since these episodes were broadcast, one might forget that Abbott and Costello were a bit past their peak by the early 50s. It's great to have a version of "Who's On First" or "Two Tens for A Five" on video now, and one tends to forget that these routines were getting a little stale for some of the duo's fans by this point.
By some accounts, they felt compelled to keep recycling their "greatest hits" (or their "greatest bits"), which is understandable, given their tremendous popularity. But it's also not to surprising either that by this point, they were being challenged by young upstart acts like Martin and Lewis.
With so much A&C available on DVD nowadays, I'd certainly be tempted to take a look. But I can't help but wonder if, say, an entire season might not be overkill. I like my nostalgia in small doses, as a rule. This video is just about the right for me. (PS. Love the old commercials!)
Customer Rating:
Summary: Funny clips from their TV show
Comment: This tape is of an Abbott and Costello TV show. It is a collection of famous skits and musical numbers, like a variety show. Interestingly, it also includes the commercials! My 11-year old son is discovering the old comedians for himself and is enjoying the classics, like the Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, Charlie Chaplin, and the Stooges. Highly recommended for those who enjoy the classics.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Timeless
Comment: This video is timeless. Abbott and Costello is always entertaining. I highly recommend this video to anyone.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Sound quality very poor
Comment: I heartily agree with the other reviewer: the sound quality really detracts from the enjoyment of the material. I couldn't find another source, so I bought this anyway. The Hall of Fame in Cooperstown has a very clear sounding tape, but they don't sell it in their gift shop.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Classic!!!!
Comment: I really enjoyed seeing the "Who's On 1st?" routine for the first time. I also like seeing the commercial for Palmolive and Colgate. It's so weird to see how simple everything was back then compared to today.
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