[Editor's note: This edition of Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd is available exclusively through the WB Shop, whereas the Amazon link will take you to resellers.]
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the comedy team of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello entertained the masses. They were successful on stage, radio, film and television. Their legendary “Who’s on First?” routine is considered the crowning jewel of their comic collaboration. They have appeared in many movies including 1952’s musical comedy Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd. The film also features renowned thespian Charles Laughton who reprises his role of Captain Kidd from the 1945 film of the same name.
This film is about two inept tavern workers, Oliver (Costello) and Rocky (Abbott) who are assigned the task of delivering a love letter from a young girl to a tavern singer. That same night, the notorious pirate Captain Kidd happens to be dining at the tavern. Oliver waits on him and accidentally mixes the love letter with a treasure map of Skull Island Kidd has in his possession. Oliver and Rocky then try to get the love letter back by going along with Kidd on a voyage to Skull Island and from there, more problems arise.
Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd is a cute musical comedy that effectively blends Abbott and Costello’s unique brand of humor with the classic pirate adventure formula. Though the song sequences are a bit corny, the jokes and physical comedy are performed very well. It’s also kind of confusing why such a revered and classically-trained actor such as Laughton would lower his standards to appear in a movie like this. However that being said, if you are in the mood for a good chuckle and have 70 minutes to kill, this is the movie for you.
DVD Bonus Features
There are none.
"Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd" is on sale April 19, 2011 and is not rated. Adventure, Comedy, Musical. Directed by Charles Barton. Written by Howard Dimsdale, John Grant. Starring Bud Abbott, Charles Laughton, Fran Warren, Hillary Brooke, Lou Costello.
