Abbott & Costello - Abbott & Costello - Buck Privates

If anyone could have a gleeful time in the army, it would have to be Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. And for what better reason than for a couple of dames. Yes, here it was, the early days of war for America in (WWII), and our frolicking friends have chased two WACs into the armed services. They no more belong in the army than do Felix the Cat and Winnie the Pooh. But here you are, in one of the duo's best films.

This movie has more of the talented word play that we have come to expect from the guys, and some overboard slapstick, which seems to have grown in complexity (read 'unbelievable') and roughness - blame the popularity decline of slapstick for this. What makes this a not-so-great movie, is the blatant plot that revolves around the skirts the boys are after. They can be above this, and anything that comes between them is not funny, but silly. By today's standards, it would most likely be rated 'G' (excluding the frankness between women and men), but it still has that manly sensibility to it. It doesn't age well, especially compared to Martin and Lewis.

Cinematography

The revolving production of comedies through this era does not warrant any special value to cinematography. It is sad to say, but anything well deserved of an award for such a thing, would likely be of a dramatic nature. The look and feel of this movie is no different than the best Three Stooges short. But, nods go to director Arthur Lubin for keeping a second camera around for Lou.

Screenplay

Unfortunately, nothing has changed since the beginning paragraph. Abbott and Costello's tenure as skilled artisans of words and timing, their play off of one another, the childish impness of Lou's, and Bud's straight-as-they-come entrepreneurship, has drawn to a close. The days of slapstick and Vaudeville have set, and this may have been the bow to the great ones who have performed before them. It was no novice idea. Certainly worn out before 'talkies' were the convention, girl chasing is now sentimental and used when there are no more fresh ideas around. For the survivors of this genré, myself included, this is a must-see. Those days have gone.

Acting

If you round up all of the bit players you can muster, your stars will never be outshined. In the case of Abbott and Costello, you can have the best bit players and not have to worry about your key actors. In Cinema, when the greatest is on the set, The Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy (though they were always secured), The Three Stooges, and of course Bud and Lou, working with other great actors will only enhance the performance of the stars. There is nothing outstanding in this movie's performances, but of note, Bud still had his skill intact.

[Rating]
Cinematography: 1.5
Screenplay: 1.5
Acting: 1.5
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Overall: 1.5