Abbott & Costello: One Night in the Tropics

Buy This Item Abbott & Costello: One Night in the Tropics by Universal Studios  Available from Amazon  $14.98  on 11-17-2008     ONE NIGHT IN THE TROPICS Release Date(s): October 30, 1940 (premiere). November 15, 1940 Runtime: 82 minutes.<p> Director: A. Edward Sutherland Producer: Leonard Spigelglass Writing Credits: Earl Derr Biggers Kathryn Scola Francis Martin Gertrude Purcell Charles Grayson John Grant CAST: Allan Jones: Jim Moore Nancy Kelly: Cynthia Bud Abbott: Abbott Lou Costello: Costello Robert Cummings: Steve Harper Mary Boland: Kitty Marblehead William Frawley: Roscoe Peggy Moran: Mickey Fitzgerald Leo Carrillio: Escobar Don Alvarado: Rudolfo Nina Orla: Nina Richard Carle: Mr. Moore<p> Music by: Jerome Kern Frank Skinner Film Editing by: Milton Carruth Art Direction: Jack Otterson<p> Set Decoration: Russell A. Gausman Costume Design by: Vera West<p> Assistant Director: Joseph E. Kenney<p> Sound Department: Bernard B. BrownSupervisor Joe Lapis<p> Other Crew: Larry CeballosDance Director Dorothy FieldsLyricist Oscar Hammerstein IILyricist Martin ObzinaAssistant Art Director Charles PrevinMusical Director Frank SkinnerOrchestrator <p> Routines & Hilarious Moments: Who's On First (short version) Mustard Routine Money Changing Jonah and the Whale Paid In Full Two Tens For a Five<p> PLOT SUMMARY: Bud and Lou are clumsy thugs hired to protect a love insurance policy investment.<p> Trivia: (1)William Frawley (1887-1966)(Roscoe)is best remembered for his role of Fred Mertz in the classic TV sitcom "I LOVE LUCY" (CBS-TV. November 5, 1951 - May 6, 1957). (2)Leo Carrillo (1881-1961)(Esobar) is best remembered for his role as Pancho in the classic 1950's TV series "THE CISCO KID" (Syndicated. September 5, 1950 - March 22, 1956). Reader Reviews Negative reviews of this film notwithstanding, I believe that this movie well deserves a second look. First and foremost, we have the opportunity to appreciate a most-underrated actor by the name of Robert Cummings, in this film, truly the male conterpart to the goofy, blond female heiress type, appearing in so many of the daffy, screwball comedies of the era... all films we shall never see the likes of again... truly a shame. Mr.Cummings captures the blithe, semi-demented, self-absorbed spirit of his character, and his performance rates, truly, as comic masterpiece. Additionally, and appreciating film art in this movie... do not fail to overlook the exquisite lighting techniques abundant during this shoot. Taking only one scene as an example, a midnight garden scene: those palm frond shadows etched across the faces of those participating in the scene: truly black-and-white film art. This film was made during the era when even "lesser" films so frequently display the artistry of behind-the-camera genius. Yes, this film does belong to the past... a cinema past that was glorious. We get to see a splendid ensemble piece, shot beautifully... and all so innocent, as if savoring a lovely dream upon awakening... a mid-summer's night dream!

Abbott & Costello: One Night in the Tropics Available from Amazon Price: $14.98 Updated on 11-17-2008.

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