Released in 1953 - This disappointingly unfunny Abbott & Costello comedy would (thankfully) be the second last time where Universal Studios would incorporate one of their famous monsters into the story in hopes that this would generate some much-needed audience interest into its unbelievably weak and almost humourless plot.
Set in London, England (during the Edwardian era), this trifle-of-a-movie was basically a repulsively trite romance story that took place between the characters of Bruce Adams (the handsome, dashing, news-reporter) and Vicky Edwards (the pretty, frilly, women's rights activist).
Abbott & Costello's roles in this film as Slim & Tubby (2 American cops studying police tactics in London) are only marginal and repeatedly take a back-seat to the story's focus of Bruce & Vicky's tiresome & contrived courting ritual.
Veteran actor Boris Karloff also appears in the story as Dr. Jekyll (but not as Mr. Hyde). As well, his role as this kindly, but strange, mad scientist is greatly overshadowed by the absurdity of Bruce & Vicky cooing away to each other like 2 brain-dead lovebirds.
With the exception of a couple of "ok" make-up effects and some well-timed slapstick comedy, this dull film clearly missed the mark on all counts (from its humour, to its horror, to its general audience appeal).
This badly-conceived picture was clear evidence that, as a comic duo, Abbott & Costello were at the very brink of approaching the absolute nadir of their movie careers.
Set in London, England (during the Edwardian era), this trifle-of-a-movie was basically a repulsively trite romance story that took place between the characters of Bruce Adams (the handsome, dashing, news-reporter) and Vicky Edwards (the pretty, frilly, women's rights activist).
Abbott & Costello's roles in this film as Slim & Tubby (2 American cops studying police tactics in London) are only marginal and repeatedly take a back-seat to the story's focus of Bruce & Vicky's tiresome & contrived courting ritual.
Veteran actor Boris Karloff also appears in the story as Dr. Jekyll (but not as Mr. Hyde). As well, his role as this kindly, but strange, mad scientist is greatly overshadowed by the absurdity of Bruce & Vicky cooing away to each other like 2 brain-dead lovebirds.
With the exception of a couple of "ok" make-up effects and some well-timed slapstick comedy, this dull film clearly missed the mark on all counts (from its humour, to its horror, to its general audience appeal).
This badly-conceived picture was clear evidence that, as a comic duo, Abbott & Costello were at the very brink of approaching the absolute nadir of their movie careers.