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The Abbott and Costello Book

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For years,the work of Abbott & Costello have been ignored or even unfairly criticized by many film and tv historians.Except for Leonard Maltin's "Movie Comedy Teams"and "Great Movie Comedians".The boys'efforts have recevied little or no reconition at all.Until now.Film and TV Comedy writer Jim Mullholland has finally written a book that gives us all some insight into the team's careers.Using reserch,interviews with the boys colleages,family members,performers and craftspersons from the films and tv work and from Maltin.Mr.Mullholland looks at the duo's humble beginnings in Burlesque,With The Steel Pier Mintrels,performing on "The Kate Smith Radio Hour"and in nightclubs.To their debut in The Broadcway Musical revue:"The Streets Of Paris!"with Carmen Miranda and Bobby Clark to hosting their own weekly radio series'on NBC and later on ABC Radio.The book goes on to look at their film careers and at their work on tv:First as semi-regular guest hosts/performers on NBC TV's:"Colgate Comedy Hour!"and then as the stars of "The Abbott & Costello Show".The book also has a filmography of their movies and a listing of their second tv series.Plus photos of the time(Many of these pictures are from private collections).While the book does not go into the problems that exsisted behind the scenes(Including the sorid details of the team's second and final breakup in December,1956)and there is only a small ammount of info about the creation of the films.It still gives us a look into the creation and successes of one of show business'most popular teams.This is one book that Abbott & Costello fans should have.Along with fans of comedy history.Bravo Jimmy! Kevin S.Butler.