Customer Reviews

Abbott & Costello: Keep Em Flying [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This rollicking comedy isn't as tight and inventive as the classic "Buck Privates" but it's still hilarious. But what helps this really zoom along is the marvelous Martha Raye. She portrays twin sisters--one quiet, demure, the other more like the real Martha--boisterous, funny, earthy. The highlights of this comedy is when Martha sings and dances and one of the best rock numbers ever recorded is her finger-snapping "Big Foot Pete" number, with a terrific boogie-woogie beat. This number was nominated for an Oscar as best song. Martha has been nearly forgotten today but she should be reverred as one of film's most endearing and talented stars.

They did it once again. I remember sitting down for Sunday dinner when I was 4 years old and Abbott and Costello would come on. They kept me there for hours. Now I had to get the one I never saw and I am glad I did. This really brings back memories. A definate buy!! I miss the old days.

Arthur Lubin directs this FUNNY 1941 Abbott & Costello vehicle. Bud and Lou with their stunt pilot friend Dick Foran enlist in the US Army Air Corp (now known as the US Airforce). The best highlight of the film is comdieanne Martha Raye who portrays twin waitress. 5 STARS again to Mr. Lubin and the UNFORGETTABLE Abbott and Costello.

This picture is dedicated to the US Army Air Corps officers, enlisted men, and ground crews. Blackie and Heathcliff are working at a carnival. There is an old attraction that uses physical comedy. The owner fires the boys, they dine out to celebrate. The boys will join an air academy for training. There are more comic skits at the lunch counter. The boys get in without a pass, but there is a price. More comic skits follow, then a song and dance. There is a comic skit on the telephone. Mr. Roberts knows his technical details. An accident makes Heathcliff tired. Later we see a carnival that provided entertainment in those days. Heathcliff enters a haunted house. The confusion over the twin sisters ends.

Jinx Roberts figures out how to make Jim Morrison fly solo! Jim walks away from his landing. Blackie and Heathcliff get into a trainer and provide the comic flight that is the highlight of this film. The ending shows single wing trainers that replaced the wood and canvas biplanes. Both radial engined. There is trouble at the end when a parachute gets caught by the tail of a DC-3. Jinx rescues the man in a daring rescue, and redeems himself. Blackie and Heathcliff have a comic ending. All's well that ends well. [This film was intended to be a recruitment aid.]

When a barnstorming stunt pilot decides to join the Air Corps, his two goofball assistants decide to go with him. Since the two are Abbott & Costello, the Air Corps doesn't know what it's in for.

Director:
Arthur Lubin

Producer:
Glenn Tyron

Writing Credits:
True Boardman
John Grant
Edmund L. Hartmann
Nat Perrin

Cast:
Bud Abbott - Blackie Benson
Lou Costello - Heathcliffe
Martha Raye - Gloria & Barbara Phelps
Carol Bruce - Linda Joyce
William Gargan - Craig Morrision
Dick Foran - Jinx Roberts
Truman Bradley - Butch
William B. Davidson - McGonigle
Charles Lang - Jimmy Joyce
Frank Penny - Spealer
Loring Smith - Major Barstow
Charles King - Cadet
James Horne, Jr. - Cadet
Reg Parton - Cadet
Scott Groves - Cadet
Dorthory Darrell - USO Girl
Elaine Morey - USO Girl
Marcia Ralston - USO Girl
Doris Lloyd - Lady with lipstick
Richard Crane - Cadet Stevens
Virginia Engels - Hat Check Girl
Phil Warren - Pilot
Paul Scott - Doctor
Carleton Young - Orchestra leader
Harold Daniels - Announcer
Mickey Simpson - Deputy
Gene O'Donnell - Radio Control Operator
James Seay - Lieutenant
Earle Hodgins - Attendant
Williams Forrest - Captain
Samuel S. Hinds -
Dorothy L. Jones - Brunette
Princess Luana - Herself
Stanley Smith - Cadet
Harry Strang - Truck Driver
Emil Van Horn - Man in Gorilla Costume

Music by:
Frank Skinner

Cinematography by:
Elmer Dyer
Joseph A. Valentine

Film Editing by:
Philip Cahn
Arthur Hilton

Art Direction:
Jack Otterson

Assistant Director:
Gil Valle

Sound Department:
Bernard B. Brown
Hal Bumbaugh

Stunts:
Pat Costello
Paul Mantz

Other Crew:


Routines & Hilarious Moments:

Sandwich and Cup of Coffee

adjacent phone booth routine

Torpedo chase

lost in the funhouse


Trivia (from imdb.com): (1)This was originally planned for production after "RIDE 'EM COWBOY" (1942). The huge success of Abbott & Costello's previous service comedies, "BUCK PRIVATES" (1941), and "IN THE NAVY" (1941), caused Universal to produce this first. The War Department also announced a recruitment campaign called "Keep 'Em Flying Week" which Universal could use as a patriotic tie-in. (2)For the torpedo chase, Lou Costello did his shots in front of a rear projection screen. For the long shots it's Pat Costello, Lou's brother, doubling for him.