The Abbott & Costello Story: Sixty Years of "Who's on First?"

by Stephen Cox, John Lofflin

Heyyyyy Aaaaaabbott! Who's on first? It's Abbott & Costello, of course! Although it has been nearly 60 years since Bud Abbot and Lou Costello began filling American movie houses, their work has proven timeless. The Abbott & Costello Story is a fond, authoritative tribute to the duo who made "Who," "What," and "I Don't Know" the most hilarious names ever batted around on the silver screen. Carefully researched, with interviews from their close friends, relatives, and coworkers, The Abbott & Costello Story is a captivating portrait of the lives, laughs, and legend of America's best-loved comedy team.

Genres: Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

After some time out for other books I finally finished this book. As a fan of Abbott and Costello, I enjoyed this close up look at their lives and work. The volume of their work in the forties and fifties is amazing and it's not surprising that it eventually took its toll on their health and their working relationship. The authors did a good job of giving an accurate account of the ups and downs of "The Boys." That was not always the case in the media. Anyone who has enjoyed their body of work should read this book. It makes me want to go back and watch their movies again.

[Tim Deforest · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the careers of the comedy team, with a fascinating emphasis on the development of their comedic style and its influence on our culture. It also includes a treasury of great photographs, as well as a guide to their movies, an episode guide for their TV series and another episode guide for the Abbott and Costello cartoons made in the 1960s. There are also transcriptions of some of their classic routines--including "Who's on First" of course, which they performed over 15,000 times during their career.

The book doesn't ignore their faults, which included their gambling and their blind trust in a business manager who turned out to be dishonest, which led to trouble with the IRS that took years to untangle and left them with very little money (though the author emphasises they were never destitute--just no longer millionaires). But this is countered by an emphasis on their real-life friendship, their generosity and their love of their families.

So the book is informative and a celebration of one of the best ever comedy teams.

[John Kenrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and enjoyable

As of this writing there isn't a more comprehensive book in circulation covering Abbott & Costello. Affectionate, honest and thorough, it's packed with information to delight longtimd fans as well as new ones. Highly recommended.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mostly fun read for Abbott and Costello fans. I wish they had delved a bit deeper into each movie.

[Bobby Panichella]

It wasn't what I thought it would be,it was mostly stories that other people told about them,so it really wasn't a biography.Some of the stories were good but the author repeats some of them I other chapters.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Book really helped me understand what Abbott and Costello were all about. Its a little long but it gave a lot of great info on the greatest comedy team ever.