Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)

Almost as much fun as I remembered, 13 October 2007

Slim and Tubby (Bud Abbott and Lou Costello) are two bumbling American policemen studying the techniques of the British police. They get into a bit of trouble and are kicked off the force. Tracking down the monster that has been terrorizing London would seem to be a way to get them back in the good graces of the police force. Along the way, Slim and Tubby are befriended by a seemingly kindly doctor named Jekyll. But Jekyll is not what or who he seems. He's actually the killer our "heroes" are hunting.

Another childhood favorite, I hadn't seen Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in literally two or more decades. I was worried that it would never live up to the fond memories I've built up over the years. Overall, I enjoyed it. Considering it's one of A&C's later films, it's a solid effort. Part of the reason may be that the boys didn't revisit their classic routines as I've noticed in some of the other movies from this period. And the fact that the boys work within the framework of the plot helps. Whatever, it's just fun. The chase scenes are the highlight for me. I found myself laughing at the same things I found funny 35 years ago. And it's always nice to see Karloff. His scenes with the boys are quite good. If it weren't for the scenes where Costello is turned into a mouse that I find utterly ridiculous (even in the framework of an A&C movie) and that put a drag on the flow of the movie, I might have rated Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde even higher.

6/10