The Time of Their Lives

Following the disappointing returns of "Little Giant," Universal decided to continue the experiment of using Abbott and Costello as separate characters in a film -- but with a few changes. The pathos of "Little Giant" was dropped, and the focus returned to comedy. A stronger plot was created, and the movie was set in part in the 18th century. The end result was "The Time of Their Lives," which must rank high among the best of A&C's films. Perhaps one reason A&C's characters were not a team again in this film was a feud between Abbott and Costello, but no one is quite sure. The reason was probably due to wanting to try something different. With "Little Giant," this effort failed; with "TOTL," they succeeded because Abbott fits so naturally into both his characters and because the storyline is fresh and different. The tried-and-true A&C routines are missing, but no one notices because much of the humor derives from situations, which are often funny. The reactions to Costello's hauntings are hilarious, and Bud gets some very genuine laughs. I agree with everyone that if A&C had broken up at this time, Abbott would have made a fine character actor in comedies, in a Eugene Pallette sort of way (though without Pallette's girth.) Despite the reputation this film enjoys today, 1946 audiences seemed rather tepid towards another A&C situational comedy with the boys not appearing as a team. As a result, this type of film was never again tried by A&C. However, it is a film worthy of viewing and deserves the reputation it enjoys today as one of their finest. 8 out of 10.

source: The Ghost Steps Out

Trailer—The Time of Their Lives

The Time of Their Lives

While I like all the A&C films, this is probably my favorite. It's a sophisticated comedy, very highbrow from their other efforts. Costello plays a tinker from the Revolutionary War era. Bud Abbott plays a traitor in the past, and a psychiatrist in the present. Marjorie plays Melody Allen, fiance to Tom Danbury, who is the owner of a great estate; he's also a British sympathizer and the spy. Bud, as the psychiatrist, plays the role straight, and is extremely good. The housekeeper is played to eerie perfection by Gale Sondergaard. A really fine film, and one that I recommend highly. It's very different from the usual A&C movie, and that's a plus in this case. Bud was a fine actor, who should have been allowed to do more straight roles. The entire film is inventive and cleverly constructed, and it's a joy to watch.

You almost wonder with the premise of this one if Bud & Lou got back together in the great beyond & did this one again? The story is set in the American Revolution when Lou becomes a ghost. He is a tinker with a letter from George Washington which has gotten hidden, & until it is found his spirit can't leave. Then there is a shapely woman ghost with him under the same curse. Bud is a traitor who hides the letter. The mansion burns down but the letter survives. Then we fast forward to the 1940's Bud's Grandson who looks just like Bud comes back to visit the re-built mansion. Lou's ghost haunts him from the get go & this makes some of the funnier moments they have in their films. Lou & Bud argued a lot off screen so here, Lou gets to lay it on Bud & he does so pretty thick. The support cast in this movie is better than the average A&C film & for once there is not a bunch of music to distract the viewer. All these years later & the film is a little dated, but it is still funny.

Growing up in the New York area as a kid, channel 11 (WPIX) used to show the Abbott and Costello movies every Sunday at 11:30 AM. I got to see virtually all of them. Some were OK (Buck Privates) while others were barely watchable (the later ones that start with "Abbott & Costello Meet [INSERT HORROR CHARACTER NAME]). BUT...I have always noticed that "The Time of Their Lives" is definately very, very different from all of their other films. First of all it has a cohesive, discernable plot that isn't just about hanging the gags on. All of the comedic moments arise from and because of the plot and they work very well. And the resolution of the ghost's predicament (they were wrongly executed) is very satisfying. It would be interesting to find out how and why this film was made because it differs so radically from the other Abbott & Costello films. Was it a fluke? Did the team seek better material? Did it simply come their way? See this film. It's very good indeed.

THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES (1946) ***1/2 Abbott and Costello original with the team "separated": Lou's a Revolutionary War-era ghost with comely spirit Marjorie Reynolds who both were murdered and branded traitors to America, and due to a curse set upon their souls are forced to remain on Earth until they are proven patriots thanks to a letter in an antique clock authored by George Washington. Bud is very good as an ancestor of Costello's arch nemesis providing Lou a good reason to scare him. Pretty funny and some solid acting from the duo.

I won't argue over this Abbott and Costello comedy being called the very best of the duo's pictures simply because it's really the only one with a complete, polished feel--it leaves you entertained and satisfied at the end. Most of the A&C movies are filled with brawling slapstick and loud braying--back and forth with the quips--but this one is sharp and funny, and Bud and Lou play characters instead of constantly resorting to shtick. Costello is mistaken for a traitor and killed, later turning up as a ghost to haunt Abbott, who is a relative of Lou's murderer. Surprisingly good story and terrific supporting cast, amusing script and nimble direction makes this one a pleasure. ***1/2 from ****

This enjoyable and rather creative Abbott and Costello feature gives Bud and Lou each a chance to do a lot more on their own, while telling an entertaining story at a good pace. It's different from most of their films, in that Bud and Lou have very few moments when their characters interact. It works quite well, though, and it is certainly among their better movies. The story takes a little while to set up, but then it begins to move more quickly. Once the prologue is over and the main plot begins, Costello and Marjorie Reynolds are quite entertaining as the two ghosts. There is just enough explanation provided to make the plot work, without going overboard or taking the premise too seriously. The lengthy sequence with Bud and his friends trying to communicate with Costello and Reynolds provides many of the movie's best moments, and there is plenty of good material in the rest of the film as well. This picture delivers just what you hope for in a light comedy.