*Includes pictures. *Includes Abbott and Costello's own quotes about their lives and careers. *Includes a transcript of "Who's on First?" *Includes a bibliography for further reading. “You never heard of a comedy team that didn’t fight; did you? But for twenty years as a professional team; Lou and I were closer than man and wife.†- Bud Abbott “A husband is what's left of a sweetheart after the nerve has been killed.†– Lou Costello A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history’s most influential figures; but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors’ American Legends series; readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America’s most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute; while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. Ironically; one of America’s most famous comedy duos; and the performers of the country’s most famous skit; came together in part because Lou Costello had already failed to cut it in the film industry. In fact; Costello had appeared in a Laurel Hardy film in 1927 before meeting his partner; Bud Abbott; on the burlesque circuit in New York City. In fact; the two first performed together in 1935 only because Abbott filled in for Costello’s usual partner; who happened to be ill one fateful day. Over time; Abbott Costello perfected their routine; which typically consisted of Abbott playing the straight man while his dimwit partner acted foolishly and interrupted his plans. It was a shtick that also did well on radio; albeit one that required Costello to modify his voice with a higher pitch that not only differentiated his from Abbott but also made him sound appropriately dumber. By 1940; they were not only successful on the radio but also among America’s most popular movie stars; a status they held almost consistently throughout the decade and into the early 1950s. The legendary comedy duo performed together for decades; and like similar acts; their popularity began to wane over time; but Abbott Costello are still household names today. While all of their material is still in syndication and watched by many; they are best known today for “Who’s on Firstâ€; the famous routine in which Abbott’s answers about the names of baseball players at various positions on the field sound like questions and completely confuse Costello. Although the skit was pieced together from various others; it was immortalized by Abbott Costello and helped popularize not only the duo but some of their subsequent material. American Legends: Abbott Costello examines the lives and careers of one of America’s most famous comedy teams. Along with pictures of important people; places; and events; you will learn about Abbott Costello like never before; in no time at all.
#272295 in Books 2015-11-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .88 x 5.98l; 1.38 #File Name: 1496804309338 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent book. You can tell that Ms Boyett has ...By smackaufWOW! This is an excellent book. You can tell that Ms Boyett has really done her research. She has dug deep and unearthed a lot of important information. While her book focuses on the Central Piney Woods area of Mississippi near Laurel and Hattiesburg; she clearly shows the significance of the events on the larger stage of the American Civil Rights movement. This is a must read for everyone wanting a deeper understanding of the history and condition of race relations in this country.I come away from reading this book with a feeling that there is so much more to learn and so much more that Ms Boyett has to share on this subject. She describes the historical roots that led to the vital struggle of the average people who became heroes of the movement of the 60s. Ms Boyett also makes definitive connections regarding the movement and past; present; and future issues of critical importance. I will mention just three that stood out to me: slavery as an American version of Nazi deportations and enslavement of innocent people; white supremacist terrorism of African Americans; and judicial and police brutality and injustice against an entire class of people who couldn't defend themselves.Ms Boyett has provided us with a detailed and convicting work that leaves us with a challenge to "carry the torch onward across the long road of redemption."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Harding A. TravisInteresting reading enjoying the book.
