The Movie: Hold That Ghost (1941)
What Is It?:
Despite its title Abbott and Costello’s first great feature is more of an “old
dark house” spoof than a ghost story, although there is definitely something
supernatural afoot during the famous candlestick routine. Joan Davis comes
closer than anyone ever has to upstaging Lou as a goofy radio personality known
solely for providing horror programs with her signature shriek. The Andrew
Sisters heap on the nostalgia.
Why Today?: On
this day in 1941, five days before
the film’s release, Bud and Lou perform a live version of Hold That Ghost on Louella Parsons’ “Hollywood Premiere” radio
show.
