Abbott and Costello Go to Mars Review

Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953) (DVD)

Director: Charles Lamont

** Rating

This is the first, alphabetically, in a long line of "Abbott and Costello..." movies that would be produced in the 40s and 50s. A&C had worked hard to update their comedy routine in order to attract a younger audience. This would begin with a series of "Abbott and Costello Meet..." movies that spoofed the Universal Monster movies of the past. When A&C Go to Mars was released, younger audiences had moved on to sci-fi movies, so A&C decided to go to Mars...sort of.

A&C Go to Mars begins with Lester (Bud Abbott) and Orville (Lou Costello) who unknowingly highjack a rocket space that is suppose to go to Mars. After the rocket space takes off, it flies to New Orlean and crash lands during Mardi Gras. The brightly colored costumes and big head masks convince the boys that they are seeing aliens. Their fear grows when they are take prisoner by bank robbers Mugsy and Harry and forced to fly to Venus. Venus, in this movie, is populated by only females. Males banished long ago. They never make it to Mars, despite what the title promises.

Many reviews I have read in the past cite this movie as the team's worst of their career. I'm here to tell you that it is not. It is a favorite of mine, but lower on the list compared to their other superior movies. The effects and story are completely unreal, but somehow A&C manage to use their comedic brillance to create a fun adventure. The stand out element that for some reason always makes me laugh is their space suits and the fact that Venus is populated by Miss Universe contestants. Though there are other A&C movies to watch first, do not forget this little guilty pleasure.