Hold That Ghost1941
Hold That Ghost (1941)
Hold That Ghost Photos
Movie Info
Cast
as Chuck Murray
as Ferdinand Jones
as Doctor Jackson
as Norma Lind
as Camille Brewster
as Soda Jerk
as Himself
as Gregory, Maitre D'
as Charlie Smith
as Harry Hoskins
as Snake-Eyes
as Irondome
as Strangler
as High Collar
as Glum
as Lawyer Bannister
as Sidney `Moose' Matson
as Lefty
as Judge
as Jenkins
as State Trooper
as Big Fink
as Little Fink
as Waiter
as Alderman
as Alderman's Girl
as Gunman
as Customer
as Mrs. Giltedge
as Pretty Young Thing
as Harry
as Herself
as Herself
as Herself
Critic Reviews for Hold That Ghost
All Critics (6) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (0)
One of the best horror comedy romps featuring Abbott and Costello...
The duo would capitalize on this balance in the later monster movies, but it works just as well here.
One of Bud & Lou's funniest, featuring their classic candle sequence.
Not up to the standards of Buck Privates, but it does have its moments.
Above average Abbott and Costello comedy-thriller
Audience Reviews for Hold That Ghost
"Hold That Ghost" was Abbott and Costello's fourth feature film, and the third in which they were headline billed. Also going three for three with the comedy duo were The Andrews Sisters and Shemp Howard, who previously appeared with the boys in "Buck Privates" and "In the Navy". The film style differs somewhat from the military based films in that Abbott and Costello stay away from the skit routines and go more for the sight gags and one liners. In the story, Chuck Murray (Bud) and Ferdie Jones (Lou) inherit an abandoned inn from mobster Moose Matson; as stated in the will, they were with Moose at the time of his demise. Of course, Moose's cronies have an interest in the place because the money from his robberies are believed to be hidden there. Moose's assurance that the location of the money is "in his head" proves to be truer than we realize when first uttered. All of this serves as the basic premise for Bud and Lou to deliver their zany antics in what turns out to be a "haunted" house, replete with a dead body, levitating candles and observing ghosts. Adding to the fun of the film is Joan Davis, a wonderful foil for Lou's character who has just the right blend of good looks and snappy attitude. Richard Carlson is the nerdy Doctor Jackson who misses all the romantic signals thrown his way by pretty Norma Lind (Evelyn Ankers). The opening of "Hold That Ghost" left me considering whether today's concern with political correctness would have allowed the scene to be made today. Crooner Ted Lewis offers a rendition of "Me and My Shadow" with a black actor (uncredited Ralph Brooks) mimicking his movement, ostensibly as his "shadow". As always, The Andrews Sisters are delightfully entertaining, though not as animated as in the Service films. After 1941's "Hold That Ghost", Abbott and Costello didn't venture into another "horror" type film until 1948's "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein", possibly their best comedy and my personal favorite by the boys. But then they really got into high gear with the genre with a host of offerings in which they paired with a number of Universal's characters - the Invisible Man, Jekyll and Hyde, and The Mummy. All are a treat and come recommended for Abbott and Costello fans.
Super Reviewer
This has been the first Abbot & Costello movie I ever saw, and although I enjoyed it, they are not match for legendary comedy team Laurel & Hardy. In my opinion, the major flaw of Abbot & Costello is that the whole comical talent lies with one half of the duo exclusively, which is Lou Costello, whose antiques, voice and physical comedy makes me giggle. Abbot whoever has not one single laugh in the movie and as of now, I cannot even remember his face. Compared with Laurel & Hardy, the duo misses the moments of perfect dualism, timing and complimentary character traits. The plot may have been a bit unoriginal, dwelling on Universal's legacy as a monster movie studio, but I stll enjoyed the goofyspook theme and am looking forward to watch the other Abbot & Costello monster mash-up movies. If you are interested in Slapstick or Laurel & Hardy, this movie is one you should not miss. I guess, it might also be highly entertaining for kids.
Super Reviewer
Very funny Bud and Lou film. I haven't seen this one in a very long time, but I do remember loving this.
Super Reviewer
Hold That Ghost Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.