Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953)

40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
46% of users liked it
(484 ratings)

They don't really go to Mars, they go to Venus, but first they go to New Orleans. While working at a missile base, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello inadvertently launch a rocket ship with themselves aboard. After a wild ride around New York City (the Statue of Liberty ducks when the rocket heads her… More They don't really go to Mars, they go to Venus, but first they go to New Orleans. While working at a missile base, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello inadvertently launch a rocket ship with themselves aboard. After a wild ride around New York City (the Statue of Liberty ducks when the rocket heads her way), Bud and Lou land in the outskirts of New Orleans. The boys are convinced that they've reached Mars, and their faith in this supposition is affirmed when they come across several strangely costumed "creatures" (actually revellers at the Mardi Gras). Meanwhile, bank robbers Jack Kruschen and Horace McMahon stow away on A&C's rocketship. When Bud and Lou return, the crooks force them to make a quick getaway into outer space. After several days of weightlessness, the four space travellers land on Venus, a planet populated by the gorgeous winners of the Miss Universe contest (including Anita Ekberg). Venusian queen Mari Blanchard falls in love with Costello, only to order him and his companions to return to earth when Lou proves to be unfaithful. Reportedly, this bizarre melange of sci-fi and slapstick was based on a story by Charles Beaumont, who received no screen credit (it's worth noting that Beaumont's later Queen of Outer Space boasts a remarkably similar plotline). Long considered the team's worst film, Abbott and Costello Go to Mars ("and about time!" quipped the New York Times' TV-movie reviewer) is rather likeable in its own incoherent way. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 17 min.
Directed By: Charles Lamont
Written By: D.D. Beauchamp, Howard Christie
Genres: Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 8, 1953 Wide
On DVD: Jun 29, 1994

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers
Poor A & C outing with low budget showing everywhere.
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com
While the sci-fi genre seems like a natural for Bud & Lou to tackle...it almost feels like they had two (or maybe three) scripts that they tried to cobble together.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Even for Abbott and Costello fans, this must be trying.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A goofy, silly movie, but fun. Overall, it's not a good movie, but if you like Abbott and Costello, you'll enjoy it anyway.
Bruce B

Not the best Abbott and Costello Film but still very enjoyable as the boys, get in a rocket ship and accidentally launch it, they buzz around NYC and land in Louisiana outside New Orleans but thy think they are on Mars as everyone is running around in Mari Gras Costumes. They run in… More
Not the best Abbott and Costello Film but still very enjoyable as the boys, get in a rocket ship and accidentally launch it, they buzz around NYC and land in Louisiana outside New Orleans but thy think they are on Mars as everyone is running around in Mari Gras Costumes. They run in to two bank robbers who also get on the ship and they once again launch and this time land on Venus with nothing but beautiful women. Can only give this one 3 1/2 stars as just not the over the top comedy as seen in other films.
Anthony V

More original gags than some of their later films. Manages to keep your interest throughout. A fun outing.
Christopher B

Great, if you're a kid. Well, maybe a kid back in my time, perhaps today's kids would boo this out of the theaters. Still, I find it fun. So there.

Cast

            Bud Abbott as Lester

            Lou Costello as Orville

            Mari Blanchard as Allura

            Robert Paige as Dr. Wilson

            Horace McMahon as Mugsy

            Martha Hyer as Janie

            Jack Kruschen as Harry

            Joe Kirk as Dr. Orvilla

            Anita Ekberg as Venusian Woman

            James Flavin as Policeman

            Jackie Loughery as Miss U.S.A.

            Bobby Barber as Man

            Ken Christy as Police Officer

            Russ Conway as Policemen in Bank

            Dudley Dickerson as Porter

            Robert Forrest as Observer

            Tim Graham as Cashier

            Rex Lease as Police Sergeant

            Frank Marlowe as Bartender

            William Newell as Drunk

            Paul Newlan as Traffic Cop

            Sid Saylor as Man at Fountain

            Jack Tesler as Dr. Holtz

            Dale Van Sickel
            
            Jean Willes as Captain

            Gloria Paul
            
            Grace Lenard as French Girl

            Milt Bronson as Announcer

            Harry Lang as French Waiter

            Harold Goodwin as Dr. Coleman
See full cast