Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
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91% of critics liked it
(23 reviews) -
81% of users liked it
(8,139 ratings)
It seems that Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi), in league with a beautiful but diabolical lady scientist (Lenore Aubert), needs a "simple, pliable" brain with which to reactivate Frankenstein's creature (Glenn Strange). The "ideal" brain belongs to the hapless Lou Costello, whom… More It seems that Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi), in league with a beautiful but diabolical lady scientist (Lenore Aubert), needs a "simple, pliable" brain with which to reactivate Frankenstein's creature (Glenn Strange). The "ideal" brain belongs to the hapless Lou Costello, whom the lady doctor woos to gain his confidence and lure him to the operating table. Lawrence Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.), better known as the Wolf Man, arrives on the scene to warn Costello and his pal Bud Abbott of Dracula's nefarious schemes. Throughout the film, the timorous Costello witnesses the nocturnal rituals of Dracula and the Monster, but can't convince the ever-doubting Abbott--until the wild climax in Dracula's castle, where the comedians are pursued by all three of the film's monstrosities. As a bonus, the Invisible Man (voiced by an unbilled Vincent Price) shows up for "all the excitement." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Charles Barton
- Written By
- Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo, John Grant
- Genres
- Horror, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jun 15, 1948 Wide
- On DVD
- Sep 30, 2006
- Studio
- Universal Studios Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
This 1948 effort is probably the last of their watchable films, though it's a long way from their best.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
The notion of having these two clowns run afoul of the famous screen monster is a good laugh in itself. But take this gentle warning: get the most out of that one laugh while you can, because the picture, at Loew's Criterion, does not contain many more.
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Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing
This is the best of the boys' efforts, allowing them to go for the nyuks yet never diminishing the standing of the classic Universal Studios monsters that figure in its plot.
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Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
While the the film is representative of the absolute worst of Universal horror... it is one of the very best Abbott and Costello vehicles.
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Well-constructed and satisfyingly low
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Bud Abbott
as Chick Young
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Lou Costello
as Wilbur Grey
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Lon Chaney Jr
as Lawrence Talbot/The Wolf Man
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Bela Lugosi
as Dracula
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Glenn Strange
as The Monster
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Lénore Aubert
as Sandra Mornay
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Jane Randolph
as Joan Raymond
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Frank Ferguson
as McDougal
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Charles Bradstreet
as Dr. Stevens
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Bobby Barber
as Waiter
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Joe Kirk
as Man
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Vincent Price
as Invisible Man
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Helen Spring
as Woman
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Clarence Straight
as Man in Armor
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Paul Stader
as Sergeant
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Howard Negley
as Harris
- George Barton
- Carl Sklover
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Harry Brown
as Photographer

