Hold That Ghost (Oh, Charlie) (1941)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
92% of users liked it
(679 ratings)

Hold That Ghost was the second of Abbott and Costello's starring films, but was held back from release in favor of their third picture, the more "topical" In the Navy. In Ghost, Bud and Lou play a couple of service-station owners who happen to be hanging around when gangster Moose Mattson (William… More Hold That Ghost was the second of Abbott and Costello's starring films, but was held back from release in favor of their third picture, the more "topical" In the Navy. In Ghost, Bud and Lou play a couple of service-station owners who happen to be hanging around when gangster Moose Mattson (William B. Davidson) is killed. According to the terms of Mattson's will, whosoever is present when "the coppers dim my lights for the last time" will inherit his estate, which consists of a deserted mansion in the middle of nowhere. Crooked attorney Russell Hicks, who knows that Mattson has hidden hundreds of thousands of dollars somewhere in the lodge, dispatches sinister Charlie Smith (Marc Lawrence) to escort Abbott and Costello to the house, with instructions to "take care" of the trusting boys once they've arrived. Charlie charters a bus to take A&C out to the mansion; also on board, going off to various other destinations, are handsome Dr. Jackson (Richard Carlson), lovely Norma Lind (Evelyn Ankers) and professional radio screamer Camille Brewster (Joan Davis). It is inevitable that this disparate group is stranded along with Abbott and Costello in the forbidding mansion on a dark and stormy night. Charlie Smith is promptly murdered by parties unknown; throughout the rest of the film, Charlie's body pops up at the most inopportune moments, reducing the already tremulous Costello to a quivering mass of jello. The plot is merely an excuse to showcase Abbott and Costello's superbly timed cross-talking routines, a riotous impromptu dance performed by Costello and Joan Davis, and, of course, the legendary "moving candle" bit, which may well be Costello's funniest-ever screen scene. Hold That Ghost was originally designed and previewed as a 65-minute programmer title Oh, Charlie, but Universal decided to expand the length and throw in a few guest stars to secure top-of-the-bill bookings. This is why Hold That Ghost begins and ends with barely relevant musical numbers featuring Ted Lewis and the Andrews Sisters. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Arthur Lubin
Written By: John Grant, Robert Lees
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1941 Wide

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The duo would capitalize on this balance in the later monster movies, but it works just as well here.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
One of Bud & Lou's funniest, featuring their classic candle sequence.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Not up to the standards of Buck Privates, but it does have its moments.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Above average Abbott and Costello comedy-thriller

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Featured Audience Ratings

David L

"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… More
"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.
Henrik S

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… More
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.
Christopher B

Very funny Bud and Lou film. I haven't seen this one in a very long time, but I do remember loving this.

Cast

            Bud Abbott as Chuck Murray

            Lou Costello as Ferdinand Jones

            Joan Davis as Camille Brewster

            Richard Carlson as Dr.Jackson

            Evelyn Ankers as Norma Lind

            Mischa Auer as Gregory Maitre D'

            Marc Lawrence I as Charlie Smith

            Shemp Howard as Soda Jerk

            Russell Hicks as Lawyer Bannister

            The Andrews Sisters as Themselves

            Bobby Barber as Waiter

            William B. Davidson as Sidney "Moose" Matson

            Edgar Dearing as Irondome

            Paul Fix as Lefty

            William Forrest as State Trooper

            Thurston Hall as Alderman

            Harry Hayden as Jenkins

            Howard Hickman as Judge

            Ted Lewis as Himself

            Paul Newlan as Big Fink

            Nestor Paiva as Glum

            Milton Parsons as Hans Hoskins

            Edward Pawley as High Collar

            Frank Penny as Snake-Eyes

            William H. Ruhl as Customer

            Janet Shaw as Alderman's Girl

            Ted Lewis & his Band
            
            Don Terry as Strangler

            Harry Wilson as Harry

            Madge Crane as Mrs. Giltedge

            Patty Andrews as Herself

            Joe La Cava as Little Fink

            Laverne Andrews as Herself

            Maxene Andrews as Herself

            Frank Richards as Gunman
See full cast