Abbott and Costello – Who’s on First (film #1 on The Colgate Comedy Hours, Vol. 1 DVD (Media Movies & More). [Category: Early Film & TV]

This episode of the early 50s variety series “The Colgate Comedy Hour” features Abbott and Costello in Washington, DC for the inaugural banquet for Eisenhower. As you might expect, havoc ensues, culminating with the ball turning into a brawl. The highlight of this, though, is a very funny performance by Victor Borge. Also fun are Abbott & Costello’s classic “Who’s on First” routine and a routine involving a trained mule who didn’t perform exactly as planned, requiring lots of ad-libbing, since the show was live. The show has a real early 50s feel to it, making it a good example of early live tv.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: ****. Weirdness: ****. Historical Interest: *****. Overall Rating: ****.