Hold That Ghost (Dir. Arthur Lubin. 1941, 85 mins. U.S. 35mm). Two bumbling service station attendants with dreams of owning their own nightclub think their fortunes have turned around when they stumble their way into inheriting the estate of a bumped-off gangster. However, before they can claim their new riches, they are left stranded in a supposedly haunted house with a group of suspicious strangers in this early foray into comedy-horror from Abbott and Costello, whose rapid-fire banter and classic bits are perfectly complemented by creaky doors, flickering lights, and suspicious noises.
Followed by Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Dir. Charles Barton. 1948, 82 mins. U.S. 35mm.) Jeepers! The creepers are after Bud and Lou! The classic comedy duo find themselves matching whatever wits they can muster with the terrifying trifecta of Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi, returning to his signature role after 17 years), the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.), and Frankenstein’s Monster (Glenn Strange), doing their best to thwart Dracula’s wicked plans for Costello’s poor brain.
