Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy

Critically falling somewhere in the middle between the high water mark of their debut creature comedy Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) and such lackluster efforts as Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953), this 1955 vehicle (the duo's last Universal film) finds the pleasingly plump, chronically bewildered Lou Costello and his thin man partner Bud Abbott in Cairo applying for a job as corpse chaperones for a mummy headed for America. Unfortunately, when the boys show up for the interview, the hiring archaeologist is dead, the mummy disappears, and the authorities suspect our boys of foul play. The usual madcap antics ensue, with memorable bits and running gags involving snake-charming and a sacred medallion that Costello swallows for safekeeping. Although extra-less, the DVD features a solid b&w transfer with crisp audio. A strong optional purchase. (R. Pitman)