I am a long time fan of Abbott and Costello, and two of their biggest "bombs" occurred during the peak of their careers. The Time of Their Lives was one of them. It's a real shame too, because this movie is great. I don't think this will take away from the movie, but....>

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! BE WARNED!!!!!

I won't give away the ending, but I do want to set the stage. Costello plays a tinker who ends up being mistaken as a traitor. The real traitor (Abbott) sets him up for the fall. He and a woman are killed and dumped in a well, cursed to the crack of doom or until proof otherwise is found.

Turn to "modern day" 1940's. Abbott is back as a descendant of the traitor, but unlike his strong forefather is a weak hypocondriac. He returns to the reconstructed house where the battle was fought years ago with descendants of the family. The ghosts of the "traitors" decide to see what's going on, and soon find hope in their possible release from the curse.

The characters are golden! The story is wonderful! The inside jokes were brilliant! There is so much to see and wonder about this movie, it is my personal favorite. Why? It is ANYTHING but formula Abbott and Costello. There are formula moments, but for the most part, it is just a great comedy with great actors, proving the talents of this duo and why their comedy will stand the tests of time.

I won't argue over this Abbott and Costello comedy being called the very best of the duo's pictures simply because it's really the only one with a complete, polished feel--it leaves you entertained and satisfied at the end. Most of the A&C movies are filled with brawling slapstick and loud braying--back and forth with the quips--but this one is sharp and funny, and Bud and Lou play characters instead of constantly resorting to shtick. Costello is mistaken for a traitor and killed, later turning up as a ghost to haunt Abbott, who is a relative of Lou's murderer. Surprisingly good story and terrific supporting cast, amusing script and nimble direction makes this one a pleasure. ***1/2 from ****

Coming after LITTLE GIANT, a film in which Abbott and Costello were NOT a pair and in which Bud Abbott played a dual role, here is the second film that experimented with the A&C format. The film is set in the Revolutionary War period and then in 1946, with Costello playing the same role in both parts, and Abbott playing different roles (although the characters are related, just spread over 170 years!). There are a lot of funny sequences, but the historical angle makes the rest of the film very interesting in its own right. With appearances by such b-movie stalwarts as Kirk Alyn and Rex Lease, a fine supporting cast, and good-looking historical settings,the film is handsome looking and holds up well today. THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES is a nice change-of-pace for the Abbott and Costello fan, and once again shows that Costello was capable of carrying an entire feature film himself--and that Bud Abbott was excellent in character roles, not just as half of a comedy team. Newly reissued on DVD, the film should find an appreciative new audience.