The Time of Their Lives (1946) User Reviews

Top-notch! Among A&C's best!

[jimtinder · 8/10 · 5 February 2001]

Following the disappointing returns of "Little Giant," Universal decided to continue the experiment of using Abbott and Costello as separate characters in a film -- but with a few changes. The pathos of "Little Giant" was dropped, and the focus returned to comedy. A stronger plot was created, and the movie was set in part in the 18th century. The end result was "The Time of Their Lives," which must rank high among the best of A&C's films.

Perhaps one reason A&C's characters were not a team again in this film was a feud between Abbott and Costello, but no one is quite sure. The reason was probably due to wanting to try something different. With "Little Giant," this effort failed; with "TOTL," they succeeded because Abbott fits so naturally into both his characters and because the storyline is fresh and different.

The tried-and-true A&C routines are missing, but no one notices because much of the humor derives from situations, which are often funny. The reactions to Costello's hauntings are hilarious, and Bud gets some very genuine laughs. I agree with everyone that if A&C had broken up at this time, Abbott would have made a fine character actor in comedies, in a Eugene Pallette sort of way (though without Pallette's girth.)

Despite the reputation this film enjoys today, 1946 audiences seemed rather tepid towards another A&C situational comedy with the boys not appearing as a team. As a result, this type of film was never again tried by A&C. However, it is a film worthy of viewing and deserves the reputation it enjoys today as one of their finest. 8 out of 10.

interesting, offbeat A&C effort

[django-1 · 8/10 · 18 May 2004]

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.

'Odsbodkins - a classic!

[Spondonman · 8/10 · 7 August 2005]

This one had by miles the best plot of any A&C film, and has always been in my Top 5 favourites of theirs. Otoh it isn't the best A&C film as they were again working within a separate framework ('Little Giant' being the other), instead of Abbott & Costello the comedy team this was Abbott, and Costello the comedy actors. With less reliance on the violent slapstick TTOTL can hold its own against other films of this genre, on its own merits. And even though the print is in pristine condition, at the time of writing in 2005 had not been shown on UK TV since 1.10.1977!

The plot - Costello and Reynolds shot by their own side by mistake and also rather vehemently accursed as traitors by the Major in charge in 1780, after 165 years as ghosts they both get the chance to clear themselves of the slur and take their place in Heaven. Although the similar 'Ghost Goes West' is much better in nearly all departments, this also manages exceptionally well to capture the bittersweet and melancholic mixed emotions that this type of storyline could generate.

A marvellous experiment, and one I wish they'd tried a few more times in the following years - instead what followed a few years later was 'Captain Kidd' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk' - no comment!

A Great one for the History Books

[medrjel · 10/10 · 25 June 2001]

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.

Enjoyable & Creative

[Snow Leopard · 8 October 2004]

This enjoyable and rather creative Abbott and Costello feature gives Bud and Lou each a chance to do a lot more on their own, while telling an entertaining story at a good pace. It's different from most of their films, in that Bud and Lou have very few moments when their characters interact. It works quite well, though, and it is certainly among their better movies.

The story takes a little while to set up, but then it begins to move more quickly. Once the prologue is over and the main plot begins, Costello and Marjorie Reynolds are quite entertaining as the two ghosts. There is just enough explanation provided to make the plot work, without going overboard or taking the premise too seriously.

The lengthy sequence with Bud and his friends trying to communicate with Costello and Reynolds provides many of the movie's best moments, and there is plenty of good material in the rest of the film as well. This picture delivers just what you hope for in a light comedy.

The Price of Patriotism in 1780

[theowinthrop · 8/10 · 26 January 2006]

Most fans of Abbott & Costello, if they don't consider THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES the best film they made consider it among the best films they made. It is an unusual film - their is some interplay between the two in the 18th Century sequences, where Abbott's Cuthbert plays his normal bossy and unscrupulous acquaintance to Costello's patriotic Horatio. To add to their normal problems with each other, they both like the same servant girl. Horatio has one prized possession - a letter from George Washington praising his patriotism. Unfortunately, the servant girl's employer is a large landowner who is a traitor (and a member of Benedict Arnold's conspiracy). The landowner has a girlfriend named Melonie, played by Marjorie Reynolds (probably her best remembered role after Bing Crosby's girlfriend in HOLIDAY INN). Melonie is momentarily in control of the letter, but her boyfriend takes it and hides it inside an expensive clock. Then the patriots arrive - Major Andre has been captured and the conspiracy revealed. Everyone flees, but Costello and Reynolds are shot and killed before they get away. A curse is put over their remains in their grave on the estate that (mistakenly considered) traitors they are doomed to be forever at unrest there.

The ghosts of the two find they literally are stuck their (the special affects are good - they accidentally run through each other and find they are wearing each other's clothing). They see a sign that reveals the curse that was unfairly put on them. Both know if the letter is found they would be released. But time passes. They don't know where the note is, or how to get to it.

Comes the 20th Century and Binnie Barnes, Abbott, and John Shelton show up - Abbott a descendant of the 18th Century scoundrel. They are planning to turn the old estate into an inn. Costello, with two centuries of bile and anger building up in him, torments Abbott (in this film Costello maintains the whip hand for a change). Gradually, with the aid of medium Gale Sondergaard, they learn what happened. And Abbott decides to redeem his family name by freeing the ghosts.

It is surprising that the Arnold Conspiracy is the only incident of the American Revolution that seems to have been properly handled in the movies, both here and in the later THE SCARLET COAT. But that was a more in depth look at the tragedy and heroism of Major John Andre. Here the Arnold conspiracy, while the motor for the plot, is only shown in the first twenty minutes of the film (then it goes modern), and the film (for all the tragedy for Costello and Reynolds in their rightful lifetimes) is mostly comic. The antics of the pair, in particular Costello's campaign against the hapless modern Abbott, is funny - living up to the first part of the pun of the title. For all their anguish at being cursed unfairly, the two ghosts get to enjoy themselves - they do have the time of their lives. The other half of the pun, of course, deals with the key to their salvation: that all important letter - hidden inside an 18th Century timepiece.

One that I missed along the way...at least it's an offbeat A&C yarn...

[Doylenf · 7/10 · 17 October 2005]

There are some genuinely amusing moments throughout THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES and the idea of setting an A&C comedy in the Restoration period is an unusual one, to put it mildly. But not all of it is as spontaneously funny as you might wish it to be, although fans of the duo will probably not complain.

A decided asset is a good cast, including MARJORIE REYNOLDS as Lou's ghost-mate intent on finding a missing letter from George Washington that will prove that she and LOU COSTELLO are not traitors. That's the whole premise of the story in a nutshell--and the cast does what it can with the one-liners to keep things moving. BINNIE BARNES has some sharp lines that she delivers with style and GALE SONDERGAARD excels as a spooky housekeeper. JESS BARKER is wasted in a minor role and ANN GILLIS tends to overact as Lou's temperamental sweetheart but within the framework of an over-the-top comedy, it doesn't matter much.

Fans of the team will enjoy the change of setting and there are enough sight gags based on Lou's invisibility gimmick that will keep his fans entertained. BUD ABBOT does some more serious emoting than usual and does surprisingly well without slapping Costello around, for a change.

Summing up: An unusual A&C comedy that their fans should enjoy--including some surprisingly good special effects.

Highly enjoyable A&C feature

[moonspinner55 · 8/10 · 3 August 2001]

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 ****

"Oh fine, a ghost to ghost broadcast!"

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 11 September 2018]

Odds bodkins and spotty widgeons! Just as in the Abbott and Costello movie that was released prior to this one, "Little Giant", Bud and Lou do not appear together as a team, and quite coincidentally, Bud shows up as two different characters once again with opposite personalities. One's a mean spirited cad who wants to steal Horatio Prim's (Costello) girl, and later in the modern day setting of the story, someone who's willing to help the ghost of Horatio and Melody Allen (Marjorie Reynolds) clear their names of being accused as traitors to the American Revolutionary cause.

Not following the formula of the very early A&C comedies seems to have worked well for the boys. Personally, I enjoy the stories with the repeated gags and song offerings, but when I plug this title into my list of already viewed Abbott and Costello films (twenty seven to date), and rank them in IMDb rating order, this one comes out Number #1. I don't know if that will remain the case as I try to make my way through all their films, but we'll see.

This picture reminded me a lot of another Forties movie I watched just recently titled "I Married a Witch". Both used a similar ghostly theme spanning the decades from well in the past to a present day era, and both were positioned as comedies. This one begins during America's Revolutionary War period, with treachery afoot when Thomas Danbury (Jess Barker) conspires with Benedict Arnold to hand over West Point to the British. Horatio and Melody Allen find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time and are mistaken for associates of Danbury, chased by patriot Major Putnam (Robert Barrat), and shot! Their bodies wind up at the bottom of a well, with a curse that leaves some wiggle room for the pair's ghosts to claim their innocence. What will provide that proof is a personal letter from George Washington that would exonerate Horatio as a loyal patriot.

It's not until the story fast forwards that the hunt begins for the long lost document. Positioned as a ghost story, one expects all the various sight gags and pratfalls that come with a couple of invisible protagonists. On the human side, actress Gale Sondergaard does her best to conjure of the spirits of Horatio and Melody as a psychic medium. With an additional twist, the Washington letter is eventually retrieved, allowing Horatio to reunite with his girlfriend from the past (Ann Gillis) in a finale that's both happy and somewhat bittersweet. Even heaven winds up closed for Washington's Birthday!

The only thing that bothered me about the story is something I'm still thinking about. Wouldn't it have made more sense, if Horatio and Melody had to become ghosts, to have them killed by the Tories loyal to the British instead of soldiers fighting for the patriots? There's any number of ways the writers could have pulled that off using the mistaken identity plot. I wonder why they didn't think of that.

The Best of the Abbott/Costello Film Series

[domino1003 · 10/10 · 16 October 2005]

"The Time of Their Lives" is one of only 2 instances where Bud Abbott and Lou Costello didn't do the duo thing. And it is also refreshing to see Abbott get the short end of the stick after years of treating Costello so shabbily.

Costello plays Horatio Prim, a tinker during the Revolutionary War. Wanting the hand of a maid that works for a wealthy family,he has a letter of recommendation from George Washington. Unfortunately the letter, which was given to Melody Allen (Marjorie Reynolds)is taken (Seems the master of the house was working with Benedict Arnold) and both Horatio and Melody are shot and thrown into a well, mistaken as traitors. Cursed to remain on the property until the end of time, Horatio and Melody spend the many years (200, to be precise)sitting in a tree, unhappy.

It isn't until a descendants of the butler of the plantation, Dr. Cuthbert (Abbott, playing both roles)and some guests come to stay at the house that Horatio and Melody's luck changes. Horatio doesn't particularly like Cuthbert, considering that Cuthbert's descendant treated Horatio horribly and wanted Horatio's girl. So Horatio enjoys driving the good doctor crazy. The group being totally unnerved by what is going on decides to help the 2 ghosts crossover by finding proof that they are not traitors. The good news is that they know where the proof. The bad news is that the proof (The letter of recommendation from Washington)is in a museum. Of course, the ghosts can't leave the property. Will they ever leave the property? The film is funny and a slight bit disturbing (After all, they were shot and thrown in a well). However, this was one of the best entries in the Abbott and Costello series.

A nice little departure

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 19 August 2009]

In the 1946, Abbott and Costello were at each other's throats and refused to work with each other BUT would still make films. So, Universal Studios was very creative and made two films where the two comedy stars could be films together...of sorts. While they both were in LITTLE GIANT and THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES, they didn't do all that many scenes together and they definitely didn't look like a team. While many disliked these two movies (particularly LITTLE GIANT), I like them both a lot because all the films leading up to it were becoming a bit stale--with an obvious formula and predictability about them. The standard formula up to 1946 consisted of Abbott and Costello doing their thing, a separate love interest (that mostly distracted the viewers) and lots and lots of singing (again, it mostly distracted the viewers). Most people were wanting more Abbott and Costello in films and they got this in these two films--just not in the way most people wanted. THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES is less a comedy and more a character driven film with some comedy. This isn't a bad thing--just a big departure from the past. Unlike the older films, the jokes were not the most important thing, but plot development was.

The film begins in 1780. Because of a mistake, Lou Costello and Marjorie Reynolds both were killed and assumed to be traitors to the revolutionary cause. Upon their death, they were cursed and their ghosts were to haunt the property forever--or until there is proof that the two were not traitors.

Now, in the present day of 1946, the mansion where they'd been killed was newly restored and once again people started coming back to the property where Lou and Marjorie were stuck. Eventually, they are able to communicate, of sorts, with the present time and a search begins to locate a letter from General Washington that proves they were NOT bad guys after all.

It's interesting that Bud Abbott plays dual roles (just like he did in the previous film). In the prologue, he plays an awful scoundrel who hates and betrays Lou. In the present time, he plays a psychiatrist who wants to discover the truth--even if it means his relative was a jerk. It's a nice role because it requires acting, not laughs.

Overall, the film is well worth seeing, though not all that funny. This isn't a bad thing...in fact it's a welcome thing as the film is engaging from start to finish AND doesn't have any stupid song and dance numbers! Well written, acted and constructed from start to finish.

Ages Overdue Payback

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 31 July 2008]

During the filming of The Time Of Their Lives and on into Little Giant Bud and Lou had come a cropper in their relationship. It looked like the team might in fact break up at that time. But Universal had both these guys signed to contracts and they weren't going to pay them for doing nothing.

Given the situation both of these films were fashioned so that they were not exactly a comedy team and had only occasional scenes with each other. But in the case of The Time Of Their Lives, Universal came up with one of their best films with roles perfectly suited to their talents.

In Bud Abbott's case it's two roles suitable to his talents. He plays Cuthbert Greenway a butler serving at Danbury Acres in 1780 during the Revolutionary War where the master Jess Barker is in league with Benedict Arnold and his scheme of treason. Abbott has his own scheme afoot, it's to take Anne Gillis away from tinker Horatio Prim who is played by Lou Costello.

It's the usual Abbott and Costello shenanigans with a bit more bite to it as the boys were barely speaking to each other. Abbott tricks the trusting Costello into a trunk and locks it on him and takes Costello's prize possession, a letter of recommendation from George Washington himself as to Costello's honesty and patriotism.

But the revolutionaries foil Arnold's plans as we know and come upon Danbury Acres and shoot both Costello and Marjorie Reynolds who is Barker's fiancé. They are cursed by the major in charge of the troop, Robert Barrat, to be bound to the Danbury Acres until crack of doom unless some evidence is found to prove they ain't traitors. Good thing he at least put an escape clause in.

Fast forward six generations to 1946 and Abbott is now his own great great great grandson, a psychiatrist who's there with friends Binnie Barnes, John Shelton, and Lynn Baggett. Abbott and Shelton are now trying to restore the old mansion.

Of course the ectoplasmic Costello and Reynolds are happy just to have company after 166 years. And Costello seeing his old enemy takes some ages overdue payback on the descendant. For once Abbott becomes the butt of Costello's humor. Not to say the that Costello doesn't get his share of laughs as he comes face to face with a lot of the progress of the past century and two thirds.

The Time Of Their Lives is a charming fantasy where both Bud and Lou successfully manage to transcend their usual roles and still maintain their loyal fan base. Two more members of the cast who make invaluable contributions to the fun are Gale Sondergaard full time housekeeper and part time medium who is the key to solving the ghost's problems and Donald MacBride as the state police trooper who does his patented slow burn routine in the climax when the ghosts takeover his patrol car.

This is one of Abbott&Costello's best films and in fact it's done without any of their burlesque routines, just on characterization alone.

Yours Too.

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 27 October 2013]

Abbott & Costello once again work separately, but with more successful results. Bud plays both Cuthbert & his descendant Dr. Ralph Greenway, who during the Revolutionary War betrays Tinker Horatio Prim(played by Lou) who has in his possession a letter of recommendation from General George Washington. Marjorie Reynolds plays Melody Allen, who learns that someone on the estate they share is a traitor. Unfortunately, due to a tragic misunderstanding, both she and Horatio are killed by their own side, and cursed into becoming ghosts who will be Earthbound to their estate until they find evidence to prove their innocence, which finally arrives in 1946, when new people move in, causing the ghostly duo to go into action once more. Imaginative and funny film with good F/X and performances. One could quibble about story morality and logic, but it all works out quite well in the end.

Good stuff

[Russell Dodd · 4 June 2000]

1780, during the revolutionary war, there is a ball on. The master of the estate, Tom Danbery, is a rebel who plots against Washington. Bud plays a tipsy servant who attempts to woo a maid who is in love with Costello, a poor tinker called Horatio Prim. Prim has a letter of recomendation from Washington himself and he and the maid, Nora, plan to elope but Abbott tricks him into getting trapped in a large trunk. Some of Danberry's men show up and discuss their plan, only to discover Nora overlistening. They do away with her. Danberry's fiance, Melody Allen, is wise to the plan and after helping Tinker escape from the trunk asks him to take her to the nearest soldiers standpoint. As they race off on their horses, Washington's men arrive on the scene looking for Danberry. Thinking they are rebels, Prim and Melody race off in the oposite direction. Mistaking them for traitors too, the man shoot them dead on the spot. The Leader curses their souls and bounds them to the grounds for all time till they can proove their innocence. The house is destroyed and the furniture taken away. Danberry has hidden the letter which prooves their innocence in the library clock.

Cut to 1946. The ghosts are still their but the mansion has been restored. A man recovering froma nervous breakdown, his girl and her outspoken Aunt move in with the original butler's descendant (again, played by an outstading Bud). They also have a physic housekeeper, the wonderful Gale Sondergaard.

After haunting them, they try and find the letter which prooves their innocence...

This is a more interesting A+C film than a funny one. Great performances by all though Lou tries a little to hard at times. I think it's an interesting perforamce by him as I can see shades of his characters from his early films and also his later films. He fumbles with his hat for the 1st time in this film. Bud is superb. I didn't rate his acting in their last couple of films for universal (especially ...meet the keystone Kops) but here, he shines. All of the supporting are great too.

Both Bud and Lou have memorable opening scenes with Bud, the tipsy waitor and Lou asleep on his horse. Good music, great effects and good fun. It has been labelled as an Abbott and Costello film for those who don't like Abbott and Costello. Fun for all the family!

One of their best

[craig1960 · 8/10 · 3 February 2005]

The boys give us a little bit of a history lesson and a lot of laughs here in their second and last movie not acting as a team. Lou is very funny here without Abbott as his straight man and not having to depend on gags. It turns out to be a very classic 40's comedy that is well directed and features a very good supporting cast. Bud plays two roles in the film and is very funny when being haunted by the ghosts.

This movie offered A&C a good script to work with and they do a great job with it. Marjorie Reynolds turns in a very good role here with Lou as her ghostly partner. Unlike "Little Giant" this movie works with A&C not acting as partners and Lou especially shows some good range as an actor mixing in a more tolerable level of pathos with his standard slapstick comedy. Good fun from beginning to end.

The absolute best of A&C films

[jjnxn-1 · 9/10 · 30 August 2013]

I guess it depends on your fondness for Abbot & Costello as a team but for me this is without question the best film the team ever made with Buck Privates a close second.

The pair share hardly any screen time together due to the demands of the script and also apparently because of behind the scenes tensions between the team. It all works to the film's advantage since it gives a freshness to their material. It also helps that both are paired with compatible partners, Abbot more than one.

Marjorie Reynolds' kindly patience with the sweet but dithering Lou adds a great deal of charm to their scenes, and makes him less buffoonish, as wronged ghosts frustrated by their inability to prove their innocence. In the modern section Bud has a fine bunch of co-stars with two standouts: Gale Sondergaard doing a fun riff on Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca and the delightful Binnie Barnes cracking wise at every opportunity.

The cast is great but they are fortunate to have a decent script with a nice set up to work with. The gentle humor of the tale is a pleasant change from the usual silliness of most A&C films which while initially amusing can wear thin pretty quickly.

Overrated and disjointed.

[alexanderdavies-99382 · 6/10 · 31 March 2021]

I'm not sure why this Abbott and Costello comedy is well liked.

In my opinion, "The Time of Their Lives" shouldn't have been made, considering that Bud and Lou weren't on speaking terms at the time of production.

The screenplay doesn't work for the most part. Neither comedian can succeed as a solo performer, they are sorely missed as a team!

The film provides a few chuckles along the way and the sense of atmosphere isn't out of place. The opening 15 minutes is okay but then it is all downhill.

Perhaps Abbott & Costello's best movie

[sdlitvin · 9/10 · 15 May 2009]

This movie is unusual for its absence of the usual Abbott & Costello routines and shtick. Instead, it has a genuinely engrossing plot, good acting, a few scary moments, and even decent special effects.

The story opens in 1780. Lou Costello plays Horatio Prim, a Revolutionary War tinker loyal to the Revolutionary cause; and Bud Abbott plays Cuthbert Greenway, a butler who has wronged him. Mr. Prim and a friend, equally patriotic Melody Allen (played by the delightful Marjorie Main) are mistaken for traitors by General Washington's army and killed. They return as ghosts, cursed to walk the earth near where they were shot, unless they can find some evidence to prove their innocence of the charge of treason.

Centuries pass without any success, and now it's 1946. A new family has built a house on the premises, including Dr. Ralph Greenway (also played by Bud Abbott), a descendant of the original Cuthbert Greenway. Mr. Prim and Ms. Allen try to enlist their aid in finding evidence to prove their own innocence--and free them to go to heaven.

Except for those aforementioned scary moments, the movie is warm and even touching rather than good for belly laughs, with a cute twist at the very end that will leave you smiling.

Nimbus Hypnosticas Lazzum Bid-dar! Independents Day for Bud and Lou

[thejcowboy22 · 7/10 · 10 July 2017]

Sometimes when you go against the grain or switch an ingredient or upset the status quo you develop Champagne! What a departure from the regular Abbott and Costello movies from before. This time our story takes you back to the colonial period just after the Revolutionary War. Horatio Prim (Lou Costello) is a master tinker who finally travels to Danbury estate with a letter of commendation from General George Washington. Horatio wants to show the document to Master Danbury for permission to marry his Housemaid Nora O'Leary (Ann Gillis). Horatio's rival is of course is Cuthbert Greenway played by (Bud Abbott) who is also the butler and has eyes for Nora as well. Greenway tries to intercept the letter of commendation but Nora takes the letter for safe keeping. To make matters worse, Nora over hears Danbury discussing switching sides with the British under the direction of Benedict Arnold. Danbury discovers Nora eavesdropping and abducts her and confiscates the commendation letter and puts it in his mantel clock. Danbury's fiancé Melody Allen (Majorie Reynolds) witnesses the kidnapping and changes clothes plus volunteers the clumsy, portly Prim to ride along to warn General Washington of the plot. Unfortunately the two are mistakenly shot by Washington's troops and their bodies are thrown down a well on the grounds of Danbury Manor. Branded traitors the two are cursed for eternity to be imprisoned on those grounds unless they find that commendation letter from George Washington. Melody and Horatio separate from their dead carcasses as a thirsty Horatio drinks water only to have the water spout out of him from all sides. The two also witness the destruction of Danbury Manor to fire. Time passes by, one hundred and sixty six years to be exact. Our two ghost witness the reconstruction of Danbury Manor to it's original state by Sheldon Gage (John Shelton). Gage invites some guests to his newly remodeled manor. Doctor Ralph Greenway also played by Bud Abbott, who is a descendant of Cuthbert Greenway has no knowlege of his ancestor's past. The other guests of the cast include June Prescott (Lynn Baggett) who is Gage's fiancé and Prescott's Aunt Millie played by wise aching Binnie Barnes. The house keeper Emily who has a knack for sensing the Ghostly inhabitants is played by Gale Sondergaard. Horatio and Melody reek havoc as they turn on light fixtures, play the radio and even have a fashion show down the main staircase as Dr. Greenway thinks he's losing his mind. One important fact!!! The original furniture of Danbury Manor was removed including the mantel clock where the infamous letter is stored before the fire was committed. A seance is held as Emily obtains the voice of the late Thomas Danbury who informs the group as well as our lovable Ghosts where the letter is hidden. To atone for his Ancestor's sins against Horatio, Dr. Greenway travels to the museum and steels the mantel clock in hopes of releasing the curse which bonds the two ghost to Earth. The cops follow Greenway back to Danbury Manor for the clock as comedy reigns as Horatio takes his first driving lesson with rave reviews. Weird watching Abbott and Costello work independently. Also strange is seeing Bud Abbott drive an Automobile despite issues with Epilepsy. Also an anomaly is seeing Costello doing the pranks against Abbott mainly physical kicking Abbott in the pants. Despite the drastic changes from the original formula it all worked for me. Ionly wished Bud Abbott would have gone on his own to do serious roles when Lou passed in 1959. On the other hand Lou was the partner of the two that was the risk taker in all their endeavors. Lou would depute movie contracts, larger trailers etc..Bud was mainly a pacifist due to the fact he was very sub-conscious of his affliction of epileptic fits. Lou did venture out on his own to do the TV show Wagon Train and The Thirty Foot Bride of Candy Rock. Time wasn't on Lou's side though as his weak heart gave out in his early 50's despite being in huge demand.Bud Abbott tried to capture the old magic with a different partner but somethings just don't click. Basically this movie showcased two different talents independently.

"Would you scratch my back tonight?"

[utgard14 · 8/10 · 1 March 2014]

Very different Abbott and Costello movie is one of their best. It's different because the story is much better than most A&C vehicles and because Bud & Lou barely appear together. Instead, Lou spends most of his time paired up with beautiful Marjorie Reynolds. It works though as the two have great chemistry. It's also different because it spends as much time, if not more, on the dramatic plot than it does on trying to be funny. The story is about two people (Lou Costello, Marjorie Reynolds) during the Revolutionary War who are mistakenly believed to be traitors and killed. Their bodies are dumped into a well and they are cursed to remain bound to the estate until they can prove they aren't traitors. Fast-forward to 1946 and the two ghosts hope the new owner of the estate may be the key to them finding peace at last.

Abbott has a lesser part in dual roles. In 1780, he plays a villainous character who is in love with Lou's girlfriend. In 1946, he plays a descendant of that man who tries to atone for his ancestor's actions by helping the ghosts. He does get to be the brunt of physical comedy for once, which was amusing to see. As I said before, Lou spends most of his time with Reynolds. But it works well due to Reynolds' underrated comedic talents. She wasn't just a pretty face. Also features the great Gale Sondergaard as a housekeeper who believes in ghosts. Any movie with Sondergaard can't be bad. A fun movie that should please anybody who watches it, even if they aren't fans of other Abbott & Costello movies.

The Time of Their Lives was a nice Abott & Costello picture in which they're not really a team

[tavm · 7/10 · 5 July 2020]

This is one of two pictures that Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made in which they're not technically a team. This was because they were in an off-screen feud in which they rarely talked to each other when not in public. In this one, Lou is a tinker during the Revolutionary War who gets a letter of recommendation from General George Washington. During this part of the movie, Bud is a butler who has designs on Lou's fiancée. Through some mixup, Lou and Marjorie Reynolds end up dead, become ghosts and stuck in a certain area because they got mistaken for traitors. Flashforward to the 20th century in 1946 and Abbott is now the descendant of that butler he portrayed. His profession is now a psychiatrist. I'll stop there and just say Lou is his usual funny self while Bud gets some good funny stuff as well in the present-day sequences. Since Lou is a ghost and Bud is not, when they're in a scene together, they don't physically communicate with each other though Lou does manage to hit Bud quite a bit without retaliation! Anyway, I'll just now say this was both funny and touching. By the way, this was the first A & C film directed by Charles Barton.

Underrated Abbott and Costello Film

[steve-480-750715 · 10/10 · 30 September 2012]

Abbott and Costello may have been feuding in real life but it doesn't hurt TTOTL in which there is only one scene where they fully interact with each other. This film was directed by Charles Barton who also directed their most famous masterpiece "Meet Frankenstein", and the quality of the writing and plot is up to that standard, in fact ahead of its time. Even though it is about the supernatural, the plot is a logical framework like "Meet Frankenstein", which makes the laughs and gags so funny. It's a story of wrongful conviction and final redemption where things are put right. Costello and the supporting cast are terrific, including his female foil, Marjorie Reynolds, but what really stands out is the chemistry between Bud Abbott and Binnie Barnes whose lines with each other are as snappy and fast paced as any Abbott and Costello routine. If Abbott were to take a female partner, she was the one for him. If there is a flaw, it's the inconsistencies about what ghosts can touch, but that's forgivable. It is also a film where Abbott takes a lot of the pratfalls. That's great if you have been dying to see him get paid back for all the times he picks on Costello.

This out-and-out entertaining Ghost-comedy by Abbott and Costello would have even made George Washington's Ghost laugh his belly out.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 13 July 2022]

The Time Of Their Lives (1946) : Brief Review -

This out-and-out entertaining Ghost-comedy by Abbott and Costello would have even made George Washington's Ghost laugh his belly out. I can't recall how many ghost comedies I have seen, but how many of them have stayed in my mind? Hardly one or two. Or maybe even that's doubtful. And today I came to see this Abbott and Costello horror-comedy, which even forced me to forget those one or two. I mean, even those memorable comedies have been influenced by this, so I'd better keep the original or first copy in my mind rather than the influenced stuff. The Time of Their Lives makes you love ghosts just the way they are, and at the same time, it makes you love those humans who are being helpful to those cursed souls. After being killed by mistake, Harotio and Melody have been buried as traitors. The curse is put on them, which can only be lifted if they are proven innocent. 16 decades later, a psychiatrist and his group come to stay in the same mansion, which is haunted by the prankish ghosts of Harotio and Melody. A night follows some fun banter between ghosts and humans until they start believing each other. Costello plays a very funny ghost. In the beginning, as a human, he throws his signature punches. That "British with buttish" was damn freaking good, man. Then "Odsbodkins"! Just wow. Abbott has a normal but important role, but Marjorie Reynolds is a complete surprise. She over-shines, unexpectedly, but that's enchanting. The rest of the cast does well too. A special mention to Gale Sondergaard for that psychic maid. What a peculiar character, yet so lovable. "Didn't I see you in Rebecca?" and that face she makes.. Ohh, I was in splits there. Charles Barton was surely a fella who was meant to engross himself whenever he teamed up with the legendary comic duo. This is one of his best works with the duo as well as one of his best individual comedies. I am sure if George Washington's ghost had seen it, he would have had his stomach and cheeks in pain.

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Not the Run of the Mill Abbott & Costello Movie AT ALL!

[chconnol · 6 July 2004]

Growing up in the New York area as a kid, channel 11 (WPIX) used to show the Abbott and Costello movies every Sunday at 11:30 AM. I got to see virtually all of them. Some were OK (Buck Privates) while others were barely watchable (the later ones that start with "Abbott & Costello Meet [INSERT HORROR CHARACTER NAME]).

BUT...I have always noticed that "The Time of Their Lives" is definately very, very different from all of their other films. First of all it has a cohesive, discernable plot that isn't just about hanging the gags on. All of the comedic moments arise from and because of the plot and they work very well. And the resolution of the ghost's predicament (they were wrongly executed) is very satisfying.

It would be interesting to find out how and why this film was made because it differs so radically from the other Abbott & Costello films. Was it a fluke? Did the team seek better material? Did it simply come their way?

See this film. It's very good indeed.

Ghosts anyone?

[DKosty123 · 8/10 · 2 October 2007]

You almost wonder with the premise of this one if Bud & Lou got back together in the great beyond & did this one again? The story is set in the American Revolution when Lou becomes a ghost. He is a tinker with a letter from George Washington which has gotten hidden, & until it is found his spirit can't leave. Then there is a shapely woman ghost with him under the same curse. Bud is a traitor who hides the letter. The mansion burns down but the letter survives.

Then we fast forward to the 1940's Bud's Grandson who looks just like Bud comes back to visit the re-built mansion. Lou's ghost haunts him from the get go & this makes some of the funnier moments they have in their films. Lou & Bud argued a lot off screen so here, Lou gets to lay it on Bud & he does so pretty thick.

The support cast in this movie is better than the average A&C film & for once there is not a bunch of music to distract the viewer. All these years later & the film is a little dated, but it is still funny.