Jack and the Beanstalk

Overview

After Lou Costello sells his family's cow to crooked Bud Abbott, the two climb a magic beanstalk into a magical world.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/13/2020
UPC:	0089859885525
Original Release:	1952
Rating:	NR
Source:	MUSIC VIDEO DIST.***
Region Code:	A
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	1:18:00
Sales rank:	45,694

Special Features

Africa Screams - full-length Abbott & Costello (1949) comedy feature film!; Original theatrical trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Bud Abbott	Mr. Dinkel/Mr. Dinkelpuss
Lou Costello	Jack/Jack Strong
Buddy Baer	Sgt. Riley/The Giant
Dorothy Ford	Receptionist/Polly
Barbara Brown	Mother
David Stollery	Donald
William Farnum	The King
Shaye Cogan	Eloise Larkin/Princess
Joe Kirk	Villager
James Alexander	Prince
Heinz Roemheld	Composer

Technical Credits

Nathaniel Curtis

Jean Yarbrough	Director
Nathaniel Curtis	Screenwriter
Pat Costello	Producer,Producer
Alex Gottlieb	Producer
Bud Abbott	Producer

Editorial Reviews

Although Abbott & Costello are much loved by children, Jack and the Beanstalk is one of the few films they made that was specifically geared toward that audience. (It is also one of only two color films the comedy team made.) Those adults who are diehard fans of the duo will certainly enjoy Jack, but they may be a little disappointed, as the film keeps the two separated for great lengths of time and doesn't allow for as many opportunities for the discombobulated dialogue routines (a la "Who's On First") that are their strengths. While slapstick is always a part of a "Bud and Lou" flick, there's much more of it in Jack than is usual. There's also a great deal more music than one might expect, and it must be admitted that most of the tunes are rather more perfunctory than inspired. However, the fairytale framework does give Jack a more cohesive feeling than many of the team's outings, and there are a great many memorable moments, including an amusing exploding egg sequence and a very funny dance sequence between little Costello and the Amazonian Dorothy Ford. Although Abbott & Costello, as previously noted, are not allowed to engage in their usual repartee, they are otherwise much the same as usual, which will delight some and annoy others -- although the children at whom the film is aimed will undoubtedly fall into the former category. Shaye Cogan and James Alexander sing well but are otherwise quite dull, and the supporting cast in general is adequate rather but little more. But one doesn't watch an Abbott and Costello film for the supporting cast.