Abbott and Costello Meet Universal History (Ep. 119)

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey start with the latest Universal news, including a new Wicked live-to-film concert tour, Epic Universe performance commentary from Comcast, Rock the Universe 2027, and fresh developments involving Harry Potter. They also look at Universal Pictures crossing the $4 billion mark at the worldwide box office and what recent hits could mean for the parks. Then Jim digs into the remarkable Universal history of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, from helping keep the studio afloat during World War II to the monster-filled movies that gave the comedy duo a second wind.

NEWS

• Wicked Part One in Concert brings the Universal film to venues including Radio City Music Hall with a live symphony orchestra.

• Comcast CFO Jason Armstrong discusses Epic Universe attendance, guest satisfaction, and the park's long-term performance.

• Rock the Universe returns to Universal Studios Florida in January with two nights of Christian music performances.

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues leaning into the original film cast with familiar Wizarding World faces taking the Broadway stage.

• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi plans new Harry Potter areas inspired by Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Castle, and the Forbidden Forest.

• Universal Pictures becomes the first studio of the year to cross $4 billion at the worldwide box office.

FEATURE

• Jim traces how Abbott and Costello went from burlesque and radio to becoming two of Universal's most valuable stars.

• The duo's rapid-fire production schedule helped generate crucial box office revenue for Universal during the World War II era.

• Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein unexpectedly revitalized their film career and launched a run of "meet" movies involving Universal Monsters and other screen icons.

• Later films offer a fascinating glimpse at the Universal backlot, including locations audiences would eventually recognize from productions such as Back to the Future.

• Jim also spotlights a young Henry Mancini, whose early work at Universal included music for Abbott and Costello films before his celebrated Hollywood career.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com

• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW

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SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

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