31 Days of Halloween - Day 16 - Movie 1

Abbott and Costello inherit a mobster's tavern. On inspecting the property they find themselves trapped there during a thunderstorm with four other people, including one of the mobster's gang members (who is looking for the mobster's hidden stash of money). Hilarity ensues via hidden panels and compartments, mysterious figures, dead bodies, and other spookhouse fare.

Hold That Ghost (1941) stars the comedy team of Abbott and Costello as well as genre regulars Evelyn Ankers and a young Richard Carlson. The movie also stars Joan Davis and features Shemp Howard. The movie gets off to an okay start with comedic bits interspersed with musical numbers by Ted Lewis and The Andrews Sisters. At the time this is how audiences were able to see popular music acts of the time, but they always seem to bring a movie to a complete halt while they occur. The movie really shines once the gang reaches the old dark house. Sure, the comedy is broad and old hat but it really works, and the main cast is very likable with great chemistry between them. Richard Carlson as the aloof young doctor and Evelyn Ankers as his love interest are particularly charming when sharing the screen together. There's a lot of fun to be had with this film.