A&C inherit gangster Mattson's rundown tavern, the Forrester's Club and Mattson has given a cryptic clue about his hidden stash of money. But is the place haunted?
Hold That Ghost opens with a dated, racist, song & dance routine, 'Me and My Shadow,' as Ted Lewis dances with a black dancer following his every move (which means you're unlikely to find this on TV or streaming.) Thankfully the superb A&C routines haven't dated.
This movie features the classic candle routine which is utter genius and still hilarious. Lou's bucket dance with Camille Brewster (a superb Davis) is a definite highlight, as is the water tasting. Bud: “Taste it Lou, might be poison.” The changing rooms inside the Club are clever and the farcical dialogue is on point.
The supporting characters are wonderful. There's an Orange Juice loving Doctor (Richard Carlson), an easily frightened radio actress (Joan Davis), and a beautiful waitress (Evelyn Ankers, the love interest for Carlson), who accompany A&C to the Forrester's club, during a heavy rainstorm.
Lou is at his cowardly best and Bud is commanding. It's the boys at the very top of their game. Don't miss it (if you can get hold of it.)
FG FG FG FG.
DIRECTED BY: Arthur Lubin. SCREENPLAY BY: Robert Lees, Fred Rinaldo, John Grant. RUNNING TIME: 85 minutes. CERTIFICATE: PG. USA.
