Watch Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff

Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is a 1949 American comedy-mystery film directed by Charles T. Barton and starring the popular comedy duo of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello along with Boris Karloff. The film marked the second collaboration between the comedic duo and Karloff, following their successful previous outing in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

The film follows the misadventures of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, who play two hapless hotel employees, Freddie Phillips and Casey Edwards, at a rundown hotel in rural New England. After a series of murders happen at the hotel, the duo finds themselves unwittingly caught up in the investigation. When the chief suspect in the murders turns out to be the hotel's owner, Amos Strickland (played by Karloff), Abbott and Costello find themselves in even more danger. With the help of a reporter (played by Donna Martell), the pair attempts to unravel the hotel's dark secrets and uncover the true identity of the killer.

The film is a classic example of the "whodunit" genre, with plenty of suspense, intrigue, and comedy throughout. The film's humor is primarily slapstick, with Abbott and Costello's trademark physical comedy on full display. The duo's antics are perfectly balanced with Karloff's deadpan performance as the sinister Strickland. Karloff's iconic presence lends a sense of gravitas to the film, adding to the tension and mystery of the plot.

One of the standout features of the film is the excellent pacing. The film's plot moves quickly, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. The film never lags, with each scene serving a purpose in advancing the plot or providing comedic relief. The tightly written script is full of memorable one-liners and gags, with Abbott and Costello's chemistry shining through in every scene.

Despite the film's comedic focus, the murder mystery at the heart of the plot is dark and suspenseful. The tension builds steadily throughout the film, with the audience constantly guessing who the true killer might be. As the plot unfolds, the true villain is revealed in a satisfyingly dramatic fashion, with plenty of surprises along the way.

One of the highlights of the film is the setting itself. The rundown hotel is an atmospheric and eerie location, full of hidden passages, secret doors, and creepy crawlspaces. The film's use of shadows and lighting is particularly effective, adding to the sense of foreboding and unease. The film's score is also noteworthy, with its ominous tones and dramatic swells heightening the tension of the film's more suspenseful moments.

Overall, Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is a classic example of the comedy-mystery genre, equal parts suspenseful and hilarious. The film showcases the talents of its talented cast, with Abbott and Costello at their comedic best and Karloff as chillingly sinister as ever. With a tightly written script, excellent pacing, and a satisfying mystery at its core, the film remains a beloved classic among fans of both comedy and suspense.