Abbott and Costello Star in "Hold That Ghost" (1941)

The legendary duo of Abbott and Costello mastered the horror-comedy genre in many film during the 1940's and 1950's, including their many "meet the monsters" encounters with Frankenstein, The Mummy and The Invisible Man, among others. Before the monsters entered the picture, Abbott and Costello had to contend with spirits in Hold That Ghost, even though the only real spirits around were housed in glass bottles. The duo portray Chuck and Ferdie, two blue collar guys who are trying to find jobs that they can maintain for a reasonable length of time. They start out as waiters, but are promptly fired and then work as attendants at a service station when fate intervenes. While servicing a vehicle owned by gangster "Moose" Matson (William Davidson), the police spot Malone and a car chase ensues. Chuck and Ferdie happen to be in the car when Malone speeds away and are then fired upon by the pursing officers. The chase ends fatally for Matson, but Chuck and Ferdie end up inheriting his belongings since they were the only ones with him when he died (as per his instructions).

The only property Matson appears to own is a run down tavern, where Chuck, Ferdie and several other people find themselves stranded after their taxi driver speeds away with their luggage. They have no choice but to stay at the tavern since a serious storm is dumping flooding rains down upon them. Since there is no electricity, they make the most of candles and a gas stove to stay comfortable. Before long, some members of their party go missing and strange things begin to happen to Ferdie, who believes someone is trying to kill him. Ferdie is actually the target of gangsters who plan to dispose of him and Chuck in order to ransack the tavern and find the money that Matson always joked was "in his head." The mobsters pretend to be ghosts and play tricks on poor Ferdie, who is beside himself with fear, but no one seems to believe him, which places them all in danger.

Hold That Ghost is highlighted by the performance of Lou Costello, who showcases his immense comic talents as the hapless Ferdie, who is nearly scared to death during a series of events involving owls, "ghosts," secret passageways and a candle that appears to move all by itself. The film features some of the late comedians' best work. In addition, the supporting cast has an impressive horror pedigree. For instance, Evelyn Ankers, who portrays Norma Lind, appeared in the classic Universal monster films The Wolf Man (1941) and Son of Dracula (1943). Her character is paired with Doctor Jackson, portrayed by Richard Carlson, who played the lead role in the original Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954).

Hold That Ghost is an often amusing and well acted film that benefits from the outstanding set design depicting a run down tavern that easily doubles as a haunted house. Adding to the overall mood is the sparse candlelight, which produces ominous shadows, as well as the haunting music by H.J. Salter. While comedy trumps horror, as you might expect when Abbott and Costello are involved, Hold That Ghost is a sometimes suspenseful and atmospheric throwback to classic haunted house movies and is always fun to watch around Halloween.