Retro DVD Pick: "Abbott and Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff" (1949)

Bud and Lou and Boris. Who could ask for anything more in a movie? Of course, the title is not exactly accurate and Karloff's role is rather diminished, but he shares a classic scene with Lou Costello when his character, Swami Talpur, tries to hypnotize Freddie Phelps, played by Costello. Who knew that it could be so difficult to hypnotize someone as simple minded as Freddie? Swami Talpur is driven to distraction at his failed attempts to have Freddie kill himself, but others want to get rid of Freddie as well because he has evidence that can solve a murder case, so they may have more success.

Abbott and Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff finds Bud and Lou, as Casey Edwards and the aforementioned Freddie Phelps, respectively, working at a remote resort hotel. Casey is the hotel detective, while Freddie is a bellhop, at least until he insults and injures a guest, Amos Strickland (Nicholas Joy). Freddie threatens Amos after he is fired and when he later goes to apologize to him, Freddie finds that Strickland has been murdered and he, of course, is the chief suspect. With Casey's help, Freddie tries to clear his name, but when additional murders are committed and the bodies find their way into Freddie's hotel room, it looks like he is the culprit. However, the resourceful Freddie is determined to clear his name and works with Casey to hide the bodies and even dresses up as a maid to aid his cause (Costello is always a hoot when cross dressing). But, he has an uphill battle to fight because Strickland had many enemies and they all conspire to frame poor Freddie.

I realized it had been about a decade since I last watched Abbott and Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff and I have seen the film many times over the years. While I recall the film as being one of the weaker entries in the Abbott and Costello film catalog, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it holds up and how the majority of the film is well constructed. My only real problem with the film is the silly special effects that are utilized when Freddie goes to meet the killer in the Lost Caverns. However, the film rebounds with an amusing final act. While not necessarily a horror film, Abbott and Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff has enough elements to make it (sort of) qualify, thanks to Karloff, a series of murders, and the foreboding soundtrack.

"American Horror Story: Coven" Premieres Tonight on FX

Ryan Murphy's Emmy winning American Horror Story returns with a new self-contained season starting tonight at 10:00pm ET on FX with a cast to literally die for. The returning Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Frances Conroy, Taissa Farmiga and Denis O'Hare are joined by newbies Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Patti LuPone, Danny Huston, Leslie Jordan, Gabourey Sidibe and Mare Winningham! I do not know how Ryan Murphy attracts so much terrific talent, but I hope he keeps it up every season. With just Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates alone, the series should be amazing, but add all of those other names (and more!) and you have one of, if not the best, ensemble casts ever assembled for a television series.

Coven will center around, of course, a group of witches and, like the previous two series, will time travel. Unfortunately, the witches are endangered and even face extinction. In order to protect the younger generation, a school has opened in New Orleans (where else?), and the leader of the coven, Fiona (Lange), helps train the youngsters, while also working to protect their secrets. Lange is already a force of nature, but with magical powers at her disposal she might just be unstoppable. She can cast a spell on me anytime.

PopCultureGuy's Top Ten Television Shows of 2012

Photo Credit: TNT

1) The Closer

The Closer concluded its seven season run this past summer on TNT with six unforgettable episodes that provided a clean ending for fans and allowed for a new beginning for its spin-off, Major Crimes. Kyra Sedgwick continued her Emmy worthy work as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, who had to contend with a possible betrayal from a member of her own team, the return of Phillip Stroh (Billy Burke), the loss of her mother, her father's cancer, and a potentially career ending altercation. The drama was offset with a generous amount of light-hearted moments, courtesy of the talented supporting cast, including G.W. Bailey as Lieutenant Provenza. The Closer delivered consistently strong ratings throughout its long run, which proves that a cast filled with middle aged characters/actors can have mass appeal. The series is greatly missed, but went out on the best note possible.

Photo Credit: CBS

2) The Big Bang Theory

Now in its sixth season, The Big Bang Theory has not lost a step and, if anything, has gotten better over time. Adding more female characters to the cast has proven to be a smart move for the veteran sitcom. The only male character who does not have a counterpart/love interest now is Raj (Kunal Nayyar), but the jury is still out on his sexual orientation. For now, there are three solid, if unconventional, couples that demonstrate great chemistry. The outstanding cast never disappoint and their performances are ably supported by the hilarious guest appearances by Stephen Hawking, Wil Wheaton and Leonard Nimoy, among others. Somehow the characters never lose their appeal or feel tired. For instance, Mrs. Wolowitz steals the show every time her manly voice is heard in the background and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) always manages to surprise me with his never ending state of neuroses. The Big Bang Theory delivers consistently funny and well crafted episodes and will likely be recognized, if it is not already, as one of the best situation comedies in television history.

Photo Credit: FX

3) American Horror Story

The second season of America Horror Story has been even better than the first. Ryan Murphy continually surprises me with the direction that he takes the story and the troubled characters, who are portrayed very well by the amazing cast. Jessica Lange (pictured above) should make room on her mantle for another Emmy for her remarkable performance as Sister Jude, who constantly struggles with her faith, her past and her alcoholism. Evan Peters has also delivered strong work as the emotionally unstable Kit Walker, who may or may not have killed his wife. Peters infuses Kit with a vulnerability that makes viewers want him to be innocent of the crimes that he has been charged with, but his recent violent outbursts make him look guilty. The series, set in an asylum during the early 1960s, features demons, murderers, a former Nazi, and examines the harsh treatment of its mentally ill residents, who all deserve better care. American Horror Story features strong writing, performances and fascinating psychological profiles that hold my attention for the duration of each episode.

Photo Credit: PBS

4) Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a well written, superbly acted and beautifully photographed series. I somehow (inexplicably) missed the first season, but was able to catch up before the second series aired on PBS last winter and I am very much looking forward to the third season, which debuts next month. Screen legend Shirley MacLaine is the newest member of a cast that includes Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Rob James-Collier.....I could go on and on. The supremely talented cast is the main reason I watch and they never disappoint. Even those viewers who missed the first two seasons can quickly catch up, since there are roughly eight episodes per season, along with a Christmas special. So, for those not already on the Downton Abbey train, it is time to get on board!

Photo Credit: The CW

5) The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries is the most consistently exciting series on television. The writer team is not afraid to kill off characters on a regular basis to keep things interesting, so outside of the lead trio (Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley), no one is really safe. This season, Elena (Dobrev) has been turned into a vampire, which has made the dynamic between her and her love interests, Stefan (Wesley) and Damon (Somerhalder), all the more interesting. Damon encourages her to feed on, but not to kill, humans, while Stefan encourages her to feed on animals or drink from blood bags, which leaves Elena weakened and unfulfilled. That same could be said for her relationship with Stefan. It looks like Damon may be the winner in the romance department this year. No matter what happens, I expect to be surprised by the always entertaining and unpredictable series that has been one of the best on television since its debut in 2009.

Photo Credit: FX

6) Archer

Archer continues to be one of the funniest, most intelligent, and often controversial shows on television. No subject is off limits and the hysterical characters, led by super spy Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), play the material for all it is worth. Archer is entertainment for adults and does not make apologies for the outrageous comedic situations that the characters almost always find themselves in, whether in space or on a remote island. The fourth season of the Emmy worthy series premieres in January.

Photo Credit: TNT

7) Major Crimes

Following in the footsteps of a series like The Closer seems like an impossible task. However, Major Crimes, the highly rated spin-off series, is a worthy successor. Led by Mary McDonnell, Major Crimes features many cast members from The Closer, so the transition felt seamless. However, the two series are very different. The objective now is to solve cases with limited cost to the police department, not pulling out all the stops to find and prosecute the various perpetrators. Of course, making deals with known criminals does not sit well with all of the characters, who have voiced frustration with the new focus. Capt. Raydor (McDonnell) almost always follows the instructions that she is given by her superiors, which sometimes causes friction within the team. Raydor is also tasked with helping newcomer Rusty (Graham Patrick Martin) put his life back together and that has proven to be very difficult, but they are making progress. The ensemble cast is one of the finest on television and even though many of them are not in the younger demographic, the series has resonated with viewers and delivers consistently solid ratings.

Photo Credit: CBS

8) Elementary

The new take on Sherlock Holmes is a winner in Elementary. Credit Johnny Lee Miller, as Sherlock, for being the principal reason why the series works so well and he will certainly receive Emmy attention for his superb performance as the legendary detective. Lucy Lui's Watson displays solid chemistry with Holmes, but she does not seem to have enough to do, so I would like to see her role expanded in the future. The supporting cast includes the always watchable and believable Aidan Quinn, as Captain Gregson. Another crucial element to the success of Elementary is the writing, which has been intelligent and often surprising. I hope the series is able to sustain the momentum it has already gathered for the remainder of its rookie season and beyond.

Photo Credit: MTV

9) Teen Wolf

The second season of Teen Wolf improved on the strong first season and looks poised to become MTV's most successful scripted series to date. The third season will consist of 24 episodes, a first for MTV. The less experienced members of the cast have worked hard to improve their performances and it shows in every episode. The series features both older and younger cast members, but the focus is on the younger generation that includes Tyler Posey as Scott, Dylan O'Brien as Stiles, Holland Roden as Lydia, Crystal Reed as Allison and Tyler Hoechlin as Derek. They are ably supported by their older counterparts, including J.R. Bourne, Linden Ashby and Ian Bohen. The acting, writing, music and cinematography conspire to create one of the most unexpectedly entertaining shows in recent memory. For those who may be skeptical, Teen Wolf is exciting, scary, funny and sometimes heartfelt. Really! So start watching when the series returns next year. Trust me on this one!

Photo Credit: ABC

10) Once Upon A Time

With an endless number of characters to work with from the Disney library (and beyond), Once Upon A Time could run indefinitely. I suspect that is likely to happen if they continue to cast talented actors in iconic roles. The ensemble cast is highlighted by Robert Carlyle, as Mr. Gold/Rumpelstiltskin, who should have snagged an Emmy nomination last year. Whether Carlyle is portraying the in control Mr. Gold, or the over the top Rumpelstiltskin, he always delivers superb work. The second season of the series has already established a new break out star, Colin O'Donoghue (The Rite), as Captain Hook. He seems to be receiving more airtime than many of his counterparts and has assumed the role with ease. Kudos also to casting Jorge Garcia (Lost) as The Giant (from Jack and the Beanstalk) and Barbara Hershey (Black Swan) as Cora, the mother of Regina/The Evil Queen. They both have been a lot of fun to watch and I hope to see much more of them in the future. The second season has already improved on the outstanding first season, so I expect more great things from Once Upon A Time.


Honorable mentions:

Revenge (ABC)
Arrow (The CW)
The New Normal (NBC)
Nashville (ABC)
666 Park Avenue (ABC)