I like Abbott & Costello, but I still prefer them in their movies to their TV show. What's with Bud in the TV episodes? Was he drunk during some of them? He doesn't seem as sharp or swift as he is in the films.


Between the time Lou had Rheumatic Fever and then bounced back, Bud aged A LOT. I don't think it was drinking that kept him slowed down so much on the show but just natural age starting to sink in (and apparently a couple of medical problems that made him uncomfortable, from what I understand). It's ultimately what ended the team, I believe. Bud wanted to retire, and Lou wanted to go his separate way, toward more dramatic, varied roles.