I think that entire bit of business (not just the Mustard routine, but the whole thing) in THE NOOSE HANGS HIGH is absolutely one of their greatest moments together, ever.

I know I'm in a minority, but I am not one who shares the feeling that their surreal TV show was all that hot (though Sid Fields is terrific). I think they were usually (not always) better in their films - and this especially applies to a younger and more vital Bud Abbott in the movies. (I still haven't re-watched POLICE ROOKIES yet; I'll do so today and get back to 'youse' on that). Anyway... I think the main problem people have with so many of their films is the musical interruptions.

I can tell you two TV routines I recall definitely enjoying more than their movie counterparts:

1.) "I lost my pal" -- much funnier in the TV episode "SAFARI" than in AFRICA SCREAMS. The older Abbott here is much better, as is Lou.

2.) "Don't play that radio!!" -- much funnier in the TV ep "HILLARY'S BIRTHDAY" with Sid Fields than in the movie BUCK PRIVATES.

EDITED: I just popped the DVD in and watched POLICE ROOKIES. Yes, the routine is very funny, that's for sure. And I did notice that there were some good things added which weren't in the movie verison, and I recall some things from the movie which weren't in the TV version. It's always said that Bud and Lou never did routines the same way. I recall some funny additions in the movie about "Why should you tell me to take an aspirin? Have you a license to practice medicine??"... and something about "I like Wister-shire-sheire-shire- shauche".

"Physical Media: Alive and Well, Forever!"



Last Edited By: Joe Karlosi Feb 2 11 6:51 AM. Edited 1 times.