MOVIE REVIEW FRIDAY
One of my most cherished childhood memories is our Friday night movie nights. But these weren’t just regular movie nights.
On Tuesday, my dad would put a poster on the fridge announcing what was coming up. The lineup usually included a cartoon, an episode of a movie serial, and of course, the major feature. Most of the time, we watched classic films. I remember complaining about only watching black-and-white movies—but in hindsight, I was being introduced to some of my all-time favorites.
One of those films that still holds up for me is Abbott & Costello’s Who Done It?. After rewatching Meet the Killer a couple of weeks ago, I figured I’d revisit this gem.
So here’s my review of maybe the greatest Abbott & Costello movie ever:
🎬 Who Done It? (1942) – Review
Story – 8.1 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
The plot is simple but fun. Abbott & Costello play soda jerks working below a major radio station. Their real dream? Becoming mystery writers. They get invited to a live read of the radio play Murders at Midnight. But during the broadcast, the OWNER of the radio company is murdered—live on air.
Now, it's up to our favorite duo to solve the mystery. Classic one-liners are sprinkled throughout, and as always, delivered perfectly in only the way A&C can.
Monsters/Villains – 7.6 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
The “villains” pile up quickly. Everyone at the radio reading is a suspect. Costello’s usual run-ins with authority (especially the cops) provide lots of laughs. In the end, there's just one true culprit or is it the murderer, but the journey getting there is packed with misdirection and fun.
Actors/Characters – 8.2 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
As always, Abbott is the straight man, and Costello brings the goofy charm. Their chemistry is undeniable. Costello steals the show, but Abbott’s balance and subtle reactions make them a perfect team.
Patrick Knowles is solid as the dashing good guy who helps crack the case (let’s be real, he actually solves most of it). William Bendix is hilarious as the dopey Detective Brannigan.
Overall – 8.3 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖
This film holds a special place in my heart. I quote it all the time and never get tired of watching it. It’s a feel-good comedy that always makes me laugh.
If you need a good laugh and love a classic mystery-comedy, Who Done It? is absolutely worth your time.
A&C Who Done it? (8.05)
The Exorcist (9.25)
Psycho (9.22)
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (9.0)
Silence of the lambs (9.0)
REAR WINDOW (8.8)
Ed Wood (8.78)
THE PHANTOM (8.7)
VERTIGO (8.65)
A&C Meet the killer (8.5)
The Omen (1976) (8.45)
The Creature from the Black Lagoon (8.42)
Salem’s Lot (8.4)
StranGERS on a TRAIN (8.35)
The Ghost & Mr Chicken (8.32)
It (2017) (8.3)
DIAL M FOR MURDER (8.3)
Rosemary’s Baby (8.28)
SINISTER (2012) (8.25)
The Mummy (1999) (8.12)
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) (8.08)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) (8.07)
A&C Who Done it? (8.05)
THE MUMMY (1959) (8.0)
The Wolfman (1941) (7.98)
The Lost Boys (7.97)
DRACULA (1931) (7.85)
DICK TRACY (1990) (7.72)
The Thing (1982) (7.67)
The Fog (7.5)
Homicidal (7.12)
Halloween (1978) (6.65)
The Wolfman (2010) (6.25)
Ernest Scared Stupid (5.35)
Monster Squad (5.22)
