Episode 4 of season 1 is THE VACATION and, like pretty much all of these episodes, focuses on the comedy versus the other extracurricular things you would find in the features. One thing I really like about this episode is that it features a lot of Bud Abbott. Some of the other episodes feature a lot of Lou solo scenes or scenes with Lou and Sid Fields and while those are all entertaining scenes (especially Sid Fields, who does have genuine chemistry with Lou), it really is great to see Bud and Lou do a lot of work together on this one.
The work starts on the great opening stage banter bit with the I-Drive/U-Drive bit. While the subject matter may not be as timeless as “Who’s on First,” there’s no doubt the rhythm and chemistry between Bud and Lou are in full force here. A really fine opening bit, perhaps the best one yet.
We also get the unpacking scene which has always been one of my favorites. You know, the bit where Lou is packing for a vacation and Bud goes on one of his rants where he’s changing his mind every two seconds about the vacation and Lou changes the direction of his packing to keep up with him. I have to admit as much as I like the scene here, it was done better in HIT THE ICE. Lou just had more energy ten years before. Then again, as a whole this episode is more to the point and comedic than that feature, so there’s some give and take.
I love the Hillary scene. I think this is the scene that used her best so far. That real innocent love scene between the two works so well and I love the way she refers to Lou as “Louis.” Heck, everybody calls me Doug and not Douglas but I just may make an exception for Hillary Brooke. The gag where Lou has to keep putting down all the luggage after every little thing she says is great to, especially after the milk part. Lou almost expresses annoyance and the realizes it’s Hillary.
What else? The car gag is another great comic bit between Bud and Lou. Great physical comedy with the car itself and excuse for Bud to yell at Lou constantly, always a funny thing. The angry boyfriend who has the pictures of his girlfriend and Lou together is played by none other than Glenn Strange. A three time Frankenstein monster, including in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Great to see him and I love Mike the Cop’s reaction to Strange about to pummel Lou. Notice instead of questioning Strange as to why he’s about to get violent, he questions Lou as to what would cause Strange to get violent. Mike really doesn’t like Lou. So yes, another fine episode.