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Abbott & Costello
October, 2017
Newsletter
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Atlantic City
Steel Pier
Abbott and Costello Take To the Boardwalk!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
BUD ABBOTT!
October 2, 1897 - April 24, 1974
The Abbott and Costello families join all of Bud's fans around the world by wishing him a happy birthday!
This month marks what would be Bud's 120th year. He graced the world with his kindness and gentle spirit, and gave us the greatest gift of all --- laughter!
Thank you Bud Abbott, who along with his partner, Lou Costello, continue to make us laugh.
"May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live."
Bud Abbott
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ATLANTIC CITY'S STEEL PIER
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The Steel Pier is a 1,000-foot-long amusement park built on a pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
It began in 1898, and has been one of the most popular entertainment venues in the United States for the first seven decades of the twentieth century, featuring concerts, exhibits, and an amusement park. It billed itself as the Showplace of the Nation.
The pier was built by the Steel Pier Company and opened on June 18, 1898. It was built on iron pilings, using a concrete understructure with steel girders. In 1904, a storm washed away part of the Steel Pier and many engineers stated that it could not be rebuilt. Future mayor of the city Edward L. Bader, and his company, accepted the challenge to rebuild it. His success with that job led to more work for him in Atlantic City.
In 1924, a fire caused significant damage to the pier. Frank Gravatt purchased the pier in 1925 and completely renovated it. He was nicknamed the "Salt Water Barnum" by Atlantic City's local newspaper due to his modern day concepts. The pier hosted dance bands, three movie theaters, exhibits, operas, children's shows, a water circus, stunts and other attractions.
Atlantic City in its hey day was described as "An Amusement City at Sea" and "A Vacation in Itself." It also was once called the "Showplace of the Nation" and included such acts as the High Diving Horse; Rex the Wonder Dog, a water skiing canine in the 1930's; the diving bell, and hosted such acts as The Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, and more.
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Photo Courtesy of Chris Costello
Bud and Lou greeting fans on the boardwalk (1941)
BUD AND LOU IN ATLANTIC CITY:
BUILDING AN EMPIRE OUT OF A BOARDWALK
by
Jeff Solimando
In January 1936, entertainment icon Billy Minsky was in a vicious legal battle with New York City's Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and Licensing Commissioner Paul Moss. Minsky's attorneys were vehemently fighting the city's attempts to revoke Billy's theater license on the grounds that his burlesque shows violate moral decency codes. The city's legal counsel states that the administration is fighting on behalf of both its constituency and continuing commitment to support a more conservative and religious agenda. Amazingly, Minsky wins the case, retains his license and is allowed to keep his theater open. Hardcore Minsky supporters celebrate this win as a solid victory for burlesque. Some employed within the theater, however, consider the ongoing presence of undercover law enforcement and increasing number of police raids the "beginning of the end."
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are two of these employees and they can't help but read the writing on the wall. Knowing their livelihoods depend on the continued success of Minsky's, they decide it may not be a bad idea to put some type of "Plan B" into place.
Fortunately for the boys, "Plan B" appears in the form of Frank Elliott, an entertainment manager ho oversees a large troupe at Atlantic City's Steel Pier. One day in 1936, Elliott, his production manager and a talent scout venture into New York City and wind up at Minsky's Republic Theater. While sitting in the audience, their attention is drawn to Bud and Lou as they perform a few new skits on stage. Impressed by the audience's reaction to their chemistry, Elliott reaches out to booking agent Edward Sherman. Bud and Lou are called in; discussions take place, and conditions agreed upon. Steel Pier owner Frank Gravatt gives his personal seal-of-approval and the boys are officially off to perform in Atlantic City.
Bud and Lou spend their first couple of summer engagements sharpening their nearly perfect set of comedic skills. In 1937, they appear in a huge variety production called Ship Ahoy, billed as Abbott, Costello, and Boyden. However, neither the billing nor Boyden lasts very long. Although their schedules could be grueling, the boys stick to good old "Plan B" and their decision to do so pays off in a big way. Suddenly, offers for additional gigs start filtering in from Baltimore, Philadelphia and even Lowes theaters in New York City; the town where burlesque is outlawed that very year.
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Courtesy of Jeff Solimando
It's at Lowes that Kate Smith's manager Ted Collins discover the boys and signs them onto Kate's radio show in early 1938. Once they attain major market radio exposure, Bud and Lou's reputation as a hot commodity spreads like wildfire. Even Atlantic City's Steel Pier attempts to capitalize on their success and starts billing Abbott and Costello as the "Stars of Kate Smith's Comedy Hour." While the comedy team's popularity (and paycheck) soars, so does their dedication to Atlantic City, Frank Elliott, and the Steel Pier. No matter what their lives or careers manage to dish out, the boys will return to Steel Pier for some years to come.
Arriving in August 1941, thousands of fans venture out to greet Bud and Lou. They're a bit taken aback by the commotion and they need a few moments to soak it all in. Steel Pier owner Frank Gravatt honors the boys by installing and showing off three twenty-four-foot signs that advertise Abbott and Costello's appearance. The attention is nothing less than appropriate of course; for in 1941, Abbott and Costello are the biggest movie stars in the United States.
In town to promote their latest movie Hold That Ghost, the film's premiere and the events surrounding it are nothing less than fabulous. The Steel Pier organizes an Abbott and Costello "Midnight Jamboree" for fans of all ages and a "Ghost Ball" that requires all that attend to dress in "ghost-like" attire. Party-goers can sway to the sounds of Jimmy Dorsey beneath the ballroom's dazzling gold-domed ceiling or take their chances at winning contests that offer a considerable amount of money in cash and prizes.
In 1942 the boys include Atlantic City's Steel Pier in their national war bond tour. Bud and Lou roll into town on Saturday, September 5th and immediately take control of the Labor Day weekend festivities. Although it's a holiday, many of our men and women are overseas risking their lives for peace and democracy. Bud and Lou get straight to the point and immediately start pumping war-time morale into their fans through the sale of war bonds. Abbott and Costello's War Bond Drive is coming to a close later in the month, and so far they've raised $80,000,000 for the war effort. This day is no different; it's business as usual. Once their patriotic duties are complete, the boys promote their new movie Pardon My Sarong, released just four weeks earlier.
Unfortunately, 1943 turns out to be a challenging year for Lou health-wise. Put to bed with rheumatic fever on March 6, he remains on strict bed rest until the following November. Although confinement makes Lou edgy, he follows doctor's orders and stays put -- mostly. Atlantic City goes without a visit from the boys that summer.
The summer of 1944 finds Harry Savoy taking over the boys NBC radio show while they're on the road performing. Bud and Lou plan on making a quick stop in Atlantic City and rumor has it that Frank Elliott is a little nervous about the compensation the superstars expect. He wires the boys and asks what they plan on charging him. Bud and Lou wire back, "Write your own ticket." Elliott insists they name their price and the boys do -- one dollar per day. Grateful, Frank Elliott considers this Bud and Lou's way of thanking him for bringing them to Atlantic City eight years prior. Although their appearance is brief, they still have enough time to promote their upcoming flick In Society, along with Lost in a Harem which is scheduled to premiere towards the end of the year.
Known to support a number of diverse humanitarian causes, Bud and Lou adjust their schedule last minute and spend a day bringing cheer to every room at the Haddon Hall Hotel, which is substituting as an Army hospital.
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Steel Pier advertising Abbott and Costello's appearance in 1941
The boy's summer, 1945 appearance is also quick but according to Variety draws record-breaking weekend crowds. This year, Atlantic City is just one stop on a fundraising tour for the Lou Costello, Jr. Youth Foundation. Other appearances include three weeks at the Roxy in New York, one week at the Hippodrome in Baltimore, one week in Earle, PA (with one day in Camden, New Jersey) and three days at the Steel Pier. Not only do the boys net $75,000 for the Foundation, they also manage to call home and have a brand new movie projector and three of their films sent to Sergeant Frederic Hansel of Battle Creek, Michigan. Hansel is a U.S. veteran whose only wish is to take his wife, Jewell, to the movies on their upcoming wedding anniversary. Sadly, after losing both of his arms and legs during the war, he's now confined to bed indefinitely and won't be able to keep his date. Bud and Lou hear of his plight and decide that if Hansel can't get to the movies, they'll bring their movies to him.
The world of entertainment during the 1930's and 1940's was extremely competitive in its own right and succeeding as a "clean" comic was no easy undertaking. Sure, Bud and Lou are known for their exceptional timing and delivery. However, it was truly a combination of chemistry, personality, and empathy that brought them to the forefront. These three rare qualities are what really helped them capture both the love of the American public and attention of the entire world. Atlantic City made not have "made" Abbott and Costello, but you can't help but wonder what would have happened if the stars aligned differently.
Thankfully, they chose to see it through.
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ATLANTIC CITY
Before, During and After Abbott and Costello
by
Ginny Capitelli
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Atlantic City in the early 1900's
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Atlantic City holds much history. I have vivid memories of going in the late 1960's when it was all rides, games and arcades. Hotels and motels dotted the area. Gambling and the Vegas-style hotels had not yet arrived so to us who didn't live in Jersey it was the premier seaside location on the shore to visit.
Let's take a walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and look at some of the history of this grand structure by the sea ...
Atlantic City was considered prime real estate with its development bringing wealthy visitors to its resort. The Steel Pier, dedicated in 1870, went through many changes though the course of time, mainly the Boardwalk which was taken apart and stored in the winter and rebuilt three times in 1884, 1889 and 1994 due to hurricanes. Currently, the Atlantic City Boardwalk stretches 6 miles long and 60 feet wide and is the world's longest wooden structure, preventing sand and other elements from littering the hotels and casinos.
From the late 1930's into the 1940's, Abbott and Costello appeared at the Steel Pier to sell-out crowds. It was their home away from home. Two Jersey boys back at home plate, promoting their films with special on-stage appearances. They even took to the Boardwalk to meet and greet their fans.
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Photo Courtesy of Chris Costello
Bud and Lou stop to have their photo taken with a young fan (1943)
In 1969, a major portion of the pier was destroyed by a fire, and by 1976 attendance had declined to the once popular seaside vacation destination. In 1982 a second fire destroyed it completely. It wasn't until 1993 with Trump's Taj Mahal and a revitalization project to bring Atlantic City back into the spotlight, that tourists once again began to revisit.
Atlantic City today has several Vegas-style hotels and casinos. The Boardwalk is lined with souvenir stores, food stands and push carts that take people up and down its wooden path.
My family and I have been visiting Atlantic City and the Boardwalk for many years ... it's become a once a year family tradition. For me, it's the continual creation of memories that we can laugh and talk about until the next time we visit.
I like the gambling, and ice cream (known as "custard" at the shore), but there's also a special connection ... Bud and Lou performed there. Staring onto the pier, knowing that they had once performed there back in the day, I can hear Lou yelling, "Hey! Abbott!"
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Photo Courtesy of Ginny Capitelli
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Photo Courtesy of Ginny Capitelli
Bud and Lou performed at the height of the Steel Pier, as did many of the legendary big bands, vocalists, comedy teams and solo acts. Although the glamour and the greats of that era are no longer an attraction, the memory of that era in Atlantic City will never leave us.
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EVENT
October 28 and 29 (2017)
Northport and Bridgehampton, New York
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Mark Your Calendar
For a HOWLING Good Time ...
Film historian and lecturer Larry Wolff will be hosting two presentations with his interactive power point lecture on the making of ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, and a special screening of this Abbott and Costello cult-classic film.
October 28, 2017
HAMPTON LIBRARY
2478 Main Street
Bridgehampton, New York
1 pm
(631) 537-0015
October 29, 2017
NORTHPORT LIBRARY
151 Laurel Avenue
Northport, New York
1:30 pm
(631) 261-6930
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BEHIND-THE-SCENES
A Young Abbott and Costello in Atlantic City
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Photo Courtesy of Paddy (Costello) Humphreys
Norman Abbott (Bud's nephew) with Lou's eldest daughter, Paddy
When Bud and Lou were performing at the Steel Pier, the Abbott and Costello families gathered by the shore.
In a rare photo (1938) is future director Norman Abbott posing for a photo with Lou's two-year-old daughter, Paddy. In the background is Norman's mother Olive (second from right) and Bud's wife, Betty (seated).
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HAVE A QUESTION?
WE'VE GOT THE ANSWER!
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Photo Courtesy of Chris Costello
Lou Costello at age five
QUESTION:
Is the name "Cristillo" Lou's actual surname?
Brian George
Colorado Springs, Colorado
ANSWER:
Yes, "Cristillo" is the actual surname, not "Costello," which was his stage name.
Back when he first started working in burlesque, before teaming with Bud, he took the name "Costello" as a gesture of thanks and appreciation to actress Dolores Costello who gave him some invaluable advice when he first hit Hollywood in the mid-1920's.
He also did not want to bring shame on the "Cristillo" name should he not succeed in the business.
All of his personal documents, such as passport, etc., showed his name as "Cristillo." Remember that "Costello" is Irish, "Cristillo" Italian. His father was Sebastian Cristillo who came from Caserta, Italy.
Chris Costello
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BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Atlantic City With the Wives
1943
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Photo Courtesy of Chris Costello
Bud and Lou with wives Ann (Costello) on left, Betty (Abbott) on right
Bud and Lou with their wives on the boardwalk in 1943 following an appearance at the Steel Pier.
Crowds gathered and followed them in droves. Police escorts were called upon to make sure Bud and Lou could travel the boardwalk without being mobbed by eager fans wanting to meet them and get their autographs. Both men always took time to meet with their fans. As Lou once commented, "It's because of the fans that I am where I am."
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ABBOTT & COSTELLO COLLECTIBLES
www.abbottandcostellocollectibles.com
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Your One Stop Online Store!
From tees to mugs, glassware, caps, DVDs, CDs, and more!
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Abbott and Costello: The Radio Treasury (vinyl LP)
Released in 1977 by Nostalgia Lane.
Selections included broadcasts from 1943, 1944 and 1945
Album cover photo courtesy of Paul D'Avanzo
Submitted by: Paul D'Avanzo (Stamford, CT)
(additional information by Jeff Solimando)
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ATLANTIC CITY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE
IN LAUNCHING ABBOTT AND COSTELLO
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A year after teaming, Abbott and Costello were performing their burlesque act when Eddie Sherman spotted them for a Broadway show. The show didn't come together that year, but Sherman became their manager, offering them $100 per week and booked them into Atlantic City's Steel Pier.
The comedians returned to Atlantic City in 1941, making a personal appearance in connection with the world premiere of their movie Hold That Ghost.
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Photo Courtesy of Chris Costello
Bud and Lou join the fun by partaking in a logging contest (1941)
It wasn't all work when the boys hit Atlantic City. With attractions, rides and contests, Bud and Lou take time out from promoting their filmto join in on a logging contest. Notice the bystanders and fans in the background. One Atlantic City official noted, "You couldn't keep the fans away from Bud and Lou!"
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ABBOTT AND COSTELLO
Netcong, New Jersey
Film Festival
Sept 8 & 9 (2017)
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Photo Courtesy of Wizard Rommeney
The historic Palace Theater was built in 1919 in Netcong, New Jersey. It began as a silent movie and vaudeville house, followed by showing the talkies. And yes, there's a strong possibility that Bud Abbott and Lou Costello appeared there on its stage.
On September 8 & 9 the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, spearheaded by Marty and Laurie Kane, brought Abbott and Costello back to the big screen with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Time of Their Lives and Hold That Ghost.
Both nights were sold out, allowing Bud and Lou's fans a chance to see their films, not on TV, but on the big screen!
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Photo Courtesy of Wizard Rommeney
Lou Costello's youngest daughter, Chris, presented some behind-the-scenes film facts before each film showing.
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Photo Courtesy of Wizard Rommeney
A highlight for those attending the event was the appearance of Abbott and Costello lookalikes Lou Sciara (Lou) and Gil (Bud) Palmer on Saturday, September 9.
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Photo Courtesy of Ginny Capitelli
Chris Costello poses with some of Lou's Angels, a group of dedicated people who in 2016 launched a clean-up campaign at the Lou Costello Statue in Paterson, New Jersey. They continue to roll up their shirt sleeves, making sure Lou's statue and its surroundings are kept in tip-top condition, and funding their effort with their own money! These people and those who were not present at the event need to be commended. The families are forever grateful!
(left to right) Chris Costello, Robert Attanasia (author of "Abbott and Costello in Pictures"), Roberta Reitz, Jack Hoffman and Ginny Capitelli.
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Chris shares a moment with long time Abbott and Costello fans and friends, Joe Nicolosi of New York (left) and Lee Reynolds of Washington, DC (right) outside the Palace Theater.
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CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE
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GINNY CAPITELLI
Ginny keeps all our Facebook friends informed when Abbott and Costello TV Show episodes and films air over cable and network channels. She's also a frequent contributor of articles for our newsletter.
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JEFF SOLIMANDO
Jeff is a frequent contributor of featured articles for our newsletter and is the go-to man when we're looking for archival information, newspaper and photo research.
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