Splendid Cast in An Innocent Time
Negative reviews of this film notwithstanding, I believe that this movie well deserves a second look. First and foremost, we have the opportunity to appreciate a most-underrated actor by the name of Robert Cummings, in this film, truly the male conterpart to the goofy, blond female heiress type, appearing in so many of the daffy, screwball comedies of the era... all films we shall never see the likes of again... truly a shame. Mr.Cummings captures the blithe, semi-demented, self-absorbed spirit of his character, and his performance rates, truly, as comic masterpiece.
Additionally, and appreciating film art in this movie... do not fail to overlook the exquisite lighting techniques abundant during this shoot. Taking only one scene as an example, a midnight garden scene: those palm frond shadows etched across the faces of those participating in the scene: truly black-and-white film art. This film was made during the era when even "lesser" films so frequently display the artistry of behind-the-camera genius. Yes, this film does belong to the past... a cinema past that was glorious. We get to see a splendid ensemble piece, shot beautifully... and all so innocent, as if savoring a lovely dream upon awakening... a mid-summer's night dream!

ABBOTT AND COSTELLO'S FIRST FEATURE FILM
ONE NIGHT IN THE TROPICS
Release Date(s):
October 30, 1940 (premiere). November 15, 1940
Runtime: 82 minutes.

Director:
A. Edward Sutherland
Producer: Leonard Spigelglass
Writing Credits:
Earl Derr Biggers
Kathryn Scola
Francis Martin
Gertrude Purcell
Charles Grayson
John Grant

CAST:
Allan Jones: Jim Moore
Nancy Kelly: Cynthia
Bud Abbott: Abbott
Lou Costello: Costello
Robert Cummings: Steve Harper
Mary Boland: Kitty Marblehead
William Frawley: Roscoe
Peggy Moran: Mickey Fitzgerald
Leo Carrillio: Escobar
Don Alvarado: Rudolfo
Nina Orla: Nina
Richard Carle: Mr. Moore

Music by:
Jerome Kern
Frank Skinner

Film Editing by:
Milton Carruth

Art Direction:
Jack Otterson

Set Decoration:
Russell A. Gausman

Costume Design by:
Vera West

Assistant Director:
Joseph E. Kenney

Sound Department:
Bernard B. Brown...Supervisor
Joe Lapis

Other Crew:
Larry Ceballos...Dance Director
Dorothy Fields...Lyricist
Oscar Hammerstein II...Lyricist
Martin Obzina...Assistant Art Director
Charles Previn...Musical Director
Frank Skinner...Orchestrator

Routines & Hilarious Moments:
Who's On First (short version)
Mustard Routine
Money Changing
Jonah and the Whale
Paid In Full
Two Tens For a Five

PLOT SUMMARY:
Bud and Lou are clumsy thugs hired to protect
a love insurance policy investment.

Trivia:
(1)William Frawley (1887-1966)(Roscoe)is best remembered for his role of Fred Mertz in the classic TV sitcom "I LOVE LUCY" (CBS-TV. November 5, 1951 - May 6, 1957). (2)Leo Carrillo (1881-1961)(Esobar) is best remembered for his role as Pancho in the classic 1950's TV series "THE CISCO KID" (Syndicated. September 5, 1950 - March 22, 1956).

Abbott & Costello Debut
This movie debuts one of the best comedy teams of all time. Although Abbott & Costello are not the stars of this film just about every scene they are in is hilarious. The rest of the film holds up on it's own too. The "Who's On First" routine is featured in this movie and also in "Naughty Nineties"...For a movie debut Abbott & Costello are stellar. A must have for any Abbott & Costello fan and any old time comedy fan.

Well......
I am ten years old just like the other ten-year-old reviewer. I think I will have to disagree. Abbott and Costello are
NOT the stars that is true. But the show is funny-funnier that some others thatI have seen. You might like it, but as my dad says I'm not making you any promises.

this was terrible
for a first film for abbott and costello,this was their worst.abbott and costello arent even the stars.and some routines were not funny.the only funny routines to me were the musterd routine and who,s on first,that was it. do not waist your money