Abbott and Costello Go to Mars
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars

Movie spotlight

Abbott and Costello Go to Mars

1953
Movie
77 min
English

Lester and Orville accidentally launch a rocket which is supposed to fly to Mars. Instead it goes to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. They are then forced by bank robber Mugsy and his pal Harry to fly to Venus where they find a civilization made up entirely of women, men having been banished.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Charles BartonGenres: Comedy, Science Fiction

Plot Summary

Two bumbling exterminators, Abbott and Costello, are mistaken for astronauts by aliens and are sent to Mars. Upon arrival, they discover that the planet is inhabited by attractive Martian women who are looking for husbands. They become entangled in a plot involving a Martian rebellion and a quest for Earth's supply of sugar.

Critical Reception

Abbott and Costello Go to Mars was generally met with mixed to negative reviews from critics, though it was a commercial success with audiences who enjoyed the slapstick humor and the iconic comedy duo's performances. The film is often considered a lesser entry in their filmography due to its flimsy plot and reliance on the duo's established routines.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film's appeal rests almost entirely on the comedic chemistry and routines of Abbott and Costello.

  • The science fiction elements are often treated as a mere backdrop for the comedy rather than being integral to the plot.

  • While not a critical darling, it provided lighthearted entertainment for fans of the duo.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the familiar comedic timing and gags that Abbott and Costello were known for. Some viewers found the premise amusing, while others felt the plot was weak and the jokes became repetitive.

Fun Fact

Despite the title, the film was shot entirely on Earth with no actual Mars scenes. The 'Martian' landscapes were created using studio sets and matte paintings.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Better than its reputation suggests. Abbott and Costello Go To Mars sees the popular duo tackle a sci-fi theme that was to be so prevalent in the 50s. It's directed by Charles Lamont and the co-star line up features Robert Paige, Horace...