It was on this day, 68 years ago, that the Abbott and Costello movie Ride ‘Em Cowboy was released.
Ride ‘Em Cowboy was filmed from June 30 thru August 9, 1941 and was originally intended to be the third Abbott and Costello film. However, due to the success of the service film, Buck Privates, the production for Ride ‘Em Cowboy was delayed so that the comedy team could make In the Navy.
In fact, Universal was having so much success with the Abbott and Costello service comedies that they decided to hold back release of Ride ‘Em Cowboy yet again so the team could make, and Universal could release, another service film – Keep ‘Em Flying.
Ride ‘Em Cowboy was shot on location at two dude ranches – The B-Bar A and the Rancho Chihuahua.
The legendary jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald, made her screen debut in Ride ‘Em Cowboy, in which she performed “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” which she also co-wrote. The song went on to become a huge hit for the singer.
The routine, “Heard of Cows,” can be seen in this film. Like so many of Abbott & Costello’s routines, the quick, clever word play is as entertaining today as it was 68 years ago. Here’s the script for “Heard of Cows”:
Lou: Look at all those cows out there! Get that big bunch of cows!
Bud: Not bunch, herd.
Lou: Huh?
Bud: Cow herd.
Lou: I beg your pardon?
Bud: Cow herd!
Lou: Cow heard what?
Bud: Not heard what! Cow herd!
Lou: Cow heard what? I said look at that big bunch of cows out there!
Bud: Not bunch, herd! Herd of cows!
Lou: Certainly, I’ve heard of cows, you dope!
And here is the trailer for the movie: