It was on this day, 71 years ago in 1940, that Abbott and Costello’s One Night in the Tropics was released. This is the film that launched the comedy duo into the top tier of Hollywood stars.
It’s interesting to note that, while this film is best known for being the first of 36 movies the comedy team would make together, the two were actually only cast in supportive roles. Nevertheless, the two went on to “steal the show,” so to speak, and the rest is movie history.
As perhaps a tribute to their radio days and their entry into movies, Abbott and Costello are heard before they are actually seen on screen.
Several of the comedy team’s routines were included in One Night in the Tropics, the most famous of which was their “Who’s on First?” skit. In fact, this was the first scene the two shot for the film.
Here’s some additional trivia you might not know: The two were each paid $35,000 for One Night in the Tropics, or over half a million in today’s dollars. Not too bad for a movie premier. Of course, after the success of this film, their asking price would go up considerably.
Lastly, the film premiered in Lou Costello’s home town of Paterson, New Jersey.