Movie review – A&C #20 - “The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap” (1947) ****

A terrific Abbott and Costello film, which perhaps the strongest story out of any film they made. It’s set in the old West with our duo as travelling salesmen who are falsely accused of murder – they escape the noose under an old law which means Costello has to take over the dead man’s debts and family. When you see that the widow is played by Marjorie Main, you know you’re in for some fun, and you are – Costello thrived against strong female co-stars (Martha Raye, Patsy Kelly) and he teams wonderfully with Main. There are some classic bits, like when Costello becomes an effective sheriff (no one wants to kill him because that would mean they have to marry Main) – and when everyone wants to kill him (because they hear that Main is going to inherit a fortune). The support cast is strong, and there is some decent action and songs thrown into the mix as well. Great fun.