The Great Performers: Abbott and Costello And The Susquehanna Hat Company

Comedy fans and aspiring comedians take note. Here is a fest: the great comedy team of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello performing their famous, hilarious burlesque-derived Susquehanna Hat Company skit. In two versions — each with its own character and comedy flow.

First: a version from one of their early movies from the 40s:

Second: a version done more than 10 years after the one above for their still-fresh-as-new TV comedy show. I like this one better. The timing of Costello (who would die in 1959 at age 52 of heart disease) was impeccable — and it has a classic ad-libbed appearance at the end by Joe Besser, one of the least loved Curley replacement Three Stooges, as the little kid brat Stinky.

If you want to watch more of Abbott and Costello’s great work you can buy it HERE.