One Night In The Tropics (1940)

An insurance salesman (Allan Jones, SHOW BOAT) convinces his best friend (Robert Cummings) to take out a $1,000,000 insurance policy on his upcoming marriage. But when the bride (Nancy Kelly) to be catches her bridegroom with another woman (Peggy Moran), the wedding is off and the salesman stands to lose a million dollars he can't afford. What to do? Make sure the marriage takes place. Directed by A. Edward Sutherland and based on the novel LOVE INSURANCE by Earl Derr Biggers of the Charlie Chan books. This minor screwball comedy would most likely be forgotten today if it weren't for the film debut of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. They have supporting roles here but they stole the film, got great reviews and from then on, they starred in their own movies and didn't have to support anybody. The film itself isn't bad at all but Abbott & Costello provide the film's comedic highlights doing many of their famous vaudeville and radio bits like "Who's On First?". Mary Boland also steals a few scenes as Kelly's ditzy aunt. Jerome Kern wrote the film's songs but they're an undistinguished lot. With Leo Carrillo and William Frawley.