Search - Lum & Abner Collection (2 Weeks To Live / The Bashful Bachelor / Dreaming Out Loud / So This Is Washington) (4-DVD) on DVD

Forgotten fun

Chase Leon | United States | 08/12/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I encourage anyone who likes the Ma and Pa Kettle films to seek out the Lum and Abner films. Although these two series of movies are very similar in tone, the L and A films were produced on a skid-row budget, but do not fret, because this doesn't mean that they're not as enjoyable. In fact, the ultra cheap budget actually enhances the atmosphere of these cornpone ditties. All four of the films in the boxed may be brainless affairs, with somewhat familiar stories, but it's the chemistry of the two stars and the major input from basically unknown supporting players that add a sense of fun, and even surrealism, to these harmless and extremely enjoyable little films. I would be hard-pressed to name the best movie of the four, as they all provide the same amount of fun and escapism, but I suppose I would say "So This is Washington" may edge out the other three films.....but just by a slight margin.

Again, I'll use the word "surreal" because it's the one that fits the best to describe these wacky programmers from a long ago era. These films not only take you back in time, they take you to places you've never even dreamed of.....a place that even Ma and Pa Kettle couldn't take you, and all the while providing a wonderful journey. Perhaps Lum and Abner will make a huge comeback in the near future. Heaven only knows how much we need some fun and offbeat escapism from this vicious world we live in. Lum and Abner may be just what the doctor ordered to cure a very unhealthy planet."