Podcast Summary: Abbott & Costello 43-12-30 The Lawyer with Bert Gordon

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Abbott & Costello 43-12-30 The Lawyer with Bert Gordon
• Release Date: June 25, 2025
• Description: Dive into the hilarious antics of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in this engaging episode from the Golden Age of Radio. Featuring guest Bert Gordon, "The Lawyer," this episode promises laughter, witty dialogues, and classic comedic scenarios.

Introduction

In this episode of Abbott & Costello, listeners are transported back to December 30, 1943, immersing themselves in the timeless humor of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. The show features a special guest, Bert Gordon, known as "The Mad Russian of Radio," who plays the role of a lawyer in a series of comedic legal mishaps involving Costello. The episode is peppered with the duo's signature slapstick humor, witty wordplay, and humorous misunderstandings.

Main Plot

The Dog Dilemma

The episode kicks off with a comedic dispute between Bud Abbott and Lou Costello over a dog named Rover, a present Costello received from Mrs. Niles for Christmas. Costello claims that Rover bit him, leading to a humorous back-and-forth about the dog's breed and behavior.

• Costello's Complaint:

  • [01:24] Lou Costello: "Mrs. Niles, gimme a dog for Christmas present. And the dog just took a great big bite out of me."

• Abbott's Skepticism:

  • [02:07] Bud Abbott: "What is the dog's breed?"

The conversation escalates as Costello humorously misinterprets Abbott's questions, leading to exaggerated claims about Rover's intelligence and peculiarities.

Legal Troubles

Mrs. Niles confronts Costello over the incident, prompting Abbott and Costello to seek legal assistance. Enter Bert Gordon, portrayed as an eccentric lawyer whose unconventional methods add to the comedic tension.

• Introduction of Bert Gordon:
  • [19:38] Bud Abbott: "Costello? This is your attorney, Bert Gordon. The Mad Russian."

Gordon's lackluster legal advice and Costello's ineptitude in handling the situation culminate in a mock courtroom battle filled with misunderstandings and humorous legal jargon.

Courtroom Chaos

The courtroom scenes are packed with comedic exchanges as Costello tries to defend himself with Bert Gordon's questionable legal strategies. The judge, played by Ken Niles, struggles to maintain order amidst the chaos.

• Costello's Objections:

  • [23:21] Lou Costello: "I do. I object. You object? I didn't say nothing yet. Costello, shut up."

• Gordon's Arbitration:

  • [21:20] Bert Gordon: "From the legal point of view, if you should pay this dollar, it would be absolutely perpendicular."

The trial ends with Costello being humorously found guilty of murder in the second degree, only to have the situation resolved abruptly when Mrs. Niles and others intervene, mocking the legal proceedings further.

Key Characters

• Bud Abbott: The straight man of the duo, Abbott plays the role of the rational counterpart trying to manage Costello's antics.

• Lou Costello: The bumbling and comical character whose misadventures drive the episode's plot.

• Bert Gordon (The Mad Russian): A guest character portraying an unconventional lawyer whose ineffective legal advice adds to the humor.

• Mrs. Niles: The irate pet owner demanding justice, serving as a catalyst for the ensuing legal chaos.

• Ken Niles: The judge overseeing the courtroom proceedings, attempting to keep order amidst the comedic turmoil.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• On the Dog's Behavior:

  • [01:41] Lou Costello: "This was his brother. Weak Stomach."

• Costello's Legal Misunderstandings:

  • [10:02] Lou Costello: "A what?"
  • [10:04] Bud Abbott: "Don't you know what a barrister is?"

• Bert Gordon's Legal Advice:

  • [19:52] Bert Gordon: "Don't bend the card."

• Courtroom Antics:

  • [23:21] Lou Costello: "I do. I object."
  • [24:36] Ken Niles: "Only five minutes with a prisoner."

• Resolution:

  • [27:15] Mrs. Niles: "Well, Mr. Storches and I went to the governor, paid the dollar and now everything's all straightened out. Costello, you're a free man."

Insights and Themes

Humorous Legal Satire: The episode cleverly parodies the legal system through exaggerated courtroom scenarios and incompetent legal representation. Bert Gordon's character serves as a satire of ineffective lawyers, highlighting the absurdities that can occur within legal proceedings.

Character Dynamics: The interplay between Abbott's patience and Costello's frantic antics creates a dynamic that is both engaging and entertaining. Their chemistry is quintessentially comedic, relying on timing and exaggerated reactions to elicit laughter.

Recurring Humor Elements: Themes such as misunderstandings, slapstick comedy, and witty wordplay are prevalent throughout the episode. The recurring joke about the dollar fine serves as a humorous plot device that ties the various comedic elements together.

Conclusion

"Abbott & Costello 43-12-30 The Lawyer with Bert Gordon" is a quintessential example of the classic comedic brilliance of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Through a blend of witty dialogues, exaggerated characters, and humorous legal mishaps, the episode delivers laughter and entertainment reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. The inclusion of Bert Gordon's unconventional legal advice adds an extra layer of humor, making this episode a standout showcase of the duo's timeless appeal.

Listeners who enjoy slapstick humor, clever wordplay, and the charm of classic radio comedy will find this episode particularly delightful. Whether revisiting familiar jokes or discovering new comedic twists, "The Lawyer with Bert Gordon" offers a rich and engaging listening experience that encapsulates the essence of Abbott & Costello's enduring legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [01:24] Lou Costello: "Mrs. Niles, gimme a dog for Christmas present. And the dog just took a great big bite out of me."

• [19:38] Bud Abbott: "Costello? This is your attorney, Bert Gordon. The Mad Russian."

• [23:21] Lou Costello: "I do. I object. You object? I didn't say nothing yet. Costello, shut up."

• [21:20] Bert Gordon: "From the legal point of view, if you should pay this dollar, it would be absolutely perpendicular."

• [27:15] Mrs. Niles: "Costello, you're a free man."

Enjoyed this summary? Tune into Harold's Old Time Radio for more nostalgic journeys through the golden era of radio entertainment!