Time of Their Lives Vintage TYPE 1 Historic Publicity Photographs

Abbott & Costello, 1946

The Time of Their Lives (1946) is a beloved supernatural comedy from Universal-International starring Abbott and Costello in one of their most unique films, where the duo do not play their traditional partners. The story follows Lou Costello as a Revolutionary War-era tinker and Marjorie Reynolds as his love interest, both wrongfully killed and condemned as ghosts to haunt a Connecticut estate until their names can be cleared. For the next 166 years the ghosts of Horatio and Melody roam the grounds of the estate.
Blending humor, romance, and lighthearted fantasy, the film stands out for its charming special effects, warm performances, and its departure from the team’s usual slapstick routines. Today, it remains a fan favorite for its nostalgic charm and its inventive twist on the Abbott and Costello formula.

One of my all time favorite classic comedy films are from Abbott & Costello.      Many people will quote “Meet Frankenstein” as their best film.  However, for me personally “The Time if Their Lives” is their Prized achievement on so many levels.     First, it was the only film they made where they didn’t appear together and Bud was Not a leading player.  It was Lou and Marjorie Reynolds that landed the leading roles. Yes, Bud took a backseat to Marjorie Reynolds.  It was probably a condition for her to appear in a leading role as she was a major star, just finishing “Holiday Inn” a few years earlier.   And the magic between Lou and Marjorie just fell into place like they were meant to be.     Also, the special effects were groundbreaking for that time period.  In particular, when Lou tries to go through the wall and gets stuck part way and Marjorie Reynolds pulls him up.  How many 1946 movies can you say you saw something like that?    The result was what many believe the best Abbott & Costello film of their careers.  

Ironically the movie posters created for this film were horrible and had nothing to do with the theme of the film.   The one sheet shows no hint it had anything to do with the film if not for the title.   Only the lobby cards have scenes from the movie which is why they are more desirable.   And although we have had a number of the fantastic lobby cards, we have never seen the original 1946 publicity photos like you see here. 

And what’s make these vintage publicity photos so exciting is most show scenes that never appeared in the lobby cards or any other promotional material for this A&C classic.   Also,  the quality of these Type I Photos are extraordinary. 
And we just acquired a Collection of 24 Rare ORIGINAL 1946 vintage photos from these favorite A&C gem. 

Great Provenance:  Each vintage photo hHas original NSS and dated Copyright info on bottom border.