Keep 'Em Flying (1941) | Directed by Arthur Lubin

"Keep 'Em Flying" (1941) is a wartime comedy starring the iconic comedy trio Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, who play their classic roles as bumbling sidekicks in this patriotic film set against the backdrop of World War II. Released just weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the movie reflects the spirit of the time, blending humor with patriotic fervor and encouraging support for the United States’ military efforts. The film was part of a series of military-themed comedies starring Abbott and Costello, aimed at providing levity during a time of heightened tension.

Abbott and Costello play Blackie Benson (Bud Abbott) and Heathcliff (Lou Costello), two circus performers who find themselves joining the United States Army Air Corps after their friend, Jinx Roberts (played by Dick Foran), becomes a cadet pilot. The duo inadvertently follows Jinx into military training, bringing their usual brand of slapstick comedy and chaos into the military setting. Their misadventures involve running into trouble with their superior officers, fumbling through flight training, and tangling with a pair of love interests, twin sisters played by Martha Raye.

Despite the comedic hijinks, "Keep 'Em Flying" also features musical numbers and aerial stunt sequences that add to the film's entertainment value. The movie's lighthearted approach to military life helped bolster morale on the home front while emphasizing the importance of supporting the U.S. war effort.

"Keep 'Em Flying" is a quintessential Abbott and Costello comedy, filled with their trademark fast-paced banter, slapstick humor, and physical comedy. While the plot is thin and primarily serves as a backdrop for the comedic duo’s antics, their performances carry the film, delivering the laughs that their audience expected. Their chemistry is on full display as Abbott plays the straight man to Costello’s bumbling fool, a dynamic that made them one of the most popular comedy teams of the time.

The film’s military setting allows for a variety of humorous situations, particularly involving the discipline and training regimens of the Army Air Corps. Abbott and Costello’s fish-out-of-water antics in the world of military aviation provide plenty of opportunities for gags, whether they’re trying to operate complex equipment or accidentally causing havoc during training exercises.

Martha Raye, playing twin sisters, brings a comedic presence of her own, adding another layer of humor to the film. Her energetic performances as both love interests for Abbott and Costello contribute to the film’s lighthearted and romantic subplots. The aerial stunts and musical numbers, including a memorable performance by Carol Bruce, round out the film’s appeal, making it more than just a straight comedy.

Arthur Lubin’s direction ensures that the pacing remains brisk, keeping the laughs coming while also including enough spectacle with the flying sequences to keep the action lively. The film’s emphasis on patriotism and the military's role in defending the country struck a chord with audiences, particularly as the United States was on the brink of entering World War II.

"Keep 'Em Flying" was well-received by audiences and critics upon its release, particularly for its ability to provide much-needed humor during a time of national uncertainty. Abbott and Costello were already established stars by this point, and their fans appreciated the familiar formula of their comedy routines. The film’s lighthearted take on military life, combined with its slapstick humor, made it a crowd-pleaser.

Critics praised the performances of Abbott and Costello, noting that while the film did not break new ground, it delivered exactly what audiences wanted: a fun, entertaining escape from the growing tensions of the world stage. The film’s aerial sequences and musical interludes were also highlighted as elements that helped elevate it beyond a typical comedy. Martha Raye’s dual roles were another point of praise, with her lively and comedic performance adding to the film’s charm.

Some reviewers felt that the plot was flimsy and primarily served as a vehicle for the comedy duo’s antics, but this was generally accepted as part of the appeal. The film’s patriotic undertones were seen as appropriate for the time, adding to its success at the box office.

"Keep 'Em Flying" is one of several films Abbott and Costello made during World War II that supported the war effort through humor and entertainment. Like their other military-themed comedies (Buck Privates and In the Navy), this film is remembered as part of a larger body of work that helped boost morale on the home front.

Though not considered one of their most iconic films, "Keep 'Em Flying" remains a beloved entry in Abbott and Costello’s filmography, particularly for fans of their slapstick humor. The film's blend of comedy, romance, and musical numbers, along with its patriotic message, make it a valuable artifact of early 1940s American cinema.

For modern viewers, the film offers a nostalgic look back at a time when comedy served as both entertainment and a means of uplifting the national spirit. Its lighthearted portrayal of military life during a serious time in world history provides a unique contrast to more dramatic wartime films of the era.

Full Cast:

- Bud Abbott as Blackie Benson
- Lou Costello as Heathcliff
- Dick Foran as Jinx Roberts
- Martha Raye as Gloria Phelps / Barbara Phelps (Twins)
- Carol Bruce as Linda Joyce
- William Gargan as Craig Morrison
- Charles Lang as Colonel Castle
- Bill Shirley as Tom Lawson