Vaudeville tradition was that the straight man’s name came first, and that transferred to Hollywood too: Abbott and Costello, Burns and Allen, Martin and Lewis, Rowan and Martin… Al should at least be given top billing.
(There are of course exceptions, such as Hope and Crosby, Laurel and Hardy…)
Gent about 3 years ago
Al Fred, they’re no Einsteins.
Indianapolis Smith about 3 years ago
Union rules.
fritzoid Premium Member about 3 years ago
Vaudeville tradition was that the straight man’s name came first, and that transferred to Hollywood too: Abbott and Costello, Burns and Allen, Martin and Lewis, Rowan and Martin… Al should at least be given top billing.
(There are of course exceptions, such as Hope and Crosby, Laurel and Hardy…)
willie_mctell about 3 years ago
Customary procedure. Archetypes must be perpetuated.
mistercatworks about 3 years ago
Would you believe George Burns originally hired Gracie Allen to be the straight woman?
Zesty about 3 years ago
Would you like to fly
In my beautiful dialog balloon?