The Abbott and Costello radio show – Playing the Piano with Janet Blair – smitten by the lovely Janet Blair, Lou offers to play piano at her charity event. But he can’t play a note!
Playing the Piano with Janet Blair – The Abbott and Costello radio show
Broadcast: January 27, 1944
Starring: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Janet Blair, Connie Haines, Cliff Nazarro, Freddie Rich and his Orchestra, Ken Niles, Elvia Allman
Mrs. Niles wants Bud Abbott to emcee a charity event for her women’s club. Bud agrees, but Lou has no interest …. Until he finds out that Janet Blair will be there! So, Lou volunteers to help as well …. But the only spot left is a piano solo. But Lou can’t play piano! So …
First, he friend Bud tries to help by hiring “Professor Nazarro” to teach Lou how to play the piano — in less than a day! Cliff Nazarro does his typical gibberish speaking, and Lou’s no better off. But, at the event, it turns out there are two pianos available. So, since Bud can (barely) play (one) song, he’ll put a screen around the one piano, and play for Lou. Very similar to their Alright Piano routine they did on their TV series years later. Even using the phrase “All right” as the cue for Abbott to start & stop playing.
Songs
- Freddie Rich and his orchestra play “Swing Low!“
- Connie Haines sings “My Heart Tells Me“.
- Bud Abbott plays “Pistol Packin’ Mama” on the piano — badly
Cast
- Bud Abbott – straight man
- Lou Costello – comedian.
- Janet Blair (The Fuller Brush Man) – movie star, this week’s guest.
- Cliff Nazarro – comedian and voice actor, famous for his double talk routine.
- Freddie Rich & his orchestra
- Connie Haines – singer, occasionally plays the part of Lou’s girlfriend
- Ken Niles – announcer & antagonist to Lou Costello.
- Alvia Allman – as Mrs. Niles, Ken’s wife & Lou’s antagonist.