This black tailcoat was worn by the character “Wilbert Smith” portrayed by legendary comedian Lou Costello in the 1951 motion picture “Comin’ Round The Mountain” starring Bud Abbott and Dorothy Shay. The double-breasted tuxedo jacket was custom made for use by Mr. Costello by H.J. Russo & Brothers of Hollywood, and the interior pocket of the garment has the original tailoring label sewn inside with the name “Lou Costello” and production date “Dec. 29th, 1950” clearly typed. The interior lining of the jacket also has “Universal International Wardrobe” and garment number stamped in black ink.
Mr. Costello wore this coat during his first onscreen appearance early in the film for the sequence where Wilbert attempts a magician’s escape trick onstage. After hilariously failing to pull off the stunt, Wilbert retreats backstage to engage in conversation with “Dorothy McCoy” (played by Shay) and their manager “Al Stewart” (portrayed by comedic partner Bud Abbott). Al discovers that his clients are both relatives of the legendary “McCoy” family famous for their ongoing feud with the “Hatfield” clan. Their conversation then provides the set up for the film’s plot, which revolves around Abbott and Costello’s attempts to locate the gold treasure of “Squeezebox McCoy” hidden somewhere in the backwoods of Appalachia.
The jacket is in good overall condition with some minor evidence of age and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity.
“Comin’ Round The Mountain” was Abbot and Costello’s 28th film together as a comedic duo, whose onscreen careers together spanned from 1940 to 1956.
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