Verdict:Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.5/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Comedy, Horror, Mystery genre.
Answer: Yes, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1949, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Lost Caverns Hotel bellhop Freddie Phillips is suspected of murder. Under the direction of Charles Barton, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Boris Karloff. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
As of January 2026, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
With an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Comedy, Horror, Mystery, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $686,000 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The estimated production budget for Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is $686,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1949 cinematic year.
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Horror, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff is a Comedy, Horror, Mystery movie that Lost Caverns Hotel bellhop Freddie Phillips is suspected of murder. Swami Talpur tries to hypnotize Freddie into confessing, but Freddie is too stupid...
Tidy comedy, great mystery! Bud & Lou find themselves at the center of a murder mystery, the chief suspect? Why Lou Costello of course. As a comedy, Meet The Killer offers nothing fresh to what we haven't seen before from the boys prior to this 1949 offering, not that the comedy doesn't deliver, because it does, very much so. Be it Freddie (Costello) being too stupid to be hypnotised by the shifty Swami (Boris Karloff), or a wonderful sequence of events down in the creepy caverns, it's fun and very diverting. However, the strength in "Meet The Killer" is that it works very well as a whodunit mystery, a ream of characters, all acting oddly, come and go to keep the viewer guessing right through to the cheery pay off. It's entertaining on two fronts and has a cast clearly having fun into the bargain. Super shadowy photography by Charles Van Enger as well. Enjoy! Now, about that Tortoise? 7/10
