Who Done It? (1942) in Color — Starring Bud Abbott & Lou Costello

Who Done It? (1942) — Buy This Classic in Color

In 1942, director Erle C. Kenton took audiences into a world of radio station chaos with Who Done It?, a hilarious comedy mystery starring the legendary duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. When a radio station executive is murdered during a live broadcast, the bumbling soda jerks Chick (Abbott) and Wilbur (Costello) become accidental detectives, stumbling through a labyrinth of suspects, secret passages, and slapstick chaos. Costello’s iconic physical comedy and Abbott’s sharp timing create a laugh-a-minute whodunit that still delights. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Chick and Wilbur work as operators at the soda fountain in the lobby of a radio station. They dream of becoming radio detectives, endlessly rehearsing dramatic scenarios. When the station’s president, Mr. Phelps, is found dead in his office during a broadcast, the police arrive, but Chick and Wilbur decide to solve the case themselves to prove their sleuthing skills.

The duo quickly becomes suspects, but their bumbling antics lead them to a web of intrigue involving the station’s staff. They suspect the announcer, the sound effects man, and even a mysterious woman. Each clue leads to more confusion, especially when Wilbur mistakes a ventriloquist’s dummy for a witness and accidentally reveals a hidden room.

As the body count rises, Chick and Wilbur are chased through the station’s bowling alley and soundproof booths. They encounter a secret society of amateur detectives, a dog that only responds to German commands, and a series of escalating misunderstandings. The police, led by Inspector MacGregor, dismiss them, but the duo’s persistence uncovers a crucial clue: a missing piece of a recording that contains the killer’s voice.

The climax takes place during a live radio show, where the killer is forced to confess after Wilbur’s accidental sabotage reveals the truth. The film ends with the question: who really done it, and will Chick and Wilbur ever get the credit they deserve?

Cast & Crew

Director: Erle C. Kenton
Stars: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Patric Knowles, Louise Allbritton, Mary Wickes

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized version breathes new life into the period-accurate costumes and sets of 1940s radio station glamour. The vibrant reds of the station’s lobby, the shiny chrome of the soda fountain, and the deep shadows of the backstage corridors are now revealed in rich, authentic hues. The restoration was carefully colourised to match the era’s film stock and lighting, allowing the slapstick to pop with renewed energy. The color deepens the performances: Costello’s frantic expressions and Abbott’s deadpan reactions are enhanced by the vivid surroundings. The process preserves the original black-and-white photography while adding a layer of visual immersion. After years of watching in grayscale, this is a fresh way to experience a classic comedy. Buy your download now at €15.00 and enjoy instant DRM-free MP4 delivery.

Historical Significance

Who Done It? (1942) was one of the first films to star Abbott and Costello as a pure comedy team without musical support, cementing their status as box-office champions. Directed by Erle C. Kenton, known for horror classics like House of Frankenstein, the film blends mystery with slapstick, a formula that would influence later comedy-detectives. The movie was a hit during wartime, offering audiences a lighthearted escape.

The film also showcases the supporting cast, including Patric Knowles and Mary Wickes, who bring sharp comic timing. The radio station setting was a clever nod to the era’s obsession with broadcasting, and the film’s self-referential humor about the medium remains fresh. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Abbott and Costello’s partnership. The colorized version introduces this classic to new audiences, making its physical comedy and witty dialogue accessible to a modern generation.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 77 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00 (token, rendered by the site)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was Who Done It? originally filmed in color?
A: No, the film was originally shot in black and white. This page offers a later professional colorized restoration, not a studio color release.

Q: What is the setting of the film?
A: The entire story takes place inside a New York radio station during a live broadcast, with most scenes in the lobby, studios, and backstage corridors.

Q: How does this film compare to other Abbott and Costello mysteries?
A: Who Done It? is their first pure mystery comedy, predating Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops and the Frankenstein series. It focuses on slapstick detection rather than supernatural elements.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• Payment on Demand (1951)
• Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)
• Call of the Flesh (1930)
• Stella Dallas (1937)
• Return of the Bad Men (1948)