The Time of Their Lives is the perfect Abbott & Costello film for people who don't like Abbott & Costello. Indeed, rabid fans of the comic duo may actually like Time much less than those who usually find the pair's shenanigans hard going. This is largely because Bud and Lou have very little screen time together and are in no way a "partnership" herein, so those looking for their usual horseplay and verbal games will be disappointed. But being separated has a distinct advantage, seeming to enable both of these talented gents to rein in some of their excesses. It also helps that Time has a storyline that's of much greater interest, and while it still allows opportunity for little meaningless side trips or for plot points that don't make much sense, for the most part Time's screenplay is more cohesive than many others written for the duo -- and also has more heart. Time gives Costello more opportunities to strut his stuff than it does Abbott, but the latter does well when given a chance. Marjorie Reynolds does well as the female part of the ghostly team, Binnie Barnes is appropriately caustic, and Gale Sondergaard is a bit of a hoot in her "Mrs. Danvers" send-up. Although atypical for Abbott & Costello, Time is a treat nonetheless.