Little Giant (1946)
A classic Universal comedy where Lou Costello goes solo as a bumbling vacuum cleaner salesman outwitted and outmaneuvered by the scheming Bud Abbott.
Little Giant - Movie Information
- Original Title: Little Giant
- Release Year: 1946
- Directed by: William A. Seiter
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 22, 1946 (United Kingdom - PG), February 22, 1946 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Gianni E Pinotto - Il Piccolo Gigante (IT)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Little Giant - Plot
Lou Costello plays a country bumpkin vacuum-cleaner salesman, working for the company run by the crooked Bud Abbott. To try to keep him under his thumb, Abbott convinces Costello that he's a crackerjack salesman. This comedy is somewhat like "The Time of Their Lives," in that Abbott and Costello don't have much screen time together and there are very few vaudeville bits woven into the plot.
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Little Giant - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- William A. Seiter
Main Cast
- Bud Abbott
- Lou Costello
- Jacqueline deWit
- Brenda Joyce
- George Cleveland
- Elena Verdugo
- Mary Gordon
- Pierre Watkin
- Donald MacBride
- Victor Kilian
Writers
- Walter DeLeon
- Richard Collins
- Paul Jarrico
Producers
- Joseph Gershenson
Little Giant - FAQs
What is Little Giant (1946) about?
Little Giant follows Benny Miller, a naive country boy played by Lou Costello, who gets talked into becoming a vacuum cleaner salesman by the conniving Eddie Morrison, played by Bud Abbott. It's a fun departure from their usual double-act format, with Costello carrying much of the comedic load on his own.
Why do Abbott and Costello barely share scenes in Little Giant?
Little Giant was an intentional experiment by Universal Pictures, structuring the film so Abbott and Costello spend most of their time apart rather than performing their classic vaudeville routines together. It's a format similar to their film The Time of Their Lives, testing whether each comedian could carry scenes independently.
Where can you watch Little Giant (1946)?
You can rent or buy Little Giant on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across digital platforms, making it easy to catch this classic Abbott and Costello comedy whenever you're in the mood.
Is Little Giant different from other Abbott and Costello films?
Yes, noticeably so. Unlike most of their films where Abbott and Costello are inseparable partners trading rapid-fire gags, Little Giant keeps them largely apart. Costello's Benny Miller navigates the crooked world of vacuum cleaner sales mostly solo, giving the film a slightly different comic rhythm than their classic pairings.
Who are the main cast members in Little Giant?
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello lead the cast, with Jacqueline deWit, Brenda Joyce, George Cleveland, Elena Verdugo, and Mary Gordon rounding out the supporting roles. Pierre Watkin, Donald MacBride, and Victor Kilian also appear in memorable supporting parts throughout the film.
Who directed Little Giant and who wrote the screenplay?
William A. Seiter directed Little Giant, a seasoned comedy director who worked with Abbott and Costello on several occasions. The screenplay was written by Walter DeLeon, Richard Collins, and Paul Jarrico, crafting a story that deliberately pushed the duo outside their usual comedic comfort zone.
Is Little Giant (1946) worth watching for classic comedy fans?
Absolutely, especially if you enjoy Lou Costello's solo comedic talents. While it lacks the rapid-fire banter fans expect from the duo, it showcases Costello's physical comedy and charm in a fresh way. It's a curious, entertaining detour in their filmography that rewards fans curious about the range of their work.
What are some films similar to Little Giant?
If you enjoy Little Giant, classic comedies like Bringing Up Baby (1938), City Lights (1931), and The Gold Rush (1925) offer similarly charming humor. For con-man comedy with a modern twist, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) and The King of Comedy (1982) are also excellent picks worth exploring.
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