Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Screen-Worn Masks from Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Highlight Upcoming Heritage Music and Entertainment Auction!

Dallas, TX: Fast approaching the 60-year anniversary of the timeless horror spoof Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to offer two unforgettable masks from the film, screen-worn by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.

Donning the papier-mâché masks in prominent scenes throughout the film, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made the most of these props, using them in some of the most hilarious sequences in the film. Cajoling with Lon Chaney Jr.'s character (Wolf Man/Larry Talbot) before and during the memorable costume ball scene or romancing hypnotic leading lady Lenore Aubert - without pesky Dracula (Bela Lugosi) or Frankenstein (Glenn Strange) getting in the way - Abbott and Costello each scored serious laughs with the masks by their sides or over their characteristically side-splitting expressions.

The masks were part of Emile LaVigne's cherished collection from his 40-year career as a makeup artist in Hollywood. "Their provenance is exceptionally exciting," said Doug Norwine, Director of Music and Entertainment auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries.

"Emile LaVigne was the makeup mastermind who worked on Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, as well as Some Like It Hot and The Magnificent Seven, to name a few," Norwine said. "When shooting wrapped, LaVigne retained the masks, obviously treasuring his time spent on set with the actors while making the comedy-horror classic." As sentimental keepsakes from the production, the cherished masks were kept by LaVigne until his death in 1990, at which point they were handed down to his family.

Norwine continued, "These masks are amazing artifacts from a classic Universal film. Highly visible use in one of Abbott and Costello's best features, and unequalled provenance from the film's esteemed makeup artist, Emile LaVigne.

They survive as a memorial to the film's enduring appeal and to the devotion the comedy duo inspired in their legions of fans."

Heritage Auction Galleries will offer the items in their upcoming Music and Entertainment Signature auction, to be held on October 6 and 7, 2007, at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Lou Costello's Mask: ESTIMATE: $1,500 & up   (Watch a video of Abbott and Costello and the masks)

Bud Abbott's Mask: ESTIMATE: $1,500 & up   (Watch a video of Abbott and Costello and the masks)

Frankenstein Monster Head from "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein."

Abbott and Costello Agreement, Following "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein."