Most of the time, a person’s worst critic is themselves. No matter how hard we work or how many hours we dedicate to a project, we still can’t help but see ourselves in the worst lighting.

Luckily, the people around us are able to appreciate our hard work, especially when we can’t do it ourselves. Lou Costello received one such victory when he filmed Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. That being said, Costello did not have very high expectations for the film in the early days of production. According to Bud & Lou by Bob Thomas, Costello had some choice words when he read the initial script.

“You don’t think I’ll do that crap, do you?” asked Costello, according to Bud & Lou, by Bob Thomas. “My five-year-old daughter can write something better than that.”

The film features some of Universal’s more terrifying villains, including Frankenstein’s monster and Dracula, in a rather entertaining and humorous light. Abbott and Costello play Chick Young and Wilbur Grey, two baggage clerks who struggle to evade the antagonists and escape with their lives.

Costello still agreed to star in the film alongside Bud Abbott. Instead of keeping high hopes for the film, the actor took a rather hefty paycheck. Despite Costello’s misgivings, the film performed incredibly well, receiving rave reviews from audiences everywhere. However, it took one special audience member to convince Costello that the film wasn’t a dud.

According to The Abbott and Costello Book by Jim Mullholland, Costello only believed that film had potential after hearing his mother speak highly of it. “It’s the best thing you’ve ever done,” said Costello’s mother after seeing a preview of the film. From then on, Costello had faith in his movie.