The Rivoli engagement notwithstanding, Hellzapoppin became a smash hit. Universal's top boxoffice attraction at the time was Abbott and Costello; Hellzapoppin exceeded even those returns. "Universal executives admit that the picture is outgrossing the Abbott and Costello films. And when a Universal exec makes an admission like that, the picture has to be doing terrific business," reported Fraunhar. "More specifically, Hellzapoppin, in the bunch of openings it has had to date, has outgrossed every A & C, we are told, except Keep 'Em Flying, which had the benefit of Thanksgiving week openings. And as time rolls on... "Hellz" promises to outdo its only A & C rival."Fraunhar, p. 16.
