"Arsenic and Old Lace" is a 1944 American screwball mystery black comedy film directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant. The screenplay by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein is based on Joseph Kesselring's 1941 play of the same name.
The film's plot revolves around Mortimer Brewster, a newspaperman and author known for his anti-marriage stance, who discovers that his beloved maiden aunts, Abby, and Martha Brewster, are serial killers who poison lonely old men. The film features a stellar cast including Cary Grant, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, Raymond Massey, Peter Lorre, and Priscilla Lane.
Plot
The story unfolds with Abby and Martha Brewster, two sweet elderly sisters known for their charitable acts. However, their charity takes a dark turn as they poison lonely old men with elderberry wine laced with arsenic. The victims are then buried in the cellar by their mentally challenged nephew, Teddy, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt.
The plot thickens when Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic and nephew of Abby and Martha, discovers a dead body in the window seat. Shocked, Mortimer assumes Teddy is responsible, but to his surprise, his aunts confess to the murders, revealing that they have killed multiple men in the same manner. Chaos ensues as Mortimer's criminal brother Jonathan arrives with Dr. Einstein, a plastic surgeon who has altered Jonathan's appearance to resemble Boris Karloff.
As the story progresses, more bodies are hidden and moved around the house, leading to comedic misunderstandings and confrontations. Officer O'Hara unwittingly becomes entangled in the events while Mortimer tries to protect his family from discovery. The situation escalates when Jonathan is recognized as an escaped criminal and attempts to incriminate Mortimer. Eventually, order is restored with Jonathan's capture and Teddy's institutionalization.
The play concludes with revelations about Mortimer's true lineage and his relationship with Elaine. Despite the mayhem, the Brewster family finds resolution as secrets are unveiled and the characters' fates are determined.
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Cast
- Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster
- Josephine Hull as Aunt Abby Brewster
- Jean Adair as Aunt Martha Brewster
- Raymond Massey as Jonathan Brewster
- Peter Lorre as Dr. Einstein
- Priscilla Lane as Elaine Harper
Director: Frank Capra
Writer: Joseph Kesselring, Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 23, 1944
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 4, 2008
Distributor: Warner Bros., Criterion Collection, Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: Comedy
Theme
The film explores themes of family dynamics, morality, deception, and the absurdity of the situation Mortimer finds himself in.
Reception
"Arsenic and Old Lace" received positive reviews for its humor and performances. It was both a critical and commercial success.
Production Challenges
The film faced challenges due to delays caused by the success of the Broadway play. The lead role was originally intended for Bob Hope but ended up being played by Cary Grant.
Settings
The film is set in Brooklyn, New York, primarily in the Brewster family home where most of the action takes place.
Visual Styles & Techniques
Director Frank Capra employed visual styles typical of screwball comedies with fast-paced dialogue and comedic timing.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- Boris Karloff's name was used in the film despite not playing his original stage role.
- The entire film was shot within eight weeks due to the actors' stage commitments.
General:
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