Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Director: Frank Capra
Screenplay: Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein based on the play by Joseph Kesselring
Stars: Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey, Jack Carson, Edward Everett Horton, Peter Lorre, James Gleason, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, John Alexander and Charles Lane.
The Pitch: “Hey, turn Arsenic and Old Lace into a movie!”
Tagline: She Passed Out On Cary! No Wonder . . . She’s just discovered his favorite aunts have poisoned their 13th gentleman friend!
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
As he’s about to leave on his honeymoon, Mortimer Brewster discovers that his dear old Aunts have been poisoning old, lonely men who are without friends or family. The Aunts have their crazy brother (who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt) bury them in the basement. “Teddy” thinks that they’re victims of malaria and he’s digging the Suez canal.
To complicate maters, Mortimer’s violent criminal brother, Jonathon, returns after 20 years away. Jonathon is more than willing to kill Mortimer, the Aunts or anyone who gets in his way.
Arsenic and Old Lace is one of my all-time favorite comedies. Yes, the comedy is broad and there are double takes and it is all wonderful.
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