Arsenic and Old Lace: A Classic Comedy Starring Cary Grant – Review

The classic American comedy Arsenic and Old Lace stars the great Cary Grant, and it is a must-see for any fan of his work. The film follows two elderly aunts (played by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair), who use their home as an impromptu mortuary for lonely old bachelors. With a stellar cast that includes Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey, Peter Lorre, and John Alexander, Arsenic and Old Lace is sure to keep viewers laughing all the way to the end. The DVD version of the movie features digitally remastered sound and picture quality, making it an even more enjoyable viewing experience! So if you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy with a hint of mystery, Arsenic and Old Lace is definitely worth checking out. To learn more about this classic movie, read on for our full review!

Arsenic and Old Lace Review

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Arsenic and Old Lace – a classic comedy starring Cary Grant

Laughter is guaranteed when watching Arsenic and Old Lace, the classic dark comedy starring Cary Grant. This film, released in 1944, follows Mortimer Brewster, who discovers that his endearing old aunts are poisoning lonely old men with elderberry wine spiked with arsenic. In true comedic fashion, Mortimer must navigate a complex web of farce to keep his family safe as they attempt to cover up their heinous crimes.

Key Features:

  • Starring: Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey
  • Director: Frank Capra
  • Genre: Comedy/Mystery/Thriller
  • Runtime: 118 minutes
  • Release Date: September 28th, 1944

“Arsenic and Old Lace” is an unmissable classic for fans of cleverly crafted comedies. It is sure to delight with its witty dialogue and slapstick humor. The iconic performances from Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane and Raymond Massey bring this timeless story to life. Don’t miss your chance to watch one of Hollywood’s most beloved films – get your copy of “Arsenic and Old Lace” on Amazon today!

Product Details

Product Arsenic and Old Lace
Release Year 1944
Leading Actors Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey, Jack Carson
Director Frank Capra
Genre Comedy/Mystery/Romance
Running Time (in minutes) 118 minutes
Rating NR (Not Rated)

Arsenic and Old Lace Pros and Cons

#1-Pros of Arsenic and Old Lace

1. With its stellar cast, Arsenic and Old Lace is an all-time classic. Boasting the talents of Cary Grant, Peter Lorre, Raymond Massey and Priscilla Lane, this dark comedy is sure to keep you laughing through its entire run time.
2. Directed by Frank Capra, Arsenic and Old Lace tells the story of Mortimer Brewster (Grant) who discovers that his beloved spinster aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years.
3. A hilarious script written by Joseph Kesselring gives Arsenic and Old Lace its unique charm and wit. The dialogue keeps the audience engaged as we watch Mortimer try to cover up the “homicides” committed by his two aunts.
4. It’s also full of suspense and thrills; in one memorable scene, Mortimer must go undercover to evade the police while trying to protect his beloved aunts from being discovered.

#2-Cons of Arsenic and Old Lace
1. Some viewers may find the movie’s dark themes off-putting or too morbid for their taste.
2. Since it was made in 1944, the film does show its age in terms of visuals, sound design and special effects.
3. The pacing can be slow at times, making it difficult for some viewers to stay engaged with the plot as it unfolds.
4. As with many older films, Arsenic and Old Lace may not appeal to modern audiences looking for more fast-paced entertainment.

Who are They for

Starring Cary Grant, Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic comedy film from 1944. This timeless black-and-white classic tells the story of two seemingly sweet old ladies, Abby and Martha Brewster, who are secretly poisoning lonely old men with arsenic-laced elderberry wine.

Their grandson Mortimer discovers their grisly pastime and finds himself trying to keep his lunatic brother Teddy from being committed to an asylum and his criminal brother Jonathan from getting arrested for murder. The situation quickly escalates into a series of mishaps and misunderstandings as Mortimer attempts to keep everything under control.

Filled with memorable characters and plenty of laughs, Arsenic and Old Lace is an iconic comedy that will have you in stitches. Cary Grant’s performance is outstanding, making him one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood history. So don’t miss out on this amazing piece of cinematic history – get your copy of Arsenic and Old Lace today!

My Experience for Arsenic and Old Lace

Ray Cooley

When I first heard about “Arsenic and Old Lace”, I was intrigued. What could possibly be so exciting about a movie from 1944 starring Cary Grant? Well, let me tell you – it’s amazing! This dark comedy is a classic that follows the story of two elderly ladies who have taken to poisoning their unfortunate tenants in an effort to do good.

I soon found myself laughing at the ridiculousness of the plot, watching with anticipation as the madness unfolds. It’s a great mix of suspense and comedy. But what really made this movie stand out for me was Cary Grant’s performance: he is simply brilliant as the bumbling nephew trying to hide his murderous family members. His delivery of perfectly timed lines and physical comedy had me in stitches!

The real stars of this movie are of course the two old sisters, Martha and Abby Brewster, played by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair respectively. They are delightful as they pour poison into elderberry wine for unsuspecting guests, all the while keeping up appearances as kindly old women running a charity home.

If you’re looking for a hilarious black comedy with plenty of twists and turns, then “Arsenic and Old Lace” is definitely worth watching!

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. Poor Picture Quality due to age.
2. Limited Special Features (no alternate language track).
3. No Bonus Material Included.
4. Digital Transfer not up to modern standards.

How to Make a Movie Night Memorable with Arsenic and Old Lace

Bringing the classic 1944 film Arsenic and Old Lace to life for your movie night can be an unforgettable experience. The movie is a comedic tale of two charming old ladies who are secretly poisoning lonely gentlemen in their Brooklyn home. Starring Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, and Raymond Massey, this black-and-white classic is sure to delight viewers of all ages.

To make your movie night special, start by getting the DVD or Blu-Ray version of Arsenic and Old Lace. This way, you’ll get the best picture quality and sound when watching the movie. You may even want to purchase a few copies so everyone can have one.

Next, set up your living room with cozy seating arrangements. Place some comfy couches or chairs around the TV so that everyone has plenty of space to relax while they watch. Get some popcorn and snacks ready as well!

When it’s time to start the movie, dim the lights and turn off any electronics that could be distracting. Then, settle down on your comfortable seating and enjoy the show!

At the end of the movie, have a discussion about what you liked or didn’t like about it. Talk about your favorite scenes or characters and share your thoughts on why Arsenic and Old Lace is still considered one of the most iconic comedies from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Making a movie night memorable doesn’t have to be difficult – just grab a copy of Arsenic and Old Lace, set up your living room for comfort, and enjoy!

Questions about Arsenic and Old Lace

 

What is Arsenic and Old Lace?

Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy movie from 1944 starring Cary Grant, directed by Frank Capra. The story follows the Brewster family, who are descended from the Mayflower, as they deal with two elderly aunts who have taken to killing lonely old men and burying them in the cellar of their home.

What kind of humor can I expect in Arsenic and Old Lace?

Arsenic and Old Lace offers an array of darkly humorous characters, situations, and dialogue. It’s a combination of slapstick comedy, suspenseful drama, and moments that will leave you laughing out loud.

Is Arsenic and Old Lace suitable for children?

This movie is not suitable for young children due to its mature content. However, older teens may be able to appreciate its comedic elements. We recommend parental guidance for viewers under 16.

Does Arsenic and Old Lace have any awards or nominations?

Yes! This beloved film earned four Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Frank Capra), Best Actor (Cary Grant), and Best Supporting Actor (Peter Lorre). It also won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film in 1944.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!

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