Arsenic and Old Lace is a 1944 film directed by Frank Capra. The film is a black comedy based on the play of the same name by Joseph Kesselring. Here's a more detailed description of the plot:Plot.The story revolves around the Brewster family, consisting of the kindly elderly sisters Abby (played by Josephine Hull) and Martha (played by Jean Ad... (Read the full Tiiip)
Arsenic and Old Lace is a 1944 film directed by Frank Capra. The film is a black comedy based on the play of the same name by Joseph Kesselring. Here's a more detailed description of the plot:Plot ...
Arsenic and Old Lace is a 1944 film directed by Frank Capra. The film is a black comedy based on the play of the same name by Joseph Kesselring. Here's a more detailed description of the plot:
Plot.
The story revolves around the Brewster family, consisting of the kindly elderly sisters Abby (played by Josephine Hull) and Martha (played by Jean Adair), whose seemingly innocent personalities hide a dark secret. The two sisters live in a Victorian house in Brooklyn and are known in the community for their charity and hospitality.
However, the truth is that Abby and Martha are serial killers. They have a habit of inviting lonely men into their home and then poisoning them with a mixture of wine and arsenic contained in a glass of "elderberry wine." After the murder, they bury the bodies in their basement.
The situation becomes even more complicated when the sisters' nephew, Mortimer Brewster (played by Cary Grant), a theater critic, discovers their dark secret during an unexpected visit. Mortimer desperately tries to keep the truth hidden from the authorities, but the situation further complicates when Mortimer's brother, Jonathan (played by Raymond Massey), an insane criminal, returns home with his accomplice, Dr. Einstein (played by Peter Lorre).
The plot unfolds in a series of comedic and chaotic situations as Mortimer tries to maintain control of the situation and hide the aunts' crimes. The film is known for its dark comedy and Cary Grant's talent in the role of Mortimer
Complete Cast:
Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster
Priscilla Lane as Elaine Harper
Raymond Massey as Jonathan Brewster
Peter Lorre as Dr. Herman Einstein
Josephine Hull as Abby Brewster
Jean Adair as Martha Brewster
John Alexander as "Teddy Roosevelt" Brewster
Jack Carson as Officer O'Hara
John Ridgely as Officer Saunders
Edward McNamara as Sergeant Brophy
James Gleason as Lieutenant Rooney
Director: Frank Capra
Producer: Frank Capra
Writers: Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein, based on the play by Joseph Kesselring.
Music by: Max Steiner
Cinematographer: Sol Polito
Production Cost: Approximately $1.2 million.
Box Office: Approximately $4.8 million at the box office.
Awards: Despite its popularity, the film did not receive any Oscar nominations.
Critics' Reception: "Arsenic and Old Lace" is considered a classic of black comedy. Critics praise Capra's direction and Cary Grant's performance, although Grant himself considered his performance to be over-the-top. The film is beloved for its macabre humor and rapid-fire wit.
My opinion. Although dated, this film is still watchable and manages to entertain. The rhythm imparted to the film by the director, Frank Capra, is one that rarely leaves room for distraction. There is not a moment when attention is lost.
Hilarious plot with continuous gags, entrances and exits of characters.
Among the performers, Cary Grant is an ace in speed, wonder and inventor of gimmicks and loopholes. Priscilla Lane acts as was the custom then, a babe in the background, however good. Of the others I would mention Peter Lorre as Dr. Einstein, an actor who later became very famous for the German film "M" in which he played a serial killer.
Excellent screenplay and top-notch cinematography for the times.
Arsenic and Old Lace 
Julius J. Epstein
