Arsenic and Old Lace

Cary Grant knew his way around a comedy, so it's easy to believe when his character Mortimer grows more and more frazzled throughout the night, jumping from one problem to the next so quickly that he can't even remember he's just been married that day. In his place, juggling four insane relatives (three of them killers), a handful of cops, and two dead bodies, we'd all feel the worse for wear. The pace is quick, almost frantic at times; complications and plot twists come faster than anyone in the movie can handle them. The only characters who aren't perturbed and thrown completely out of their elements by the affair are the rest of the Brewster family, who are all crazy anyway.

The dark comedy genre is full of films that are a little too graphic or disturbing for kids (and even some adults), but this one's not quite so dark, and wildly funny enough to entertain all ages. And no matter how young or old you are, no matter how normal a family you have, you won't be able to help but chuckle when the harried Mortimer takes a breather to explain to his new wife: "Insanity runs in my family.... It practically gallops."

The DVD transfer is flawless; the clarity is wonderful. Pop some popcorn and watch it with the whole family.


Grant, 2 Old Ladies & Elderberry wine=hilarity now on DVD!!   March 21, 2002
forrie (Nashua, NH United States)
59 out of 61 found this review helpful

Frank Capra delivers a great film adaptation of Joseph Kesselring's Broadway hit, "Arsenic and Old Lace". Originally filmed in 1941 just prior to WWII, but not released until 1944 because of the contract agreement to allow the play to complete its Broadway run. (The play ran for 1,444 performances.)

Cary Grant in the leading role as nephew, Mortimer Brewster is at his comedic best in this black comedy of wine, family & insanity. His 2 fabulous Aunts played by Josephine Hull & Jean Adair were encored to the screen and are perfect in their roles. Boris Karloff's obligations prevented him from doing the movie and was replaced by Raymond Massey in the movie version as Grant madcap brother. The great ensemble cast also included Peter Lorre, Edward Everett Horton, Priscilla Lane & John Alexander as a delightful zany crazy, thinking he is President "Teddy Roosevelt".

Summary: It is Halloween, Mortimers wedding day & his life is about to change forever. Visiting his 2 Aunts (Hull & Adair) with his wife (Lane - Ministers daughter!) on their way to their honeymoon to Niagara Falls discovers a body in the window seat. Thinking his crazy cousin, (Alexander) has committed the crime approaches his Aunts. They not only know about the body, but they know who he was & how he died. Their elderberry wine laced with a mixture of arsenic. Oh by the way, he is the 12th to be buried in the cellar. What is Mortimer to do & is his entire family insane? We began a very entertaining & hilarious journey to answering these & many more questions.

This DVD is an excellent Black & White Full Screen (before WideScreen) transfer. Extras include Production notes.

"Arsenic and Old Lace" film adaptation is very close to the actual Broadway play & is a great classic to have in your DVD library. Enjoy.


Arsenic and Old Lace   March 21, 2008
Kelly (Littleton, Colorado)
37 out of 37 found this review helpful

This dark comedy starring Cary Grant showcases his incredible gift for the genre. When he and his new wife visit his two eccentric aunts (brilliantly played by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair), they stumble upon a startling discovery - a body. It seems the aunts have not just committed murder this once, but many times. As he weaves his way through his insane relatives to determine the truth, we get a rare treat of just how good Grant's comedic delivery and timing are.



Delightful Classic Comedy   September 5, 2000
W. Priebe (Houston, TX USA)
22 out of 27 found this review helpful

While I am not a particular advocate of older classics and the movie's premise is a little hard to take, I found this film delightful. This is classic comedy at its best. It is a relief from the slapstick coming of age comedies of today. Many may be familiar with the stage play. This 1944 version is an outstanding adaptation to film.

The story line revolves around the sweet old Brewster sisters (Josephine Hull and Jean Adair) and their efforts to solve loneliness of older bachelors with elderberry wine spiked with arsenic. The sisters' nephew Mortimer (Cary Grant) discovers their secret. Mortimer is not unreasonably concerned that the insainity runs in the family, especially given that his older brother Jonathan (Raymond Massey) is a murderous escaped convict and his uncle Teddy (John Alexander) is convinced that he's really Theodore Roosevelt, (running around the house yelling "CHAAAAARGGGE"). Mortimer isn't keen on starting a family with his new bride, Elaine Harper (Priscilla Lane) with the family trait hanging over his head.

One would expect Grant to carry the show with his dry wit (his response to the unexpected, different body in the window seat is arguably the finest sight gag in any movie) but the real stars of the movie are Josephine Hull and Jean Adair (who for some reason are always way down in the list of characters). They steal every scene they are in. The only weakness is casting Peter Lorre as Dr. Einstein, Raymond Massey's sidekick. He adds moodiness to his scenes that detract from the picture's light heartiness. But even he over acts his part and makes it into a parody of his other films. Pick a time when you need to escape and watch it with some friends. If you can get through the entire movie without laughing out loud, you are really depressed.


"Charge!" cries Teddy Roosevelt   July 12, 2000
Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA)
20 out of 23 found this review helpful

What a delightful movie. As always, Cary Grant is his own inimitable self, funny, engaging, handsome and employing his unique comedic gift. Cary manages to steal nearly every movie he has ever appeared in, but he is given a run for his money here by John Alexander, who delivers an hilarious performance as Theodore Roosevelt. Not only does Alexander bear a strong resemblance to Teddy, his dialogue and behavior are simply hilarious.

Though a bit dated in places, this movie is sure to delight movie lovers of all ages. It's suitable for the children, who will get a kick out of the plot, but sophisticated enough for adults as well. Enjoy!