Arsenic And Old Lace

Frank Capra, USA, 1944, 118 minutes

Respected drama critic and renowned bachelor Mortimer Brewster (Cary Grant) has secretly married, but before the honeymoon he decides his relatives should hear the news. This plan however is disrupted by the discovery of a corpse in the family home. Though his suspecting eye is immediately cast on fruitcake uncle Teddy, who staunchly believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, the culprits are actually the sweet old aunties. In poisoning unsuspecting old men who seek lodging with their special homemade elderberry wine, the two women wish to end the loneliness of these aging singletons, an 'act of charity’ in their eyes. Matters are complicated somewhat with the arrival of Mortimer’s jailbird brother Jonathan and alcoholic sidekick Dr. Einstein, the latter played by the invariably maniacal Peter Lorre. Hilarity ensues, as Mortimer tries desperately to deter his aunties from a trip to the electric chair and to prevent a speedy divorce. Inevitably, things get out of hand.

An unconventional mix of black and slapstick comedy, this adaptation of a very successful Broadway play is unlike the trademark reform-minded pictures from celebrated director Frank Capra. From start to finish the dialogue perfectly reflects the madcap yet macabre tone, and the plot developments are anything but predictable. Grant later expressed dissatisfaction with his over-exhibitive performance yet he is simply delightful (though upstaged by several supporting players). Indeed it is difficult to imagine original lead choice Ronald Reagan having the same significant comedic presence.

Review by Chay Williamson
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2006