Arsenic and Old Lace

Arsenic and Old Lace is a 1944 dark comedy film, directed by the acclaimed Frank Capra. The film's star-studded cast includes Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey, Josephine Hull, and Jean Adair. The film is an adaptation of the highly successful stage play of the same name written by Joseph Kesselring. The screenplay for the movie is written by brothers Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein, known for their wit and penchant for the hilariously absurd.

The storyline is set primarily in the Brooklyn home of the seemingly innocuous Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, portrayed wonderfully by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair, who reprise their roles from the Broadway production. The Brewster household is far from typical, and as we delve deeper into the familial ties, we soon sieve out the uniqueness of each family member.

In the movie, Cary Grant plays the role of Mortimer Brewster, a New York drama critic known for his biting reviews, aversion to matrimony, and a book on his disdain for marriage. Nonetheless, Mortimer can't resist his love for the beautiful Elaine Harper, played by Priscilla Lane, and despite his well-publicized dismissal of marriage, they decide to wed.

Things take a bizarre turn when Mortimer discovers a dark family secret upon his return home to announce his change of heart about marriage. The secret revolves around his lovable aunts who have an unusual hobby, which they consider an act of charity but is startling and horrifying from an average person's standpoint. Hull and Adair brilliantly portray the paradox of someone who is outwardly charming and likable but is engaged in incredibly dark deeds.

Mortimer also has two brothers, one of whom believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, charging up and down the stairs and shouting 'charge' as if he was leading the charge at San Juan Hill, adding an additional layer of insanity to the eccentric Brewster clan. The other brother, a fugitive, looks suspiciously like horror film star Boris Karloff, a resemblance played for laughs throughout the film and expertly portrayed by Raymond Massey.

Cary Grant's performance is commendable. He embodies the increasingly hysterical Mortimer, whose life spirals into chaos as he tries to keep his family’s secret concealed, all while trying to maintain the facade of his pious aunts. Grant does an excellent job of maintaining his slapstick comedic style and, at times, even crossing into the sphere of horrified disbelief. On the other hand, Priscilla Lane portrays an adoring and steadfast fiancee who is oblivious to the madness ensuing around her.

Handpicked by the studio, director Frank Capra does an excellent job of keeping the story's macabre comedy intact. He was renowned for his films about the goodness of the common man and the value of individuality, and although Arsenic and Old Lace was a departure from his usual style, Capra took it as a challenge. He lovingly preserved the original play's comedic spirit, navigating the expertly written script with an intriguing blend of suspense, dark humor, and absurdist comedy.

The film’s aesthetics play a significant role in creating the desired ambiance, with the opulent Victorian-era Brooklyn house juxtaposed with the horrifying occurrences within its walls. Rather than being shot on location, the movie was filmed on a studio set, which adds to the stagey yet attractively claustrophobic atmosphere of the film.

The immense hilarity of the film arises from the incongruity between the outrageous situations and the characters' nonchalant, unflappable responses. Every character is expertly carved out, and there's an element of surprise at every turn, which keeps the viewers hooked.

Arsenic and Old Lace captured the hearts of the audience upon its release and still remains one of the top classics in American cinema. The striking performances, nail-biting plot, and subtle incorporation of humor woven into the eccentricities of a family truly make this film a delight to watch. So, for those drawn to dark comedy and enjoy classic films with an old-world charm, Arsenic and Old Lace is indeed a must-watch.