Review of Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) by Judge L — 04 Aug 2010

A hilarious dark comedy about a drama critic who finds out his two spinster aunts are not the innocent little old ladies they appear to be.

This is one of Cary Grant's best roles, as Mortimer Brewster, the hysterical young man confounded by what he has found out about his nutty familly. But he is by far not the only enjoyable character in the film. His old murderous aunts are delightfully played by Jean Adair and Josephine Hull (who won an Oscar playing a similar role in the invisible rabbit film Harvey), and Peter Lorre, John Alexander (a crazy brother who believed he is Teddy Roosevelt), and Raymond Massey as criminally insane brother Jonathon are put in quality performances. Priscilla Lane as Mortimer's brand-new wife didn't have a whole lot to do besides look pretty and kiss Cary Grant every so often, but she does it well. Then again, who COULDN'T kiss Cary Grant and make it look convincing!?! Something I found interesing is the old ladies seem like the sweetest little grannies in the world, and while they never change demeanors throughout the film, by discovering their psychotic impulses, I found them more creepy and scary than sweet.

Director Frank Capra did a wonderful job in making this film work. Sight gags are everywhere, one of the funniest being Teddy running up the stairs screaming "CHARGE!" every time he goes to his room.. And Mortimer's continual facial expressions of surprise and alarm are priceless. But the film is not just a visual treat. The dialogue is a riot. One of my favorite lines "Insanity runs in my family....it practically gallops!".

If this film is not on your list of favorite comedies -- and damn close to the top -- I don't really have any use for you.