Arsenic and Old Lace

A theater critic, Mortimer Brewster, is excited to marry his sweetheart Elaine, but his joy turns to horror when he discovers his two sweet maiden aunts have been poisoning lonely old men. Things get more complicated when his homicidal brother, Jonathan, returns with his alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein, seeking refuge. Mortimer must find a way to save Elaine and expose his aunts' murderous activities without becoming their next victim.

Arsenic and Old Lace is a beloved black comedy, widely praised for its witty script, sharp performances, and unique blend of macabre humor and slapstick. Cary Grant's comedic timing and the delightful performances of Josephine Hull and Jean Adair as the seemingly innocent, murderous Brewster sisters are consistently highlighted as major strengths, making it a classic of its genre.

• Praised for its dark humor and Gable's performance.

• A masterclass in screwball comedy with a morbid twist.

• The chemistry between the lead actors and the fast-paced dialogue are highlights.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently commend the film's hilarious premise, Cary Grant's exceptional comedic performance, and the memorable characters of the eccentric Brewster sisters. Many find the movie to be a timeless classic that holds up remarkably well.

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director (Frank Capra) and Best Film Editing (Dan Mandell).

The character of Mortimer Brewster was originally written with Bob Hope in mind. However, after Cary Grant became attached to the project, the script was reportedly rewritten to better suit his comedic style.