Arsenic & Old Lace
Arsenic & Old Lace

Movie spotlight

Arsenic & Old Lace

1962
Movie
76 min
English

1962 telefilm adaptation of the classic American play about a deranged family and the string of murders they flippantly commit

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users94%
Director: Frank CapraGenres: Comedy, Crime, Mystery

Plot Summary

A drama critic finds himself in a difficult situation when he learns that his charming aunts, whom he believed to be kind old ladies, have a deadly hobby of poisoning lonely old men. Complicating matters further, his fugitive brother, who believes himself to be Theodore Roosevelt, has committed a murder and is hiding in his house. The critic must find a way to deal with his homicidal aunts and his deranged brother before the police arrive.

Critical Reception

Arsenic and Old Lace is widely considered a classic screwball comedy, praised for its witty dialogue, zany plot, and strong performances. While not a critical darling upon its initial release, its enduring popularity and frequent airings have cemented its status as a beloved film. Audience reception has consistently been positive, appreciating its dark humor and fast-paced comedic chaos.

What Reviewers Say

  • Hilarious and macabre dark comedy.

  • Features a standout performance by Cary Grant.

  • Praised for its clever writing and energetic pacing.

Google audience: Audiences particularly appreciate the film's dark humor, the fast-paced comedic performances, and the witty script. Many find it a consistently entertaining and rewatchable classic.

Awards & Accolades

None notable (primarily celebrated for its enduring popularity and critical appreciation over specific major awards).

Fun Fact

The play 'Arsenic and Old Lace' was so popular that it ran for 1,444 performances on Broadway, becoming one of the longest-running plays in Broadway history at the time.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Tony Randall ("Mortimer") is great as the nephew who returns to his family home, and to his two maiden aunts "Abby" (Dorothy Stickney") and "Martha" (Mildred Natwick) who look very much the refined, gracious, butter-wouldn't-melt type. Shor...