Arsenic and Old Lace

Name: Arsenic and Old Lace
Director: Frank Capra
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Released: 1944-01-01
Duration: 118 min
Rating: 7.6
Cast: Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, Raymond Massey

1944Dir. Frank Capra1h 58m

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Runtime1h 58m

Released1944

Budget$1.1M

DirectorFrank Capra

About This Movie

Frank Capra's 'Arsenic and Old Lace' is a darkly comic romp that mixes laughter with a tinge of the macabre. Cary Grant is great as Mortimer Brewster, caught in a whirlwind of family secrets that escalate quickly. The pacing is brisk, with a real sense of chaos that keeps you on edge. The aunts, played by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair, bring a sweet naivety to their sinister hobby, which adds a unique charm. And those practical effects? Simple but effective, it’s all about the performances and timing. The blend of crime and comedy here is just delightful, making it a distinctive piece in Capra's filmography. You can really see the director's knack for balancing humor with a bit of darkness.

Released by Columbia Pictures, 1944.Cary Grant's performance is a standout.Based on a play by Joseph Kesselring.Notable for its blend of comedy and thriller elements.