Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Frank Capra made this film in 1941 before he went off to make films for America's war effort, but it wasn't released until 1944. Adapted from the hit play by Joseph Kesselring, this frantic black comedy shows Capra at his best as a master of mood and timing. Actresses Josephine Hull and Jean Adair reprise their Broadway performances as two gentle old ladies who poison men with elderberry wine to put them out of their misery. Cary Grant plays one nephew, a normal guy who just gets wind of their little hobby and tries to get them to stop, while Raymond Massey plays another, a villain just escaped from jail. Capra encourages the cast, especially Grant, to give a somewhat more outsized performance than one might expect. But made during the war years as it was, this overstated comic approach to killing was probably cathartic. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

Hollywood at its BEST....

One of the funniest movies of ALL times! Over 60 years old and can still hold up to and exceed the quality of movies made today. Cary Grant was , indeed, a STAR. His timing and delivery keep the pace fast and furious with laughter. I love seeing "brother" Teddy leading the charge up San Juan Hill each time he went up to his second floor room. And the ironic ending is priceless. As Cary gleefully exclaims when he learns he is really not a Brewster ..."I'm the son of a sea-cook!" January 3, 2009

Classic Movie Arsenic and Old Lace.

I recently purchased this classic black and white movie starring Cary Grant, and I really liked it. I had seen it many times when I was younger but the last time I had seen it was several years ago late at night on some satellite channel. When I first watched this dvd I realized that the version I had always seen on T.V. had been edited. The difference between the dvd and T.V. version were that the introductory screen credits to the movie was a Halloween cartoon and there were several other scenes that had been edited or deleted altogether. There were a few special features but nothing too exciting.
I would have rated this movie as perfect except for the fact that it has outdated slapstick humor and of course it is only b&w (black and white). I would have preferred for it to be available as both a b&w and colorized version, but I suppose that the studio thought that the evil Boris Karloff look-alike, Johnathan Brewster, looked creepier in b&w. The acting in this movie was great for the time period and included several famous actors including one of my favorite actors Peter Lorre, he brilliantly portrays the fearful assistant to the disfigured and evil Johnathan Brewster. Overall this is a great movie to show someone who is a fan of classic movies and wants to see a Halloween movie that isn't scary.
October 28, 2008

Old time Halloween goodness.

This is an oddball comedy supreme of Frank Capra proportions. Watch it if only for the zany homicidal aunts. If you love Harvey, you'll love this one! October 27, 2008

Fun Movie!

I love old movies, but this one is so much fun to watch! It has a great storyline and Cary Grant does an outstanding job of making it all believable. These were the good old days when folks were truly entertained and did not have to listen to a lot of four-letter words. October 13, 2008

"Quite Pixilating"

Cary Grant is perfect for this part. His erudite speech patterns add to the comedy in a macabre and hilarious manner. The two murderous old ladies' road to "somewhere" is certainly paved with "good intentions." The very best of intentions. Cary deals with one frustration after another and inability of all parties to communicate effectively with each other intensifies the entertainment. Add the complications of romance to the simmering cauldron and we wonder how it can all work out. It is a must-see for those who have not seen this gem. October 7, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...