Arsenic and Old Lace 1944
"She Passed Out On Cary! No Wonder . . . She's just discovered his favorite aunts have poisoned their 13th gentleman friend!"
Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) is a darkly comedic thriller that blends humor with macabre twists, following Mortimer Brewster, a cynical drama critic and newlywed, as he returns home to announce his marriage only to uncover a horrifying family secret.
Director: Frank Capra
Cast
Cary Grant
Mortimer Brewster
Priscilla Lane
Elaine Harper Brewster
Josephine Hull
Aunt Abby Brewster
Jean Adair
Aunt Martha Brewster
Raymond Massey
Jonathan Brewster
John Alexander
'Teddy Roosevelt' Brewster
Peter Lorre
Dr. Einstein
Jack Carson
Officer Patrick O'Hara
Edward Everett Horton
Mr. Witherspoon
James Gleason
Lt. Rooney
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) about?
Arsenic and Old Lace follows Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who marries only to discover his sweet, elderly aunts have a morbid habit of poisoning their elderly guests. As he tries to contain the chaos, Mortimer uncovers a web of deception, madness, and dark humor lurking beneath his family's genteel facade.
Who directed Arsenic and Old Lace?
Arsenic and Old Lace was directed by Frank Capra, the legendary filmmaker known for classics like It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
Who stars in Arsenic and Old Lace?
The film stars Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster, alongside Priscilla Lane, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, and Raymond Massey in pivotal roles.
Is Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) worth watching?
Absolutely—Arsenic and Old Lace is a must-watch for fans of dark comedy and classic cinema. Its blend of sharp humor, eccentric characters, and suspenseful twists makes it a standout in Frank Capra's filmography, offering entertainment that's both clever and deliciously unsettling.
How long is Arsenic and Old Lace?
Arsenic and Old Lace runs for 118 minutes, making it a perfect length for a brisk, engaging viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) — A Dark Comedy Classic with Cary Grant
Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) is a darkly comedic thriller that blends humor with macabre twists, following Mortimer Brewster, a cynical drama critic and newlywed, as he returns home to announce his marriage only to uncover a horrifying family secret. His beloved maiden aunts have made a peculiar habit of welcoming lonely bachelors into their home—only to dispatch them permanently, burying the bodies in the cellar. What begins as a lighthearted reunion spirals into a chaotic farce as Mortimer races to stop the aunts' deadly hobby before more victims fall prey to their twisted sense of hospitality.
With Cary Grant at the helm of this twisted comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace delivers sharp wit, eccentric characters, and a delightfully unsettling atmosphere. Grant's Mortimer is caught between his love for his aunts and the absurd horror of their actions, while Josephine Hull and Jean Adair steal scenes as the seemingly sweet but sinister sisters. The film's playful tone contrasts with its darker themes of morality and madness, making it a standout in Capra's filmography and a timeless classic for fans of vintage dark comedy.
