Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Director: Frank Capra
Starring: Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey

Synopsis:
A newlywed drama critic discovers his aunts' hobby of serial murder.

Impressions:
This movie is a real piece of work, black comedy par excellence. Cary Grant rather impressively degenerates from his usual debonair self to a manic screwball and there's a great counterbalance between the cheery poisoner aunts played by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair and the genuine menace of Raymond Massey's Boris Karloff-esque Jonathan. John Alexander brings a lot of gusto to 'Teddy' and Peter Lorre plays the simpering toady to the hilt. Things get really crazy and it's a lot of fun. The multiple plot threads being juggled throughout may be a little dizzying, but I think it's a good fit for the madcap scenario. If you want a lighthearted take on some rather dark subject matter, you should definitely give this a watch.

Rating:
Watch It