Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) Cary Grant, Peter Lorre, Raymond Massey, & Priscilla Lane

Book Vs Movie Podcast

Book Vs. Movie:
Arsenic and Old Lace
The 1941 Play vs. The 1944 Movie
"Arsenic and Old Lace" is a classic American play by Joseph Kesselring. It's a dark comedy about the Brewster family, particularly two elderly sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, who have a penchant for charity and kindness. However, their generosity takes a macabre turn when it's revealed that they've been poisoning lonely old men with arsenic-laced elderberry wine as an act of "charity."The play is filled with absurd situations, mistaken identities, and dark humor as other members of the Brewster family become entangled in the sisters' activities.
Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic, and the sisters' nephew, discovers their secret and tries to cover it up while dealing with his crises."Arsenic and Old Lace" has been adapted into various forms over the years, including a popular film adaptation directed by Frank Capra in 1944, starring Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster. It remains a beloved classic of American theater known for its witty dialogue and darkly humorous storyline.

Which did we (the Margos) prefer? Have a listen to find out. In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The popularity of the play
• The biggest differences between the play and the movie.
• The 1944 film's cast includes Cary Grant (Mortimer Brewster), Priscilla Lane (Elaine Brewster), Josephine Hull (Aunt Abby Brewster), Jean Adair (Aunt Martha Brewster), Raymond Massey (Jonathan Brewster), Peter Lorre (Dr. Herman Einstein), John Alexander (“Teddy Roosevelt”), Jack Carson (Officer O’Hara), and John Ridgley as Officer Sanders.

Clips used:

• “Gentleman in the Window”
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944 trailer)
• “Elderberry Wine”
• “He looks like Boris Karloff!”
• “Elderberry Wine”
• Music by Max Steiner

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