“Arsenic and Old Lace”

Josephine Hull, Jean Adair and Cary Grant in “Arsenic and Old Lace” (Warner Bros., 1944)

“Arsenic and Old Lace” (Warner Bros., 1944). In this macabre comedy, two spinster sisters (played by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair) take their compassion for sad, lonely old men a bit too far. When their nice, newlywed nephew (played by Cary Grant) and his insane, murderous brother (played by Raymond Massey) find out what’s been going on, all sorts of crazy happens. Laughs are provided by Cary Grant and most of the supporting cast; scares are provided by the creepy Raymond Massey and the always great Peter Lorre. Written by Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein. Based on the stage play by Joseph Kellering. Directed by Frank Capra. “We never dreamed you’d peek.”