Arsenic and Old Lace

Few movies have been able to stand the test of time like Frank Capra movies. And Arsenic and Old Lace still makes me laugh.

So the dress code is out dated and technicolor has yet to be invented, it doesn't take away from the fact that this is a black comedy that could still fill a movie theater.

Cary Grant is a comedic genius that can make me swoon like no other. This is a story of a newly married confirmed bachelor who discovers a corpse in the window seat of his 2 elderly aunt's house. They then proceed to inform him that they are basically providing a service to the lonely by acting as angels of mercy. By using a concoction of poisons in their elder berry wine, they kill and bury guests and tenants of their residence. With the help of Grant's brother who believes himself to be President Roosevelt, they bury the bodies in the "Panama Canals" that Roosevelt has just dug in the basement.

Obviously chaos ensues as Grants tries to hide this from his new wife, institutionalize his brother President Roosevelt, and protect his aunts from being discovered and to prevent any future murders. When Grant's other brother, who is consistently mistaken for Boris Karloff due to the multiple facial alterations to hide his identity shows up with his partner and another corpse.

Anyway, this story has stood the test of time in my mind and the humor is still relevant. You may just find yourself enjoying this little black and white flick.