Arsenic And Old Lace Play

Arsenic and Old Lace: A Hilarious Descent into Murderous Mayhem

Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace, a dark comedy that premiered in 1939, remains a theatrical staple for its ingenious plot twists, memorable characters, and enduring appeal. This article delves deep into the play, exploring its comedic brilliance, the unsettling themes it tackles, and its lasting impact on stage and screen. We'll unpack the plot, analyze the characters, examine the comedic techniques employed, and discuss the play's enduring relevance in the modern context. This exploration will reveal why Arsenic and Old Lace continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut, making it a timeless masterpiece of theatrical dark comedy.

A Synopsis of Mayhem: The Plot of Arsenic and Old Lace

The play centers around the seemingly sweet and harmless Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, two elderly women living in a quaint Brooklyn home. Their seemingly idyllic life takes a sinister turn as we discover their charitable – albeit deadly – hobby: poisoning lonely old gentlemen with arsenic-laced elderberry wine. Their motive, they believe, is to offer these men a peaceful and painless death.

Their nephew, Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic with a penchant for the macabre, is unaware of his aunts' murderous activities until he stumbles upon their chilling secret. Mortimer's own chaotic life adds another layer to the farcical situation. He is secretly engaged to Elaine Harper, a woman whose family background is as unsettling as his aunts' deadly hobby.

Adding to the already volatile mix is Mortimer's other uncle, Teddy, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and spends his days digging Panama Canals in the attic. Then there's Jonathan Brewster, Mortimer's other uncle, a homicidal maniac with a penchant for plastic surgery and burying his victims in the basement. Jonathan's presence in the house increases the chaotic energy and the likelihood of further mayhem.

The arrival of a potential victim, Mr. Gibbs, and the subsequent attempts to cover up the accumulating bodies, lead to a series of farcical situations, creating hilarious chaos. The play culminates in a darkly comedic climax, involving a mistaken identity, a frantic police chase, and a surprising resolution. The blend of morbid humor and escalating chaos makes Arsenic and Old Lace a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.

Character Analysis: A Cast of Quirky Killers and Victims

The play's enduring success is largely due to its wonderfully eccentric characters. Each character is richly developed, contributing to the play's comedic texture and thematic depth.

• Abby and Martha Brewster: The heart (or rather, the arsenic-laced heart) of the play, the Brewster sisters are portrayed as deceptively sweet, elderly women. Their outward appearance belies their dark secret, creating a stark contrast that fuels the humor. Their justification for their actions, albeit twisted, adds a layer of complexity to their characters, making them more than just simple villains.

• Mortimer Brewster: The straight man amidst the chaos, Mortimer provides the audience's perspective. His naiveté and attempts to maintain normalcy amidst the escalating mayhem serve as a constant source of comedic relief. He's a relatable character, allowing the audience to connect with the absurdity of the situation.

• Teddy Brewster: Teddy's delusion of being Theodore Roosevelt provides ample opportunities for physical comedy and whimsical dialogue. His innocence and unwavering belief in his identity create a humorous juxtaposition to the murderous activities happening around him.

• Jonathan Brewster: A terrifyingly charismatic villain, Jonathan's methodical approach to murder contrasts with his aunts' more accidental methods. His unsettling personality and grotesque appearance provide a counterpoint to the gentler humor of the other characters.

• Elaine Harper: Elaine, Mortimer's fiancée, adds a further layer of complexity. Her family history, marked by eccentricities and criminal tendencies, mirrors Mortimer's own family's dark secrets, highlighting the themes of inherited traits and familial dysfunction.

• The Victims: The succession of lonely old men, though largely unseen, are crucial to the plot. Their presence serves as a darkly comic reminder of the sisters' deadly habit, highlighting the play's exploration of loneliness and the fragility of life.

The Comedic Genius: Techniques of Dark Humor

Arsenic and Old Lace masterfully employs various comedic techniques to achieve its dark humor:

• Irony: The constant juxtaposition of the sisters' sweet demeanor with their murderous actions creates a sharp irony that fuels the comedic effect. The audience is privy to the secret, while the other characters remain blissfully (or terrifyingly) unaware.

• Slapstick: The play utilizes physical comedy, particularly through Teddy's Roosevelt impersonations and the chaotic attempts to hide the bodies. These slapstick elements provide visual humor that complements the verbal wit.

• Wordplay and Puns: Kesselring utilizes clever wordplay and puns throughout the dialogue, adding layers of meaning and enhancing the comedic effect. The humor often derives from the unexpected and the absurd.

• Character Contrast: The contrasting personalities of the characters – the sweet killers, the bewildered nephew, the delusional uncle, the homicidal maniac – create a comedic tapestry of human eccentricities.

• Farcical Situations: The escalating series of events, from the discovery of bodies to the frantic attempts to cover them up, creates a farcical situation that keeps the audience engaged and amused. The absurd situations intensify the humor, making the play highly entertaining.

Themes Explored: Beyond the Laughter

While primarily a comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace delves into several significant themes:

• Family Dysfunction: The Brewster family is a prime example of dysfunctional family dynamics. The play explores the complexities of family relationships, showcasing the secrets, lies, and eccentricities that can exist within even the most outwardly normal families.

• Madness and Sanity: The play blurs the lines between sanity and madness. The characters' actions and beliefs range from eccentric to outright criminal, forcing the audience to question the definitions of normalcy and mental stability.

• Loneliness and Isolation: The play highlights the issue of loneliness and isolation, particularly amongst the elderly. The sisters' actions, though morally reprehensible, stem from a misguided attempt to alleviate suffering and loneliness.

• Death and Morality: Arsenic and Old Lace confronts the themes of death and morality in a darkly comedic manner. The play examines different perspectives on death, from the sisters' twisted sense of mercy killing to the more violent methods of Jonathan. It prompts the audience to contemplate the meaning of life and death in a humorous, yet thought-provoking, way.

Enduring Legacy: From Stage to Screen and Beyond

Arsenic and Old Lace has enjoyed a remarkable longevity, captivating audiences for over eight decades. Its success on stage translated to a popular film adaptation in 1944, starring Cary Grant, which further cemented the play's status as a classic. The play's enduring popularity lies in its timeless themes, memorable characters, and its masterful blend of dark humor and social commentary. Its comedic elements remain relevant, and the exploration of family dysfunction, madness, and mortality resonates with audiences across generations. The play’s clever writing, combined with the opportunity for strong character portrayals, continues to attract both audiences and performers. Its enduring appeal demonstrates that dark comedy, when executed with skill and intelligence, can offer both laughter and profound reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Arsenic and Old Lace suitable for all ages?

A: While the play is a comedy, its dark themes and morbid humor may not be suitable for very young children. Parental guidance is suggested.

Q: What makes Arsenic and Old Lace different from other dark comedies?

A: Arsenic and Old Lace stands out due to its intricate plot, memorable characters, and the seamless blend of dark humor and social commentary. The play’s exploration of family dysfunction and societal issues adds depth beyond the comedic elements.

Q: What is the play's message or central theme?

A: While entertaining, Arsenic and Old Lace explores various complex themes. The primary themes include family dysfunction, the complexities of human nature, the blurring lines between sanity and insanity, and differing perspectives on death and morality.

Q: Why is the play still popular today?

A: The play's enduring popularity lies in its timeless themes, memorable characters, and expertly crafted dark humor that continues to resonate with audiences. The play’s unique blend of laughter and thought-provoking elements ensures its continued relevance.

Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece of Dark Comedy

Joseph Kesselring’s Arsenic and Old Lace remains a theatrical triumph. Its unique blend of dark humor, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes continues to captivate audiences. The play's intricate plot, filled with farcical situations and unexpected twists, ensures a consistently entertaining experience. The enduring legacy of Arsenic and Old Lace testifies to its masterful execution and its ability to explore complex themes in a captivating and comedic fashion. It’s a play that will continue to elicit both laughter and reflection for many years to come, securing its place as a true masterpiece of dark comedy.