---
title: "Arsenic and Old Lace"
year: 1944
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/arsenic-and-old-lace-1944"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 212
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 118
community_rating: 7.6
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/arsenic-and-old-lace-1944

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Arsenic and Old Lace is a film first released in 1944. Catalogued under Comedy, Crime. Produced and broadcast by Warner Bros. Pictures. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A drama critic discovers his sweet aunts are secret murderers."

### Why Watch
- sharp wit blends comedy with crime
- under-two-hour runtime keeps story brisk

### Caveats & Content Note
- the macabre murders may unsettle some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: The film mixes humor with homicidal antics, so it may not be suitable for very young audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dark-comedy, macabre, farce

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/arsenic-and-old-lace-1944#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Frank Capra
- **Networks / Studios**: Warner Bros. Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Cary Grant** as *Mortimer Brewster*
- **Priscilla Lane** as *Elaine Harper Brewster*
- **Josephine Hull** as *Aunt Abby Brewster*
- **Jean Adair** as *Aunt Martha Brewster*
- **Raymond Massey** as *Jonathan Brewster*
- **John Alexander** as *'Teddy Roosevelt' Brewster*
- **Peter Lorre** as *Dr. Einstein*
- **Jack Carson** as *Officer Patrick O'Hara*
- **Edward Everett Horton** as *Mr. Witherspoon*
- **James Gleason** as *Lt. Rooney*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was Arsenic and Old Lace released?
It was released in the United States on September 1, 1944.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
The picture runs for approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.

### Q: What genre does the movie belong to?
It is classified as a comedy with crime elements.

### Q: Who is the main character and what is his profession?
The story follows Mortimer Brewster, a newspaper drama critic, playwright and author.

### Q: Is the film suitable for all ages?
It carries a not‑rated classification and includes dark humor about murder, so parental discretion is advised.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Arsenic and Old Lace — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/212)
- [Arsenic and Old Lace (1969) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/27866-arsenic-and-old-lace/prehled/)
- [Arsenic & Old Lace 66% [Arsenic and Old Lace] (1962…](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/352580-arsenic-and-old-lace)
- [Arsenic and Old Lace (1969) | DIV.cz](https://div.cz/film/arsenic-and-old-lace)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*