Arsenic and Old Lace (1943)

[Vilya]

Best news that I will read all day.

[fred25_Ca]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

You said 40s, but since you included The Cat and the Canary I'm assuming 30s is fair game as well.

The Old Dark House is absolutely essential.

Forgot cat was 1939 lol, it's close enough for me. And yes, I love the Old dark house.
I'm still dying to see the original silent version of The cat and the canary. I'm waiting for either Eureka or Flicker alley to release it.

And yes, 30's horror comedies are great too!

[Torgon]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

And so it begins. A classic makes it long-awaited debut to BD and some ingrate wants to complain that it isn't a 4k. Wahhh! Wahhhh! Wahhhhhhhhh!

And so it continues. Another classic ingrate wants to complain about other people complaining because they don't agree with someone's opinion or ideas (though it wasn't really a complaint; was it?). Wahhh! Wahhhh! Wahhhhhhhhh! (See anyone can troll)

[Ned Brainard]

Day one purchase for me! Let's all sing along - There is a Happy Dale far, far away!

[Zorba]

Originally Posted by Winslow Leach

Holy crap! This is one of my grail titles! One of my all-time favorite films. I hope the rumors are true, and Criterion will give us an edition loaded with extras!

YES!

This baby has been #1 on my Criterion or blu ray want list for many an earth year.

CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Coasterghost]

Finally!

[jfearnside]

YES! Been waiting for this one for a long time! Not exactly loaded with extras, but anything is a plus in that regard, as my old snapper case DVD has none. Easy blind pre-order on this one!

[jfearnside]

Oh, and while I normally prefer original cover art, I actually like this cover a lot!

[traths]

Well it's about time.

[Your pal, Jim]

Awesome.

[u2popmofo]

Been hoping this would get a Bluray for ages, glad it's with Criterion!

[BluPat]

Yay! Terrific announcement!

[Winslow Leach]

At the end of the play, the twelve poisoned old men (who are never seen prior to this), march out of the cellar for curtain call, and take a bow.

Joanne Woodward appeared in the play at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven circa 1995. On closing night, who was one of the old men in the cellar? Paul Newman, who took his bow with the rest of 'em!

[Winslow Leach]

Originally Posted by fred25_Ca

I love they have the radio adaptation with Karloff! Obviously the theatre play would have been better but that's lost in time, unfortunately.
I love 40's horror comedies. This, The cat and the canary, The ghost breakers, Hold that ghost, A&C meet Frankenstein. All wonderful movies to watch in October. Any other recommendations?

There's an interesting adaptation of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE on YouTube. It was made in 1969, and stars Bob Crane (HOGAN'S HEROES), Lillian Gish, Helen Hayes, Fred Gwynne (THE MUNSTERS), Sue Lyon (LOLITA) and David Wayne (BATMAN). It's not as frantic or off-the-wall as the 1944 film, but it's worth a watch. Instead of being mistaken for Boris Karloff, the Gwynne character is said to resemble Herman Munster!

[gkolb]

Classic Frank Capra! This may eventually make it to 4K like the Sony titles (just like NxNW by Hitch should get on 4K from Warners! Surprise, Cary is in both!)

The cover art feels pretty nice, so it’s a good fit. Might see if someone makes a custom cover with the classic poster art, and keep both.

[fred25_Ca]

Originally Posted by Winslow Leach

There's an interesting adaptation of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE on YouTube. It was made in 1969, and stars Bob Crane (HOGAN'S HEROES), Lillian Gish, Helen Hayes, Fred Gwynne (THE MUNSTERS), Sue Lyon (LOLITA) and David Wayne (BATMAN). It's not as frantic or off-the-wall as the 1944 film, but it's worth a watch. Instead of being mistaken for Boris Karloff, the Gwynne character is said to resemble Herman Munster!

Haha wow, that's awesome about Fred Gwynne, what a great choice!

[Acer2010]

Originally Posted by Akijama

Release date: October 11

https://www.criterion.com/films/2900...c-and-old-lace

[Show spoiler]An old news perhaps, but few weeks ago, Alan K. Rode, a film historian, author, etc, have confirmed over at HTF that a BD release is in the work (perhaps he is providing a commentary for it).

https://www.hometheaterforum.com/com...2#post-5130991

Rumour has it that Criterion have it, so it could be announced soon

Shouldn't the year in the title of your ARSENIC AND OLD LACE thread be 1944 instead of 1943?

[BenOswald]

Glad to see Criterion recording new commentaries.

[MifuneFan]

Interestingly, the book mentioned in the extras on Arsenic and Old Lace written by the author doing the commentary track won't be published until November 1st.



https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Body-W.../dp/1493067850

There’s a Body in the Window Seat! is a detailed history of one of the most beloved American murder-mysteries and comedies, Arsenic and Old Lace. Actor, director, and playwright Charles Dennis investigates the mystery behind the play: how did a true-life crime in Connecticut turn into a comedy? And who are the real writers that deserve credit for its long-lasting success?

Dennis brings an insider’s view to Joseph Kesselring’s attempts to write Arsenic and Old Lace and how producers had to step in to save the play from his heavy hand. He also follows the actors, both on the stage and on the screen, as they handle the demands of the roles and behind-the-scenes relationships. Why didn’t Boris Karloff recreate his stage role, even though Jean Adair and John Alexander did? Why did Cary Grant hate his performance in Arsenic—was it because Frank Capra deceived him or because of costume designer Orry Kelly? And why did the movie never receive Academy Award consideration?

Learn the answers to these intriguing questions and more in There’s a Body in the Window Seat!

[Member-496152]

Finally! DAY ONE.