Arsenic and Old Lace is a timeless play that has delighted audiences for decades with its witty dialogue and comedic timing. Written by Joseph Kesselring and first performed on Broadway in 1941, this dark comedy tells the story of the Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, who have a secret hobby of poisoning lonely old men.
With memorable lines that range from clever repartee to absurd one-liners, Arsenic and Old Lace has cemented itself as a classic in the comedic theater genre. Whether you’re a fan of the original play, the 1944 film adaptation starring Cary Grant, or the various revivals on stage, there’s no denying the impact that these quotes have had on popular culture.
From the iconic “Insanity runs in my family” to the hilariously deadpan “Hello, Officer, what can I do for you?” the quotes from Arsenic and Old Lace have become ingrained in the lexicon of comedy. This article will explore some of the standout lines from the play, examining their context within the story and their lasting comedic value.
Arsenic and Old Lace: A Classic Comedy Masterpiece
Arsenic and Old Lace is a comedic play written by Joseph Kesselring, first performed on Broadway in 1941. It is a classic comedy that has stood the test of time and continues to be beloved by audiences to this day.
The story follows the Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, two sweet and eccentric elderly women who have a deadly secret – they are serial killers who poison lonely old men with homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and “just a pinch” of cyanide. The play takes place in the Brewster sisters’ home, where they live with their nephew Teddy, who believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt, and another nephew, Mortimer, a theater critic who becomes entangled in the sisters’ murderous antics.
Arsenic and Old Lace is known for its quick wit, clever dialogue, and hilarious situations. The play is filled with memorable lines that have become iconic in the world of comedy. Here are some of the top quotes from Arsenic and Old Lace:
- “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” – Mortimer Brewster
- “I’m not only my brother’s keeper, I’m his brother!” – Mortimer Brewster
- “Oh, Mortimer, you’re going to spoil everything. We were just about to have a nice little murder, and you have to come along and louse it up!” – Abby Brewster
- “There are twelve men down in the cellar and they’re all…dead.” – Mortimer Brewster
- “You mean you have been out jaywalking again?” – Jonathan Brewster
- “Every time you say ‘peace on Earth,’ someone hits you with an axe.” – Mortimer Brewster
Arsenic and Old Lace has been adapted into a film and a television show, both of which have helped to cement its status as a comedy masterpiece. It remains a favorite among theatergoers and continues to be produced in theaters around the world. If you haven’t seen it, make sure to catch a performance or watch one of the adaptations – you won’t be disappointed!
An Insight into the Quirky Plot
Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic comedy that presents a delightfully eccentric plot filled with humor, chaos, and a touch of darkness. Set in the 1940s, the story revolves around theater critic Mortimer Brewster, who discovers that his sweet and seemingly innocent aunts, Abby and Martha, are actually serial killers. They poison lonely old men with elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and just a pinch of cyanide.
As Mortimer tries to come to terms with this shocking revelation, chaos ensues when his deranged brother, Teddy, believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and digs graves in the basement for the “Yellow Fever victims.” The situation gets even more complicated when a third brother, Jonathan, arrives with his evil sidekick, Dr. Einstein, who specializes in “plastic surgery” to change Jonathan’s face.
The plot thickens when Mortimer’s fiancée, Elaine, becomes involved, further entangling everyone in a web of madness and mayhem. Mortimer desperately tries to keep the truth hidden from Elaine, while also dealing with the police, who suspect foul play and keep popping in and out of the Brewster household.
Throughout the play, the audience is treated to a series of unexpected twists and turns, as Mortimer struggles to maintain order and conceal the dark secrets of his family. The combination of black comedy, slapstick humor, and witty dialogue makes Arsenic and Old Lace a truly enjoyable and entertaining experience.
“Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” – Mortimer Brewster
In conclusion, Arsenic and Old Lace is a comedic masterpiece that captivates audiences with its quirky plot and unforgettable characters. The play explores the fine line between sanity and madness, while highlighting the absurdity of human nature. Despite the dark subject matter, it leaves viewers laughing and questioning the definition of normalcy. If you are in the mood for a hilarious and eccentric theatrical experience, Arsenic and Old Lace is definitely a must-see.
Hilarious and Unforgettable Characters
Arsenic and Old Lace features a cast of characters that are both hilarious and unforgettable. From the charming and bumbling Mortimer Brewster to his eccentric and homicidal aunts, the play is packed with comedic personalities that leave a lasting impression. Here are some of the most memorable characters:
- Mortimer Brewster: The protagonist of the story, Mortimer is a theater critic who becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets when he discovers his aunts’ murderous tendencies. His witty banter and quick thinking make him a lovable and relatable character.
- Abby Brewster: Mortimer’s sweet and seemingly innocent aunt, Abby is one-half of the serial-killing duo. Her cheerful demeanor and fondness for elderberry wine make her a hilariously unsuspecting murderer.
- Martha Brewster: Abby’s equally murderous sister, Martha is a devout Christian with a penchant for poisoning lonely old men. Her stern yet comical nature adds to the absurdity of the play.
- Jonathan Brewster: Mortimer’s villainous brother, Jonathan is a scar-faced murderer on the run. His constant attempts to hide his true identity and his interactions with his odd sidekick, Dr. Einstein, provide plenty of laughs.
- Dr. Einstein: Jonathan’s plastic surgeon and partner in crime, Dr. Einstein is a German-accented, bumbling character. His repeated failures at fixing Jonathan’s disfigured face and his comical misunderstandings add to the comedic chaos.
- Teddy Brewster: Mortimer and Jonathan’s delusional brother, Teddy believes he is Teddy Roosevelt. His antics, including charging up and down the stairs yelling “CHARGE!” and digging graves in the basement, provide comedic relief throughout the play.
Together, these characters create a hilarious and unforgettable cast that keeps the audience laughing from start to finish. Their eccentricities, quips, and comedic situations make Arsenic and Old Lace a timeless comedy that continues to entertain audiences to this day.
The Witty and Memorable Dialogue
One of the many reasons why “Arsenic and Old Lace” is considered a classic comedy is its witty and memorable dialogue. From the opening lines to the final act, the play is filled with clever one-liners and hilarious exchanges that have stood the test of time.
One of the most famous lines from the play comes early on when Mortimer Brewster exclaims, “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops!” This line sets the tone for the rest of the play and immediately establishes the comedic premise of a family with a dark secret.
In another memorable exchange, Mortimer’s brother, Teddy, insists that he is President Theodore Roosevelt and must “charge up San Juan Hill” by running up the stairs. When Mortimer protests, Teddy responds with the iconic line, “Bully!” This moment perfectly captures the character’s delusions and adds to the overall comedic absurdity of the play.
The play also showcases the witty banter between Mortimer and his love interest, Elaine. In one scene, Mortimer admits to Elaine that his family is “a bunch of murderers.” Without missing a beat, Elaine responds with a deadpan delivery, saying, “Well, we all have our little faults. Mine’s in California.” This quick-witted response not only adds to the humor but also highlights the chemistry between the two characters.
Another notable line is delivered by the eccentric character, Jonathan Brewster, when he declares, “I’m not only my father’s son, but my mother’s daughter.” This line encapsulates the character’s complex identity and adds a layer of humor to his villainous persona.
Throughout the play, the dialogue is filled with clever wordplay, sarcastic remarks, and unexpected punchlines. The writers, Joseph Kesselring and the film adaptation writer Julius J. Epstein, have created a script that is both funny and memorable, making “Arsenic and Old Lace” a timeless comedy.
“I’m my Own Cousin!” – Exploring the Themes of Identity
In the classic comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace,” one of the most memorable lines is when the character Mortimer Brewster exclaims, “I’m my own cousin!” This line reflects the underlying themes of identity that are present throughout the play.
The theme of identity is explored in various ways in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” One of the main ways is through the characters’ mistaken identities and the confusion that arises from it. Mortimer Brewster’s exclamation of being his own cousin highlights the absurdity of the situations the characters find themselves in, where their identities become intertwined and blurred.
Another aspect of identity that is explored in the play is the idea of self-perception versus how others perceive us. Many of the characters in “Arsenic and Old Lace” have different ideas of who they are and how they present themselves to the world. This disconnect between the characters’ self-perception and the perception of others adds to the comedic elements of the play.
The theme of identity is further developed through the contrast between appearance and reality. Characters like the sweet and innocent-looking Brewster sisters, who are actually murderers, challenge the audience’s preconceived notions of identity based on appearances. This juxtaposition leads to humorous and thought-provoking moments throughout the play.
| Themes of Identity in “Arsenic and Old Lace” | |
|---|---|
| Mistaken identities | Confusion and absurdity |
| Self-perception vs. perception of others | Comedic elements |
| Appearance vs. reality | Challenging preconceived notions |
Overall, “Arsenic and Old Lace” uses the memorable line “I’m my own cousin!” to delve into the themes of identity. Through mistaken identities, the disconnect between self-perception and others’ perception, and the contrast between appearance and reality, the play offers a comedic exploration of what it means to truly know oneself and how identity can be a complex and humorous concept.
Dark Humor and Satire: The Comic Genius of Arsenic and Old Lace
The play is a perfect example of dark humor, using comedy to explore topics that are typically considered taboo or inappropriate. The humor in Arsenic and Old Lace comes from the absurdity of the situation – two sweet, elderly ladies who murder lonely old men with poisoned wine, and then bury them in the basement. The juxtaposition of their innocent appearances with their sinister actions creates a darkly comedic effect.
In addition to its dark humor, Arsenic and Old Lace also uses satire to critique society and its norms. The Brewster sisters’ murder spree can be seen as a critique of the hypocrisy and facade that often exists in polite society. The play shines a light on the darker underbelly of human nature and the secrets that people hide behind closed doors.
One of the most memorable lines from the play is spoken by Mortimer, one of the Brewster sisters’ nephews, who serves as the voice of reason in the midst of the madness. He exclaims, “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops!” This line captures the absurdity of the situation and highlights the dark humor that pervades the play.
Arsenic and Old Lace has stood the test of time because of its ability to make audiences laugh while simultaneously challenging societal norms. It serves as a reminder to not take life too seriously and to find humor even in the darkest of situations. The comic genius of this play lies in its ability to use humor to expose the absurdities of human nature and the masks that people wear.
“Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” – Exploring the Motif of Madness
The famous quote from the play “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops,” highlights a prominent motif that runs throughout the story: madness. The theme of madness is intricately woven into the plot and characters, providing both comedic and dark elements to the narrative.
The line is spoken by Mortimer Brewster, one of the main characters, and it sets the tone for the entire play. The Brewster family is portrayed as eccentric, with a long history of mental illness. From Mortimer’s aunts, Martha and Abby, who believe they are doing good by poisoning lonely old men, to his brother Teddy, who believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt, madness is a constant presence in their lives.
The motif of madness serves multiple purposes in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Firstly, it adds humor to the play. Mortimer’s exclamation that “insanity runs in my family” is often met with laughter from the audience, creating a light-hearted atmosphere despite the dark subject matter.
Secondly, it adds intrigue and suspense to the plot. As Mortimer uncovers his family’s murderous activities and attempts to keep everything under control, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, wondering how the characters’ madness will unfold.
Lastly, the motif of madness comments on societal norms and the human condition. By portraying the Brewster family as mad, the play challenges conventional ideas of sanity and questions the thin line between sanity and madness. It invites the audience to reflect on their own perceptions of what is considered normal and abnormal.
Overall, the line “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops” encapsulates the central motif of madness in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Through humor, suspense, and social commentary, the play explores the complex nature of madness and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.
The Enduring Legacy: Arsenic and Old Lace in Popular Culture
Arsenic and Old Lace, a timeless comedy that has delighted audiences for decades, has left an indelible mark on popular culture. With its memorable characters and clever dialogue, this play continues to be referenced and celebrated in various forms of entertainment.
One of the most famous quotes from Arsenic and Old Lace, “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops,” has become a popular phrase used to describe eccentric behavior in everyday conversations. This line, delivered by the character Mortimer Brewster, perfectly captures the dark humor and wit that defines the play.
In addition to its impact on language, Arsenic and Old Lace has also inspired numerous adaptations in film, television, and theater. The play was first adapted into a film in 1944, starring Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster. This beloved movie helped bring the story to a wider audience and cemented its place in cinematic history.
The legacy of Arsenic and Old Lace can also be seen in television shows such as The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory, where the play is referenced in various episodes. These references serve as a homage to the original play and showcase its enduring popularity.
Furthermore, Arsenic and Old Lace continues to be performed on stage around the world, captivating audiences with its timeless humor and engaging storyline. The play’s distinctive characters, such as the eccentric Brewster sisters and the bumbling police officers, have become iconic figures in theater history.
Whether it’s through quotable lines, adaptations, or live performances, Arsenic and Old Lace has left a lasting impression on popular culture. Its dark humor, clever dialogue, and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic that continues to entertain audiences to this day.