FARCE: Arsenic and Old Lace

Today we are looking at FARCE. Here are three slightly different definitions of the term:

• A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.

· A light dramatic work in which highly improbable plot situations, exaggerated characters,

and often slapstick elements are used for humorous effect.

· a light, humorous play in which the plot depends upon a skillfully exploited situation rather than upon the development of character.

We are watching the classic farce Arsenic and Old Lace, released in 1944, directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant, Raymond Massey and Peter Lorre. The movie is based on the Broadway smash hit Arsenic and Old Lace written by American playwright Joseph Kesselring.

Look here to see The Arts Club Theatre Company's student booklet for the play, which includes great background information on the play, playwright and the historical/theatrical context. There is also a theatre etiquette section, so that students who have never been to a real theatre know how to behave appropriately.

Note: Arsenic and Old Lace had over 1,400 performances on Broadway over three years. The role of Jonathon, which is played in the movie by Raymond Massey, was actually played by Boris Karloff on stage. This made the joke about his character looking like Boris Karloff as Frankenstein even funnier!

Boris Karloff as Frankenstein

Raymond Massey as Jonathon Brewster, originally played on Broadway by Boris Karloff.