71 pages • 2 hours read
Arsenic and Old Lace
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Book Brief
96
Play • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 1940s
1941
Adult
12+ years
Super Short Summary
Arsenic and Old Lace centers on Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic who discovers that his aunts, Abby and Martha, have been poisoning lonely old men and burying them in their cellar with the help of their nephew Teddy, who believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt. Mortimer's criminal brother Jonathan returns home with a plastic surgeon accomplice, complicating the situation further.
Humorous
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
24,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace is widely praised for its dark humor, witty dialogue, and strong characterizations. The play's blend of comedy and macabre elements has resonated with audiences, though some critics note that its plot twists can be predictable. Overall, its unique charm and entertaining storyline make it a memorable piece of theater.
Who Should Read Arsenic and Old Lace?
Fans of dark comedy and classic theater will find Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring delightfully entertaining. Similar to those who enjoy The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, readers who appreciate witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and macabre humor will be thoroughly captivated.
24,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
96
Play • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 1940s
1941
Adult
12+ years
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