Is Arsenic & Old Lace Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Arsenic & Old Lace is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 76 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Arsenic & Old Lace Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1962, Arsenic & Old Lace enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on 1962 telefilm adaptation of the classic American play about a deranged family and the string of murders they flippantly commit. Under the direction of George Schaefer, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tony Randall, Boris Karloff, Dorothy Stickney. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Arsenic & Old Lace offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Arsenic & Old Lace is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, Thriller, Comedy, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Arsenic & Old Lace
- Tony Randall – Mortimer Brewster
- Boris Karloff – Jonathan Brewster
- Dorothy Stickney – Abby Brewster
- Mildred Natwick – Martha Brewster
- Tom Bosley – Teddy Brewster
Top Highlights
Tony RandallMortimer Brewster
Boris KarloffJonathan Brewster
Dorothy StickneyAbby Brewster
Mildred NatwickMartha Brewster
Tom BosleyTeddy Brewster
George VoskovecDr. Herman Einstein
Farrell PellyRev. Dr. Harper
Dort ClarkOfficer Brophy
Nathaniel FreyOfficer Klein
Dodie HeathElaine Harper
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Arsenic & Old Lace stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1962 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arsenic & Old Lace movie hit or flop?
Arsenic & Old Lace has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Arsenic & Old Lace worth watching?
Arsenic & Old Lace is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Arsenic & Old Lace?
Arsenic & Old Lace is a Drama, Thriller, Comedy movie that 1962 telefilm adaptation of the classic American play about a deranged family and the string of murders they flippantly commit...
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Critic Reviews
Tony Randall ("Mortimer") is great as the nephew who returns to his family home, and to his two maiden aunts "Abby" (Dorothy Stickney") and "Martha" (Mildred Natwick) who look very much the refined, gracious, butter-wouldn't-melt type. Shortly afterwards, however, he discovers that these two elderly spinsters have a grisly secret in their basement and when his long-lost brother "Jonathan" (Boris Karloff) arrives; he discovers that this runs in the family! It hasn't quite the charm of the 1944 iteration, and the theatrical staging - and frequently annoying interventions of "Teddy" (Tom Bosley) do detract a bit from the comedy, but the principals are on good form and all in all it's quite a charming outing for Karloff, especially, who plays his menacing, comedic, part as much to camera as to his partners on the "stage". Luckily, I've never been partial to elderberry wine...