Dark Comedy Classics: Arsenic and Old Lace

At NSSC, Northfield Location:

Reid Schultz, Filmmaker, Columbia College faculty

Join writer, filmmaker, and academic Reid Schultz as he analyzes one of the funniest and most controversial film comedies of the past 70 years. Dark comedy films present, in a humorous manner, topics and events that are usually regarded as taboo and treated seriously. Viewer laugh at the pain and wickedness of life, yet may feel a little ashamed for laughing.

Arsenic and Old Lace, Directed by Frank Capra, 1944, 115 min

Arsenic and Old Lace wasn't the kind of movie that audiences had come to expect from Frank Capra. Audiences were stunned by such a dark comedy about two outwardly timid elderly ladies who slip lonely old gentlemen elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and cyanide. The two sisters consider their murderous acts mercy killings and can't understand why their nephew, is in such a panic. Controversial in its day, It is undeniable that the daring story, with its quick pace and zany comic antics, became a classic film of the new dark comedy genre.

Pre-registration is recommended.  To register, call 847-784-6030 or stop by NSSC today!  Web site:  www.nssc.org

Wednesday, 6/18, 12:30pm - 3:30pm

$12 member; $15 non-member           NF7622A