There's a Body in the Window Seat!: The History of Arsenic and Old Lace

by Charles Dennis

There’s a Body in the Window Seat! is a detailed history of one of the most beloved American murder-mysteries and comedies, Arsenic and Old Lace. Actor, director, and playwright Charles Dennis investigates the mystery behind the how did a true-life crime in Connecticut turn into a comedy? And who are the real writers that deserve credit for its long-lasting success?

Dennis brings an insider’s view to Joseph Kesselring’s attempts to write Arsenic and Old Lace and how producers had to step in to save the play from his heavy hand. He also follows the actors, both on the stage and on the screen, as they handle the demands of the roles and behind-the-scenes relationships. Why didn’t Boris Karloff recreate his stage role, even though Jean Adair and John Alexander did? Why did Cary Grant hate his performance in Arsenic—was it because Frank Capra deceived him or because of costume designer Orry Kelly? And why did the movie never receive Academy Award consideration?

Learn the answers to these intriguing questions and more in There’s a Body in the Window Seat!

Genres: Nonfiction

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Actor, playwright, radio actor, journalist, author, director and screenwriter. B. A. from U. of Toronto

Reviews

[Matthew Elfenbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a Body in the Window Seat! is a wonderfully researched and anecdotal history of the theatrical and cinematic productions of "Arsenic and Old Lace." This book demonstrates the power of archival research and how personal interviews can weave together many narratives, sometimes conflicting, to tell a great story about the people and events that codify this stage play and Cary Grant film.[return][return]Charles Dennis interweaves his own experiences and commentary (that brightens the tone of the recital of information) into the vast webs of connections that he has uncovered for these productions. This was an enjoyable read and a study that should be mimicked for rich results.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Arsenic and Old Lace (new Criterion edition, wooo!) so I was way happy to pick up this paperback (thanks for the tip, Liberty :) )

And it's a pretty OK history of the film from the earliest origins of the play through the film's shooting and critical reception. However, it really needed a much better editor/copywriter/layout/designer. I have a feeling the publisher is pretty budget and it shows.

[Glenn Hopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book supplies lots of background information (especially the other work by actors in various versions of the play) and the evolution of the film project. Not that much about the style of the film (editing, camera placement, lighting, etc.).

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this movie so much and was excited to get a look at the making of it (& the play). But it read more like a fan account vs a history of. At one point the author goes into the casts' astrological signs??

[Ron Popp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slim book but an entertaining history of the play and film

[Saklani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and a lot of fun. Certainly, the movie is still worth a watch! And the history has a lot to recommend it, as well.

[Howard Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and informative. Makes you want to own the film!

[Tammy Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arsenic and Old Lace is one of my favorite movies, so it was with great interest that I began reading this book, learning more about how it began as a play (and where Joseph Kesselring got the idea for it). As with many scripts or books, the original version was quite different from what eventually ended up on stage and screen. In addition to learning about the changes in the script and who made them, I also enjoyed learning more about each of the individuals involved in each production, from writers and producers to actors. Sometimes when you read behind-the-scenes stories, you end up being disappointed, and the new knowledge taints something you previously enjoyed. Not so with this book. Actor, director, and playwright Charles Dennis offers up a great history of Arsenic and Old Lace, both the play and the film, without diminishing my enjoyment of this dark comedy and the people who brought it to life.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

As ARSENIC AND OLD LACE is one of my favorite movies of all time. I had to read this book all about the making of the movie, but also the genesis of it. The Tori gal play the various versions and rewrites. It’s theater productions and eventually the film.

A little disappointed that very grant hated his performance and while it can be over the top.‘it actually works for the film. Which is a comedy and not a drama or based on a true story. Though learning his personal history with mental illness one can see how this was a rough production and time for him

It details the creators, producers, actors and writers. What became of them and their various other jobs. As well as biographies of them all.

Still at under 200 pages It’s brisk and full of information