The story behind Arsenic and Old Lace is quite intriguing and has its roots in both fiction and real-life events. The play, written by Joseph Kesselring, was first performed on Broadway in 1941 and later adapted into a film in 1944. It revolves around the Brewster family, particularly the two elderly sisters Abby and Martha, who have a dark secret – they are serial killers.
The inspiration for this “murderous old lady” plot line may have come from real-life events that occurred in Windsor, Connecticut. In the early 1900s, there was a woman named Amy Archer-Gilligan who ran a boarding house on Prospect Street. She would promise her boarders “lifetime care” in exchange for their pensions and life savings. However, instead of providing the care she promised, she would poison them with arsenic and other toxic substances.
Archer-Gilligan's motive for these murders was financial gain. She would collect her victims' pensions and use the money to sustain her lavish lifestyle. It is estimated that she murdered at least five people before her crimes were uncovered. The case gained significant media attention and became known as the “Widow Borgia” case, drawing comparisons to the infamous Italian poisoner from the Renaissance era.
The play Arsenic and Old Lace seems to have drawn inspiration from Archer-Gilligan's crimes, although it takes a more comedic and lighthearted approach. In the play, the Brewster sisters believe they are doing a charitable act by poisoning lonely old men who come to their house seeking lodging. They see it as a mercy killing, sparing their victims from the pains of old age and loneliness.
The dark humor of the play lies in the stark contrast between the sweet and innocent appearance of the Brewster sisters and their sinister actions. The audience is left both amused and disturbed by the absurdity of the situation.
It is worth noting that the play was initially met with mixed reviews, as its macabre theme clashed with the wartime sentiments of the time. However, it eventually gained popularity and became a classic, thanks in part to the film adaptation directed by Frank Capra.
The story behind Arsenic and Old Lace is a blend of fiction and real-life inspiration. The play draws from the true story of Amy Archer-Gilligan, a woman who poisoned her boarders for financial gain. The dark humor of the play lies in the contrast between the seemingly innocent Brewster sisters and their murderous actions. The play's success and lasting impact can be attributed to its unique blend of comedy and macabre themes.