Cary Grant's performance in the 1944 film Arsenic and Old Lace, is a bit of a rarity. Not such that the acting was immaculate, or his suit of any special make. A rarity of sorts, because when I picture Cary's work, I see him as John Robie, a notorious jewel thief, in Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief. Also in Alfred's North by Northwest. Where in each he plays a strong male lead, daring someone to take the screen away from him. But in Arsenic and Old Lace, we see Cary running widely about, in a manner that may only be defined as; a chicken who has just lost his head. Perhaps Mortimer could have taken a few Valiums half way through, you know, just to level him out a little.
A little later in Cary's career he did produce a comedic role, which I feel to be one of kind. The role to which I am referring, is when Cary played French army captain Henri Rochard, in I Was a Male War Bride. Where "Captain Henri Rochard is a French officer assigned to work with Lieut. Catherine Gates. Through a wacky series of misadventures, they fall in love and marry. When the war ends, Capt. Rochard tries to return to America with the other female war brides. Zany gender-confusing antics follow."- IMDB. I strongly encourage you to witness how funny this film is.
Cary Grant was ranked the second greatest male star of all time by the American Film Institute. Having contributed his distinctive Mid-Atlantic accent, to 72 films, earning him two nominations for the best actor oscar, and also five Golden Globe nominations. Being denied the win on all occasions, he received an honorary award at the 42nd Academy Awards. "For his unique mastery of the art of screen acting with the respect and affection of his colleagues." In the end I believe we can all come to the same consensus: Cary Grant has given innumerable jems to the world of cinema, and touched many hearts along the way.
Works Cited
Arsenic and Old Lace. Dir- Frank Capra, 1944 o.r.d. Warner Brothers. Screenplay- Julius J and Philip G Epstien. DVD 2000
While I have not seen any other of Cary Grant's films, I will agree with you that he is a great actor, from what I have seen. I thought the movie "Arsenic and Old Lace" was hilarious, and from what you wrote about him, I would say Cary Grant is the main reason. I am definitely more inclined to go watch another one of his movies since you have mentioned a few along with praising his acting.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed "Arsenic and Old Lace " as well. To me, the black and white movies some of the best movies around, because that was the golden age of movie making. Cary Grant was one of the best actors of the time and I wouldn't mind watching another one of his mnovies, but Arsenic and Old Lace is defenitly one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI also really enjoyed this movie, the black and white didnt really bother me any after first impression. Cary Grant was a pretty good actor in this movie, but it is the only ive ever seen of him
ReplyDeleteWhat you say could be a professional review of the overall performance of Carry Grant. Until this very moment I have known nothing beyond the fact the Grant was in the movie Arsenic and Old Lace. I am now much more inclined to partake in the watching of a number of his alleged 72 films because of your very generous review of his acting career, including autobiographical information. Your review is only inspiring, and obviously educated, I give you my applause.
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