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There's a Body in the Window Seat!

The History of Arsenic and Old Lace
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( 33 ratings, 9 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
There's a Body in the Window Seat! delves into the fascinating history behind the beloved American murder-mystery comedy Arsenic and Old Lace. Playwright Charles Dennis explores how a true crime inspired a classic stage and film production, revealing the complexities behind Joseph Kesselring's original writing and the vital contributions of producers and co-writers. The book also uncovers behind-the-scenes stories of the actors both on stage and screen, including the reasons why Boris Karloff did not reprise his stage role in the film, why Cary Grant disliked his performance, and the surprising absence of Academy Award recognition.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for enthusiasts of theatre history, classic American comedies, and fanatics of film behind-the-scenes stories, this book suits readers interested in true crime adaptations and the golden age of stage and screen performances.

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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.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 play: 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!

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Charles Dennis's extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling. Stephen Jacobs, author of Boris Karloff: More Than a Monster, commends the book for shedding light on the collaborative origins of the play's enduring success. Michael Lindsay-Hogg, author of Luck and Circumstance, highlights Dennis's detailed insights into both the stage and film versions, describing the book as "as much fun as the movie." Readers can expect a richly researched and entertaining read that appeals to fans of theatre and classic cinema alike.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781493067855

Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 November 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Applause Theatre Book Publishers

Illustration: 13 b/w photos

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 226.0mm

Weight: 277g

Pages: 168

About the Author

Charles Dennis is an author, playwright, filmmaker, actor, and voice artist. He has written several novels, including Hollywood Raj, The Magiker, and Given the Crime. His play, Going On, has been produced in New York, London, and Los Angeles. His prize-winning movies include Barking Mad and Hard Four. He has appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Ulrika Vingsbo-Dennis.

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