#242 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

I certainly was afraid after this movie, just not of Virginia Woolf.

When an argumentative couple, George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) have company over late at night, things quickly go south. As everyone gets drunker and drunker, George and Martha continue to tear each other apart psychologically at the expense of each other and their young guests, revealing a deep secret by the end.

I really did not like this movie until about the last 15 min when the characters drop a bombshell plot twist. The entire movie is one large, well scripted and wonderfully acted drunken argument. There were times when it got old, but the end made it worth it.

I give Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? a 6.5/10. It could have been much better with some more variety.

#247 Arsenic and Old Lace

Funny to see some of the same actors again so quickly and in a much different setting.

Arsenic and Old Lace is a comedic tale of two, sweet, charming old maids living together... who kill people. Yes, theres the twist. The story begins as the young and lovestruck Mortimer Brewster (Cary Grant) and Elaine Harper (Priscilla Lane) quietly get married. They arrive at the house of Mortimer's dear old aunts, Abby (Josephine Hull) and Martha (Jean Adair). Things pick up when Mortimer discovers a dead body in the house and hears his aunts' perfectly calm explanation. More zany characters, including a man who thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt, send the plot into all sorts of twist and turns.

This movie was truly entertaining. The old comedy style was a bit strange at times but still very laughable. The acting quality was fine but what really give this movie its kick is how many things can wrong in such a short time frame. The writers did and excellent job of keeping things moving.

Even old movies can be funny and entertaining. I give Arsenic a 7/10.

Next up: My Neighbor Totoro