"Arsenic and Old Lace" and Adaptation Theory in Multi-Modal Storytelling: The Radio Adaptation

  1952 Radio Adaptation

   The 1959 radio play version is much more similar to the original play in many ways, and therefore there’s not as much to say about this interpretation. It has a significantly shorter runtime, less exaggerated slapstick and more fast-paced storytelling. It was presented as an episode of hour-long radio drama versions of Broadway plays, titled “Best Plays Presents”, and presents a much more condensed version of the original play.   

    The scenes of Mortimer visiting the judge and doctor are omitted, only referenced, as are many of the scenes with the policemen. Most of these adaptations are easily explainable as that of time constraints, although despite this, it remains one of the most faithful adaptations of the original play, with actors like Boris Karloff (Jonathan Brewster) and Jean Adair (Abby Brewster) vocally reprising their roles. 

Bibliography

Kesselring, Joseph. NBC's Best Plays, Episode Arsenic and Old Lace, NBC, 6 July 1952.

Kesselring, Joseph. Arsenic and Old Lace. Dramatists Play Services Inc., 1941