Arsenic and Old Lace (film) that the deep theme of the play and film is the conflict in American history between the liberty to do anything (which the Brewsters demand), and America's bloody hidden past. The contemporary critical reviews were uniformly positive. "The New York Times" critic summed up the majority view, "As a whole, "Arsenic and Old Lace", the Warner picture which came to the Strand yesterday, is good macabre fun." "Variety" declared, "Capra's production, not elaborate, captures the color and spirit of the play, while the able writing team of Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein has turned in a very workable, tightly-compressed
Mechlin lace Mechlin lace Mechlin lace or Point de Malines is an old bobbin lace, one of the best known Flemish laces, originally produced in Mechelen. Worn primarily during summer, it is fine, transparent, and looks best when worn over another color. Used for female clothing, it was popular until the first decade of the 20th century. It was made in Mecheln, Antwerp, Lier and Turnhout. It was used for "coiffures de nuit" (evening hair-styling), "garnitures de corset" (corset trims), ruffles and cravat. Its history goes back to the Brabant laces. Originally the term 'mechlin lace' was used for any bobbin lace