Our Salute to Character Actors: Josephine Hull

One of the rare character actresses that had a brilliant career on both stage and screen, Josephine Hull (1883-1957) was one of those sweet "little old lady" types--but her characters always had a bite and panache. Hull is best known as one of the murderous aunties in the film version of  Arsenic and Old Lace (1944). She later won a Supporting Actress Oscar as Veta, the slightly balmy aunt who tries to have James Stewart committed in Harvey (1950).

Hull only had six film roles in her career, but she made them count. An accomplished Broadway actress, she first earned critical acclaim in George Kelly's Pulitzer Prize-winner Craig's Wife. A 25+ year career on stage followed, including three massive hits: You Can't Take It With You, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Harvey. For the latter two she recreated her stage role in the film versions.

As one of the daffy aunts who murders their visitors with poisoned elderberry wine, Hull was a master of comic expression in Arsenic and Old Lace. It's worth revisiting this film just to see the look on Cary Grant's face as she describes how peacefully the gentleman callers die after just a sip of wine.


She was a virtuoso standout in Harvey. James Stewart felt that Hull had the most demanding role, because while Elwood P. Dowd always believed in the six foot tall rabbit, Hull's character vascillated into not believing and later believing in Harvey. Variety described her performance as "immense, socking the comedy for every bit it's worth."


Josephine Hull was one-of-a-kind. Rent Arsenic and Old Lace or Harvey (scheduled for a Blu-Ray release later this year) and discover why.


To order Harvey [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy] (Universal's 100th Anniversary), click here: