User reviews

The first time I saw this film, about eight years ago I ended up almost losing a friend because I was hoarding the VHS copy he had lent me for about two months. After seeing it, I quite simply didn't want to give up the tape because in doing so, I wouldn't be able to watch it anytime I wanted to; and I did watch it anytime I wanted to, and often, until he threatened to call a Noir Intervention. I may have loved this film from the first viewing, but I wasn't prepared to deal with something like that, as entertaining as it may have been.

I fell in love with `Laura' because it is biting and evil, intelligent and surprising. The unfathomably gorgeous Gene Tierney plays the title character, an advertising executive whose best friend Waldo Lydecker (played by the always wonderful Clifton Webb) and fiancée Shelby, (a really young Vincent Price) are some of the prime suspects in her murder. The gruff detective leading the case (Dana Andrews) is Det. McPherson, and he quickly essentially falls in love with a ghost while he is trying to solve her murder.

`Laura' has one of the great Noir scripts in that just as the audience thinks they have the case solved, another curve ball is thrown at them which blows that theory out of the water. The acting is pure delightful melodrama, but Clifton Webb's performance is simply show-stopping. His character is a vicious snit of a writer who uses his column as a weapon against anyone he doesn't like or even tolerate. Even upon multiple viewings I can't help but howl at some of his lines and mannerisms.

If anyone was to request suggestions for good Film Noir movies, I would prescribe a heavy dose of `Laura' because it has something for everyone in that it is romantic, thrilling, mysterious, wickedly funny and above all, thoroughly entertaining.

--Shelly

Laura Hunt has been murdered in a most grisly way, a shotgun blast to the face as she answered her apartment door. Dana Andrews as Detective Mark McPherson is assigned to the case and he's got a good list of suspects to work from in this up close and personal murder.

Laura Hunt hung out with some real characters. Dana Andrews has a good group to choose from. There's Vincent Price who was to marry Laura, a worthless playboy who spends his life as a permanent party guest. There's Clifton Webb as the epicene critic and noted wit who was a kind of sponsor for Laura into society. There's Judith Anderson as Laura's sophisticated aunt who has a yen for Price. There's even Dorothy Adams as Bessie, Laura's lesbian maid who is carrying a titanic torch for her ex-employer.

Andrews very patiently and methodically goes through the suspects. In his way he's as officious and annoying as Lieutenant Columbo on television. But he does get to the truth. Of course there's one very big surprise for him during the course of the investigation.

Gene Tierney is Laura and she was a beauty in her day. Man or woman, who wouldn't be crushing out on her. This film was the first one that got Dana Andrews any real notice from the critics. And of course Clifton Webb made a screen debut in this after a long career on Broadway. Webb got an Oscar nomination for his role of Waldo Lydecker as a Best Supporting Actor, but lost to Barry Fitzgerald for Going My Way.

David Raksin's musical theme for this film is one of the great ones ever done for the cinema. So popular did it prove that Johnny Mercer wrote a lyric for it after the film came out. At the time people like Frank Sinatra and Dick Haymes and a host of others rushed to record it.

I guess you could classify Laura as a kind of sophisticated noir police drama. It's dialog will leave you begging for more. It's not much in the way of mystery because about a third of the way through you will realize at the same time Andrews does who the murderer is, maybe even before Andrews does. That doesn't matter though because Laura is entertaining every step of the way.

Laura is another brilliant addition to Hollywood's golden age with its incredible screenplay and a great non linear narrative structure. While it might not reach the heights of Double Indemnity or The Third Man, it is still a fantastic motion picture.

One thing that never seems to disappoint about ( Most of ) the classic Hollywood Film-Noirs is that they have incredible writing, and Laura is no different. The dialogue that is said is most of the time highly intellectual but shockingly coherent at the same time. This is especially the case whenever Waldo Lydecker ( Clifton Webb ) comes on screen, and his character, which is the vicious columnist, fits this poetic dialogue perfectly. ( Just look at the 'lunch' scene, or his narration near the end, or the narration where he describes Laura, as all of them have a superb screenplay ) Webb's impeccable delivery of these lines also helps ofcourse, as his performance is definitely the acting highlight of the show. Dana Andrews has the perfect face for this film noir detective kind of type, and his rugged and tough mannerisms fit perfectly for his character, although at times he might appear a bit wooden. Normally i do not care much for the outer look of women in film, but since Laura ( Gene Tierney ) is supposed to be this fascinating dame that everybody becomes obsessed with, it ofcourse helps that she is a looker, as this further enhances the immersion of the audience into the picture because it becomes relatable.

The indoor set design is as per usual in the golden age in Hollywood once again stunning. The cinematography uses a lot of low key lighting to capture the sinister and mysterious feel of the film perfectly, and the decoration of the sets is very elegantly created, with a lot of classic baubles in the background so the audience has enough to see in every shot in the entire film. The narrative is top notch, as it uses unpredictable twists and flashbacks created to enhance our relationship to the characters a bit more so we know what they were like before the 'murder'. Not a lot of characters are likeable, but those that are not likeable are so in a way that they still feel as if they were real people to which this is happening to. It is also a wonderful study on compulsive obsession ( The ending will show you why ) and man's nature to make rash decisions for the sake of love.

It does seem to be a bit too hasty near its final couple of minutes, but this is a slight issue that a lot of Hollywood films from this era seem to have. The haste is only there for the ending though, as the rest of the film is still executed wonderfully. The movie has the suspense in its narrative to keep the audience extremely interested in how its final events will unfold, and this creates a non stop thrill ride along the way.

Never does Laura insult our intelligence with obvious things, and instead it respects the audience's intelligence since every character seems to be highly intelligent in it, and the unpredictability of it further enhances this. It also has fantastic acting performances ( Especially Clifton Webb ) and a superb screenplay. Although the ending might seem to sudden, this still makes for a beautifully crafted Film Noir.

One of the best suspense films of the 1940s, "Laura" is loaded with elegant sophistication, witty dialogue, unscrupulous characters, and romantic obsession, all wrapped in hauntingly beautiful music.

Lovely Gene Tierney is Laura; the young advertising executive allegedly murdered at the front door of her apartment. Dana Andrews is well cast as Mark MacPherson, the handsome, no nonsense detective assigned to unravel the case.

Clifton Webb is superb as Waldo Lydecker, Laura's mentor and an egocentric, effeminate newspaper columnist who has made a career of eliminating Laura's prospective suitors. Lydecker detests Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price), a southern playboy to whom Laura is engaged. Anne Treadwell (Judith Anderson) is Laura's aunt who, incidentally, is in love with Carpenter herself.

As MacPherson sorts through the motives and alibis, he finds Laura too bewitches him. In one of the most memorable movie scenes of all time, Dana Andrews gives an intense performance of a man driven to distraction by the story of Laura, her letters, private diary, perfume, and hauntingly lovely portrait above the fireplace. Clearly agitated, he takes a drink as he sits in a chair beneath Laura's portrait. He falls asleep, and the audience is left wondering if his dreams of Laura are coming true, as she appears through the doorway. He awakens and rises from the chair, his soul shaken by the sight of Laura alive.

This intriguing story, combined with Clifton Webb's biting quips, Gene Tierney's beauty and elegance, Dana Andrews' intensity and dark good looks, and Vincent Price's sense of humor, makes this film immensely watchable again and again.

Laura is a wonderful example of film noir. The cast is perfect. Dana Andrews is the detective assigned to investigate the murder of Laura (played by Gene Tierney). As he interviews her associates and becomes mesmerized by her portrait, he begins to fall for Laura posthumously. Clifton Webb plays her mentor perfectly and Vincent Price is classic as Laura's pretty boy fiance. Although the movie begins with Laura's murder, it still has incredible surprises and an awesome denouement. Andrews hard boiled detective and the dark, raining sets illustrate the meaning of film noir. I highly recommend it.

Told in flashback mostly, "Laura" is quintessentially a taut and atmospheric romantic mystery, in which a New York detective is investigating the murder of a beautiful woman and falling in love with her image. The plot is moody, intriguing and well constructed. I will admit I did find the ending abrupt when I first saw it, but it has grown on me, and Otto Preminger's direction is stark and suspenseful. "Laura" is also stylishly filmed, with breathtaking black and white cinematography, and the drama is really helped by an elegant and sophisticated screenplay and a truly haunting score from David Raksin. The casting is absolutely perfect, with the gorgeous Gene Tierney at her most entrancing in the title role and Dana Andrews commanding and authoritative in the role of detective McPherson. Also impressive are Judith Anderson's vain and silly society dame, Vincent Price's southern-accented and smarmy(handsome too) fiancé and especially Clifton Webb as truly shifty columnist Wacko. One thing of note, the opening narrative line "I shall never forget the night Laura died" is one of those opening lines that will really stay with you forever. In short, "Laura" really is a classic and shouldn't be missed. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Alright, I confess...I hadn't got any experience with Otto Preminger-movies before I saw Laura. But, if they're all as promising as this one...I'll soon become his biggest fan for sure! A fan of Vincent Price, I was already. That was my motivation to watch Laura in the first place. I wanted to see this favorite actor of mine in a good old-fashioned and intelligent tale of mystery and murder. I got what I expected PLUS a hell of a lot more!! Laura can be summarized by using one single word: BRILLIANT! Like no other film, Laura is the perfect proof that cinema can be the purest form of art. The dialogues are superb. Every line that's being said in Laura is a highlight, every facial expression made is a stunning one. Preminger's film is Film-Noir perfection. Period. First and foremost, the story of Laura impresses you bigtime. The script is extremely intelligent and it's always one step ahead of you. There were most movies desperately TRY to fool the audience ( and fail ), Laura pulls it off without any effort. The atmosphere and design just sucks you in completely and you're overwhelmed by every surprising twist. I'm not telling anything about the plot or storyline here. It would be a shame to spoil something about this masterpiece. See it for yourself and be astonished! I am willing to write one last word about the cast, though. Laura has the most entire charismatic cast I've ever seen! Gene Tierney was an obvious choice to play the title role, I may say. She's one of the most beautiful girls who ever appeared on the big screen. It's only normal that she's in the spotlights here. Heck, I even fell in love with her myself while watching her. Clifton Webb is terrific as the men-hating critic named Waldo. His constant sarcastic remarks are a joy for all senses. And - as I said before - Vincent Price is the one who's making this film complete. Laura was shot pretty early in his well-filled career but his talent is obviously there already. Even though he grew out to become a legendary horror-icon, he certainly proves here that he could handle all kind of characters.

Go and see Laura! See it now!! It's one of the greatest films ever made and the undeniable proof that classic cinema will always be the best. No matter who're they're trying to impress us with sound and visual aspects nowadays, nothing compares to the charm and intelligence of a good story!

Like WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION and other favorite films of mine, discovering who really dunnit doesn't spoil LAURA's enjoyment on repeat viewings; instead, paying closer attention to the real killer the next time you watch makes you realize all the clues to their true nature that you were having too much fun to catch the first time around. For example, when you re-watch Clifton Webb as waspish columnist Waldo Lydecker during his flashback-laden dinner conversation with Dana Andrews' Lt. Mark McPherson about Gene Tierney's Laura Hunt, you suddenly realize how truly obsessed and self-centered Lydecker really is. Note that everything he says about Laura really ends up being more about him than about her: "...she deferred to my tastes...the way she listened (to me) was more eloquent than speech...", etc. Though Webb steals the show with his Oscar-nominated performance and viciously witty lines (if I start quoting Webb's best lines, I'll pretty much be transcribing every word out of his mouth), the whole cast hits all the right notes in Otto Preminger's spellbinding adaptation of Vera Caspary's novel, with Vincent Price and Judith Anderson memorable as two of the wolves-in-chic-clothing in Laura's circle, and Andrews and Tierney's chemistry sending sparks flying even before they actually share the screen after the Act 2 twist. Tierney is quite convincing as a sophisticated yet soft-hearted young woman whose kindness almost does her in; as Andrews aptly points out, "For a charming, intelligent girl, you've certainly surrounded yourself with a remarkable collection of dopes." Webb and LAURA's screenwriters re-teamed later for the similar THE DARK CORNER, which might as well be called LAURA 2 -- and I mean that as a compliment! :-)

It's a classic tale of love, murder and obsession, when a homicide detective becomes enamored of the victim of a brutal murder he's investigating, in `Laura,' directed by Otto Preminger and starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. The story begins with the discovery of the murder of Laura Hunt (Tierney), a young advertising executive in New York City, and as detective Mark McPherson (Andrews) makes his investigation and begins to fit together the pieces of the puzzle of Laura's life and death, the essence of who she was begins to emerge. And it gives the story an interesting twist; for after seeing a portrait of Laura, and getting to know her by reading her most intimate personal letters and diary (routine for a murder investigation), McPherson becomes obsessed with her, and soon discovers he's not alone; there was another man obsessed with her as well. Subsequently, he must determine if that obsession played any part in Laura's death. The suspects include the men in her life, Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), a radio personality/columnist who helped her begin her career, and Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price), her fiance, a man of seemingly dubious character who had recently been involved with a model who worked for Laura's agency. The list doesn't end with them, however; also in the running is a man named Jacoby (John Dexter), the artist who painted the portrait of Laura that so mesmerized McPherson, and then there's some question as to the relationship between a certain Ann Treadwell (Judith Anderson) and Carpenter that is yet to be resolved.

Preminger delivers a solid mystery that will keep you in suspense until the very end, but with only enough tension to keep it interesting rather than engrossing. And though the story is believable, there are elements of the plot that develop so quickly it stretches credibility a bit. An additional two or three scenes relating to certain aspects of the characters lives (especially Laura's) would have had a significant impact of this film-- good as it is-- and with a running time of 85 minutes (on most prints) it wouldn't have been out of the question to expand it somewhat.

As far as the characters, McPherson, Lydecker and Carpenter emerge fully sketched and need little development; you know exactly who they are and where they've been. This is not the case with Laura, however; Tierney's character suffers somewhat from lack of development, and as the story unfolds, she seems to get from here to there with little discernible change. What the character needed was a bit more depth and some real definition.

Which is exactly what Andrews and Webb give to their characters; Webb as the flamboyant and self-assured Lydecker, Andrews as the stoic and deliberating McPherson. Price gives a notable performance, as well, but has a tendency to lapse into melodrama occasionally, which can be distracting at times. And Tierney gives a passable performance, though her acting is not on a par with her exquisite beauty. In her initial encounter with Lydecker, for instance, her pronounced coyness is somewhat diverting. Still, her presence on the screen is radiant, which makes it easy to overlook the slight flaws in her acting.

The supporting cast includes Dorothy Adams (Bessie), Cy Kendall (Inspector), Grant Mitchell (Lancaster Corey), Buster Miles (Office Boy) and Frank La Rue (Hairdresser). A good mystery, but with few surprises, `Laura' nevertheless remains a classic in it's own right. It's not a perfect film (the final words spoken, in fact, are decidedly melodramatic), but it's good storytelling, and is ultimately satisfying. Saying that there was room for improvement would be nit-picking; suffice to say that it is what it is, which is a pretty good movie. I rate this one 7/10.

Very fine flick of studio noir. This is the slick, layered kind of movies made by studios who hired and trained every person and ruled over every nuance, even to the point of retraining the actors' speech. It's a different kind of art than 21st Century cinema; this is one beautiful example. People are killing each other but they are still polite society, which, apparently, is vicious. A beautiful, much loved up-and-coming advertising star is slayed in her prime. All the men who love her, including the police detective who never met her, want an answer.

LAURA is, quite simply, as good as it gets as far as "film noir" is concerned.

Aside from an interesting story, a witty script, excellent B&W photography of elegant sets and the beautiful Gene Tierney as the center of attention, it works on every level imaginable. Dana Andrews has an intriguing role as the detective drawn to the portrait of Laura after believing her dead. And Clifton Webb has his star-making role of Waldo Lydecker, the snobbish and elegant man who seems just as obsessed with the dead woman as the detective. Adding to the impressive performances are Judith Anderson and Vincent Price.

The only flaw seems to be that Laura herself is not as well-defined in motives and background as the other players. But Gene Tierney's mesmerizing beauty hardly makes that important. Nevertheless, she is too passive in the role and actually gave far stronger performances in films like The Razor's Edge and Leave Her to Heaven, something she herself admitted--but her looks were never used to better advantage.

With several plot twists and turns, it keeps you thoroughly absorbed until it reaches its satisfying climax under Otto Preminger's knowing direction. Not to be missed, it's a classic of its kind.

For a detailed look at the career of DANA ANDREWS, see my current article on him in FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE, Summer 2001 with a look at all of his films and many photos.

There's a mystery as to why you have been slaughtered, two barrels at close range has left lots of blood, and removed a lot of skin, at your doorsteps where you fin, there must have been an awful mess, and a great thud. Now a detective's on the case and wants to know, was it Shelby who unleashed the mortal blow, will he divulge, confide, confess - why he made the awful mess, by releasing buckshot used, as gun ammo. Lydecker first name Waldo takes interest, he was a friend who Laura would have called her best, like a dog who has a bone, he will not leave unturned a stone, although he seems to be immersed, absorbed, obsessed.

A superbly stylish movie. None of its characters is without flaws - even the elusive Laura is too naive for her own good. They are presented lovingly by Preminger, and his award-winning DOP Joseph LaShelle.

The excellent script ranges from caustic Laedecker/Webb put-downs, through brutal Treadwell/Anderson self-assessment, to laconic MacPherson/Andrews minimalism.

The score is, of course, a classic. Raksin's sinuous melody, brilliantly deployed, haunts the picture as powerfully as Laura's portrait haunts Detective MacPherson.

The central performances are wonderful, not least because of the perfect casting. Tierney shines as the enigmatic title character: beautiful, intelligent, somehow both cool and passionate at the same time. Webb dazzles, Price slithers, Anderson simmers. Best of all is Andrews as the detective who barely opens his mouth when he speaks, and on whose face desire barely flickers - but he does enough to show you exactly what he wants and how he feels. It's a great movie performance from an underrated actor. Only Dorothy Adams doesn't quite fit, in a role - Laura's maid - that could easily have been as showy as the others with the right performer.

LAURA doesn't appear to be about anything significant, but it leaves behind it a feeling that it is greater than the sum of its parts. I don't know how this was managed, and perhaps no-one involved in it did either. It's one of those movies where everything just clicked. Seeing it again recently, after many years, confirms its status for me as a significant work, but exactly why or how remains as much of a puzzle as Laura herself.

Classic Noir Film dealing with a story of the most fitful love that ever haunted a woman , being compellingly made by the great Otto Preminger with plenty of suspense , mystery , intrigue and thrills . It deals with a murder , as Laura : Gene Tierney , has been killed and a Police Inspector is investigating the deeds . As Detective Matheson: Dana Andrews assigned to the investigation carries out a race against time to discover the killer of the late Laura and finds himself falling in love with her painted portrait , and resulting some surprising facts and in a visible frenetic finale. A strange and dangerous experiment in love and murder ! Loved by all men! Loving none! The story of a love that became the most fearful thing that ever happened to a woman!

Another Noir classic of 44' from the prestigious novel by Vera Caspary , it has a twisted and complex plot and sometimes perfunctory script . Being less an investigative thriller than an investigation of the genre's conventions . Very nice picture with an evocative mise en scene , atmospheric production design and adequate photography . There are several red herrings , fantasíes, clocks and flasbacks accompanying the action . Superb collaboration by awesome cast and one of the best filmmakers, Otto Preminger . As this is a top-notch film with main and support cast frankly magnificent . Clifton Webb stands out as the deliciously perverse writer , Dana Andrews as the stubborn police officer , the always great Vincent Price and , of course, the gorgeous Gene Tierney .

It contains luxurious and glamorous cinematography in Black and White by Joseph LaShelle. As well as sensitive and intriguing musical score by Davin Raskin , including enjoyable and unforgettable leitmotif. The motion picture was competently directed by Otto Preminger , though Rouben Mamoulian was the original director assigned by the production company , then Otto finished the movie. This is a superior Noir that was perfectly shot by Preminger and he was also actor, producer , and writer. Otto directed a lot of films of all kinds of genres , such as : A royal scandal, Centennial summer, Forever Amber, The moon is blue, Whirlpool, The court martial of Billy Mitchell , Saint Joan, Advert and consent , The Man of the golden arm , That Lady in Ermine , River with no return. Being his greatest hits : Laura, Carmen Jones, Angel Face, The Cardinal, Exodus , Anatomy of a murder and Where the sidewalk ends also starred by Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. And his last films Rosebud and The Human Factor failed at the boxoffice. Rating 8/10. Better than average . Well worth watching .

This movie fits on all counts but one! you could have a wild guess who the killer is, while the director tries to provide you with alternative versions to distract you.

The movie starts out with the death of a Laura (Gene Tierney), and Detective Mc Pherson (Dana Andrews) trying to investigate the murder. The movie then goes on along McP's collection and rechecking evidence. He tries to soften the suspects by trash talk and trying to read into their reactions.

Waldo and Shelby are both in the doubting list and confront McP many times. However, what follows is a classic Noir genre. The twist and the motives are good, effective and worth the 7/10.

Looking back at the times when this movie was made, it deserves more than a 7! Hope you enjoy this as much as I have!

When the famous advertising executive Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney) is found dead in her apartment shot by a shotgun in a Friday night, Detective Lieutenant Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) is in charge of the investigations. He interviews the prime suspects and friends of Laura: the snob and arrogant journalist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb) that promoted Laura in the beginning of her career and felt in love with her; and her fiancé, the playboy Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price). While investigating the past of Laura through her diary and personal letters, Det. McPherson falls in love with her. The mystery increases when Laura returns home on Monday night and also becomes a suspect of the murder.

I have just seen "Laura" for the first time in an imported VHS, and I found it a great film-noir. The screenplay is very consistent, with a good development of the characters, and very mysterious, with many twists, suspects and motives. In my opinion, the desirable "Gilda" has some characteristics of "Laura", mostly because everybody falls in love with her, and Gene Tierney is perfect in her role. Clifton Webb is amazing, performing the sophisticated and also disgusting Waldo Lydecker and certainly deserved his nomination to the Oscar. Vincent Price, very young, and Dana Andrews complete the efficient cast. The direction of Otto Preminger is precise and excellent as usual. The magnificent black-and-white cinematography deserved the Oscar, and the music score is also wonderful. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Laura"

Note: On 23 April 2012, I saw this magnificent film again.

For the life of me I've never been able to understand the appeal of this film. It strikes me as mediocre and unremarkable in almost every respect but maybe the photography. I never cared for David Raksin's famous music, either. Gene Tierney was never a compelling screen personality, and comes off better as a painting than as an actress. Dana Andrews was a good actor but not so remarkable here as to suggest why this was a "star making" film for him. Clifton Webb's character of the waspish Woollcott-like columnist Waldo Lydecker was considered quite "advanced" and "dangerous" at the time, as if somehow the president himself was being insulted, and I can't figure why. The dialogue is not especially witty, and one gets no sense of the "genius" of the man. Like nearly everyone else in the film he comes across as a nasty, vain, parasitic snob. Vincent Price got good reviews for this one, also, and while he is mildly amusing as a gigolo he's far from convincing. Maybe it's that the movie is so anti-New York at a time when Hollywood worshipped at the Big Apple's feet. Otto Preminger's direction is as far as I can see invisible. This occasionally fascinating film-maker did far better work later on. Overall, the movie feels flat to me. Since there's no one to like, the story gets tedious awfully fast. Laura was, however, hugely influential, and made effete villains for a while all the rage. Some of the similarly-themed films made in its wake,--The Dark Corner, The Unsuspected--actually hold up a lot better.