Laura
Directed by:
Otto PremingerComposer:
David RaksinCast:
Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, Judith Anderson, Cara Williams, Grant Mitchell, Lane Chandler, Bess Flowers, James Flavin (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Police detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) is drawn into Manhattan high society as he investigates the death of stunning ad exec Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), apparently shotgunned in her own apartment. The slithery suspects are numerous, led by effete, snobbish columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), and Laura's philandering fiancé Shelby (Vincent Price), who's also been cavorting with Laura's wealthy aunt (Judith Anderson). McPherson begins to fall in love with Laura through a portrait in her home and the memories relayed by those who knew her... just as it becomes apparent that even the basic facts of the case might not be what they seemed. (Eureka Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (2)
Smash the icons to the ground! I find it amusing that according to some critics Laura is one of the best noir films ever. Yes, the atmosphere is great, with lots of tobacco smoke, dark tuning, shadows, incessant rain. Unfortunately, the plot of Preminger's film doesn't even stand as an average detective story, the dialogues are banal and the final resolution is so incredibly trivial that you can see it coming from the very beginning. One of this year’s biggest disappointments at SFS.
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Excellent film noir, which didn't need the biggest stars of its time, even though Dana Andrews is simply amazing in this film, just like Gene Tierney in the role of the titular heroine. The story is pleasantly tangled and in this case, it doesn't come across as silly, but rather serious enough. A great role for Vincent Price.
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