Laura (1944)

"I suspect nobody and everybody. I am strictly trying to get at the truth."

Police Detective Mark McPherson (Andrews) is investigating the death of advertising executive Laura Hunt (Tierney).  The beautiful and successful Hunt was shot in the face inside her apartment.  McPherson starts by investigating the people in Hunt's life.  His first interview is with Waldo Lydecker (Webb), a popular newspaper columnist and long-time friend of Hunt's.  She was engaged to Shelby Carpenter (Price), a penniless playboy who worked at her advertising agency.  Her relationship with Shelby was a disappointment to both Lydecker and her socialite aunt, Ann Treadwell (Anderson), who was in love with Shelby and supporting him financially.

The more he investigates, the more McPherson starts to fall in love with Hunt.  But as all of his suspects continually lie and mess with evidence, can he find Laura's killer?


A film noir classic.  This film is based on the novel 1943 Laura by Vera Caspary.  Caspary initially published the story the year before as a seven part serial called Ring Twice for Laura, and sold the film rights after the book was published.  Director Otto Preminger clashed with studio head Darryl Zanuck over casting and other aspects of the film, but ultimately both were satisfied with the film.

This film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Otto Preminger and Best Supporting Actor for Clifton Webb, but only won Best Black and White Cinematography for Joseph LaShelle.

The plot twists and turns and keeps the audience guessing, only giving the information the information as McPherson gets it.  The score by David Raksin is hauntingly beautiful.  Later lyrics were added to the song "Laura" and it become a jazz classic.  The cast is incredible.  Gene Tierney is mysterious and beautfiul as Laura.  Dana Andrews is the hard-boiled detective, not quite as dark as other noir detectives.  Clifton Webb is the standout as Waldo Lydecker.  Webb is charismatic and owns every scene, and had a strong film career after this film (prior to this he was a Broadway star).  Vincent Price and Judith Anderson also excel in their roles.

An excellent, suspenseful film that keeps you on your toes with it's script and performances (along with the haunting score and stellar cinematography).

Laura (1944) 88 minutes
Director: Otto Preminger
Starring: Gene Tierney as Laura Hunt
Dana Andrews as Mark McPherson
Clifton Webb as Waldo Lydecker
Vincent Price as Shelby Carpenter
Judith Anderson as Ann Treadwell