Barnes & Noble

In many ways, Otto Preminger's hypnotically stylish adaptation of Vera Caspary's novel (and his first major feature) adheres to film noir conventions. It is a dark, melodramatic thriller, awash in cool shadows and snappy dialogue. Yet the film also possesses an air of refined urbanity and offbeat elegance, qualities not usually found among the moody mysteries and tortured love stories of the noir genre. Plotwise, Laura hits the ground running. In the opening sequences, we quickly learn that titular beauty Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney) has been found on the floor of her home, murdered. Almost immediately, it is up to detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) to find the killer. Aided only by a breathtaking portrait of the deceased, McPherson systematically grills the small coterie of eccentrics who knew her best and, in the process, finds he is falling in love with her. The compelling whodunit story line -- including a surprise appearance by Laura herself -- keeps viewers riveted, but it is Preminger's casting of the film that makes it unforgettable. Before Laura, neither of the leads was a Hollywood superstar; yet under Preminger's baton, Andrews transforms McPherson into a man possessed, while Tierney turns in the most glamorous role of her film career. (Both actors would work with Preminger again, notably in the 1950 noir jewel, Where the Sidewalk Ends.) Broadway veteran Clifton Webb also drew raves with his winning turn as sassy columnist Waldo Lydecker, and composer David Raksin contributed the stirring title theme -- itself a classic study in enigmatic beauty. Bruce Kluger

All Movie Guide

This adaptation of Vera Caspary's suspense novel was begun by director Rouben Mamoulien and cinematographer Lucien Ballard, but thanks to a complex series of backstage intrigues and hostilities, the film was ultimately credited to director Otto Preminger and cameraman Joseph LaShelle (who won an Oscar for his efforts). At the outset of the film, it is established that the title character, Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), has been murdered. Tough New York detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the killing, methodically questioning the chief suspects: Waspish columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), wastrel socialite Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price), and Carpenter's wealthy "patroness" Ann Treadwell (Judith Anderson). The deeper he gets into the case, the more fascinated he becomes by the enigmatic Laura, literally falling in love with the girl's painted portrait. As he sits in Laura's apartment, ruminating over the case and his own obsessions, the door opens, the lights switch on, and in walks Laura Hunt, very much alive! To tell any more would rob the reader of the sheer enjoyment of watching this stylish film noir unfold on screen. Everything clicks in Laura, from the superbly bitchy peformance of Clifton Webb (a veteran Broadway star who became an overnight movie favorite with this film) to the haunting musical score by David Raskin. Long available only in the 85-minute TV version Laura has since been restored to its original 88-minute running time. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 024543060826
• Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
• Presentation: B&W
• Sound: Dolby Digital Mono, Dolby Digital Stereo
• Language: English, Español
• Subtitles: English, Español
• Time: 1:27:00
• Sales Rank: 1,464

Features:

DVD MENU