Classic Movie Review: Laura (1944 B/W)

Police Detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the murder of a beautiful woman and becomes obsessed with her portrait. The woman, Laura Hunt, is played superbly the actress Gene Tierney. The story unfolds through a series of voice-overs and replays of her past with the men and women in her life. Her career as a high fashion artist begins with a snub from the very uptight and snobbish Waldo Lydecker, a society newspaper columnist. The Lydecker character is played to the hilt by Clifton Webb. Webb brings his comedic nose-in-the-air Mr. Belvedere character to Waldo Lydecker, except here he is not just a witty snob, he is obnoxious and controlling. His wit is mean spirited.

After a faulty start, Lydecker becomes Laura's mentor and eventually falls in love with her. Under Lydecker's wing Laura Hunt goes to the right parties and meets the right people. Along the way she meets Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price) who is involved with wealthy Ann Treadwell (Judith Anderson) but also has his eye on Laura. Laura now tired of being under the watchful eye of Waldo Lydecker befriends Carpenter. She is aware that he is a has no money of his own and is gigolo but he is elegant and charming. She enjoys his company.

So who killed Laura? Was it Ann Treadwell in a fit of jealousy? Was it Waldo Lydecker, the man who brought her to where she is now or was it Shelby Carpenter because she spurned his advances? It's up to Lt. Mark McPherson to find out. This may be one of Dana Andrews finest performances as the love stricken cop trying to get to the truth, while trying also to get past Laura's lovely face in the portrait hanging on her living room wall.

This is top notch Preminger at noir at its best. This is a lighter noir the only darkness here is the obsessive behaviors of the characters. Much of the mood of this film comes from its music that flows through the film. Johnny Mercer was brought in to write the words to David Raskin's haunting melody. It was his job to write the words that would fit the music and the theme of the movie. The result is a perfect match of music, lyrics and film. Lt. Mcpherson stares at the portrait of Laura, a woman he has never met - [lyrics] Laura is the face in the misty light, Footsteps that you hear down the hall, The laugh that floats on a summer night That you can never quite recall. And you see Laura on the train that is passing through, Those eyes, how familiar they seem; She gave your very first kiss to you, that was Laura but she's only a dream. [end lyrics]. The end of movie is a shocker

Incidentally, Actress Judith Anderson was knighted in 1960 and became Dame Judith Anderson. Dame Judith died in January 1992.

-Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations. 

Photo: Laura movie poster Allposters.com