Watch Laura

Laura is a 1944 mystery thriller film directed by Otto Preminger and starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, and Clifton Webb. The film follows the investigation into the murder of a beautiful advertising executive, Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), whose body is found in her apartment, shot in the face at close range. Determined to solve the case, detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) interviews all those who knew Laura, including her mentor, the high-brow newspaper columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), who had a close and obsessive relationship with her. As McPherson delves deeper into the case, he begins to fall for Laura's charms, despite her being dead.

As the investigation proceeds, a twisted plot unfolds involving love, jealousy, and obsession, leading to some unexpected twists and turns. With its slick direction, thrilling plot, and exceptional performances from the lead actors, Laura remains one of the most iconic films of its genre and a cinematic masterpiece.

Gene Tierney delivers a powerhouse performance as the titular character, exuding grace, charm, and vulnerability. Tierney's performance in Laura earned her widespread acclaim and cemented her status as one of the leading actresses of her era. It's said that the film was specifically tailored to showcase her beauty and talent, and it certainly does just that.

Dana Andrews is equally impressive as the hard-edged, no-nonsense detective McPherson, whose investigations into Laura's murder takes on a deeply personal edge as he finds himself not only solving the case but unraveling the layers of Laura's complex life.

Clifton Webb gives a standout performance as Waldo Lydecker, the eccentric journalist and Laura's close friend, who becomes a prime suspect in the murder. Lydecker is a fascinating character, with his sharp wit and biting commentary on life in high society. Webb brings a perfect combination of charm, snobbery, and malice that makes the character truly memorable.

The film's direction by Otto Preminger is masterful, showcasing his skill in creating a highly stylized and atmospheric mood package that perfectly complements the gripping narrative. The black and white cinematography captures the bleakness and darkness of the story, with haunting use of shadows and contrasts.

The screenplay was written by Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, and Betty Reinhardt, based on Vera Caspary's popular novel Laura. The script cleverly manipulates the audience's perceptions of characters, misdirecting them while crafting a tantalizing mystery that keeps audiences guessing till the end.

The music score, composed by David Raksin, is also widely regarded as one of the most iconic in film history, with its haunting and unforgettable melody that perfectly encapsulates the film's mood and atmosphere.

Overall, Laura is a captivating and suspenseful film that balances mystery, romance, and suspense in equal measure. Its timeless story, themes, and cinematic qualities have cemented it as a classic and an essential watch for those interested in film noir and classic cinema.

Laura is a 1944 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.