Watch Niagara

Set in the breathtakingly beautiful Niagara Falls, the 1953 film of the same name is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and murder. Starring Marilyn Monroe in a stunning performance, alongside Joseph Cotten and Jean Peters, the movie is a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood cinema. The movie begins with a newlywed couple, Rose and George Loomis (played by Monroe and Cotten, respectively), arriving at the luxurious Rainbow Cabins, which offer stunning views of the Niagara Falls. There, they meet another couple, Polly and Ray Cutler (played by Peters and Max Showalter), who are celebrating their anniversary. While the couples appear friendly at first, it's clear that something dark lurks beneath the surface.

Rose, who is unhappy in her marriage, is seen making attempts to seduce Ray, who is more than willing to cheat on his wife. Meanwhile, Polly is suspicious of her husband's behavior and becomes increasingly concerned about Rose's intentions towards Ray. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that there is much more to the story than meets the eye.

The film's stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the falls in all their glory, with sweeping panoramas of the cascading waterfalls that are both breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The mise-en-scene highlights the natural beauty of the location, and the dramatic tension of the storyline. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective, with the falls themselves often shrouded in darkness, as if to emphasize the secrets and hidden desires that lurk amongst the characters.

The film's score, composed by Sol Kaplan, is equally impressive, serving to heighten the mood and create tension throughout the film. The main theme is particularly emotive, with a sweeping orchestral score that captures the raw emotion of the film's central love story.

At the center of it all is Marilyn Monroe, giving a performance that is both captivating and nuanced. Monroe imbues Rose with a complexity that goes beyond the surface-level glamour that she is so often associated with. As the movie progresses, her character arc takes her from a flirtatious and manipulative woman to one of desperation and despair, and Monroe handles each transformation with grace and skill.

Joseph Cotten, who plays the emotionally distant and troubled George Loomis, delivers a masterful performance. His portrayal of a man on the brink of madness is both chilling and heartbreaking, and he perfectly captures the inner turmoil of his character.

Jean Peters, who plays Polly, is also excellent, delivering a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of a woman who is struggling to hold her marriage together. Her chemistry with Max Showalter, who plays her husband Ray, is also palpable, with the two of them portraying a couple with a deep connection and a troubled past.

Overall, Niagara is a captivating thriller that showcases the stunning beauty of Niagara Falls while delivering a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and murder. With excellent performances from its cast and impressive cinematography and score, it's a film that stands the test of time and remains a must-see for movie lovers today.

Niagara is a 1953 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 70.