Movie Review: Laura

Laura (1944, NR)

Director: Otto Preminger
Starring: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Vincent Price, Clifton Webb
Genre: Film Noir, Classic Thrillers, Mystery

While police detective Mark McPherson investigates the murder of advertising executive Laura Hunt, he becomes obsessed with her as he interviews the potential suspects and her friends, and examines her apartment and letters. The top two suspects, a pair of metrosexual suitors - one her friend and mentor, and the other her fiancee, tell differing tales of what happened on that fateful night. This only strengthens his resolve to find the real perpetrator. In a surprise twist, which I will not spoil for you, oh my numerous readers, the urgency to solve the crime becomes greater and McPherson finds himself falling in love with the woman he believes Laura to be.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Vinny Price in such an interesting role - I usually think of him in scary movies, so to see him in his youthful exuberance was refreshing. His performance as Shelby Carpenter, the fop who finagles his way into Laura's world, was excellent. Carpenter recognizes his weaknesses and is able to make fun of himself, which charms others. Gene Tierney plays Laura Hunt wonderfully well. Her grace and beauty are admirable. Dana Andrews as McPherson was my favorite, though. I'm always attracted to the jaded, indifferent characters (as my former love life will attest), but he ends up being a lot more than meets the eye.

In my recent discovery of film noir, thanks to a dear friend, I have noticed that the speech, manner of dress, and lavish lifestyles may have changed, but the issues are remarkably relevant. Presumably killed in a jealous fit, the concept of Laura is not all that different from characters we see in movies today. Love, jealousy, violence, mystery and a touch of romance ... it's what the good stuff's made of.

Another winner, in my opinion.