Laura [Blu-ray]

Great old movie

For treats for my dogs

What is there not to love about this film? From the stark, stylized chiaroscuro cinematography, which won it an Academy Award in 1944, to its stellar performances, deft direction, and intelligent screenplay, it is simply a marvelous film. It was adapted from the novel of the same name by Vera Caspary. To add icing to the cake, there is a haunting musical score that will stay with the viewer long after the final credits have scrolled away.This classic, old-fashioned murder mystery features a stunning Gene Tierney in the title role and old time favorite Dana Andrews as Detective Lt. Mark McPherson, the hardboiled, virile gumshoe who finds himself smitten the minute he sees the portrait of Laura Hunt at the scene of the crime. He is determined to bring the murderer of this lovely young woman to justice. As have all the men in Laura's life, McPherson, too, becomes obsessed with her.When a major, mind-boggling twist in the plot casts a new light on the evidence, McPherson goes full speed ahead, as new developments point the finger of suspicion from the least likely to the most likely suspect. Could it be Laura's jealous aunt, Ann Treadwell (Dame Judith Anderson), who seems to be hot to trot with Laura's fiance, Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price), despite the differences in their respective ages? Could it be Laura's playboy fiance? After all, he has a shady past and a penchant for money and other women, especially those who could keep him in the style to which he would like to become accustomed. Could it even be Laura's long time friend, mentor, and spurned would be suitor, the acerbic writer and self-styled cynic, Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb)?Gene Tierney gives a luminous performance as Laura Hunt, the beautiful, intelligent, independent businesswoman who is somewhat of a cipher. She is someone to whom men are drawn, often obsessively so. Dana Andrews is perfect in the role of Detective McPherson. His no nonsense, street smart, hunky detective is a great counterpoint and foil to the more effete and prissy Waldo Lydecker. Clifton Webb is positively brilliant in the role of Waldo Lydecker and steals the show from under the noses of his co-stars. This is no mean feat given the enormous talent of the film's stellar cast. Webb's droll, spot on delivery of the wonderful lines that he was given are memorable.Vincent Price is excellent in the role of Shelby Carpenter, Laura's Callow fiance and erstwhile gigolo. At first, however, he took a little getting used to, as I was used to seeing Vincent Price in roles associated with gothic horror. Still, he acquits himself admirably. Dame Judith Anderson is memorable in the small role of Laura's desperate aunt, Ann Treadwell, who knows what she wants and will pay whatever price is necessary to get it. Of course, Otto Preminger deserves kudos for his deft direction, as does Samuel Hoffenstein for writing a screenplay infused with such great dialogue. Kudos also go to David Raskin, as his memorable score will forever be loved and remembered by those who enjoy this film.As for the DVD, since I paid what seemed to be a rock bottom price for it, I assumed that it would be problematic in terms of quality. Instead, I got a wonderful DVD with an excellent print transfer, as both the visuals and the audio were clear and of good quality. The DVD is also loaded with extras that are unheard of in a DVD of this price. There are two worthwhile commentaries provided. There are also two versions of the film to view. One is an extended version that contains an alternate opening scene. The DVD also contains two great A & E biographies. One is of Gene Tierney, and that other is of Vincent Price. Both will be of interest to all film buffs. This DVD has got to be one of the best values to be found on Amazon, and the film is certainly one that is worthy of a place in one's personal film collection.

At last Fox has released to us, newly bright and polished, without crude splices, jumps, grit and noise, this most perfect of cinematic marvels, the divine Laura (1944). Nominally a Manhattan murder mystery, it is set amongst a crowd so elite it is free of any wartime references, save an invitation to buy bonds in the end-title. The wars in Laura are private, conducted by spoiled narcissists, living in vast East Side apartments replete with servants, balconies and objets d'art. The film's unusual plot is a scaffold for Vera Caspary's social commentary on the character-corrupting effects of beauty, wealth and genius. We remember the eponymous Laura, the venal suspects in her "murder," and the crackling dialog, still fresh after nearly seventy years, far better than her story.Laura is a showcase for the ingenue Fox chief Darryl F. Zanuck called "the most beautiful woman in movie history." If Marilyn Monroe photographed as flesh, Gene Tierney, equally beloved by the camera, is living porcelain. Unlike Monroe, whom everyone felt they could know, Tierney is maddeningly unknowable, unpossessable, like the prize statuette in Zanuck's earlier Warners' production, The Maltese Falcon (1941). Laura's sphinx-like beauty drives the film relentlessly forward as she fascinates us and everyone else on the screen, never leaving our minds after the picture ends, inviting us to view this film again and again, not to solve its mystery, which we learn in first viewing, but its mysterious power over us that makes it the singular and unique Noir classic it remains today.Haunting as Tierney's beauty is the movie's theme, now also known as Laura. Written by David Raksin over a weekend and inspired by a Dear John letter, it is the only song Cole Porter regretted he had not written. Lovingly recorded no less than four times by Frank Sinatra, also by Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker and countless others it is now a jazz standard. You hear it here first, long before Johnny Mercer gave it lyrics. Even a hilarious Spike Jones parody has not diminished its emotional power.Laura owes an undeniable debt to the equally imperishable Casablanca (1942); they share key devices and elements: romantic triangles, even quadrangles, deft and mesmerizing flashbacks, lost or unrequited love, idealized femininity and American macho, but most importantly the unforgettable characterizations supported by brilliant screenwriting.Nearly as riveting as Gene Tierney's beauty is Clifton Webb's voice. He portrays the effete columnist and critic, Waldo Lydecker, modelled, it is said, on Alexander Woollcott. The movie's narrator and Laura's mentor and promoter, his unmistakable and inimitable voice never before sounded so crisp, eloquent and irresistible as in DTS-HD. Amazingly, this was Webb's sound film debut at age 54; he was a Broadway celebrity in song and dance for decades. A very fey presence on screen and gay in his private life, the credibility of his passion for Laura has been questioned in print; in fact it is irrelevant. Lydecker is a collector of beautiful things and Laura is, to quote him in another context, "the gem of my collection and I intend to have it back."Supporting Tierney and Webb are Vincent Price, as Shelby Carpenter, Laura's sociopathic fiance, the "six foot baby" of Caspary's book, and Dame Judith Anderson, the fiendish Mrs. Danvers of Rebecca (1940), no less wicked but far more powerful as Laura's wealthy cougar-aunt. Piecing the mystery together is the street-smart but socially outclassed detective, Mark McPherson, investigating what he plainly calls Laura's "collection of dopes." Portrayed by Dana Andrews (in substantial lifts, made more obvious in HD; as were Bogart's lifts and wig in Casablanca), he plays fast and loose with our Constitution, invading homes, bank accounts and the physical integrity of suspects, but with a likable credibility and unerring eye for visual detail the cinema always loves.Finally, in a bow to ethnic diversity and the working class, there is the brief but memorable appearance of Dorothy Adams, a Hollywood stalwart, as Bessie Cleary, Laura's hysterical but devoted Irish-American maid.So welcome to Laura's apartment, now in HD and as clear and vibrant as Rick's Cafe, and enter a world of entitlement where, though it is 1944, the War has never happened, cigarettes are omnipresent and harmless, drinks are served before noon, we leave work to go dancing at lunchtime and everybody already has a maid, who may care about our murder more than anyone else.

I'd only seen this film once, when I was in high school (Gerald Ford was President to give you some perspective). I remembered little about it, including that Dana Andrews was the male lead in the film.One of my favorite YouTubers did a review of this about six weeks ago - and I thought "Wow! Was the film that appealing? How did I miss that Dana Andrews is in it?!" and rented it from Amazon Prime.STUNNING. Gorgeous, even though black and white. I watched it three times and am today ordering it on DVD to keep around. A beautiful story, twists and turns that will keep you engaged plus the high fashion of the early 1940s. You'll enjoy it.

This movie directed by Otto premature is one of the best films ever with a great soundtrack! Jean Tierney is absolutely beautiful Dana Andrews desirable! A great film!

I don't know if that trope started with this film or not, but it is done to perfection here with a fine performance by 40's leading man Dana Andrews. There's a great extended scene where he goes to her apartment in the evening, looks through her belongings, drinks from her liquor cabinet, etc. Of course, there's a huge portrait of her in her apartment (I always wondered about people who have portraits of themselves, lol.) This is a classic film noir murder mystery with great acting all around. And yes, Gene Tierney is stunningly gorgeous as the murdered woman (seen via lengthy flashback scenes.)

A nicely updated release of a film I’ve previously owned and enjoyed and which offers some classy 40’s noir drama.When beautiful young ad executive Laura Hunt is murdered in her apartment, a detective begins to sift through the friends and acquaintances of the victim to try and identify who may have killed her. But as the detective (and the viewer) learns about Laura through flashbacks and stories, he starts to fall in love with the dead woman. Even as events and the truth become more complicated than they first appear to be..........Extras might be the same as an older special edition DVD released many years ago on Steelbook which I once had as many elements look familiar - two commentaries, various radio versions of the play featuring combinations of the films cast, and some interviews alongside a booklet with an essay. There are what’s billed as the ‘theatrical’ and ‘extended’ cut of the film but the latter only runs a minute longer and the disc menu explains one scene has been restored that was removed in 1944 for fear its display of luxury would offend wartime audiences!Classic noir and a well padded release.

Laura (1944 - 20th Century Fox. 2disc dvd edition ,released in 2006) Surprisingly until buying this DVD around 3years ago I dont think I'd seen this film. But seeing the combination of director Otto Preminger, the luminous beauty of Gene Tierny, Dana Andrews ,Clifton Webb & Vincent Price in an 'ensemble piece ' gave me some idea it may well be worth a viewing .And...Oh yes, it certainly was ,a wonderful 'Noir-Detective/Mystery/Murder/Love story' with sparkling dialogue, fine acting ,excellent direction ,sets & CinematographyI wasn't aware the title song was a massive hit composed by David Raskin who along with Jeanine Basinger provides a top notch commentary to the film. There's also another fact filled commentary from 'old Hollywood' expert Rudy Behlmer (Best listened to after watching the film )These are on disc 1 ,along with a short 'deleted scene'.There's plenty of descriptions of the film ,so I'll describe the extras & a few other bits n bobs.Disc1 has English language in stereo & mono + French & the film has clear subtitles in English, French & Dutch. The film is in good condition with no noticeable scratches or jumps etc .Disc2 has the following, 'the Obsession' a good 12min appreciation of the film (from 2005) with comments from director Carl Franklin & critics & film historians ,including James Ursini, Alan Silver & Dr Drew Casper.There is 2 excellent documentaries, A slightly sad one on Gene Tierney (44mins 1999) that features a former husband ,family members & Richard Widmark. & shows beauty & talent are not always a passport to happiness.By contrast 'The Versatile Villian' (44mins 1997) documentary is an absolute joy, showing Vincent Price (who is very good in the film ) and features his daughter, various actors including Dennis Hopper, Jane Russell, & director Roger Corman, this has clips from many of his films. This shows him as an educated former stage actor & someone that had a full life outside of Hollywood, being a lecturer ,an art collector & donator of many of his works from his own collection. He also wrote a number of books on cooking & much more. Disc2 also has an original trailer.The extras on disc2 also have clear subtitles. In English - Dutch, French, German ,Italian & Spanish . The film is 84mins ,black & white & is in its original 1:33-1 ratio . '12' certificate.

This is a review of the excellent 20th Century Fox multi-region Blu-ray version of this film.This film is always cited as a classic Film Noir, but it is not EXACTLY what I would classify as a Noir, it is more a Psychological Crime Drama. There are no creepy, dark, rainswept streets, and dim figures lighting cigarettes on street corners. Most of the action takes place in Laura's rather smart, upmarket apartment. There are policemen, but there isn't a gangster, a hoodlum, a dancing girl or a 'dame' in sight. The Noir aspect centres mostly on the psychological impact that the case, and the character of Laura herself, has on the Detective, played by the excellent Dana Andrews. Psychological issues do lie behind the murderous attack, and it is true that this is again Noir territory.This is an excellent film, with (SPOILER ALERT) a humungous and jaw-dropping surprise mid way through. The characters are great fun, the Detective is a worthy hero and no 1940s thug, and the film is a great example of why not all films need huge budgets in terms of CGI, locations and dozens of characters, to grip from first to last. It is what I think is termed a 'Chamber Piece', small, tightly scripted and a delight. And as ever, Gene Tierney is a dream to watch.

'Laura' was the first movie with Gene Tierney (Laura) that I saw when I was a child. I immediately got engaged with the plot: it's filled with red herrings and (small?) plot twists. In reality, this movie incorporates several (almost 'hitchcockian') elements in its plot. Photography is amazing, showing the beauty of the 40's rich and the cleverness of the detective (Dana Andrews) in solving the main murder case. This was actor Clifton Webb (Waldo Lydecker) first main character in a motion picture and even though he was an actor with many layers, this movie 'typecast' him as the traditional multicultural, rich, snob character. Also has Vincent Prince (Shelby Carpenter) in a much different type of roll that we got used to watching him ('Laura's not an horror movie ;-D). Definitely a collector's item and one of the movie I play the most.

FABULOUS! This 1944 classic is very deservedly considered a master piece of cinema. It didn't age one bit and it still shines gloriously today. Below, more of my impressions, with some limited SPOILERS.New York City police detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the murder of beautiful and highly successful advertising executive, Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), killed by a shotgun blast to the face, just inside the doorway of her apartment, before the start of the film. She died just before marrying a handsome young man of bad reputation, Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price). McPherson first interviews charismatic newspaper columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), an aging dandy, who was Laura's mentor - and with this the film really begins.There are so many treasures in this film that it is hard to decide where to begin. Gene Tierney is of course the main attraction of this film. She was 24 at this time and also a young mother (she gave birth to her first child one year before) and the conjunction of age and this first maternity made her into a luminous appearance. Clifton Webb is simply PERFECT in a role which shows - amongst others - that there is no fool like an old fool. Vincent Price is also great as the hunky but shady ladies man. Finally, Dana Andrews portrays very well a man who slowly but surely falls in love with a very, very dead woman...Passion, jealousy, love, hatred, longing for the impossible, shockers and surprises, wit and humour, cynicism and madness - all is here, in the dominating shadow of Laura, a young, amazingly beautiful woman who took the world by storm and had it all. For a moment...I saw this film three times, at various stages of my life and every time I liked it more. This is indeed a great, great classic, a MUST for all amateurs of good cinema. I will absolutely keep my DVD for another viewing. ENJOY!