
Laura
1944, Mystery & thriller, 1h 28m
66 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
A psychologically complex portrait of obsession, Laura is also a deliciously well-crafted murder mystery. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Laura Photos
Movie Info
In one of the most celebrated 1940s film noirs, Manhattan detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the murder of Madison Avenue executive Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney) in her fashionable apartment. On the trail of her murderer, McPherson quizzes Laura's arrogant best friend, gossip columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb) and her comparatively mild fiancé, Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price). As the detective grows obsessed with the case, he finds himself falling in love with the dead woman.
Cast & Crew
Gene Tierney
Laura Hunt
Laura Hunt
Dana Andrews
Det. Lt. Mark McPherson
Det. Lt. Mark McPherson
Clifton Webb
Waldo Lydecker
Waldo Lydecker
Vincent Price
Shelby Carpenter
Shelby Carpenter
Judith Anderson
Ann Treadwell
Ann Treadwell
Dorothy Adams
Bessie Clary
Bessie Clary
Critic Reviews for Laura
Audience Reviews for Laura
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Dec 13, 2015A good whodunit noir that, despite a plot weakened by contrivances (the worst being the detective falling in love with a dead woman's portrait), is memorable mostly because of David Raksin's score and the film's great dialogue (with Clifton Webb, fantastic, getting the most cynical, priceless lines).Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Nov 20, 2013Preminger's Laura is a fabulous film noir with a level of perversity not typically found in films of this era. Obsession to a degree that we don't see in films until the 1960s primarily put forward by British directors.John B Super Reviewer
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Sep 24, 2013The presumed death of a woman spurs a detective's investigation of her life and his slowly burning affection for the victim. A classic noir story shot in the brilliant shadows of forties noir cinematography with all the snappy dialogue that we come to expect of the genre, <i>Laura</i> is fun to watch. The actors' rapid fire delivery presents quick wits, and I always like how fast these films move. The story is as circuitous as <i>The Third Man</i>, but <i>Laura</i> is clearly not as strong because the relationship between McPherson and Laura is not as well developed as <i>The Third Man</i> and a greater mystique is built around Orson Welles's character; regardless, to be mentioned in the same breath as <i>The Third Man</i> is an achievement. Overall, if you like noir films, then this one delivers.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Aug 06, 2012Its a noir set entirely in "polite society" with dry wit and subtlety replacing the usual pulpy environment.That setting, coupled with the cold brutality of the murder is quite subversive. If there is anything in the film standard to the noir genre (besides the murder obviously), its the detective character and I like that his prickly attitude and use of the word "Dame" is constantly irking the other characters.Alec B Super Reviewer
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