TT
Thomas M. Pryor of The New York Times
Finds Gene Tierney's performance disappointing but considers Laura an "intriguing melodrama" and "top-drawer mystery" overall.
A police detective falls in love with the woman whose murder he's investigating.
Critical Consensus
7.9
IMDb
7.6
TMDB
Laura was highly acclaimed, earning five Oscar nominations and a win for Best Black and White Cinematography. It was preserved in the National Film Registry, recognized by the AFI as a top mystery, and holds a 100% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread critical praise for its style and storytelling.
The Cast
Dana Andrews
Det. Lt. Mark McPherson
Gene Tierney
Laura Hunt
Clifton Webb
Waldo Lydecker
Vincent Price
Shelby Carpenter
Judith Anderson
Ann Treadwell
Dorothy Adams
Laura's Maid Bessie Clary (uncredited)
Wally Albright
Newsboy (uncredited)
Bobby Barber
Newsboy (uncredited)
Harry Carter
Party Guest (uncredited)
Lane Chandler
Detective (uncredited)
Trivia
Director Otto Preminger, initially only producing "Laura," eventually dismissed Rouben Mamoulian and took over directing the film himself after studio head Darryl F. Zanuck was dissatisfied with early rushes.
Preminger successfully advocated for Clifton Webb to play Waldo Lydecker despite studio objections to Webb's 'effeminate mannerisms' and his 14-year absence from film.
Composer David Raksin created the iconic "Laura" theme in a single weekend, under threat of dismissal, after director Otto Preminger insisted on an original score instead of "Sophisticated Lady."
"Laura" was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1999 by the Library of Congress due to its "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" status.
David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" borrowed general plot elements and character names from "Laura," notably with its central murder victim named Laura Palmer.
Reviews
0 reviews
Avg: 0.0 / 5
Critics
V
Variety
Praises the film's skilled storytelling, credible situations, logical developments, and authentic, adult dialogue for heightening suspense.
RS
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times
Acknowledges its artificiality but praises its spellbinding style, perfection in balancing motives with high style, and excellent casting for redeeming B-grade material.
PK
Pauline Kael
Calls it "Everybody's favorite chic murder mystery," highlighting its memorable characters and intriguing plot elements.
EM
Eddie Muller
Describes the film as mesmerizing due to its quick-witted script, erotic tension, and elegant moodiness, which continues to beguile viewers.
RT
Rotten Tomatoes
Hails it as a "psychologically complex portrait of obsession" and a "deliciously well-crafted murder mystery," noting its 100% approval.
Audience
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