Laura is a (1944) film noir directed by Otto Preminger. The screenplay by Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, and Elizabeth Reinhardt is based on the (1943) novel by Vera Caspary. (2005), the American Film Institute ranked its score #7 in AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores, and in (2008), they named it the fourth best mystery film.
This film uses light and shadows to set the mood. LAURA, has a wonderful cast of characters: Vincent Price plays the role of a spineless womanizer, Clifton Webb as a cynical, creepy columnist, Dana Andrews as the tough cop and Gene Tierney as the beautiful Laura. In this film Laura is loved by three men, each of them have their own reasons.
In the beginning of the investigation of the murder of Laura, New York police lieutenant Mark McPherson questions columnist Waldo Lydecker, a close friend of Laura. Claiming to be intrigued by crime, Waldo asks if he can join Mark in his investigation. Although their relationship is platonic, Waldo is jealous of her romances with other men, and uses his column to keep her under his control.
Mark, who is becoming obsessed with Laura, returns to the apartment and starts searching through her personal things. Waldo stops in and says he knows Mark has secretly put in a bid for Laura's portrait, and accuses him for falling in love with a corpse. After Waldo leaves, Mark falls asleep under the portrait. He awakens to the sound of someone entering the room. Could it be the killer ?
Gene Tierney originally did not want to make this film but did it anyway under contract obligations.
Ranked #4 on the American Film Institute's list of the 10 greatest films in the genre "Mystery" in June 2008.
The famous theme David Raksin songwrote for the film was originally entitled "Judy" in honor of Judy Garland.
You can watch this movie on you tube.
What I have read about the portrait of Laura. Is that it is, a photograph done over with oil paint.
