Starring: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price
Director: Otto Preminger
While investigating the murder of Laura, the detective in charge finds himself falling under the dead woman’s spell, but all is not what it seems.
Everyone is in love with Laura (Tierney) who sparkles and shines in the memories of those who loved and have now lost her, as they tell their stories to the investigating detective (Andrews). Two men who have vied for her affection, cad Shelby (Price) and obsessive Lydecker (Webb), and both are prime suspects, but did they do it? Or is there an even more dangerous game going on?
It’s a film with twists and turns, and Tierney is fascinating as the light that draws the characters to her like moths. Webb as Lydecker is truly wicked, with his obsession with creating Laura in his image of her, and trying to pull her into his web, not caring is he hurts her in the process. It’s also delightful to see a very young Price before his roles in Hammer Horror films, and he’s delightful as a young playboy.
For those of you who haven’t seen this film, I don’t want to say too much, but there’s such a great twist in this film that I really love. It’s a masterful plot and one that will keep you guessing.
Not many years after this film was made, Tierney was diagnosed with mental illness, and put into an asylum, which used shock therapy to try to cure her. Though she almost escaped once, she was taken back, and the cruelty of her treatment and therapy there made her an outspoken advocate of ending shock therapy and changing mental health practices and stigmas. However, her career as a big star was over, though she did manage to secure roles later in life. She’s a tragic and beautiful figure on the landscape of classic Hollywood, and one worth reading up on if you like Hollywood history.
See It If: Classic movie lovers, those who love an intrigue, or film noir aficionados have to add this film to their watch list.
I have seen this movie so many times and I still get involved, whenever it’s on TV. Thank you for reminding me of why it is so special. I enjoyed reading your review.
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Thank you! Yes, I’m the same with this film. Love it!
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I’ve seen this movie and loved it, but I did not know anything about Gene Tierney’s history. That’s so interesting.
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She’s a fascinating person, I think. So unusual, and probably very misunderstood? ❤️
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Probably she was. I can’t imagine the kind of pressure that would have been on her being in the limelight like that!
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Absolutely!
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Don’t forget the haunting music. You will always see Laura’s portrait when you hear it.
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That’s a very good point! Thank you. 😁
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After reading your post I was really intrigued and managed to watch it last night! Sooo good! I really enjoyed it so thank you for recommending it. 🙂
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That’s so great that you watched it! And even better that you enjoyed it. Thats made my day. ❤️
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I’ve started an older series genre myself, so it’s always great to come past such movies on yours. Noir movies are certainly my favourite type of drink to soak up and be immersed in. I’ll be sure to add this to my list. A delightful read Hermione.
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Thank you, lovely! Can’t wait to read yours! ❤️ I love a good film noir….
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Love the post! This is one of my all-time favourite films. The plot is so juicy, and the acting is stellar. Clifton Webb is remarkable, but Gene Tierney is mesmerizing as previously said.
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absolutely agree! A true classic. ❤️
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I haven’t seen this movie, but I always love it when a movie has a great twist in it (or in this case even multiple twists 😊). Thanks for sharing this one, I don’t know exactly when I will get around to seeing this one, but I have added it to my classic to watch list 😊 Great post as usual 😀
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It’s really good fun, this one. Def add it to that huge list. 😂 I love a good twist too!
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Tierney is just mesmerising here. Nice write-up.
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Thank you! I think she’s great too. 😀
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Gene Tierney is stunning in this.
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She sure is. I do love the old school movies. ❤️
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Agreed. My Gran introduced me to lots when I was little. She’s 91 now, so she was a teenager during that golden age, she knows so many things about old Hollywood, even now.
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That’s so lovely! I love that story. ❤️
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Thank you.
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Another great classic.
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