Laura Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A detective falls in love with a dead woman so hard, she comes back to life, and then he has to figure out who tried to shotgun her face off in the first place, which turns out to be a sassy writer who’s super possessive, basically a toxic friend zone situation gone lethal.

🍿 Laura: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Murder Investigation Begins

Detective Lieutenant Mark McPherson is assigned to investigate the murder of Laura Hunt, a successful and beautiful advertising executive, found dead in her apartment. The primary suspect is initially believed to be the victim, Diane Redfern. McPherson interviews those closest to Laura, including Waldo Lydecker, a snobbish and influential columnist who mentored her, and Shelby Carpenter, her charming but unreliable fiancé.

Falling for a Ghost

As McPherson delves deeper into Laura’s life through interviews, diaries, and letters, he becomes increasingly captivated by her. He finds himself drawn to her portrait, spending hours in her apartment, and essentially falling in love with the image of the deceased woman. This obsession is noted by Lydecker, who sarcastically remarks about McPherson’s unusual affection for a corpse.

A Shocking Revelation

Midway through the investigation, a shocking twist occurs: Laura Hunt is not dead. She returns to her apartment, very much alive, throwing the entire investigation into disarray. The initial victim is revealed to be Diane Redfern, a model connected to Shelby Carpenter, who was killed in Laura’s place. The focus of the investigation shifts to determining who targeted Laura and why.

Unmasking the Killer

With Laura alive, the list of suspects remains, and McPherson must unravel the truth. He eventually uncovers evidence pointing to Waldo Lydecker as the true killer. Lydecker, obsessed with Laura and jealous of her relationships with other men, attempted to kill her but mistakenly murdered Diane Redfern, who was wearing Laura’s negligee at the time. A final confrontation ensues, leading to Lydecker’s demise.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney): A successful and beautiful advertising executive whose murder investigation captivates a detective.
• Det. Lt. Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews): A hard-boiled detective investigating Laura’s murder who becomes obsessed with her image and life.
• Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb): A sophisticated and possessive newspaper columnist who served as Laura’s mentor.
• Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price): Laura’s charming but unreliable fiancé, who is also involved with her wealthy aunt.
• Ann Treadwell (Judith Anderson): Laura’s wealthy aunt who is also involved with Shelby Carpenter.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Waldo Lydecker: “I don’t use a pen. I write with a goose quill dipped in venom.” – Waldo’s dramatic explanation when asked what he uses to write his scathing columns.
• Waldo Lydecker: “She merely used me as a stepping stone to a society that bored her to death.” – Waldo’s bitter reflection on his relationship with Laura, highlighting his possessiveness.
• Mark McPherson: “I suspect nobody and everybody. I’m merely trying to get at the truth.” – McPherson’s explanation of his investigative approach, demonstrating his objectivity.
• Waldo Lydecker: “Goodbye, Laura. Goodbye, my love.” – Waldo’s final words, spoken as he is shot, revealing his obsessive love for Laura.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,020,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $151

💥 Laura Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely hooked from the opening scene. The mystery of Laura’s death and the way the detective fell in love with her through stories and a portrait was fascinating. I loved Clifton Webb’s witty performance; he stole every scene he was in. The twist with Laura returning was shocking, and it made the rest of the film even more suspenseful. The music also added to the atmosphere, so that now when I hear the song, I think of the movie and its dark beauty. It is a movie I will never forget.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Mystery and thriller enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in complex character studies”
  • “Those who appreciate stylish cinematography and witty dialogue”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder”
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Themes of obsession and manipulation”
  • “Some mature themes may not be suitable for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Otto Preminger delivers a stylish and suspenseful film noir that captivates with its sharp dialogue and intriguing plot twists. Gene Tierney shines, and Clifton Webb steals every scene. A must-see classic.
• The New York Times: “Laura is a masterpiece of mood and atmosphere. The film expertly blends mystery and romance, creating a haunting experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Dana Andrews provides a compelling performance.
• Film Noir Foundation: “A key film of the film noir movement, Laura is a masterful work in creating a captivating on-screen world using shadow and light to tell a unique story of love and obsession. Clifton Webb’s flamboyant character steals the show.

Audience Reactions

Clifton Webb’s portrayal of Waldo Lydecker is iconic and hilarious.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s plot twists and suspenseful atmosphere.

The haunting theme music enhances the film’s romantic and mysterious mood.: Fans appreciate the beautiful cinematography and stylish direction of the film.

Overall Consensus: Laura is a highly regarded film noir classic, praised for its compelling story, stylish direction, and memorable performances, particularly by Gene Tierney and Clifton Webb.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Black-and-White)- 1945

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rouben Mamoulian was originally the director, but was replaced by Otto Preminger after disagreements with producer Darryl F. Zanuck. Preminger reshot much of the film.”
• “Clifton Webb’s casting as Waldo Lydecker was initially opposed by Zanuck, who felt he was too effeminate. Preminger fought for him, and Webb’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination and launched his film career.”
• “The famous theme song, “Laura,” was composed by David Raksin. It became a hit song after Johnny Mercer added lyrics.”

🖥️ How to Watch Laura?

Laura is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for broadcast availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available through retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Laura, you might like these similar films:

• The Big Sleep (1946): A classic film noir with a complex mystery, a captivating femme fatale, and a cynical detective.
• Vertigo (1958): Explores themes of obsession and the creation of an idealized image, similar to McPherson’s fascination with Laura.
• Double Indemnity (1944): A quintessential film noir from the same era, featuring a dark, twisty plot and morally ambiguous characters.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a clever plot, an ensemble cast, and plenty of twists and turns, appealing to mystery fans.

🛒 Laura Related Products

• Laura (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine restoration of the film, featuring insightful commentary, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and essays. A must-have for serious cinephiles.
• Laura: The Novel by Vera Caspary: Immerse yourself in the world of “Laura” with the thrilling novel by Vera Caspary. Unravel the mystery from the original source material and discover hidden layers of the iconic story.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood (DVD): Explore the best of the film noir movement with this collection of film noir movies. See what made this era of movie history such a revolutionary time with the introduction of hard boiled detectives and femme fatales.
• Gene Tierney: A Biography by Michelle Vogel: A fascinating biography of the beautiful and talented Gene Tierney, exploring her life, career, and personal struggles.

🎧 Soundtrack

Laura features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Laura” – performed by David Raksin
• “You Go to My Head” – performed by J. Fred Coots

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Gene Tierney in LAURA from STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies

Ever wondered why ‘Laura’ is considered a film noir masterpiece? Steve Hayes breaks down Gene Tierney’s iconic performance and the film’s haunting music – honestly, this review made me appreciate the movie on a whole new level!

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