Film Review: Laura, Based on Novel by Vera Caspary, Directed by Otto Preminger

This film "Laura" was released in 1944, and is a classic example of a film noir. The film is based on a novel by Vera Caspary. The screenplay is by Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, and Elizabeth Reinhardt. The film is directed by Otto Preminger. It is culturally, historically and aesthetically significant in the development of films within the film noir genre. Besides being a film noir, it one of the best mystery films of all time.

New York police detective Mark McPherson, played by Dana Andrews, investigates the murder of a beautiful and successful executive Laura Hunt, played by Gene Tierney. Mark McPherson interviews a newspaper columnist Waldo Lydecker, played by Clifton Webb. Waldo Lydecker is a delusional writer full of himself. Lydecker is self absorbed as to his position in the world, and pontificates the importance of his mentorship in the success achieved by Laura. Lydecker enjoys socking in the bathtub surrounded by bubbles while he pecks away at his vintage typewriter.

McPherson questions Laura's fiancé, Shelby Carpenter, played by none other than Vincent Price. Shelby Carpenter is a trust fund baby, who lost his trust and subsequently, his identity. Next, McPherson question Laura's aunt, Ann Treadwell, played by Judith Anderson. Ms. Treadwell has too much money, and lacks the ability to ascertain appropriate behavior for her age. Lastly, McPherson questions Laura's protective, loyal and lovely housekeeper Bessie Clary, played by Dorothy Adams.

During the investigation, McPherson enjoys the luxury of rubbing elbow with the wealthy, infamous and well-heeled. He also enjoys the pampered paradise of Laura's apartment. McPherson falls in love with Laura's portrait, hanging above the cozy fireplace, while he reads her personal love letters. McPherson finds a suspicious bottle of scotch in her apartment that is lesser than her normally consumed quality of liquor.

"Laura" was nominated for five Academy Awards, Best Director for Otto Preminger, Best Supporting Actor for Clifton Webb, Best Adapted Screenplay by Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, and Elizabeth Reinhardt, Best Black and White Art Direction, and Interior Design by Lyle R. Wheeler, Leland Fuller, and Thomas Little, and won the Academy Award for Best Black and White Cinematography by Joseph LaShelle.

The film's tension comes to a crescendo when high art meets the low motivation for murder. Throughout the movie, the suspect changes, just as the viewer thinks they know, the suspect elusively slips away. The closing lines of this film will live in infamy in the film industries historical archives, "Goodbye, Laura. Goodbye, my love."