Laura (1944)

by guest writer

Laura (1944) is our first pick for this month dedicated to Austrian-born director Otto Preminger. Having spent most of his youth days in Vienna, watching and participating to lawsuits led by his father, a prominent prosecutor, Preminger became drawn into aspects related to all kinds of human behaviour. This was a defining moment for his up-coming career, which lasted almost 45 years.

Laura is a quintessential classic noir as it successfully mixes elements of melodrama, psycho-drama, thriller and noir. Although the title suggests that the movie’s main focus if on the young, attractive advertising executive Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), the central character turns out to be the vicious author Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb). With his malicious and possessive behaviour, Lydecker takes Laura as his protégé and makes her famous. As every “creator” he then holds on to his masterpiece until the end…Waldo’s character is of the most prolific for a film noir stereotype. Nevertheless, Laura is also a landmark for Gene Tierney’s style and beauty. She amazes with every step she takes. Dana Andrews also stars in the film, he appeared in no less than four of Preminger’s movies.

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5 Responses to Laura (1944)

Helen @ TheStyleSchedule wrote on
--> 6 November 2011 at 12:40 am

Yeah, another holiday style post! YOu’ve made my weekend Ada….I LOVE Gene Tierney how stunning was she, with that cute little overbite she had! I used to wear my hair that way for years when I was younger (I was lucky enough to have a natural wave) and ADORE the 40’s/50’s. I haven’t seen Laura in years but must get it on dvd.
Helen:)
Helen @ TheStyleSchedule wrote on
--> 6 November 2011 at 12:41 am

oops, that’s supposed to read hollywood style post! what have I got on my mind?
Helenx
Sarah Klassen wrote on
--> 6 November 2011 at 7:35 pm

Hello Ada,

Apologies for the lack of saying “hello”! I have been ridiculously busy at the moment, but have been visiting as often as I can, enjoying your lovely posts as always 🙂 I would love to print out all of your movie posts and enjoy them one by one, especially over the Christmas season—when it’s cold and snowing, with hot chocolate and a cozy blanket… I might just have to do that!

Enjoy the first weekend of November…
xx, Sarah
Shin wrote on
--> 7 November 2011 at 3:07 am

Another excellent film recommendation Ada! Sounds like a dark story but I’m intrigued! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! xoxoxoo
maria wrote on
--> 8 November 2011 at 2:55 pm

Thanks for the suggestion, Ada. I have never watched this film. I am impressed by the beauty of Gene Tierney