Dear Ms Weiselberry, "Laura" is such a great movie, I am glad you decided to do a full review. I suppose another irony in the story is that of the three men, the one who truly loves her fell for her before even meeting her; the two who did know her had less savory motives. I think your reading of Waldo Lydecker is perfect; he really sees her as part of his art collection. Shelby Carpenter is just interested in her money and status. I had to laugh out loud with your comment: "The Congratulations-you're-not-dead party".
Your reviews and videos on books and movies are so inspiring. Thank you for all your great work over the years. This is definitely one I will try get hold of.
Gene Tierney - One of my favorite actresses of her era, and one of the most beautiful actresses of all time. The film itself, a great noir classic. Thanks for this excellent, insightful review!
Excellent redo review!! Years ago, I would stay up late to watch classic movies on TV, when one night this movie came on. It's been one of my favorite movies ever since. It's one of those movies that you always remember your first viewing because of the mid-movie surprise reveal. That said, I do highly recommend folks watch it first before hearing spoilers. I think your take on Waldo is correct, Laura was like his possession. He "discovered" her, introduced her to society and treasured their times together when her "listening was more eloquent than words," as he says in a very charming scene. As a well known writer, Waldo Lydecker would value someone who listens to his stories. The way this movie builds the character of Laura is so well done as it's told through people's recollections and experiences with Laura. Gene Tierney is perfect as the beautiful, career woman and central character. She is absolutely breath taking to watch! After countless viewings and two times getting to see this movie replayed on the big screen, I appreciate the characters all the more. Clifton Webb as Waldo, adds a nice dimension of humor to the story with his witty remarks and tongue lashing of those around him. Vincent Price as Shelby is very entertaining as a smooth kind of "gigolo" character. I also like what you said about Dana Andrews. His emotions are played close to the vest, mostly with subtle facial expressions and changes of posture. He comes across as strong, passionate and caring. I can definitely see why Laura would be drawn towards Mark as a contrast to the other shallow characters in her life, plus he is a kind, handsome fellow! This really is a beautiful movie with haunting music, engaging characters and an intriguing story. Thank you for your updated review.
My favourite aspect of this film has always been the calm, almost Zen like manner that Andrews adopts for most of the film, enabling him to do much more with far less than a noir leading man usually does in movies like this.
I'm so glad you decided to redo this one, I love spoilery, deep reviews on films I've seen (or books I've read) and, with a proper warning, I can always skip the spoilers section on any video 😃. The first couple of times I watched Laura I hated it, I didn't understand why it was considered such a fundamental classic. I didn't liked the characters, not the elaborated sets, nor Tierney's hats. But I felt in love with the principal pair, Andrews and Tierney are always amazing in their own right, but together they are something else ❤. That's why the only scene I loved in the film was that interrogation room scene. Nevertheless, it bothered me to feel that way about the movie and I found myself thinking on it quite often. So I decided to try it again and my reaction to it was definitely different from the firsts times. It's still not my favourite movie of all times, but I like it a lot and I know it will grow even more in me with each rewatching. I think the dream like atmosphere, the clash between the artificial world of Waldo and the practical world of Mark, even the repetitive music, all clicked on me. I surely will come back to this review after my next rewatch of Laura! PS: I had a game like Mark's when I was younger too and I love that detail about him. It's a great feature for this character!
I enjoyed your insightful review of one of the 1940s’ finest screen offerings, Laura. You commented on the quality of the movie’s theme, and I heartily recommend that you listen to the Frank Sinatra recording of the song. It possesses the same stirring, haunting nature of the film. Laura does not invite the viewer into its nuanced, alluring and illusive world; rather it allows the viewer to observe from without, gazing in wonder through a cinematic window at its majestic timelessness. Laura is an eloquent commentary on the nature of longing, sometimes pure and sometimes misguided.
I've seen "Laura" twice and think it’s a great movie. I really appreciate that after watching any of your reviews of a movie I’ve seen, I always come away with new information, a different perspective on some aspect of it-or usually both!
I was in a movie memorabilia store in Los Angeles about 15 years ago, and I bought an original script for "Laura." It is, in fact, an original from the studio for the film, but it's not as rare as some might think. The studios probably printed a couple of hundred scripts for all the people who need to see it. This is a dialog script, not a shooting script -- meaning, there are not scene numbers in the margins or camera, blocking, or lighting notes. When I got it, I did the logical thing. I found "Laura" on TH-cam, as you could 15 years ago, and I followed along in the script as I watched the film. The film followed the dialog script pretty closely, and the changes I did find in the film were mostly deleted lines, shortened sentences, and a general tightening of the whole script -- not that it was wordy or messy to begin with. These scripts are not expensive, and there are lots of them at good memorabilia stores. I haven't looked at eBay. If you have a favorite, old movie, see if you can find a dialog script and follow along. It's kind of fun, and you can learn a lot about how they trim down a script to make a tight movie.
I was trying to think about our differing tastes. I am mildly fascinated that you have such deep knowledge of the sorts of movies you love. My idea of an indispensable movie is "Cool Hand Luke." I am old. We boys considered intaking that film a right of passage. Among the prisoners lurks a star-studded cast of that era. I can still remember the printed TV papers short description of the film: "Luke has an unquenchable thirst for freedom." Can there be any wonder why we boys loved it? It has many quotable lines of dialog that I still hear today, including: "What we've got hear is a failure to communicate." "Sayin' it's your job don't make it right." "Lucille, Lucille. Anything that fine just gotta be named Lucille." (Dragline, played by George Kennedy) I trust you know what it's like to love a movie. I could go on and on about this film (Luke posed on a table top as Christ on the cross, having just consumed fifty hard boiled eggs, on a bet.
I liked Laura for the same reasons and it became a fave. I watched it when I learned it was one of the influences on Twin Peaks, which is a show that engrossed me more than anything else I've ever seen to this day.
If you can find it, you might be entertained by Preminger's appearance on BBC Radio's venerable "Desert Island Discs". He gives poor , placid presenter (and deviser) Roy Promley a real ear-bashing. Thanks for another lovely review. Gene Tierney is one of my favourites - a total stunner.
Stopped right at the spoiler warning (Thank you!) because I really do want to see this one. And I completely agree with your take on spoilers. I don't know who said it first, but the whole "you can only see a film for the first time...once" is so true and that experience should be totally free of previous knowledge IMO. Thanks for the encouraging preview/recommendation, and have a great weekend!
How fun Jerome! Absolutely resonate with your observation about Laura reflecting differently for each male character in the movie. It's great to see writing like this noir in our modern times. My connection to this movie was as a Jr High kid asked to sing the theme as a solo with a pretty classmate dancing interpretatively behind me. The only microphone was one of those bulky, silver broadcast style mics on a metal stand. Due to lack of funds we appeared period correct (1940s). It earned me relentless ridicule from my peers but gave me courage to join a acapella Madrigal/Chamber Music group a few years later. Life and art effect one in interesting ways! Thanx for this stream 😊
Being rather a "hide behind the sofa" sort of guy when watching movies, I quite like knowing roughly what is going to happen. I've not seen Laura, but the Spike Jones and his City Slickers send up of the song is a scream. When Preminger appeared in Billy Wilder's "Stalag 17" as an actor and fluffed his lines, the extras, who had suffered under him in other films, apparently urged Wilder to make him do it again and again.
Timeless beauty, if i'm not mistaken the portrait of Laura was actually a painting over an actual photo of Gene Tierney! probably because no artist can truly capture her stunning beauty? excellent review.
Goodness ! I just re-watched Laura a few days ago. I absolutely love it and you gave us a great review as always. I was glad to see Dana Andrews looking at a copy of the novel - I must look out for a copy. Cheers JW.
Rewatched this after savouring Criterion's latest Rebecca release. Greatly enjoyed the twists and characters, most of which had faded from memory, like a pleasant dream, half-remembered. Chanced upon An Inpector Calls shortly after ( Kino sale) and it was a great triple-pairing with these other two Important Offscreen Character movies. Loved the spoilerrific re-review! Keep em comin'
"A doll in Washington Heights once got a fox fur outta me." -- Detective McPherson on women. 😁 You're so right that Dana Andrews was an eye and jaw actor. He was also an elbow actor at times. Watch his elbow whenever he takes a drink (in any movie). Love your reviews!
I bought Laura years ago and gave it to a friend. But it lingered and taunted my memory until I purchased it again. I had a burdened thought that I just hadn't mastered it. And after a few more views I'm not still not convinced I have. There's an ethereal quality and confusion of motives that places it just out of reach. Very rare for the time. And though it's very different technically I can't see how it wasn't an influence on Vertigo. It's possibly the best noir of that year and Double Indemnity came out the same year so that's saying a lot.
Hey Ms. Jerome, I haven't seen this flick in a long time and I'm a big fan of Dana Andrews. He may not roll up his sleeves as you always enjoy, but he was a great actor. I was just looking for a movie to watch tonight and I'll watch this. Thanks for the recommendation!
Ahhhhhhh……Laura. One of my fave’s, considered a forerunner of the Film Noir movement, my favorite film genre of all time. Check out Bogart’s big breakout High Sierra, just watched it last night. Also considered a forerunner, a Grandma or Grandpa let’s say, of that glorious genre. These early “Noir” films influenced directors into the meat of the movement.
I've seen High Sierra a couple times. Great movie, and among Bogart's best. Is it considered his breakout? I thought the role of Duke Mantee in 1936's The Petrified Forest had that distinction. That was a supporting role, though, while High Sierra was his first significant lead. Anyway, yes, I like that movie. :)
@ Because you obviously have good taste! He was in a lot of supportive roles and gangster B-movies up till High Sierra but after that one….leading man stuff pretty much all the way. My all time, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, love that one so much! Have a good one, looking forward to your next vid👍
I’ve watched like 10,000 movies and Gene is possibly the most breathtakingly gorgeous woman in human existence. I haven’t seen this yet but would love love love if you reviewed an old movie that is DEFINITELY DEFINITELY DEFINITELY in your wheelhouse. Would you be interested in watching it please?!? It would mean a lot to me … she was in it
For me, I find this a wonderful film with many great themes within it. Laura herself is protrayed as everything to everyone but is this true or just a reflection of what each suiter wants to see in her, or is she adapting herself to fit each of them? I feel that she is only really herself with Mark, but perhaps that's because I'm a bit of an hopeless romantic. In case you don't see my comment next week I shall say, I hope that you have a delightful Christmas and New Year, full of pleace, love and happiness.
I've never heard of this movie until recently when it was shown on TMC. I taped it to watch later and then out of the blue your review popped up. Weird. 🤔
Laura's immediate attraction to Mark is no surprise to me, coming as it does after her unfulfilling dalliance with the effete and workshy Shelby. Whether their initial passion could realistically become something stable and long-term, given the different circles they live in, is another matter.
I wish you'd consider doing Second Viewings to talk about features or points that have changed, in your opinion. "I like it more" or "The slow parts are now REALLY slow..."
Great movie. I've watched it a couple of times now. I have to admit getting about half way through and starting to feel ill from watching the nearly constant drinking and smoking. Otherwise it was fun watching three massive male egos bounce off each other. I agree that Lydecker was never a love interest. She used him to advance her career and he regarded her as his prize possession. Carpenter is looking for a sugar mama. You could say when Laura is around McPerson she reverts to her pre-Lydecker persona which you could argue is her best fit for a life partner until you wonder what would happen when her "career" persona kicks in again.
Definitely one of my favorite films. Another similar noir film I recommend is 1941's "I Wake Up Screaming" with Carole Landis, Betty Grable and Victor Mature. I rewatch "Laura" fairly often, but it always strikes me how unlikeable or just weird the characters all are, including the allegedly normal detective. It's awfully fun to watch though. While "I Wake Up Screaming" might be considered inferior, I disagree. It's a good mysterious atmosphere with plenty of tension, and i can relate to some of the characters a bit more. They feel a bit more... reality-based. There are also some interesting comparisons between the two films and the way those elements are handled differently: the romantic elements, the soundtrack playing one song over and over (IWUS has the incongruous Somewhere veer the Rainbow), the obsessive cop, the plot twists, glamorous murder victim, etc.
that Andrews could dThe word is that Andrews could do pages of dialogue after. any pages of The word is that Andrews could do pages of dialogue after a night of boozing it a hight of boozing it
Shoot i ain't even heard of this movie, you do make it sound interesting tho, i ain't never seent you before but you do talk about topics i like and you say you gonna talk about this stuff without worrying about spoiling things for folks cuz i like hearing about everything, especially a movie from 1944 like what are the odds i'd come across this movie, this could be the only chance i get to at least experience it, anyway like ya style, you definitely have cozy vibes, ya interesting so imma subscribe and watch some of ya other vids
Dear Ms Weiselberry,
"Laura" is such a great movie, I am glad you decided to do a full review. I suppose another irony in the story is that of the three men, the one who truly loves her fell for her before even meeting her; the two who did know her had less savory motives. I think your reading of Waldo Lydecker is perfect; he really sees her as part of his art collection. Shelby Carpenter is just interested in her money and status. I had to laugh out loud with your comment: "The Congratulations-you're-not-dead party".
Your reviews and videos on books and movies are so inspiring. Thank you for all your great work over the years.
This is definitely one I will try get hold of.
Gene Tierney - One of my favorite actresses of her era, and one of the most beautiful actresses of all time. The film itself, a great noir classic. Thanks for this excellent, insightful review!
I have seen "My Man Godfrey" several times. I know what is going to happen and I enjoy it anyway! Same for "We're No Angels" every December!
And don’t forget … Waldo Lydecker was brilliantly referenced in TWIN PEAKS. 🌲 🌲
Excellent redo review!! Years ago, I would stay up late to watch classic movies on TV, when one night this movie came on. It's been one of my favorite movies ever since. It's one of those movies that you always remember your first viewing because of the mid-movie surprise reveal. That said, I do highly recommend folks watch it first before hearing spoilers. I think your take on Waldo is correct, Laura was like his possession. He "discovered" her, introduced her to society and treasured their times together when her "listening was more eloquent than words," as he says in a very charming scene. As a well known writer, Waldo Lydecker would value someone who listens to his stories. The way this movie builds the character of Laura is so well done as it's told through people's recollections and experiences with Laura. Gene Tierney is perfect as the beautiful, career woman and central character. She is absolutely breath taking to watch! After countless viewings and two times getting to see this movie replayed on the big screen, I appreciate the characters all the more. Clifton Webb as Waldo, adds a nice dimension of humor to the story with his witty remarks and tongue lashing of those around him. Vincent Price as Shelby is very entertaining as a smooth kind of "gigolo" character. I also like what you said about Dana Andrews. His emotions are played close to the vest, mostly with subtle facial expressions and changes of posture. He comes across as strong, passionate and caring. I can definitely see why Laura would be drawn towards Mark as a contrast to the other shallow characters in her life, plus he is a kind, handsome fellow! This really is a beautiful movie with haunting music, engaging characters and an intriguing story. Thank you for your updated review.
My favourite aspect of this film has always been the calm, almost Zen like manner that Andrews adopts for most of the film, enabling him to do much more with far less than a noir leading man usually does in movies like this.
I would definitely try to wangle a fox fur out of McPherson the detective.
Looking forward to your review on this movie. Hope you and your family have a safe weekend
I love the language you use. Example: diegetic. I never, ever thought the movie was a "dream". Good review.
I'm so glad you decided to redo this one, I love spoilery, deep reviews on films I've seen (or books I've read) and, with a proper warning, I can always skip the spoilers section on any video 😃.
The first couple of times I watched Laura I hated it, I didn't understand why it was considered such a fundamental classic. I didn't liked the characters, not the elaborated sets, nor Tierney's hats. But I felt in love with the principal pair, Andrews and Tierney are always amazing in their own right, but together they are something else ❤. That's why the only scene I loved in the film was that interrogation room scene. Nevertheless, it bothered me to feel that way about the movie and I found myself thinking on it quite often. So I decided to try it again and my reaction to it was definitely different from the firsts times. It's still not my favourite movie of all times, but I like it a lot and I know it will grow even more in me with each rewatching. I think the dream like atmosphere, the clash between the artificial world of Waldo and the practical world of Mark, even the repetitive music, all clicked on me.
I surely will come back to this review after my next rewatch of Laura!
PS: I had a game like Mark's when I was younger too and I love that detail about him. It's a great feature for this character!
Agreed 🎉
I enjoyed your insightful review of one of the 1940s’ finest screen offerings, Laura. You commented on the quality of the movie’s theme, and I heartily recommend that you listen to the Frank Sinatra recording of the song. It possesses the same stirring, haunting nature of the film. Laura does not invite the viewer into its nuanced, alluring and illusive world; rather it allows the viewer to observe from without, gazing in wonder through a cinematic window at its majestic timelessness. Laura is an eloquent commentary on the nature of longing, sometimes pure and sometimes misguided.
I've seen "Laura" twice and think it’s a great movie. I really appreciate that after watching any of your reviews of a movie I’ve seen, I always come away with new information, a different perspective on some aspect of it-or usually both!
I was in a movie memorabilia store in Los Angeles about 15 years ago, and I bought an original script for "Laura." It is, in fact, an original from the studio for the film, but it's not as rare as some might think. The studios probably printed a couple of hundred scripts for all the people who need to see it.
This is a dialog script, not a shooting script -- meaning, there are not scene numbers in the margins or camera, blocking, or lighting notes.
When I got it, I did the logical thing. I found "Laura" on TH-cam, as you could 15 years ago, and I followed along in the script as I watched the film. The film followed the dialog script pretty closely, and the changes I did find in the film were mostly deleted lines, shortened sentences, and a general tightening of the whole script -- not that it was wordy or messy to begin with.
These scripts are not expensive, and there are lots of them at good memorabilia stores. I haven't looked at eBay. If you have a favorite, old movie, see if you can find a dialog script and follow along. It's kind of fun, and you can learn a lot about how they trim down a script to make a tight movie.
Even though our film and novel tastes often differ, I enjoy your informative reviews. Additionally, your humor often gives me a chuckle.
I was trying to think about our differing tastes. I am mildly fascinated that you have such deep knowledge of the sorts of movies you love.
My idea of an indispensable movie is "Cool Hand Luke." I am old. We boys considered intaking that film a right of passage. Among the prisoners lurks a star-studded cast of that era.
I can still remember the printed TV papers short description of the film: "Luke has an unquenchable thirst for freedom." Can there be any wonder why we boys loved it?
It has many quotable lines of dialog that I still hear today, including:
"What we've got hear is a failure to communicate."
"Sayin' it's your job don't make it right."
"Lucille, Lucille. Anything that fine just gotta be named Lucille." (Dragline, played by George Kennedy)
I trust you know what it's like to love a movie. I could go on and on about this film (Luke posed on a table top as Christ on the cross, having just consumed fifty hard boiled eggs, on a bet.
I love you! Great review.
I liked Laura for the same reasons and it became a fave. I watched it when I learned it was one of the influences on Twin Peaks, which is a show that engrossed me more than anything else I've ever seen to this day.
If you can find it, you might be entertained by Preminger's appearance on BBC Radio's venerable "Desert Island Discs". He gives poor , placid presenter (and deviser) Roy Promley a real ear-bashing.
Thanks for another lovely review. Gene Tierney is one of my favourites - a total stunner.
You've gotten me watching TCM like all of the time. It's awesome. Thank you!
Stopped right at the spoiler warning (Thank you!) because I really do want to see this one. And I completely agree with your take on spoilers. I don't know who said it first, but the whole "you can only see a film for the first time...once" is so true and that experience should be totally free of previous knowledge IMO. Thanks for the encouraging preview/recommendation, and have a great weekend!
You're welcome! I hope you get a chance to watch it soon!
I have never seen Laura. I am glad you decided not to have spoilers.
How fun Jerome! Absolutely resonate with your observation about Laura reflecting differently for each male character in the movie. It's great to see writing like this noir in our modern times. My connection to this movie was as a Jr High kid asked to sing the theme as a solo with a pretty classmate dancing interpretatively behind me. The only microphone was one of those bulky, silver broadcast style mics on a metal stand. Due to lack of funds we appeared period correct (1940s). It earned me relentless ridicule from my peers but gave me courage to join a acapella Madrigal/Chamber Music group a few years later. Life and art effect one in interesting ways! Thanx for this stream 😊
Ha, what a memory! I'm glad what could have been just a mortifying moment became the catalyst for something much better!
Being rather a "hide behind the sofa" sort of guy when watching movies, I quite like knowing roughly what is going to happen. I've not seen Laura, but the Spike Jones and his City Slickers send up of the song is a scream. When Preminger appeared in Billy Wilder's "Stalag 17" as an actor and fluffed his lines, the extras, who had suffered under him in other films, apparently urged Wilder to make him do it again and again.
Laura one of my fav Noirs ever.
Timeless beauty, if i'm not mistaken the portrait of Laura was actually a painting over an actual photo of Gene Tierney! probably because no artist can truly capture her stunning beauty? excellent review.
Goodness ! I just re-watched Laura a few days ago. I absolutely love it and you gave us a great review as always. I was glad to see Dana Andrews looking at a copy of the novel - I must look out for a copy. Cheers JW.
LAURA is a favorite film of mine, and I also enjoy your review.
Thank you for mentioning THE FROZEN DEAD, a guilty pleasure.
Rewatched this after savouring Criterion's latest Rebecca release.
Greatly enjoyed the twists and characters, most of which had faded from memory, like a pleasant dream, half-remembered.
Chanced upon An Inpector Calls shortly after ( Kino sale) and it was a great triple-pairing with these other two Important Offscreen Character movies.
Loved the spoilerrific re-review!
Keep em comin'
Jerome sure has a great memory for actors and films . I imagine if its something you're passionate about then you remember all the facts !
"A doll in Washington Heights once got a fox fur outta me." -- Detective McPherson on women. 😁
You're so right that Dana Andrews was an eye and jaw actor. He was also an elbow actor at times. Watch his elbow whenever he takes a drink (in any movie).
Love your reviews!
I bought Laura years ago and gave it to a friend. But it lingered and taunted my memory until I purchased it again. I had a burdened thought that I just hadn't mastered it. And after a few more views I'm not still not convinced I have. There's an ethereal quality and confusion of motives that places it just out of reach. Very rare for the time. And though it's very different technically I can't see how it wasn't an influence on Vertigo. It's possibly the best noir of that year and Double Indemnity came out the same year so that's saying a lot.
Hey Ms. Jerome, I haven't seen this flick in a long time and I'm a big fan of Dana Andrews. He may not roll up his sleeves as you always enjoy, but he was a great actor. I was just looking for a movie to watch tonight and I'll watch this. Thanks for the recommendation!
Laura was a literary character before the film was made. The film presents reality, not a dream. Thanks for your assessment.
Priceless movie -- priceless review.
Ahhhhhhh……Laura. One of my fave’s, considered a forerunner of the Film Noir movement, my favorite film genre of all time. Check out Bogart’s big breakout High Sierra, just watched it last night. Also considered a forerunner, a Grandma or Grandpa let’s say, of that glorious genre. These early “Noir” films influenced directors into the meat of the movement.
I've seen High Sierra a couple times. Great movie, and among Bogart's best. Is it considered his breakout? I thought the role of Duke Mantee in 1936's The Petrified Forest had that distinction. That was a supporting role, though, while High Sierra was his first significant lead. Anyway, yes, I like that movie. :)
@ Because you obviously have good taste! He was in a lot of supportive roles and gangster B-movies up till High Sierra but after that one….leading man stuff pretty much all the way. My all time, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, love that one so much! Have a good one, looking forward to your next vid👍
I definitely plan to give this movie a try
Absolutely love this film. It almost certainly had an impact on David Lynch and Mark Frost too; there are so many parallels between it and Twin Peaks!
Wonderful review! You really got me interested in seeing this movie. Thanks!
I must say JW that you have a strong resemblance to Gene Tierney, a beautiful gal... 😊😊
I wish! She was stunning.
@@Weiselberry As well as you JW! 💐
Have you ever seen Johnny Belinda? love to hear your thoughts
Yes, I really liked it! I need to watch it again sometime.
@@WeiselberryI was watching a Christmas movie called the bishops wife it’s from 1947 on tubi🎉
I’ve watched like 10,000 movies and Gene is possibly the most breathtakingly gorgeous woman in human existence. I haven’t seen this yet but would love love love if you reviewed an old movie that is DEFINITELY DEFINITELY DEFINITELY in your wheelhouse.
Would you be interested in watching it please?!? It would mean a lot to me … she was in it
Laura is one of my all time favorites, and in my Top Ten.
Waldo is up there with Addison De Witt. Possessive power play.
Yes, they're two of a kind!
For me, I find this a wonderful film with many great themes within it. Laura herself is protrayed as everything to everyone but is this true or just a reflection of what each suiter wants to see in her, or is she adapting herself to fit each of them? I feel that she is only really herself with Mark, but perhaps that's because I'm a bit of an hopeless romantic.
In case you don't see my comment next week I shall say, I hope that you have a delightful Christmas and New Year, full of pleace, love and happiness.
I've never heard of this movie until recently when it was shown on TMC. I taped it to watch later and then out of the blue your review popped up. Weird. 🤔
Laura's immediate attraction to Mark is no surprise to me, coming as it does after her unfulfilling dalliance with the effete and workshy Shelby. Whether their initial passion could realistically become something stable and long-term, given the different circles they live in, is another matter.
Great movie, Clifton Webb is like an American George Sanders -- who was also great in Picture of Dorian Gray, a movie you should review.
Good review 🎉
Clifton Webb…. What more needs be said? Well I’ll say it…. Found the book on hoopla and am going to read it. Can’t be as good as the movie, tho.
So great.
Recommend miracle on 34th street from 1947😊
I wish you'd consider doing Second Viewings to talk about features or points that have changed, in your opinion. "I like it more" or "The slow parts are now REALLY slow..."
Sharkeys Machine
Great movie. I've watched it a couple of times now. I have to admit getting about half way through and starting to feel ill from watching the nearly constant drinking and smoking. Otherwise it was fun watching three massive male egos bounce off each other. I agree that Lydecker was never a love interest. She used him to advance her career and he regarded her as his prize possession. Carpenter is looking for a sugar mama. You could say when Laura is around McPerson she reverts to her pre-Lydecker persona which you could argue is her best fit for a life partner until you wonder what would happen when her "career" persona kicks in again.
Ever watched and reviewed "Portrait of Jenny"?
I've seen it, but I haven't talked about it.
@Weiselberry, would love to see your take on it.
I generally can't stand Dana Andrews, but this movie is so good I'm able to put my dislike aside.
Definitely one of my favorite films. Another similar noir film I recommend is 1941's "I Wake Up Screaming" with Carole Landis, Betty Grable and Victor Mature. I rewatch "Laura" fairly often, but it always strikes me how unlikeable or just weird the characters all are, including the allegedly normal detective. It's awfully fun to watch though. While "I Wake Up Screaming" might be considered inferior, I disagree. It's a good mysterious atmosphere with plenty of tension, and i can relate to some of the characters a bit more. They feel a bit more... reality-based. There are also some interesting comparisons between the two films and the way those elements are handled differently: the romantic elements, the soundtrack playing one song over and over (IWUS has the incongruous Somewhere veer the Rainbow), the obsessive cop, the plot twists, glamorous murder victim, etc.
that Andrews could dThe word is that Andrews could do pages of dialogue after. any pages of The word is that Andrews could do pages of dialogue after a night of boozing it a hight of boozing it
Shoot i ain't even heard of this movie, you do make it sound interesting tho, i ain't never seent you before but you do talk about topics i like and you say you gonna talk about this stuff without worrying about spoiling things for folks cuz i like hearing about everything, especially a movie from 1944 like what are the odds i'd come across this movie, this could be the only chance i get to at least experience it, anyway like ya style, you definitely have cozy vibes, ya interesting so imma subscribe and watch some of ya other vids