Laura (1944)

Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price

Directed by Otto Preminger

Available to stream on Amazon Prime

Gorgeous Gene Tierney is our next "Famous Beauty" in one of her most remembered films - Laura. In this unusual classic mystery, Detective Dana Andrews becomes entangled in beautiful murder victim Laura Hunt’s life.

Gene Tierney from Photoplay 1942

Why we love it: Laura is in a class by itself. The story, the acting, the music, and the film noir style cinematography all combine to make an unforgettable mystery.

“I shall never forget the day Laura died.” With that opening narration, Laura transports its audience into the dreamlike world of one of the finest mysteries ever made. Laura is cherished for its clever storytelling, witty dialogue, haunting score, and the alluring beauty of Gene Tierney. . . (The Essentials Vol. 2 by Jeremy Arnold)

Review from Photoplay 1945

Fun facts:

• Laura was originally intended to be a low budget "B"movie and almost all of the actors were second choices for their roles. Gene Tierney only got the part of Laura after Jennifer Jones and Hedy Lamar turned it down.

Clifton Webb and Gene Tierney in Laura

• Clifton Webb, who at age 56 had been a successful stage actor for most of his career but had never appeared in a sound film, made his first movie appearance in Laura, making him famous and launching a successful film career.

Dana Andrews in Laura

• The film is especially remembered for its famous score and theme song composed by David Raksin. He, too, was not the first choice for the job and only took it on after composers Alfred Newman and Bernard Herrmann refused. The film's director wanted to use Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady" as Laura's theme, but Raksin insisted he could write something better. The theme was so popular that Johnny Mercer was hired to write lyrics for it and the song "Laura" became a hit of the 1940's.

Gene Tierney

• Laura received five Oscar nominations, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Clifton Webb. It won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

For articles and reviews from the time, go to the Fan Magazine Reviews page.

Featured Cocktail:

Whiskey Sour

One of America’s oldest cocktails. Like many bourbon drinks, this one was probably originally made with brandy. (Vintage Cocktails)

2 oz (60 ml) bourbon (some prefer Canadian whisky)

1½ Tbsp (22.5 ml) fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp (15 ml) sugar syrup

1 Tbsp (15 ml) egg white (optional)

If using egg white, shake all ingredients with ice then strain the cocktail, discard the ice, and shake again without ice. Strain into rocks glass with ice, preferably one large cube. Can also be served straight up in cocktail glass. Garnish with 2 or 3 drops of Angostura bitters, or maraschino cherry.

Cheers to the Classics!