Laura (1944) Movie Review Redo

[@perchr.halling772]

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.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

David Raksin had a hard time writing the Laura theme. He struggled all weekend, and couldn't come up with anything he liked. With time running out, he decided to use an old technique to break writer's block, where he would play at the piano while reading something unrelated, the idea being to get the conscious mind out of the way. His wife had sent him a letter that he'd been avoiding. He put it on the piano and began to play while he read. It was a break-up note. His wife was telling him that she was leaving him. When he realized this, the dam broke, and the theme to Laura came pouring out.

[@Ned_of_the_Hill]

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".

[@joylederman4501]

I like the concept of the "review redo". I stopped watching this one until after renting " Laura" , then researched your first review before seeing this one. Both of your commentaries enhanced my appreciation for the film.

[@ratmadness4858]

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!

[@philipgior3312]

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!

[@bluebirdsky64]

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.

[@deadstrobe]

And don’t forget … Waldo Lydecker was brilliantly referenced in TWIN PEAKS. 🌲 🌲

[@LiamMichael-zr1uz]

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!

[@johnhoward9689]

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'

[@reader1956]

I love the language you use. Example: diegetic. I never, ever thought the movie was a "dream". Good review.

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

Happy Sunday :) I have to say your discussion and description of the plot, characters and fancy doodads here is such a hearty meal for the senses, I loved every bit of it. Your use of words and the colourful way you shine a light on certain aspects is like listening to a really well written Noir PI narrate the case of the film Laura. It’s just like Laura to unexpectedly appear for a very welcome second review. Laura is also one of my favourite noirs, it’s such a great film. It’s very well cast and each actor brings so much to their characters, each one of Laura’s suitors are unlikeable in their own ways, McPherson has the most going for him but even he was inappropriate with Laura, he began to behave like a jealous boyfriend five minutes after meeting her and his desire to own Laura’s portrait is odd. If Laura did die how would McPherson explain the portrait when he had visitors or a lady friend over? Oh that’s Laura, murder victim, she took two shotgun slugs to the face and I worked the case and then bid three weeks wages to buy her portrait because I’m infatuated with her. So anyone want a drink? Tea, coffee? Apparently Robert Osbourne of TCM had the original portrait on his wall in his New York apartment. McPherson was the best choice of the three for her though because wowzer were the other two iffy and horrid. Horrid especially in Lydecker’s case, terrific performance from Clifton Webb. I agree with your take on his character, the love interest angle doesn’t quite fit his character, he was extremely selfish and it was difficult to believe he could love anyone but himself. He owned things and people and those he couldn’t control he’d dismiss using his wit. I liked Shelby at first for maybe three minutes, four because of Vincent Price lol. I never noticed Dana Andrews eye acting prowess until you first brought it up and I’ve seen it ever since and now this skills with the chin will become more noticeable for me lol. I’ve always liked him and felt his style and choices as an actor were purposely understated and I think it worked for him, he could say a lot with his eyes and is probably similar in technique and style to an actor like Steve McQueen. I do really like the interrogation scene and I’m sure the purpose of the bright light on the suspects face is to make them feel off kilter and speed up a confession but one look from Laura had that affect on McPherson ten fold, he was ready to confess his love to her and that he had read her letters and diary and did all his duty phone calls from her apartment and she should expect a large phone bill lol. His inability to hold himself together in her presence was funny and your description of the scene was fantastic lol. Gene Tierney was everything you’ve said about her, she could be soft and vulnerable or cold and aloof with a bitter edge to her voice, you have an amazing way of putting things, very descriptive and accurate. I like Gene Tierney a lot, I guess if Teresa Wright is Joseph Cotten Tierney would be Ronald Colman lol. Tierney is actually a common name around these parts, we know some Tierney’s and some Clary’s and a Tierney family lives close to a Clary family. An uninteresting piece of info lol. I’ve always been curious to hear your thoughts on the dream theory and your perspective and insight never disappoint. I can see why some would believe it to be a dream but I share your opinion that it isn’t a dream and I’ve never felt it was plus Dana Andrews was a handsome guy with a cool dexterity toy. Colmors baseball dexterity puzzle beats fancy doodads and fancy grandfather clocks with strange hidden compartments all day lol. I know the name of the puzzle because I searched for one years ago lol. Thank you for another outstanding review, it’s now amongst my favourites. ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~

[@Weiselberry]

A new favorite review?? Wow! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I do remember that Robert Osborne was a fan of both this film and Gene Tierney herself. I'm not sure I knew he had the portrait, but I do recall he always spoke warmly of her whenever he had the chance. Yeah, Shelby seems a likable guy when we first meet him, and later, when Laura encounters him at the party, we can understand her attraction to such a good-humored, easy-going charmer. She has no idea that he doesn't have much genuine interest in the job she gives him and is just looking for a perpetual free ride. But the fact he's fooling around with her aunt AND one of her employees is extra gross, and once you know about that, you can never view him the same way again. I don't know if you picked up on it, but in the first scene with him and Ann, he almost gives them away by placing his hand too close to hers on the chair. She quickly pulls her hand away before McPherson or Lydecker notices. It's a nice subtle bit of business. Great observations, as always! Thanks for contributing to this excellent discussion. :D

[@paulschumacher1263]

This video prompted me to see Laura! I paused it, just as directed, so nothing was spoiled. Hurray! Super analysis. I loved it. I can't fully agree with your critique of Lydecker, because he is portrayed from the start as a Collector--one of those people who has to have the complete set of everything, and who fancies himself irresistible on every level. Still, this is a minor point, and your description of the other characters is superb. BTW, the DVD I watched Laura on (from the library), had an almost hour-long bio of Gene Tierney at the end. It was eye-opening and sad and moving.

[@PonyboyGarfunkel]

Even though our film and novel tastes often differ, I enjoy your informative reviews. Additionally, your humor often gives me a chuckle.

[@PonyboyGarfunkel]

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.

[@Ravenscroft82]

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!

[@Weiselberry]

You're welcome! I hope you get a chance to watch it soon!

[@jonrobinson8549]

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 KZbin, 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.

[@tonydeluna8095]

Looking forward to your review on this movie. Hope you and your family have a safe weekend

[@PhillipDorn-z3b]

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.

[@ChristinaAlvarez-ft5ur]

I have never seen Laura. I am glad you decided not to have spoilers.

[@hyperzzzzz1]

I enjoy your reviews immensely, not least I suppose, because I so often agree with your perspective. But I like your presentation, your vocabulary is large and enjoyable, and I'm going to enjoy viewing your past reviews. Thanks for posting them.

[@Weiselberry]

Thank you!

[@gpalmerify]

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 😊

[@Weiselberry]

Ha, what a memory! I'm glad what could have been just a mortifying moment became the catalyst for something much better!

[@janeotoole2037]

Thank you for this great review of a movie I love. And I don't know why for all these years I was under the impression Gene Tierney's husband Oleg Cassini designed the clothes for "Laura". Maybe I read she hoped the studio would hire him, but all I had to do was read the credits, DUH! We should all be glad he didn't because her clothes are so fantastic in this film. Gene Tierney wrote her autobiography and one thing I remember from it is that when 20th Century Fox signed her to a contract they thought she was a little chubby and suggested she (wait for it...) take up smoking!!!!! And sadly she did, and ended up dying of emphysema. She had a lot of tragedy in her life, but was a really fine and touching actress and must be in anyone's top ten most beautiful women ever.

[@betinaceciliafeld9854]

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!

[@only257]

Agreed 🎉

[@Keyser666]

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.

[@rosezingleman5007]

I would definitely try to wangle a fox fur out of McPherson the detective.

[@russellfarina9099]

Wonderful review! You really got me interested in seeing this movie. Thanks!

[@postscript67]

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.

[@TheWorstThingEver]

You've gotten me watching TCM like all of the time. It's awesome. Thank you!

[@winterburden]

Thanks for this neat review!

[@smelisi]

Ahh, Laura - one my favorites, top to bottom. I’m glad you allowed yourself this deep dive - another fine job - but, my dear, how in all of these terrific 18 minutes could you have forgotten a mention of poor Bessie? What a wonderful character, so beautifully done. “I was brought up to spit whenever I saw one” - oh man! And her scream when she sees Laura in the kitchen always destroys me. Someone SHOULD have told her! I’d once thought of the “dream theory” and rejected it - just doesn’t work for me. And your assessment of how women fall for men hits it right on the money. As for Waldo, I’ve never thought of him as jealous lover - it’s pure possession of the beautiful thing that everyone wants but only he can have that is his motivation. And, yes, I’ll confess it, I have on occasion used Shelby’s line about himself about myself -- “I don’t know a lot about anything, but I know a little about practically everything.” I generally cite the source, at least - which of course proves the latter part, but I like to think it’s not TOO braggy.

[@MsBackstager]

Priceless movie -- priceless review.

[@johnkennedy13]

I love you! Great review.

[@alandhopewell]

LAURA is a favorite film of mine, and I also enjoy your review. Thank you for mentioning THE FROZEN DEAD, a guilty pleasure.

[@peterkarargiris4110]

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.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

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.

[@ryanmcclanahan8739]

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!

[@geoffreynicholson1984]

Laura one of my fav Noirs ever.

[@DanielHOuston-w6c]

Between this, Night and the City, and Leave her to Heaven, gene tierney seams to have made it into some of the greatest noirs ever made.

[@wmbriggz]

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.

[@mpulsiveartist]

That Judith Anderson was quite a dame.

[@apophisrolo1339]

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.

[@marijo1951]

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.

[@carlrenzi]

"Laura" is on my 'top ten' list. I have seen it over and over (it's time to see it again). Of course one reason to see it is because she is so beautiful❤ Dana Andrews is way under rated. As to the mini pinball game, I had some , but not that model. It should be too difficult to make. Keep up the good work.

[@RobertAshby-x9j]

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.

[@sams5963]

🎶 tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her, tell Laura not to cry my love for her will never die🎶

[@Weiselberry]

Ah yes, that's the other melancholy Laura song.

[@Brian_Boru]

Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄

[@kennethhill-d1g]

I definitely plan to give this movie a try

[@steveader]

Dana Andrews is a subtle, nuanced actor, I would say. Says a hell of a lot with his eyes or face. Super actor.

[@KarlBunker]

"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!

[@paulwhiston1836]

I like Dana in pretty much everything, he makes goofy films like Crack in the World seem serious and frightening. I have a similar fondness for John Agar. Gene Tierney is one of the most beautiful women who ever lived who could create amazing characters that could be simultaneously vulnerable and sympathetic whilst also being fundamentally evil in Leave Her to Heaven, but could do light comedy as well, Thunderbirds or the Ghost and Mrs Muir.

[@chadfredrick1519]

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.

[@D.A.B-w7n]

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.

[@Weiselberry]

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. :)

[@D.A.B-w7n]

@ 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👍

[@kellymadden]

Have you ever seen Johnny Belinda? love to hear your thoughts

[@Weiselberry]

Yes, I really liked it! I need to watch it again sometime.

[@only257]

@@WeiselberryI was watching a Christmas movie called the bishops wife it’s from 1947 on tubi🎉

[@tomjohnson4922]

I love Laura, one of my favorite noirs. Vincent Price is fantastic in it. If you haven't read the book, I highly suggest it. To those who think Andrews a wooden actor, I take it they haven't watched George Raft or Robert Montgomery or just about any modern actor, those are wooden

[@only257]

Good review 🎉

[@ramsien]

I don't mind hearing (seeing images or short clips) about the What's or Why's of a film, my enjoyment comes from the How.

[@NicheCaesar]

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!

[@glennsmusic]

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.

[@rosezingleman5007]

Laura is one of my all time favorites, and in my Top Ten. Waldo is up there with Addison De Witt. Possessive power play.

[@Weiselberry]

Yes, they're two of a kind!

[@jlovebirch]

Great movie, Clifton Webb is like an American George Sanders -- who was also great in Picture of Dorian Gray, a movie you should review.

[@yyyfffff33333]

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 !

[@enricoflor3601]

Ever watched and reviewed "Portrait of Jenny"?

[@Weiselberry]

I've seen it, but I haven't talked about it.

[@enricoflor3601]

@Weiselberry, would love to see your take on it.

[@naturalobserver1322]

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. 🤔

[@williamstdog9]

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

[@jamescarbonaro596]

I must say JW that you have a strong resemblance to Gene Tierney, a beautiful gal... 😊😊

[@Weiselberry]

I wish! She was stunning.

[@jamescarbonaro596]

@@Weiselberry As well as you JW! 💐

[@patavinity1262]

I'll always deeply appreciate Dana Andrews, both for this and 'Night of the Demon'. Two superb films.

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

So great.

[@mikesilva3868]

Recommend miracle on 34th street from 1947😊

[@emwa3600]

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..."

[@harmanx.]

"Note his derisive smirk as Waldo deigns to get out of the water" -- I've noticed that the amused smirk happens as his eyes glance downward while Waldo gets out of the water.

[@Brian_Boru]

Thanks for shedding light on the different characters in Laura. I own the Blu-ray so I'll go back and watch it with fresh eyes. Re: the handheld baseball game. On first viewing I found it to be a clunky, artificial character affectation. It annoyed me. Why not have the detective smoke in an agitated way instead? Maybe that's too pedestrian. I'll give the game another chance too.

[@richardwalling845]

Laura was a literary character before the film was made. The film presents reality, not a dream. Thanks for your assessment.

[@andreamiller3578]

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.

[@StevenRogers-hw9dj]

I generally can't stand Dana Andrews, but this movie is so good I'm able to put my dislike aside.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

If the first video was *_"Spoiler-Free,"_* does that mean this video is *_"Free-Spoiler"?_* 😉

[@michaeldebellis4202]

First, I like the idea of having spoiler reviews, both so you can discuss more and we can in the comments as well. So I disagree about your interpretation of Waldo. BTW, I'm not saying this is the "right" interpretation, I think that's one of the marks of a movie that is artistic, there are multiple interpretations and each of us brings our own experiences and emotions to what it means and there is no correct answer. Having said that, I think the reason Waldo tried to kill her was precisely because he did lust after her and that broke the facade he had about his place in the world. He viewed himself as superior to everyone else and above petty feelings that dominate the rest of us like love and lust but he couldn't help having those feelings for Laura and even worse that he knew he couldn't inspire such feeling in her. His self image of aloofness and superiority was all a sham and she forced him to realize that and he couldn't accept that. His only option to preserve his self image was to kill her.

[@lashlarue59]

Sharkeys Machine

[@4CardsMan]

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

[@MjArmstrong35]

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