Laura (1944)

Along the lines of "Double Indemnity," this classic Film Noir murder mystery keeps you guessing until the end. Produced and directed by Otto Preminger (who was nominated for an Oscar), "Laura" follows Detective Mark McPherson's murder investigation of Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney). McPherson (Dana Andrews), who in his caddish moments refers to women as "dames," employs rather unorthodox methods to solve the mystery -- much to the dismay of Laura's best friend, the pompous and self-righteous newspaper columnist, Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb). Webb, also nominated for an Oscar, is tremendously engaging as the arrogant Lydecker, and Vincent Price, who plays a disreputable Kentuckian, is wonderfully cagey. "Laura" also received nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Art Direction, but won only for Joseph LaShelle's cinematography -- which alone is worth a look. This is a true classic.

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