Where and When Did You First See 'Laura'?

I'm pretty sure I saw in in the mid-to-late 70s, probably on a late-night movie, long before I got cable. I taped it on VHS somewhere along the way.

I'd learned to play the theme on the piano before I ever saw the movie.

I love Jesus, but I drink a little.

In the early 60's, I purchased a "Ferrante & Teicher" LP of love themes from the movies. I was immediately captivated by the theme, "Laura," and wanted to know more about. It had such an ethereal quality to it.

My mother had a vague recollection that Laura was "a picture." That intrigued me even more.

No cable, VCR's or DVD's in those days, so I had to wait (I don't remember how long) till it showed up on local TV. There were 3 local stations in the NY area that played old movies.

Don't remember exactly when I saw it first, but I watched it every time it appeared thereafter.

I also have an old VHS tape, recorded off of TV in 1984. And, I also learned to play the theme on the piano.

I am a life-long fan. The movie is like an old friend.

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Well, it looks like I'm the newcomer to the group. I just finished Laura about 5 minutes ago, in my bedroom. Not my favorite of the genre, but better than most of today's questionable output.

Tendrils of Obfuscation

I shall never forget the first time I saw Laura. A silver sun burned through the sky like a huge magnifying glass. It was the hottest Sunday in my recollection. I felt as if I were the only human being left in--oops, sorry. I love this movie so much I tend to get a little carried away.

I first saw Laura as a teen, at home, about 1970. It's true that I shall never forget my first sight of Laura. I remember that jolt as if it were yesterday. I've seen the movie dozens of times since and it never fails to enchant me.

Thursday January 6, 2011. I turned the TV on while grabbing a quick breakfast. I was late for work. The TV happened to be tuned to Fox Movie Channel, and Laura was on; it was early in the movie, just before Mark McPherson starts playing with his tiny handheld baseball toy/game, and Waldo says "did you confiscate that from a Kindergarten?"

I was immediately seduced by the great photography, acting, Andrews and Clifton diction and voices, etc., so I said, screw work! I'm watching this! And I'm glad I did!

I read the novel first, somewhere in the late 70s. It was a good read and my first thought was that it would make a great movie. I actually started scripting it in my head. I soon learned it already was a movie, of course, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I'd see stills or clips, but no movie. It was several more years before I finally caught it on cable and recorded it on VHS. It did not disappoint! Countless viewings later, sure, I know it has plot holes and flaws, but it’s a beautiful movie that I can still enjoy every single time. It now lives on our DVR so it’s always available.

Having read the book first, though, there are a couple things I've always thought should have been retained. It's written in first person in three parts - Waldo first, then Mark, then Laura. The movie only retains Waldo's opening lines, and then the narration is abandoned. Second, there is a scene in the book where Mark and Waldo are looking at glassware in a store. Waldo selects a unique piece, only to learn it has already been purchased by someone else. Unable to have it, he 'accidentally' breaks it. It provided a telling clue into his mindset regarding Laura. The movie is only 90 minutes, so these extra elements could easily have been included. And no, the second half is not a dream.

I just watched it tonight - just finished it and went right to this web site - and I'm trying to decide what I think of it. I'm not too familiar with film noir, but I am a fan of Dana Andrews, which is why I finally decided to get it from Netflix.

I can say I was gripped trying to figure out "who dunnit" so my first reaction is good I guess. I'm going to listen to the commentaries on the dvd over the weekend and see if I get more out of it.