Laura

Otto Preminger's sharp film stars Dana Andrews as Mark McPherson, a cynical detective who investigates the brutal murder of a beautiful woman only to be faced with plenty of suspects - and the unnerving knowledge that he is falling in love with the dead woman. The film boasts an outstanding performance by Clifton Webb as Waldo Lydecker, a waspish, acid-tongued gossip columnist who is one of the main suspects. Preminger's decision to use him (against the wishes of 20th Century Fox) proved the right choice, launching Webb on a considerable and successful film career. Other suspects include Vincent Price as Shelby Carpenter, the weak playboy fiance of the murder victim and the always-reliable Judith Anderson as Laura's friend, Ann Treadwell.