"The story of a love that became the most fearful thing that ever happened to a woman!"
Director: Otto Preminger
Cast: Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, Judith Anderson
Laura — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I shall never forget the weekend Laura died. 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 New York.
Context
Waldo's voiceover opens the film as McPherson arrives at his apartment.
Meaning
One of the most famous openings in noir. It puts Waldo in charge of the story and frames Laura's death as his own personal loss.
I, Waldo Lydecker, was the only one who really knew her.
Context
Part of the opening narration.
Meaning
This shows his possessive claim over Laura, the claim the film goes on to take apart.
Murder is my favorite crime.
Context
Waldo talking with McPherson during the investigation.
Meaning
A darkly witty line that sums up his cultivated detachment, and one that becomes ironic later.
Laura considered me the wisest, the wittiest, the most interesting man she'd ever met. And I was in complete accord with her on that point.
Context
Waldo describing his relationship with Laura to McPherson.
Meaning
This captures his narcissism in a single barbed sentence.
Love is eternal. It has been the strongest motivation for human actions throughout history.
Context
Waldo holding forth on love and motive.
Meaning
It anticipates the film's argument that love, when it becomes obsession, drives people to destruction.
It's lavish, but I call it home.
Context
Waldo showing off his ornate apartment.
Meaning
This shows off his self-satisfied taste for luxury.
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