I got a chance to watch these two unforgettable classic movies one long weekend and was struck on the awesome charm of this gorgeous and stunning actress of the 40s. Acclaimed as one of the great beauties of her day, Gene Tierney (November 19, 1920 – November 6, 1991) was best-remembered for her performance in the title role of Laura (1944) and her Academy Award-nominated performance for Best Actress in Leave Her to Heaven (1945). Both movies are cinematic gems that should be made available and appreciated by new generations of fans and movie enthusiasts.
"Laura" (1944) and "Leave Her To Heaven" (1945)
Still from "Laura" (1944)- In film noir, the central character often becomes obsessed with a woman, the femme fatale who is often the cause of his downfall or death. In "Laura," police detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) falls asleep in front of a portrait of the dead Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney) only to wake to find her in the room.
Still from "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945)- Ellen Berent (Gene Tierney) will stop at nothing to make sure no one comes between her and her husband Richard Harland (Cornel Wilde). This includes letting his crippled brother Danny (Darryl Hickman) drown, and aborting her pregnancy by throwing herself down the stairs.
Source: Film Noir/ by Alain Silver & James Ursini/ Paul Duncan (Ed.)/ 2004
