Niagara

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2:54

Niagara

Released Jan 21, 1953

1h 29m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Rose Loomis (Marilyn Monroe) and her older, gloomier husband, George (Joseph Cotten), are vacationing at a cabin in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The couple befriend Polly (Jean Peters) and Ray Cutler (Casey Adams), who are honeymooning in the area. Polly begins to suspect that something is amiss between Rose and George, and her suspicions grow when she sees Rose in the arms of another man. While Ray initially thinks Polly is overreacting, things between George and Rose soon take a shockingly dark turn.

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THR Staff

The Hollywood Reporter

Around the scenic splendor of Niagara Falls, Charles Brackett has produced and co-scripted a gripping murder melodrama that is loaded with sex and suspense.

Jan 23, 2019

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Niagara is a morbid, cliched expedition into lust and murder. The atmosphere throughout is strained and taxes the nerves with a feeling of impending disaster.

Mar 26, 2009

Full Review

A.H. Weiler

New York Times

Obviously ignoring the idea that there are Seven Wonders of the World, Twentieth Century-Fox has discovered two more and enhanced them with Technicolor in "Niagara."

Oct 31, 2006

Full Review

André Bazin

L'Obs (France)

It is quite possible that Hathaway originally took this rather conventional script seriously, because he hoped he could renew interest in it through his employment of the mise-en-scene.

Jun 13, 2023

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

As a film noir piece, Hathaway directs it with the force of a torrent to narrate its melodrama about jealousy, lust and murder, with beautiful landscapes and without losing that touch of tension. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

Jul 5, 2022

Full Review

Dustin Chang

Floating World

Technicolor is stunning, so as the set design. Rose's prolonged, almost silent murder scene is as good as it gets and puts most stylish giallos to shame.

Jan 27, 2022

Full Review

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Karen S

Wow! Technicolor! Gorgeous, gorgeous movie, and Marilyn is perhaps never more beautiful or alluring. The story is predictable, but the eye candy catapults the film to the above-average rating. If you’re a Marilyn fan, this is a must-see.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/19/24

Full Review

Rosana B

Um filme-noir americano com a estonteante e saudosa Marilyn Monroe. Um excelente suspense, algumas situações ''atropeladas'', outras omissas, tornando os desconexos, mas um clássico adorável, locação deslumbrante, as Cataratas do Niágara onde casais passam a Lua de mel, e Monroe não como o malfadado rótulo pejorativamente ''Loira burra'' e sim como uma ardilosa vilã, leviana, mas excepcional… Muito bom, com desfecho dramático e aventureiro...

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/06/24

Full Review

david f

This thriller makes excellent use of its setting, Niagara falls. They are constantly in the background and occasionally in the foreground. Marilyn Monroe smolders as a femme fatale through much of the film and the film looks fantastic on Blu-ray.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

michael t

Over the top melodramatic "thriller". Again, Marilyn has limited screen time. This has the feel of a B movie. The plot has some interesting twists and turns, but ultimately fails to please. Most of the characters in this show seem like they're off their rockers. The early 50's was definitely not the golden age of cinema. I'm surprised at the positive critic reviews. I'd pass on this one, in spite of some good scenes with Marilyn. The script is weak. This movie is past its expiration date.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

farah r

It's not so much about the story as it is about Marilyn Monroe's stellar performance that makes Niagara worth watching.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I really enjoyed this movie, interesting seeing a film noir in color. MM and peters played beautiful women. MM didn't play her typical ditzy, blonde role. Story was easy to follow, movie was short and sweet. It wouldn't be my first pick, and only watched to see more of MM movies. It's a must-see for a Marilyn fan. Also, found it free on roku- so that's a plus!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

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Henry Hathaway

Director

Marilyn Monroe

Rose Loomis

Joseph Cotten

George Loomis

Jean Peters

Polly Cutler

Max Showalter

Ray Cutler

Denis O'Dea

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Niagara: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Rose Loomis (Marilyn Monroe) and her older, gloomier husband, George (Joseph Cotten), are vacationing at a cabin in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The couple befriend Polly (Jean Peters) and Ray Cutler (Casey Adams), who are honeymooning in the area. Polly begins to suspect that something is amiss between Rose and George, and her suspicions grow when she sees Rose in the arms of another man. While Ray initially thinks Polly is overreacting, things between George and Rose soon take a shockingly dark turn.

Director: Henry Hathaway
Producer: Charles Brackett
Screenwriter: Charles Brackett, Walter Reisch, Richard L. Breen
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 1953, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 29m

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