Shadow of a Doubt

1943 Thriller

Cast:

Charlie Newton: Teresa Wright

Charles Oakley: Joseph Cotton

Jack Graham: Macdonald Carey

Joseph Newton: Henry Travers

Emma Newton: Patricia Collinge

Herbie: Hume Cronyn

Director:

Alfred Hitchcock

A teenage girl idolizes her uncle whom she is named after. She is overjoyed when he comes to visit the family, hoping he'll bring some excitement into their humdrum lives. But, she soon begins to suspect him of being a serial killer.

In the opening scenes it's obvious that the police are chasing a dangerous suspect.

The next scenes are of a charming California town, Santa Rosa. It's typical small town Americana of the day. Every one is friendly and innocent. The homes are well tended. Every one knows everyone.

The Newton family is a typical small town family. Charlie Newton (Wright) is a typical teenager who feels like her life and family are in a rut. Hoping to pull them out of it, she decides to send a telegram to her beloved Uncle Charlie (Cotton). Little does she know, he's already on his way to Santa Rosa to seek refuge with his sister (Collinge) and her family.

The family is over the moon to have him in their home and he becomes something of a local celebrity.

Soon after, two detectives arrive in town in pursuit of the Merry Widow Murderer, a serial killer who preys on wealthy widows. It doesn't take long for young Charlie to realize that her uncle is not the man she thinks he is. As she learns more about her uncle, she becomes concerned for her own safety and tries to convince Uncle Charlie to leave town.

Joseph Cotton as Uncle Charlie manages to be both charming and menacing.

The cinematography is bright and cheerful and also shadowy and sinister.

Patricia Collinge is a brilliant and underrated actor. Her performance is truly emotional.

Part of Hitchcock's greatness is his ability to show us a charming, innocent and peaceful town and skillfully introduce danger and terror. This was one of his favorite movies.

And mine.

Boffo Buff