The younger of the pair takes Charlie into his confidence, explaining that he is actually a detective on the trail of “The Merry Widow Murderer” - and that her uncle may be the murderer.Ĭharlie doesn’t believe it at first, but soon starts to see some clues, including a ring her uncle gave her with the engraved initials of one of the killer’s victims, and the Merry Widow Waltz, which seems to be stuck in several character’s heads as the film goes on. He’s also extremely wary of two men who come to visit, claiming to be conducting a survey for the government. His charming nature often turns moody he shows a cynical side that almost frightens Charlie, launching into a dinnertime diatribe against idle, wealthy widows and the world at large. Not long after his arrival, though, Charlie begins to wonder what’s going on with her uncle. She is thrilled, and takes the news as evidence of how close she and her uncle are.

Just as she decides to telegraph an invitation to her Uncle Charlie, played by Joseph Cotten, the family receives word that Charlie is planning a visit. It’s summer, and Charlie, recently graduated from high school, is bored and wishing for adventure. The story revolves around the Newton family: Joe, the father, a banker played by Henry Travers his wife, Emma, played by Patricia Collinge young adult daughter Charlie, played by Teresa Wright, as well as two younger siblings. From the opening scenes filmed on the grimy docks of Newark, NJ, looking out at the Pulaski Skyway, we move to the idyllic town of Santa Rosa, California, Hitchcock demonstrates a new familiarity with the U.S. Smith” and “Saboteur” are both set in the U.S., those both feel like a British director’s observation of the country with “Shadow of a Doubt,” Hitchcock no longer holds the country at arm’s length. It allowed him to work with a spectacular cast, to tell a quintessential Hitchcock story, and to collaborate with top-notch writers as well as a cast member who would become a close associate.Ĭritics have called “Shadow of a Doubt” Hitchcock’s first truly American film, and while “Mr. “What it boils down to is that villains are not all black and heroes are not all white there are grays everywhere.” - Alfred HitchcockĪlfred Hitchcock often called his 1943 picture, “Shadow of a Doubt,” his favorite film, and it’s not hard to see why.

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