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Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

1943 • 1h 47m • Thriller, Mystery • PG
On October 3, 2026
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All reviews

John Chard on Shadow of a Doubt

9/10 · Aug 6, 2019

Shadow Of A Doubt was reportedly Hitchcock’s most cherished film, the one he felt had escaped criticism because his detractors couldn't find valid reasons to fault it. What distinguishes this movie is its lack of the playful, dark humor that characterizes many of his well-known works. An interesting element is the central idea of the main character being a beloved figure. His family holds him in high regard; he appears to be the kind of man everyone aspires to be, and Hitchcock uses this to create a deeply unsettling cinematic journey – it's truly an impressive feat of filmmaking. The story centers on Uncle Charlie’s return to his devoted family in Santa Rosa after evading arrest for murdering a widow. His niece, also named Charlie, idolizes him, practically worshiping him, but as the detectives draw nearer, she begins to notice unsettling details and starts to suspect that her uncle might be The Merry Widow Murderer. We're then drawn into a suspenseful chase, witnessing Uncle Charlie’s transformation from charming hero to something akin to pure evil. The recurring motif of The Merry Widow Waltz contributes to the overall sense of unease, while the dynamic between Uncle and Niece is clearly something Hitchcock enjoyed exploring. It’s undeniable that their connection leans toward unhealthy territory, which elevates this thriller beyond typical films of its time. Joseph Cotten delivers a remarkable performance as Uncle Charlie; his portrayal of duality is effective in both aspects, and Teresa Wright is captivating as the niece because she makes her character so relatable. These two outstanding performances result in a powerful final act for the film. The screenplay was penned by the exceptionally gifted Thornton Wilder, and with Hitchcock directing confidently, this culminates in a resounding classic that fans of the genre should definitely see. 10/10

Source on TMDB