Review of Shadow of a Doubt (1943) by Chris M — 03 Nov 2013

"Shadow of a Doubt" wastes no time in telling you that the main character, Charlie Oakley, is guilty. This is because "Shadow of a Doubt" is not a mystery film: it's suspense. Alfred Hitchcock once said that he was not interested in mystery. He explained that the surprise felt when the mystery is revealed is nothing compared to keeping suspense throughout the film. I agree.

"Shadow of a Doubt" is a film about a man named Charlie Oakley, a real charmer with plenty of swagger to go around. From the very opening of the film, we can see that he has done something wrong and that he is being watched. Charlie decides to hide away as a guest in his sister's house. His niece, Charlotte, was named after him, and she goes by the name "Charlie". As soon as Charlie comes to stay at the house, everyone is happy to see him, most of all Charlotte. But as she begins to learn more about him, and what he has done, she wants him out. The problem: Charlie knows that she is privy to his crimes, and will stop at nothing to keep her silent.

"Shadow of a Doubt" is a taut suspense film with plenty of dark humor as well. Like much of Hitchcock's work, it will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end.