Review of Shadow of a Doubt (1943) by Andy F — 11 Oct 2013
In my opinion, Hitchcock's first masterpiece. Shadow of a Doubt is a classic movie that I have seen many times. The movie really succeeds at creating characters and tension.
The story starts out with a charming young woman. Charlie is a teenage girl who is named after her uncle Charlie. Uncle Charlie comes to visit Charlie and her family. Everything is idyllic except for one thing, Uncle Charlie is a mass murder, known as The Merry Widow Murderer. He kills old ladies, who he thinks have no reason to live, and takes their money. The family doesn't know about it, but young Charlie slowly comes to find out the truth about her uncle, who begins to act strangely. The question is, who will Uncle Charlie kill next.
Joseph Cotten gives one of his best, if not his very best performance ever. And of course, psychopaths are always scarier when they seem somewhat normal and rational. Cotten isn't known for playing villains, but after seeing this movie, you'll wonder why. Teresa Wright plays young Charlie. Given the character, she really couldn't be much better. Also look for some nice supporting roles for Henry Travers and Hume Cronyn.
This really is a great movie. Of all of Hitchcock's films, this was his favorite. I can't really blame him.
"You live in a dream. You're a sleepwalker, blind. How do you know what the world is like? Do you know the world is a foul sty? Do you know, if you rip off the fronts of houses, you'd find swine? The world's a hell. What does it matter what happens in it?" 10/10.
This review of Shadow of a Doubt (1943) was written by Andy F on 11 Oct 2013.
Shadow of a Doubt has generally received very positive reviews.
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