Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Joseph Cotten, Teresa Wright

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Available to stream on Amazon Prime

Into the uneventful lives of an American family comes a special visitor: everyone’s favorite relative, Charlie (Joseph Cotten). Only his favorite niece Teresa Wright gradually discovers that something is not right about her revered Uncle Charlie.

Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright in Shadow of a Doubt

Why we love it: Another fantastic Hitchcock film -- a psychological thriller with a talented cast. It seems to move a bit more slowly than some Hitchcock films, but it's one you can't stop thinking about once you've seen it.

Photo from Screenland 1942

Fun Facts:

• This was Hitchcock's personal favorite of all of his films because he says it "brought murder back into the home, where it rightly belongs." (from Robert Osborne's TCM introduction.)

• Because Hitchcock admired Thornton Wilder's play Our Town and his depiction of small town America, Hitchcock wanted Wilder to write the screenplay for Shadow of a Doubt. Wilder agreed but he only had 5 weeks to write it before he had to report for military duty. Wilder and Hitchcock finished the script on a train across the country between LA and New York. Other screenwriters, including Alma Reville, Hitchcock's wife, were then brought in to add more dialogue and finish the script.

Filming Shadow of a Doubt in Santa Rosa, CA

• This is one of the few Hitchcock films where Alma Reville actually receives credit for her work, though she collaborated with Hitchcock on most of his films. In his article Alma Reville Hitchcock - the Unsung Partner, LA Times Arts Editor Charles Champlin points out that "The Hitchcock touch had four hands, and two were Alma's." Hitchcock, himself, in the clip below from his acceptance speech at the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award says, "I beg to mention by name only four people who have given me the most affection, appreciation and encouragement... and constant collaboration. The first of the four is a film editor, the second is a scriptwriter, the third is the mother of my daughter Pat, and the fourth is as fine a cook as ever performed miracles in a domestic kitchen... and their names are Alma Reville. Had the beautiful Miss Reville not accepted a lifetime contract, without options, as "Mrs. Alfred Hitchcock" some 53 years ago, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock might be in this room tonight...not at this table, but as one of the slower waiters on the floor. I share my award, as I have my life, with her."

• Filmed on location in Santa Rosa, CA, several of the extras were local residents. Edna May Wonacott who plays Teresa Wright's little sister Ann was the daughter of a Santa Rosa grocer.

• Alfred Hitchcock's cameo appearance in this film occurs towards the beginning when Joseph Cotten is on the train -- Hitchcock is playing poker and holds all the cards.

Teresa Wright from Modern Screen 1942

Publicity photo of Joseph Cotten

For reviews and articles from the time, go to the Fan Magazine Reviews page.

Featured cocktail:

Mimosa

The Mimosa and the Buck’s Fizz were once considered different recipes, but they have evolved into the same drink. Mimosa is the familiar name in the US.

Orange juice—freshly squeezed if possible

Champagne or other sparkling wine

Fill chilled flute ¼ full of orange juice. Top with champagne. Stir gently.

Cheers to the Classics!