Many films of Alfred Hitchcock, give suspense and sometimes terror. Shadow of a Doubt is a movie that goes to another level. It shows that despite fear, courage can stand alone. That is the case with this movie. It has a reluctant heroine, named Charlene, played by Teresa Wright. she is perfect in this role. Her innocence and bravery playing against Joseph Cotten’s character, Charlie Oakley: an unlikeable and paranoid man.
Charlene Newton, nicknamed Charlie, complains to her father, Joseph, (Henry Travers), that nothing ever happens in the town of Santa Rosa. She is soon to realize the old saying, be careful what you wish for. Her beloved uncle Charlie, is coming to town, for a visit. Everyone is delighted, particularly Charlie’s mother, Emma, (Patricia Collinge). Charlie arrives and exhibits odd behavior, particularly at dinner. This behavior is heightened when his picture is taken. It seems that Jack Graham, (Macdonald Carey), a man with romantic interest in Charley, is a detective. He confides to her that her beloved uncle, is a murder suspect. Even though everyone is delighted at Uncle Charlie’s presence, this bit of news, disrupts Charlie’s insulated world. Throughout the film, Charlie has to try to disguise her fear, and insulate her family, from someone, who could be very dangerous. The film’s level of suspense is palpable, leading to the climax on the train.
Shadow of a Doubt succeeds as a film on a few levels. The biggest is the acting. Joseph Cotten as villain, is menacing. He gives a portrayal of a man who is not who everyone thinks he is. His frantic escape from pursuing detectives, in the beginning, is just a sample of his character’s paranoia. Teresa Wright’s performance of the bored and innocent of the world, Charlie, shows how the right actor, can carry the film. She shows fear, but remains calm, even though her uncle, may or not be a killer. The movie is given a little comic relief, with Henry Travers and Hume Cronyn, discussing murder, not realizing that its closer than they think.
Alfred Hitchcock was given the title, The Master of Suspense. It was well deserved, particularly with Shadow of a Doubt. There can’t be a subject more disturbing, than a murder suspect, in a small town. He gets the fear and paranoia, of Charlie Oakley to a tee, showing Charlie looking down from the window, watching his niece, talk to Jack Graham. The opening of people dancing to The Merry Widow Waltz, sets the tone for the film. Uncle Charlie’s true character is shown, when he goes on a diatribe about women. The scene is shown with a side view of him talking, and nobody else in the shot. Alfred Hitchcock had an amazing talent for storytelling. His skill is very apparent with this movie.
Shadow of a Doubt, is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s early Hollywood films. It is only the beginning of his great success. He manages to give away key elements in this film, but never takes away from its story. Hitchcock did do better films, but this does provide a unique look into character’s psyche’s. That is the main reason why this is a very good film.