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Sunday, December 7, 2008

Shadow of a Doubt...

"We're not just an uncle and a niece.
It's something else. I know you. I know you don't tell people a lot of things. I don't either. I have a feeling that inside you there's something nobody knows about... something secret and wonderful. I'll find it out."

Teresa Wright simply sparkles as young
"Charlie" in the 1943 film Shadow of a Doubt.

Considered by Alfred Hitchcock to be his best work, Shadow's plot centers around the quirky Newton family, who lead quiet lives in a quiet little town. When Uncle Charlie (Joseph Cotten)--beloved brother and idolized uncle--comes to visit, no one in the family seems to sense the underlying cloud of mystery that surrounds his life.

"Uncle Charlie"--one of Joseph Cotten's most brilliant roles.

But when detectives come snooping around the house, stating that they have reason to believe that the elusive serial killer, The Merry Widow Murderer, may be the Newton's own beloved uncle, young Charlie is unwillingly drawn into the mystery on a race against time to discover the truth behind her uncle's past.

"Shadow" is delightful and entertaining, a smoothly flowing film that will keep you on your toes. Hitchcock loved the idea of introducing crime to a small town, and he does so here with precise perfection.

The first time that the opening scenes flashed across our television screen, I knew this would be one film that I could watch again and again. Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright are brilliant as uncle and niece, and Hume Cronyn's delectable role as Herbie Hawkins was also his film debut.

The plot centers around a fine dance of suspense and intrigue, and young Charlie's recurring question...could there be more to her beloved uncle than she originally thought?

Teresa Wright's costumes are absolutely lovely...and I can only wish that we had a stately old library just like the one in the film in our small town. If you haven't yet seen, Shadow of a Doubt, you really need to find a copy. I highly recommend it!

17 comments:

Clare said...

I've had this on my list for quite awhile... I'll move it up to the top of my library requests.

Laura said...

Oooo!!! I want to see! I think I tried once - but I was sick and fell asleep. Argh. Must try again. ;)

Unknown said...

Oh, I loved this movie! The costumes and acting were just stunning I must agree. And the suspense was almost too much! The only thing that, for me, was hard to see was Joseph Cotten playing the evil Uncle instead of the dashing hero as in Gaslight. =)

Thanks for sharing Emily!

Shannon said...

Oh! I love me some Hitchcock! I haven't watched this for ages- guess what I'll be doing tonight??? Thanks for the inspiration! I was also pleased to see I Confess on your list of favorites- that's my personal favorite along with The Trouble With About Harry, and oddly Rope.

charmaine said...

sounds like this is a good movie! i love small town mysteries, suspense and thrillers, especially the old flicks.i just love Alfred Hitchcock! his movie always kept me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat. sounds like a good cuddle up weekend movie. i'll be looking for this one. thanks for sharing. have a good evening!

God Bless,
Charmaine

SisterlyLove said...

Wow! I have never even heard of this one. I will have to check it out. LOVE A.H.'s work. Especially Rear Window and North by Northwest. :)

Genevieve

Janna said...

You make it sound wonderful! I'll have to add it to my "wanna-see" list. :)

Carla said...

Alfred Hitchcock made many brilliant films. I have not seen this one yet but definitely want to now!

The Editrix said...

Hmmm, I'll have to hunt this one down somehow. . . sounds like a good movie. . .

Emily, I've tagged you again! This time for a Christmas meme.

elventryst said...

How funny-- I came to visit your blog and happen to LOVE this movie. I sew a bit, and I've been wanted to copy one of Charlie's outfits from the film for a while. In one scene, she's lying in bed in a jumper, and it's soooo cute. I totally drew an impromptu picture when I saw the film, and one day I do intend to knock it off. Thanks for visiting my blog, by the way-- I love your vintage fashion!

Mandy said...

This looks like a great movie! I'm sure it is, since it's a Hitchcock. I loved Joseph Cotton in Since You Went Away. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to see this soon!

Mrs. E said...

Oh yes, I have seen this film, it is skillfully done...
great acting and directing! Thanks for reminding me about it, it's been a while since I've seen it! :)
Blessings,
Jenny
www.blessedfemina.blogspot.com
P.S.
I've been enjoying your blog!:)

charmaine said...

hello! i just wanted to stop by and give you an award. i know that we haven't know each other long, but i just love your blog! i love reading your post! i really appreciate vintage style and your blog represents it very well. so classic and beautiful! so, when you get a chance come by and get your award. keep inspiring!

God Bless,
Charmaine

Melissa M. said...

I loved this movie when I saw it years ago & I want to buy it. :)

Margarita Bloom said...

Great pics!! I don't think I've ever seen pics of a 1950's movie set...coool.... :)

Anonymous said...
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Liz Shockley said...

I was born and raised in Santa Rosa and love this movie because its fun to try and spot buildings downtown. The library in the film is now the museum and the courthouse is still there on Mendocino and Fourth street. Kinda interesting!