Hitchcock at His Best!

When people talk about Alfred Hitchcock's greatest movies, they often mention "Psycho", "North By Northwest" or "Vertigo", but the lesser known "Shadow of a Doubt" is also the master at his best. He builds up an air of suspense and terror, in a world that at first seems perfect.
The movie stars Joseph Cotton (Uncle Charlie) as a dapper and charming man who cannot keep himself from murdering wealthy widows. On the run from the police, he visits his relatives in Santa Rosa, CA. All are delighted to see him, especially his niece, played by Teresa Wright (Young Charlie). They seem to share a special bond, a kind of joining of minds. As time goes by, however, Charlie suspects her uncle is not what he appears. She eventually realizes the things he has done. What can she do about it and what will happen if he finds out that she knows?
All the performances are marvelous, especially Joseph Cotton's as the murderous uncle. He expertly hints at the dark side of his nature, which uncontrollably bursts out anytime his secret is threatened.
Teresa Wright also delivers a wonderful performance as her feelings for Uncle Charlie change from adoration to suspicion and finally terror and hatred.
Hitchcock's mastery is evident without, especially during Uncle Charlie's attempts to kill his young niece. Hitchcock filmed the picture in the then small town of Santa Rosa, a touch that adds reality. The design of Young Charlie's eccentric family- her doting mother, her laid back father, her nerdy sister and her cutesy brother- is also perfect. They add to her predicament because none of them can ever think badly of Uncle Charlie. Their sunny personalities also make Uncle Charlie's dark side seem even more frightening and out of place.
This movie is worth being seen over and over again! Hitchcock never loses his touch and even the sometimes gooey domestic scenes never get dull. I highly recommend it!