In the 1943 Alfred Hitchcock movie the child actress Edna May Wonacott, playing the character Ann Newton, is saying her prayers and (for reasons I’m not wholly certain of) she includes Veronica Lake in her blessings.
She is asked not to bless too many people.. maybe it was a bit of a random gag as this was a Universal Pictures movie it wasn’t a case of name dropping a star for promotion and I’m not aware of any of the writers working on other Lake properties.
"Shadow of a Doubt" (1943) is a psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, often cited by the director himself as one of his personal favorites among his own films. The screenplay was written by Thornton Wilder, Sally Benson, and Alma Reville, with the story crafted to explore the duality of human nature and the presence of evil in the mundane aspects of suburban life. The film stars Teresa Wright as young Charlie Newton and Joseph Cotten as her charming uncle, Charlie Oakley, around whom the dark narrative unfolds.
Plot Overview:The film is set in the idyllic small town of Santa Rosa, California, where young Charlie Newton lives with her family. Feeling bored and wishing for something exciting to happen, her wish seems to be granted when her beloved uncle Charlie comes to visit. However, her excitement soon turns to suspicion as she begins to notice odd behaviors and discrepancies in her uncle’s stories. As she delves deeper, young Charlie discovers that her uncle may be the "Merry Widow Murderer," a serial killer sought by detectives who preys on wealthy widows. The film masterfully builds tension as young Charlie grapples with her disbelief, loyalty, and fear, culminating in a climactic confrontation between her and her uncle.
Themes and Style:"Shadow of a Doubt" delves into the theme of the duality of human nature, showcasing how darkness can lurk beneath the surface of charming facades and how ordinary settings can harbor sinister secrets. Hitchcock uses the contrast between the film’s tranquil suburban setting and the underlying tension and horror to enhance the psychological depth of the narrative. The film is also notable for its exploration of the loss of innocence and the disillusionment that comes with the recognition of evil within one’s own family.
Critical Reception and Legacy:Upon its release, "Shadow of a Doubt" was met with critical acclaim for its suspenseful storytelling, direction, and performances, particularly those of Wright and Cotten. The film’s portrayal of American suburban life, coupled with its psychological depth, has contributed to its enduring status as a classic in Hitchcock’s filmography. It has been praised for its atmospheric tension, character development, and the way it skilfully blends elements of thriller and domestic drama.
"Shadow of a Doubt" has been analyzed and celebrated for its influence on the thriller genre and is often studied for its thematic complexity and Hitchcock’s directorial techniques. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity, the presence of evil in everyday life, and the psychological tension between its characters remain compelling to audiences and critics alike, cementing "Shadow of a Doubt" as one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most significant and masterful works.
