Hitchcock’s own favourite from his many films, Shadow of a Doubt features Joseph Cotton and Theresa Wright as Uncle and Niece, both named Charlie, the elder a potential role model to the younger for the exciting life he leads. Overplaying their meeting is the threat of a killer who hones in on rich women before doing the deed and making off with their money. Joseph Cotton is a revelation here, and Hitchcock knew how to make him spin one of the nastiest turns in the director’s filmography. This clip is perfectly edited, the slight upturned point of view and chilling tone to the conversation is sublime.
