Shadow of a Doubt (1943): Alfred Hitchcock and Joseph Cotten

     Artists obviously view their own work differently than the rest of us... they hold themselves to a higher standard most times. Of all his now-Classic Films, Alfred Hitchcock personally considered his finest work of all to be Shadow of a Doubt (1943). It is interesting to watch the film with that idea in mind, it makes one look for things that really set it off for the great director, to view his best of the best. Shadow of a Doubt is an incredible film, with characteristic Hitchcock style, courting the awkward feeling that comes from placing a horrendous terror in the midst of everyday, commonplace life. Joseph Cotten, one of Orson Welles' famed "Mercury Players", delivers one of his finest performances. It is Hume Cronyn, however, in his film debut that steals the show as a pulp-novel obsessed amateur sleuth.

     Charles Oakley (Joseph Cotten) is growing paranoid. Detectives keep hanging around his residence and are making him uncomfortable. They know something about him...

Shadow of a Doubt. 1943. Alfred Hitchcock: Joseph Cotten

     He decides to sneak away and stay with his sister's family in suburbia. He is greeted warmly...

Shadow of a Doubt. 1943. Alfred Hitchcock: Joseph Cotten

     especially by his namesake niece, Charlie (Teresa Wright)...

Shadow of a Doubt. 1943. Alfred Hitchcock: Joseph Cotten

     But all is not well for long. The detectives follow him there. Soon enough, Charlie learns that her uncle his hiding something...

Shadow of a Doubt. 1943. Alfred Hitchcock: Joseph Cotten

     She is terrified to find that her beloved uncle may in fact be a serial killer...

Shadow of a Doubt. 1943. Alfred Hitchcock: Joseph Cotten

     Now, she knows too much, and Uncle Charles may have plans to keep her quiet...

Shadow of a Doubt. 1943. Alfred Hitchcock

Honey (2003): Jessica Alba

     Directed by Bille Woodruff, Honey (2003) was a major hit and helped catapult Jessica Alba to stardom. The story focuses on a local bartender who aspires to make it big as a dancer. Jessica Alba has the moves. The film is also notable for appearances by real-life Hip Hop stars, including Missy Elliot, Ginuwine and Lil' Romeo. A sequel followed in 2011.

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

Honey. 2003: Jessica Alba

"Honey"- movie trailer

Strangers on a Train (1951): Alfred Hitchcock

     One of Hitchcock's better works, Strangers on a Train (1951) is perhaps best known now as the inspiration for the film, Throw Mama From the Train (1987), starring Billy Crystal and Danny Devito. Full of suspense, with typical Hitchcock style and a nail-biting climax, Strangers on a Train is inventive and memorable.

     Farley Granger and Robert Walker play two strangers who meet on a train. Each one of them has a person in their life that is causing them strife. Farley's wife is extorting him, and Walker's father doesn't appreciate him. In a sick twist, Walker throws out the idea that they swap murders, each man kills the other's nemesis. That way there is no connection, no motive. 

Strangers on a Train. 1951. Alfred Hitchcock

     Granger dismisses this as idle, hypothetical crazy talk. His world is put in turmoil, however, when Walker does in fact murder his wife for him. 

Strangers on a Train. 1951. Alfred Hitchcock

     Now Walker expects Granger to fulfill his end by killing the father. He refuses and Walker stalks him...

Strangers on a Train. 1951. Alfred Hitchcock

      threatening to derail his future life and happiness by framing him... 

Strangers on a Train. 1951. Alfred Hitchcock

     An unforgettable climax ensues...

Strangers on a Train. 1951. Alfred Hitchcock

Strangers on a Train. 1951. Alfred Hitchcock