The Newton's reside in the quiet town of Santa Rosa. Young Charlie (Theresa Wright) decides that life is too dull though and calls upon her uncle (Joseph Cotton) to visit.

As fate would have it, Uncle Charlie is already in route but his arrival also brings a couple of detectives who suspect him of being "The Merry Widow Murderer."

When his connection with these murders is discovered, he will stop at nothing in protecting his secret -- even if it means silencing his favorite niece.

Hitchcock wrote the speech Cotton gives at the dinner table: "And what do the wives do, these useless women?"

The screenplay was co-authored by Alma Reville (Hitchcock's wife). The dualities of good and evil are exemplified by the numerous pairs or doubles in the film.

Much of the filming was on location in Santa Rosa, CA. A rarity as Hitchcock preferred the controlled studio environment.

Film is said to be Hitchcock's favorite.