This disturbing suburban drama, regarded by Alfred Hitchcock as the personal favorite among his films, probes the hidden facets of a family with a secret. Teenager Charlie (Teresa Wright) adores the uncle (Joseph Cotten) after whom she was named and is delighted when he comes to stay for an indefinite period. Her love grows tainted, however, as she begins to suspect that 'dear Uncle Charlie' may be the killer wanted by the police for having sent several widows to their premature reward.