Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt is widely considered one of the most masterful films in the history of cinema. Hitchcock himself suggested in interviews that it was his favorite work from his expansive oeuvre—and indie filmmakers everywhere should take comfort in that. The legendary movie was also one of Hitchcock’s most frugally made.
During World War II, the War Production Board imposed limits on the film industry in the U.S., capping film set budgets at $5,000 (around $68,000 in today’s dollars) in order to minimize the unnecessary use of materials. Hitchcock normally spent at least $100,000 on movie sets, so the director had to think creatively in order to give Shadow of a Doubt a high-value look on a paltry budget.
The solution? Shoot on location. As LIFE explained in 1943:
Instead of elaborate sets he used the real thing. To shoot scenes supposed to take place in New Jersey, he traveled cross-country and shot them in New Jersey. Instead of building a studio version of a typical American city, his main setting, he searched for a ready-made one.
Though he ended up spending more on travel costs, Hitchcock was able to keep the materials budget under $3,000. And the frugal production had no adverse effects on critical reception: In a favorable review, TIME drew special attention to the scenery, noting, “Its horror is compounded by its setting.”
Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LizabethRonk.
Alfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.William Vandivert—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. On Hollywood sound stage, side of house which was used in Santa Rosa is reproduced. Most exterior scenes were shot on location, to keep set costs low. For this one Universal used old lumber and nails which are not included in the War Production Board ruling on new materials. Seated on upstairs porch Alfred Hitchcock directs Teresa Wright, holding broken step and flashlight.Gjon Mili—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock on the set of Shadow of a Doubt.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock demonstrating various actions during filming of Shadow of a Doubt.Gjon Mili—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock stands on a scale on set.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock with actress Teresa Wright showing how to struggle.Gjon Mili—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Santa Rosa's town square with policeman directing traffic was viewed by Skirball and Hitchcock as they contemplated using it in the movie. In the background is the Bank of America which was used for the exterior shots. To shoot the pictures Main Street was blocked off for three days.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.William Vandivert—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlfred Hitchcock directing Shadow of a Doubt in 1942.William Vandivert—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. On location in Santa Rosa, Alfred Hitchcock turns railroad depot into a movie set. In foreground Director Hitchcock (seated) explains scene to actors Joseph Cotten, Teresa Wright and Henry Travers. Behind him is movie company consisting of two camera crews, grips, juicers, producer, assistant directors, child-welfare worker, actors, stand-ins, extras, sound men, script girl.J. R. Eyerman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
