Dial M for Murder (1954) Review

Dial M for Murder is a classic suspense thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1954. The film is based on a play of the same name by Frederick Knott and features a small cast including Grace Kelly, Ray Milland, and Robert Cummings. It is often cited as one of Hitchcock's best films, and it's not difficult to see why.

The film's plot centers around Tony Wendice (Ray Milland), a former professional tennis player, who discovers that his wife Margot (Grace Kelly) has been having an affair with Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings), a crime writer. Tony decides to get rid of Margot and inherit her money. He blackmails an old school acquaintance, Captain Lesgate (Anthony Dawson), into murdering Margot. Tony meticulously plans the murder, but things go awry when Margot fights back and kills Lesgate in self-defense. The rest of the film follows Tony's attempts to frame Margot for the murder and the subsequent investigation by Chief Inspector Hubbard (John Williams).

The film's title, Dial M for Murder, comes from the way Tony plans to kill his wife. He gives Lesgate a key to their flat and instructs him to call the house from a nearby phone box at a particular time. Tony plans to call Margot in the living room and keep her on the phone long enough for Lesgate to sneak into the flat and murder her. The phone will be the signal for Lesgate to go ahead with the murder. The plan, however, goes awry, and Lesgate ends up dead instead.

One of the things that make Dial M for Murder such an excellent film is its intricate plot. The story is full of twists and turns, and Hitchcock masterfully keeps the audience guessing until the very end. Even though the audience knows who the murderer is, they are still invested in seeing how the events will play out. Hitchcock also does an excellent job of building suspense and tension throughout the film, and there are several scenes that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Another strength of the film is its performances. Ray Milland delivers an exceptional performance as the scheming and manipulative Tony Wendice. He is charming and charismatic, but at the same time, cold and calculating. Grace Kelly is also outstanding as Margot Wendice, Tony's wife. Kelly brings a sense of vulnerability and innocence to the character, which makes the audience sympathize with her. Robert Cummings is excellent as Mark Halliday, and John Williams delivers a solid performance as Chief Inspector Hubbard.

The film's visuals are also worth mentioning. Hitchcock makes great use of the limited space of the flat where most of the action takes place. The camera angles and lighting are used to great effect, creating a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The film's use of color is also notable, with Hitchcock using bright reds to symbolize danger and passion.

One of the criticisms of Dial M for Murder is that it is too stagey. As the film is based on a play, some scenes feel like they are taking place on a stage rather than in a real-life setting. However, this is also one of the strengths of the film. The limited space creates a sense of intimacy between the characters, and the dialogue is sharp and witty. The film's stagey feel also adds to its sense of claustrophobia, making the audience feel as though they are trapped in the flat with the characters.

Overall, Dial M for Murder is a masterpiece of suspense and a testament to Alfred Hitchcock's skill as a director. The film's intricate plot, excellent performances, and use of visuals make it a must-see for any fan of the genre. The film has aged well and is still just as thrilling today as it it was when it was first released. The film has also had a significant impact on pop culture, with several homages and references to it appearing in films and TV shows over the years.