Dial M for Murder (1954)

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Director:

Alfred Hitchcock

Writers:

Frederick Knott (play)
Frederick Knott (screenplay)

Release Date:

29 May 1954 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Kiss By Kiss...Supreme Suspense Unfurls!

Plot:

An ex-tennis pro carries out a plot to murder his wife. When things go wrong, he improvises a brilliant plan B.

Plot Keywords:

Wife Murder | Lure Of Riches | Tennis Player | Woman In Jeopardy | Fortune Hunter

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 1 nomination

US Showtimes:

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Cast

Ray Milland	...	Tony Wendice
Grace Kelly	...	Margot Mary Wendice
Robert Cummings	...	Mark Halliday
John Williams	...	Chief Insp. Hubbard
Anthony Dawson	...	Charles Alexander Swann aka Captain Lesgate
Leo Britt	...	The Storyteller
Patrick Allen	...	Det. Pearson
George Leigh	...	Det. Williams
George Alderson	...	Detective #1
Robin Hughes	...	Police sergeant

Also Known As:

Alfred Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder (USA) (complete title)
Dial 'M' for Murder (USA) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Warnercolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Canada:PG (Ontario) | Spain:T | West Germany:12 (video) (re-rated) | West Germany:16 (nf) (original rating) | South Korea:12 (DVD rating) (2004) | Argentina:13 | Australia:PG | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Norway:16 | USA:Approved (PCA #16708) | USA:PG (1982 re-release) | UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Director Cameo: [Alfred Hitchcock]about 13 minutes into the film, on the left side of the reunion photograph.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: As Margot reaches for the scissors, a bright spot can be glimpsed over Lesgate's shoulders: it's one end of what's meant to be the same scissors, already sticking out of his back.

Quotes:

Chief Insp. Hubbard: They talk about flat-footed policemen. May the saints protect us from the gifted amateur.

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in Dead End (1985)

What does Hitchcock know about women?

Hitchcock brings the successful play, Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott, to life in a shocking new way. Adapted by use of the amazing 3D technology.

This movie is unique for Hitchcock in many ways. It is shot entirely in one room, yet there is never a moment of claustrophobia. As for many movies in the early 50's, it was shot in 3D. And you will at times notice scenes that play into that, but are done with the greatest of expertise. Also he chose not to change the play at all, but rather ride it out.

As the aging tennis pro or the jealous husband, Ray Milland is solid all the way through. And what can I say about Grace Kelly. Behind only Ingrid Bergman and Donna Reed, as the most beautiful and talented actresses of all time. She never fails to impress. She can be quite a darling and at the same time a spectacular bitch.

Probably my favorite Hitchcock film, since it is the first one I saw. I was introduced to him very early in life at the age of 7, by my wicked older sister. For years Psycho haunted me and Vertigo confused. But I do thank her for Notorious and Rear Window. Dial M for and North by Northwest.

Seems to me that Hitch was not the most attractive guy, yet like all of us he favored beautiful women. Especially blonde's. This leads me to the question of, what does a guy like Hitchcock know about women? Maybe simply, how to kill them.