Dial M for Murder
Dial M for Murder

Movie spotlight

Dial M for Murder

1967
Movie
120 min
English

Wealthy Margo Wendice's husband (Laurence Harvey) plots her murder to inherit her fortune after discovering her affair, leading to a tense, failed, and improvised criminal scheme. A made-for-television remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film.

Insights

IMDb8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic83/100
Google Users93%
Director: Alfred HitchcockGenres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A former professional tennis player, Tony Wendice, learns his wife, Sheila, has been having an affair. He devises an elaborate plan to murder her and inherit her fortune, framing her lover for the crime. However, Sheila cleverly thwarts his initial attempt, leading Tony to improvise a more desperate and convoluted scheme to achieve his deadly goal. The plot escalates with unexpected twists and turns as Tony attempts to cover his tracks and escape justice.

Critical Reception

Alfred Hitchcock's 'Dial M for Murder' is widely regarded as a masterclass in suspense and directorial precision. While it might not possess the visceral thrills of some of his other works, its tight plotting, chilling atmosphere, and clever misdirection have earned it significant critical acclaim over the years. Audiences and critics alike praise its intricate plot and the brilliant performances, particularly from Grace Kelly and Ray Milland.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ingenious plot and Hitchcock's masterful direction.

  • Grace Kelly's performance is often highlighted as a standout.

  • Appreciated for its suspenseful and tightly constructed narrative.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's clever storyline and suspenseful execution, with many highlighting the performances of the lead actors and Hitchcock's directorial style. It's often cited as a prime example of a well-crafted thriller.

Fun Fact

The film was originally shot in 3D, with Hitchcock carefully orchestrating the camera movements and blocking to take advantage of the then-novel technology, though it was ultimately released in a standard 2D format.

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