Watch Dial M for Murder

Dial M for Murder is a 1954 thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, and Robert Cummings. The movie is based on a play by Frederick Knott and tells the story of Tony Wendice, a former tennis champion who plans to murder his wealthy wife, Margot Wendice, in order to inherit her fortune. The film begins with Tony Wendice (Milland) making a phone call to an old college acquaintance, Charles Swann (Cummings), who is now a successful crime writer. Tony invites him to his apartment to discuss an important matter. When Swann arrives, Tony reveals his plan to murder his wife Margot (Kelly) and make it look like a burglar did it. Tony tells Swann that he has been blackmailing a man named Captain Lesgate to carry out the murder. Swann, who is shocked at Tony's plan, refuses to participate. Despite Swann's rejection, Tony proceeds with his plan. He blackmails Captain Lesgate (Anthony Dawson) into carrying out the murder, giving him a key to the apartment and specific instructions on how to commit the crime. Captain Lesgate succeeds in breaking into the apartment, but his plan goes awry when Margot fights back and stabs him with a pair of scissors. Margot is arrested for the murder of Captain Lesgate, and Tony tries to use his knowledge of the crime to frame his wife and get away with both the murder and the inheritance. The majority of the film takes place in the apartment, as Tony tries to cover up his involvement in the crime while Margot is on trial. The tension builds as the audience watches Tony's plan unravel and his lies begin to catch up with him. Meanwhile, Swann becomes suspicious of Tony's involvement and starts investigating the crime himself. The film is notable for its intricate plot and interesting characters. Ray Milland delivers a stunning performance as the villain, Tony Wendice. His portrayal is both charming and manipulative, making it easy to see how he is able to convince people to go along with his plan. Grace Kelly's performance as Margot is also noteworthy, especially during her scenes in the courtroom. Robert Cummings provides comic relief as Swann, but also adds depth to the film as a moral counterpoint to Tony's villainy. The film's themes of jealousy, greed, and manipulation are timeless, and still resonate with audiences today. Hitchcock's direction is masterful, as he manages to maintain the tension and keep the audience engaged for the entirety of the film despite most of it taking place in one location. The use of lighting and camera angles also adds to the film's suspenseful atmosphere. Overall, Dial M for Murder is a classic Hitchcock film that should not be missed. The film's intricate plot, strong performances, and effective direction make it a must-see for fans of thrillers and classic cinema.