"Dial M for Murder"
Reviewed by Heather Picker
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Written by Frederick Knott. Starring Grace Kelly, Ray Milland, and Robert Cummings. 1954, 107 min., Not Rated.
Of the three films Grace Kelly starred in that were directed by Alfred Hitchcock, "Dial M for Murder" is the most bizarre. Tony Wendice (Ray Milland) is a former tennis player who is married to wealthy Margot (Kelly), who only has eyes for Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings), a mystery novelist. Tony knows about their long-distance affair, carried on primarily through written correspondence, as Mark lives in America and the Wendice's in England, and Tony is also in need of Margot's money. For quite some time he has been planning what he thinks will be the perfect crime, but his plans go awry and Margot ends up accused of murder.
The plot is not what distinguishes "Dial M for Murder" from the suspense-filled exercise in identified voyeurism that is "Rear Window," or the stylized romantic mystery "To Catch a Thief," (1954 and 1955, respectively). The script, written by Frederick Knott from his own hit play, has an unusually detached atmosphere. We see what is happening, but are never given a reason to care one way or another. The ending is never in doubt, and the three principal characters have no redeeming qualities. Yet there is a precision to the dialogue that makes it all highly engrossing.
Hitchcock's signature cameo comes in the form of his appearance on a picture taken at Tony's class reunion, there was little opportunity for him to appear on the streets or what not, as the camera rarely ventures outdoors, and when it does it is never for very long. In addition to the expected interesting shots, there is a wonderful sequence in which the events of Margot's trial are not shown; we hear some of the things that were said but all that is visible in Margot's reaction. It should also be noted that the clothes she wears become darker throughout the course of the movie, a nice symbolic touch. Kelly and Milland give great performances; Cummings does not fare so well. His acting is unnatural and the role of Mark would have benefited from better casting. With Anthony Dawson (as Lesgate) and John Williams (outstanding as Chief Inspector Hubbard). Cinematography by Robert Burks.
© Heather Picker 1999
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