Dial M for Murder (1954)
Short description
Dial M for Murder is a classic film noir from 1954, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings and John Williams. The film follows Tony Wendice (Milland), a former tennis pro who plots to murder his wife Margot (Kelly) for her infidelity.
The film opens with Tony and Margot in their London apartment discussing their marriage. It quickly becomes clear that Tony is suspicious of Margot's fidelity and he begins to plan her murder. He enlists the help of an old school friend, Captain Lesgate (Cummings), to carry out the deed.
The tension builds as Tony's plan begins to unravel when Lesgate is arrested for the murder. The police are unable to prove that Tony was involved in the crime, but they are able to piece together enough evidence to suggest that he was behind it. This leads to a thrilling courtroom scene where Tony must defend himself against the accusations of the prosecution.
The acting in Dial M for Murder is superb, with Milland delivering a powerful performance as the scheming husband and Kelly giving an equally impressive turn as his unsuspecting wife. The supporting cast also does an excellent job in bringing this story of betrayal and revenge to life.
The cinematography by Robert Burks is also noteworthy, with its use of shadows and low-key lighting creating a moody atmosphere throughout the film. Hitchcock's direction is masterful as well, with his trademark suspenseful pacing keeping viewers on edge throughout the movie's runtime.
Overall, Dial M for Murder is an excellent example of classic film noir that still holds up today due to its strong performances, gripping story and stylish visuals. It's a must-see for any fan of Hitchcock or classic cinema in general.