Warner Bros released Dial M for Murder on May 29, 1954. Alfred Hitchcock directed the film starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, and Robert Cummings.
‘Dial M for Murder’ Movie Summary
In London, a wealthy woman named Margot Mary Wendice has a quickie love affair with an American writer named Mark Halliday while her professional tennis player / husband, Tony Wendice, is on tour. When Tony quits playing to concentrate on his marriage, she decides to give him a second chance. Complicating matters, Mark arrives from America to visit. She informs him that she’s destroyed all his letters but one… and that one, somebody stole. Additionally, that thief is now blackmailing her. Tony soon returns from a hard day’s work, but still has more to do at home. He asks Margot to go with Mark to the theater to get her out of the house. Tony then calls on a man he went to school with back in the day, and blackmails him into murdering his wife. With all things in life though, not everything goes as planned.
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Warner Bros released Dial M for Murder on June 19, 1987. Alfred Hitchcock directed the film starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, and Robert Cummings.
This just screened in 3D last night in LA. You have the wrong release date in the description. I recall Lori saying she picked shadow of a doubt, is that scheduled for this year?
Did you go see it in 3D? It’s be interesting, but I am not sure if it’s add anything to the film other than her conviction scene…and I fixed the date. I always miss them.
The 3D is pretty good, but really not necessary. It seems like they show it in 3D in LA every year. Jamaica Inn is an interesting choice, when is that podcast? I recall it being listed as one of his worst films in a Hitchcock book I read when I was a kid. Have you seen the doc Hitchcock/Truffaut? It’s a must see for any Hitchcock fan imo. Going back to 3D, I saw a great 3D noir called Inferno(stars Robert Ryan and Rhonda Fleming)at the film noir festival here a few years ago, you should check it out if you get the chance.
I also agree with Matt. The first half is great, the second half suffers from the love triangle with the adulterer (Mark?). The story would work on its own without this secondary plot. Also, Patrick, agreed Grace Kelly is gorgeous. As an actress she makes a far better Princess, which she was and people still mourn her tragic death.
Digressing, one of my favourite Hitchcock movies is Marnie. I just loved the story – however – in my opinion its ruined by Tippi Hedren (beautiful but not a good actress). That said I understand the controversy surrounding particular scenes after Sean Connery marries her and when they’re on their honeymoon. Another discussion to be had about mores from prior decades…..
A fun fact – the scene when the husband calls Margo from his club – Hitch uses an outsized phone and fake finger when dialing home. It was included as part of the 3D effect. Watch again and it’s so obvious.
When will be the next Hitchcock podcast? I think notorious and shadow of a doubt are ripe with symbolism, would be great to see your take on them.