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Dial M for Murder

Dial M for Murder

1954
Suspense/Thriller, Crime
1h 45m
An ex-tennis pro carries out a plot to murder his wife. When things go wrong, he improvises a brilliant plan B. (imdb)
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Dial M for Murder

1954
Suspense/Thriller, Crime
1h 45m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 72.43% from 3730 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3730)
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Rated 16 Jul 2018
95
91st
Here's an example of Hitch's absolutely stellar direction covering a multitude of sins (such as a very talky first act, some shallow characterizations, and a stage-bound setting), singlehandedly creating an effective thriller with several memorable moments. Not among Hitchcock's best, but well worth your time.
Rated 13 Mar 2011
9
93rd
Channels Hitchcock's Rope and is a great companion piece for that film. Ray Milland was born to play this role and really does a fantastic job (anyone else think he's a dead ringer for Ricky Gervais?). Fantastic writing, directing and acting, this is really a great movie. What a year for the master...this and Rear Window, very impressive.
Rated 03 Feb 2011
4
74th
A complex plot of chance and circumstance that will have you on the edge of your seat, for lack of a less cliche phrase. Milland and Kelly are great, and once again Hitch transcends a restricted and claustrophobic setting with dynamic camerawork. Lots of fun.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
95th
It lacks cinematic flair (partly because Hitchcock was roped into making it 3D), but what a story! What a screenplay! What characters and performances! I love the way the plot twists and unravels. Simply riveting.
Rated 08 Jul 2009
82
89th
Very compelling! I think everyone has, at some point, sat around and tried to mentally plan the 'perfect murder' -- here we have the master showing us how it's done. I need to see more of Ray Milland.
Rated 26 Jul 2009
95
93rd
Terrific Movie by Hitchcock. Another great appearance by Grace Kelly.She is so beautiful..words fail me.
Rated 12 Mar 2010
3
80th
The direction isn't wonderful, but there's a hell of a lot of tension, and there's that Hitchcockian trick of making us somehow side with the villain cropping up again.
Rated 16 Apr 2011
85
84th
Great film that gets by entirely on the strength of its story and acting. The way that the plot unfolds is perfect.
Rated 18 Sep 2014
80
77th
"Well you see old boy I already thought of it mere days before you were born that you would seduce my wife in the parlor and ..." for 2 delicious hours. Grace Kelly : )
Rated 23 Dec 2019
80
77th
Why are we not ending every murder-mystery with a posh cop combing his mustache? The first 15 minutes or so had me wondering where the first act with all of the character development went. It's non-stop exposition for a while, but what it sets in motion is intricately orchestrated and immensely satisfying.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
89
90th
A really entertaining movie, with a great plot to follow.
Rated 05 May 2007
83
89th
An interesting Hitchcock thriller with nice performances from all involved. It's particuarly interesting to notice the little novelty scenes that were added to exploit the original 3D screenings of the film. Although these little scenes may act as a little bit of a breaker at times, the script flows excellently and reveals the outstanding production values of the film. Excellent transition from theatre to film.
Rated 05 May 2008
85
94th
Terrific Hitchcock suspense makes this superior to most thrillers.
Rated 24 Jan 2009
89
76th
Containing the most fluent amount of speech ever recorded on camera, Dial M for Murder is a clever and effective thriller that ultimately disappoints at the ending.
Rated 09 Mar 2009
80
77th
Hitchcock's directorial mastery is at his best in this. The way he can make the simplest stories and elements work so wonderfully is what makes his movies so special.
Rated 02 Mar 2010
95
97th
This is an Alfred Hitchcock movie, which is not so talked about, but it is an incredible movie. One of the most clever scripts and well prepared. It is those movies that you can not stop watching, even for a second.
Rated 26 Apr 2010
85
92nd
Even though dark humor wasn't Hitchcock's intent for the audience back then it's incredibly amusing from a modern frame of reference to watch ultra polite englishmen plotting the most heinous acts over a glass of brandy. This film holds up well simply because the dialog and details are fantastic. There's enough going on with the plot which draws you in from the start. It's slightly less popular films like this which remind me of how great Hitchcock was.
Rated 26 Jun 2010
82
76th
The acting and story are both great, the characters are a joy to watch and the whole thing is a great experience. Maybe not Hitchcock's best, but that's because he was amazing, not because this isn't.
Rated 23 Aug 2010
90
85th
A masterful reverse whodunnit (a "hedunnit", if you will), where the excellent writing is the star of the show. Hitchcock's direction is quite simple, but he manages to inject some nice motifs: keys, coats, curtains, the wine bar that people keep returning to, and more. Hitch's handling of props and locations is one of the many things that make his movies so memorable. Even when you've forgotten the details of the plot, you still remember and cherish the items and the layout of the rooms.
Rated 23 Oct 2010
85
92nd
Very similiar to an episode of Columbo, except that the most interesting/intelligent person involved, instead of the detective, is the villain.
Rated 08 Jan 2011
83
77th
The major plot twist, for me, is not the one on screen but the one inside my head. This movie gets you cheering for the bad guy until the end, when the inspector takes the scene and totally makes the movie. Great script.
Rated 18 Mar 2011
80
91st
Talky, but captivating thriller. Milland is so great as the smarmy, cunning husband. It's definitely among Hitchcock's best.
Rated 22 Nov 2011
83
88th
This is Alfred Hitchcock at his finest. I especially love the inspector, and the way you can tell he knows more than he's letting on. You can really see the subtext of Ray Milland's character squirming to believe that he's gotten away clean.
Rated 25 Nov 2011
90
95th
One of the very best of its type. The plot is perfect, and the pacing of its unravelling equally so. It only occasionally feels like a Hitchcock piece, but the tension is still there throughout. Thoroughly engrossing; I'll never look at a latch key the same way again.
Rated 13 Dec 2011
100
99th
My favorite Alfred Hitchcock film. It is amazing how a simple concept such as "the prefect murder" can be so exciting to watch.
Rated 21 Jan 2012
85
95th
It's really a top-notch thriller. Very suspenseful, as you'd expect from Hitchcock. It's based on a play, and it is staged that way, but Hitchcock found a way to make it feel cinematic too.
Rated 01 Feb 2012
78
85th
This is from back when they used rotary phones and I guess they had letters instead of numbers.
Rated 02 Feb 2012
87
90th
While it's not great Hitchcock, it is still a far better and more entertaining thriller than most with an excellent hook and terrific performances.
Rated 18 Aug 2012
86
90th
A taut thriller/mystery from Hitchcock where the writing and acting stand out. The plot is excellent and Hitchcock keeps it pulsating without losing its intimacy. The ending isn't quite what the film deserves but, nevertheless, it's still very good. Also, some poor editing early on made me apprehensive, although the errors weren't an issue again.
Rated 26 May 2013
90
89th
A splendid story that flows fluidly and unfolds spectacularly; Dial M for Murder is an absolute delight. Ray Milland plays an extremely charismatic and formidable antagonist who's sly and conniving thought and speech weave a gripping tale of (attempted) murder. Hitch's direction is wonderful; his characters are exactly where they need to be and say exactly what they have to say. There is absolutely no filler. From start to finish, Dial M for Murder is gripping and entertaining.
Rated 30 Aug 2013
87
89th
I miss those movies, where it s all about a smart script and good acting. This is the perfect example for it.
Rated 03 May 2015
90
91st
I love how it mostly takes place in one room because it makes it a character in itself and makes it feel claustrophobic. I also enjoy how one simple thing, a latchkey, is the main focus. It's brilliantly told with excellent dialogue that is snappy and clever, with convincing acting all around. So much entertainment and tension is found within.
Rated 15 Apr 2020
67
59th
Enjoyable. Really shines during the second act with the classic Hitchcock suspense. The whole explanation upfront in the first act is boring, yet necessary for the film to work. It could have been a bit more interesting though, because it was a lot of talking.
Rated 14 Apr 2007
80
68th
People think this is lesser Hitchcock but it's still good
Rated 23 May 2007
78
70th
The film shines when the delightful Milland is explaining and executing his schemes. The last act, though, is not quite as strong. Nevertheless, the film is a lot of fun and very clever.
Rated 16 Jul 2007
86
76th
Though it's not technically one of Hitchcock's most effective films I still love it. Grace Kelly is so perfect for the role she's in and it's really wonderful how well the story works out.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
59th
Solid Hitchcock, but too stagebound to reach the tension of "Rope" or "Rear Window".
Rated 07 Jun 2008
91
88th
Doesn't quite stick the ending, but it's worth every minute to see the twists develop.
Rated 28 Jul 2008
97
96th
Brilliant!
Rated 10 Aug 2008
77
90th
A tight screenplay, but not an amazing one. Fairly typical story, but with a few nice twists and a great protagonist. Notably the first collaboration of Hitchcock and Grace Kelly, and worth watching for that as well as the climactic scene half an hour in which is amazingly stylish and tense, standing out from the mostly theatrical style of the film. A solid film, but not Hitch's best.
Rated 22 Nov 2008
6
95th
One of the best scripts I've seen from Hitchcock.
Rated 19 Feb 2009
80
70th
The end may work, but its weak in comparison to everything leading up to it.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
85
90th
Great cast, great director... great movie.
Rated 23 Oct 2009
80
62nd
Not bad, but a little disappointing for Hitchcock. I was confused by the jovial, light relationship between Mark and Tony, even after learning of Tony's knowledge and plans. Just didn't seem believable. I also didn't like how Margot was portrayed as a helpless woman with no backbone, when she proved to be just the opposite. Not overly suspenseful either, given the main scene happens so early in the movie. Aside from Kelly's beauty, we aren't given much reason to even like her at that point.
Rated 04 Nov 2009
90
97th
Great Movie
Rated 13 Dec 2009
71
63rd
Hitchcock imbues this classic thriller with his well-known touches of sustained suspense.
Rated 19 Dec 2009
87
89th
Grace Kelly is gorgeousssssss. This film is a real treat, the script is excellent with not one dull moment. And did I mention Grace Kelly?
Rated 20 Dec 2009
88
78th
Obviously a stage play, but excellent performances keep us interested.
Rated 30 Aug 2010
92
95th
A classic thriller, the murder plotting scene is marvelous.
Rated 07 Dec 2010
70
48th
I dialed M, where's the murder?
Rated 24 Jan 2011
7
88th
Whenever Hitchcock chooses a film with a rather lackluster script, his skill as a director make this issue either irrelevant or, at the very least, forgivable (see: Strangers on a Train). This is a very different kind of Hitchcock, where the text is more important than the directing, which is rather simplistic & w/o flair. Don't let that dissuade you, though, b/c it really is a fantastic story. Some stock characters, but otherwise intelligent, fun and very thrilling. Also, Grace Kelly.
Rated 08 May 2011
50
17th
Really, really, really stagey. Effective at times, but the staginess and the blandness of the artist character combine to sink this below Hitch's usual gold standard.
Rated 08 Nov 2011
90
95th
Extremely entertaining thriller that keeps you guessing right until the final act. The planning and the lead-up to the murder attempt is probably the most suspenseful half-hour of cinema I've ever seen, and although it loses a bit of steam towards the end, the battle of wits between Milland and John Williams is still enough to keep you gripped.
Rated 02 Dec 2011
6
62nd
The set-up was classic, but the execution was missing that something special to put this into the upper echelon. I was unsatisfied with the ending, it became too predictable too early. The minimalist set, and focus on the motives of the characters, was pleasing however. It's definitely Hitchcock, and his way of telling things.
Rated 16 Jan 2012
63
81st
unrealistic and unnecessary beadledom of police officers. grace kelly should be hanged and the evil cunning should have triumphed.
Rated 08 Mar 2012
92
98th
My favorite Hitchcock film. Nobody but Hitchcock could have created such great tension with such a simple story. I don't think any other film really demonstrates as well why he's the master of suspense.
Rated 10 Mar 2012
75
62nd
Good film, but not as good as other Hitchcock films. The acting is pretty good, and the story is decent, but there are better murder mysteries. The discovery of the murder plot seemed kind of far fetched and I didn't like the courtroom scene at all (what was the point of making this scene look like a nightmare?), but the film is still watchable.
Rated 15 Jun 2012
100
98th
true masterpiece...
Rated 25 Jul 2012
95
84th
Rewatched and adjusted by score. My only criticism is limited settings, though that is the story. Not really a whodunit, since we know the plan and see what happens. It's interesting watching those involved and police inspector go through the investigation, trial and aftermath.
Rated 01 Aug 2012
54
61st
The plot seems unrealistic and at the same time completely predictable. Definitely not my favourite Hitchcock movie.
Rated 18 Sep 2012
92
97th
Amazing script but most importantly incredible suspense created by Hitchcock.
Rated 24 Jan 2013
80
86th
Shadows and telephones and mischief.
Rated 16 Jul 2013
83
86th
I'm always very surprised when an older film full of dialogue can keep you watching on the edge of your seat like a modern thriller. This film did that for me.
Rated 02 Aug 2013
90
99th
Simply brilliant. Crisp running dialogue through the entire film. Feels like an action flick without all the guns and bloodshed.
Rated 18 Oct 2013
80
88th
The script is remarkable, if flawed, and the cast strong - Ray Milland and John Williams in particular are exquisite. The music at times might seem irrelevant to the mood of the scene, while I feel that the best part of the film is the first half, but there's no denying that this is an overall compelling picture.
Rated 05 Dec 2013
73
58th
An intriguing tale which enjoyably requires some thinking from the viewer. One of the classics which challenges an intellect and this kind is, in general, not anymore produced nowadays. Old school acting ensures a clear pronunciation and actor schools back then were ensuring a really good acting skills. It's definitely a criminal worth watching even if you're not a fan of this genre. The only and unfortunately a big minus is that the plot develops really too slowly at the beginning of the movie.
Rated 18 Dec 2013
85
81st
A gorgeous showcase of conflicting fantasies in constant flux. As the duelling narratives tighten around our necks like a certain grey stocking, Mark attempts to bring the proceedings crashing down in cathartic humanity ("In a couple of days, you're going to have the most wonderful breakdown"), but it's the would-be murderer's confirmation that death is but a silly parlour trick that finally brings us relief.
Rated 03 Feb 2014
80
80th
Intelligent clash between characters attempting to exert the influence of their fictions over one another. The way reality gracefully dissolves into these conflicting interpretations is fun to watch. A film that never loosens its grip and one of Hitchcock's best
Rated 10 Mar 2014
84
77th
Good acting and the cinematography/editing are very good at creating a sense of space and passing time in what is essentially a one room play. But more than most Hitchcock films this is really about the intricate murder plot and its slow unraveling, and its absolutely mesmerizing to watch.
Rated 27 Jan 2015
69
50th
Well i did enjoy it but i remember nothing!
Rated 09 Feb 2015
90
98th
Limited sets, short running time, brillian movie.
Rated 25 Mar 2015
85
84th
Kind of a hodge-podge of tropes that show up in various other Hitchcock films. You have a husband planning to murder a wife, a charismatic villain, a story set primarily in one location, schemes that slowly unravel, memorable props, etc. Doesn't stand out particularly well in his canon, and certainly isn't his most stylish film of the period, but it's a well-written and quite compelling thriller.
Rated 07 Jul 2015
90
95th
Great Hitchcock. Taking place in a single location, it heavily relies on acting and dialogue, both of which are superb. Ray Milland is the anti-hero I rooted for, he's clever, sophisticated and never loses his cool. I've always loved how casually he behaves in the final scene.
Rated 18 Aug 2015
95
97th
A very intense film. It's my second Hitchcock but I can already tell, it's going to be one of my favorites. There's so much that is so hard to see coming that when you see your thoughts acted out on the screen, its still hard to believe what's going on. Professionally directed and acted, Dial M For Murder is the definition of a classic.
Rated 06 Sep 2015
90
97th
Escapism at its finest. A thrilling story full of suspense and intrigue, told with an ultra-tight pace. So watchable and entertaining, it reminded me that I can still be a massive sucker for "pure entertainment" with nothing else to it. Fantastic!
Rated 29 Nov 2015
87
90th
The writing in this is so good. The movie is suspenseful and smart, keeping me guessing how it will end. Kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end. Brilliant
Rated 17 Feb 2016
86
87th
Milland makes it feel like a one-man show the way he steals every scene. He's evil and smarmy and makes his villain so slick you want to root for him. The whole thing moves very naturally..the scheme isn't too far-fetched (and definitely has that "anyone can do it if they try!" spirit towards murder hitchcock likes to invoke) and the hiccups realistic rather than feeling like plot devices.
Rated 27 Mar 2016
80
87th
This is a stage-play movie, like most stage-play movies it sustains itself in great acting and good dialogue which this movie delivers, also you really get into the story. Another good Alfred movie.
Rated 16 Nov 2016
7
73rd
Stylish and very well executed.
Rated 16 Jun 2018
70
53rd
Mark Halliday: "Well, because in stories things usually turn out the way the author wants them to; and in real life they don't... always"
Rated 21 Jun 2018
74
43rd
Maybe a little too theatrical for me.
Rated 29 Mar 2020
70
59th
Under Quarantine Film Reviews #12: Unsurprisingly, Hitchcock crafts a great film. It really is a testament to his skill that he manages to make such an effective thriller within a single set and a simple concept. Milland is fantastic as the calm and cool plotter but Cummings plays such a dull character that it made me root against him throughout. Although I do believe Rope did the whole "the perfect murder" better.
Rated 02 Jul 2020
81
78th
Deserving of its classic status. I wasn't surprised to find out that this is based on a play, considering its long and terrific conversations, but Hitchcock masterfully turns up the suspense. Probably the blueprint for many great Columbo episodes.
Rated 03 Aug 2020
78
80th
Clever who-tried-it (?) with great long shots, superb dialogue and lots of suspense. And a female character from hell. Still, a deserving classic from Hitchcock.
Rated 26 Sep 2020
75
49th
You get the usual Hitchcock Greatest Hits in one package: the perfect crime, a hero tortured by being falsely accused, plot turns, inept authority figures, and a great use of stairs. However, his standard trope of a single setting heightens an already scary monster as you know what he plots before Grace Kelly does. Still, the last third is a misstep as the suspense changes tone to become a caper mixed with a Sherlock Holmes style mystery. And the 1950's homophobia really dates the picture.
Rated 30 Mar 2007
80
95th
First rate.
Rated 23 Oct 2007
87
83rd
Cleverly written film that undercuts the punishment that typically comes to adulterers, instead turning the focus on the overly judgmental response to sin. Indeed, Kelly's Margot seems to be making an attempt to make a final break from her adultery early in the film, while husband Tony's graceless lack of appreciation for his wife's change of heart drives him to execute his plan. Grace is her normal, charming self, while the police detective, played by John Williams, nearly steals the show.
Rated 16 May 2008
85
75th
Quietly suspensful with a psychological edge wrapped in mink. Stylish and whitty at times with real suspense at times. Good for its era
Rated 29 Dec 2008
85
82nd
Interesting plot unfurling, great acting. Very fun movie.
Rated 30 Mar 2009
97
98th
Fantastic, even saw it in 3-D, one of Hitchcock's masterpieces.....Highly recommended.
Rated 07 Apr 2009
50
34th
too brainy.
Rated 13 Apr 2009
3
40th
"Despite Hitchcock's own reservations this is definitely worth a look. Interesting to his aficionados and darkly funny and depressing in turns."
Rated 25 Jun 2009
87
96th
Delightful. Ray Milland shines like a diamond in Hitchcock's hands - cool, collected, lethal & one of the brilliant murderers on screen, ever. While he couldn't have possibly avoided the latchkey mix-up, for someone as brilliant as his character - I cannot but shake my head over the stupid folly of waring the money he was supposed to pay Swann with. If it wasn't for that, Inspector Hubbard may not even have gotten on his tail. Well tried though, Tony Wendice!
Rated 11 Nov 2009
80
95th
Ok, now many people don't see this movie as one of Hitchcock's best but I it's one of my favs. I really enjoyed it and was thrilled throughout.. The last 10 minutes where especially great..
Rated 19 Jan 2010
80
81st
watched: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2020
Rated 31 May 2010
90
86th
Hitchcock has the best taste in women.
Rated 10 Jun 2010
100
98th
A true masterpiece.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
79
94th
It's isnt as flashy or well known as Psycho or even The Birds but this one of my favorite suspense/thrillers. A wonderful script and excellent acting.
Rated 04 Nov 2010
20
6th
I hate this. Worst Hitchcock I've seen. It's so, so boring. There's a 20 minute conversation at the beginning which is so uninteresting. Like, if I was in that room I would excused myself, only to escape the vapid, empty conversation between two pretentious windbags. They eventually get to planning a murder, but they even make that boring. And when the guy gets caught, they all have a sit down and have a Scotch before the police show up. THIS MOVIE IS INFURIATING.
Rated 22 Dec 2010
84
77th
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