Dial M for Murder (re-release)
Warner Bros.


9.4

based on 3 reviews
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based on 5 votes
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MPAA RATING: PG

Starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, John Williams, Anthony Dawson, Leo Britt, Patrick Allen, and George Leigh

In this 1954 Hitchcock classic, quintessential cool blonde (and Hitchcock favorite) Grace Kelly stars as a society woman for whom jealous husband Ray Milland arranges the perfect murder. (Film Forum)

GENRE(S):	Classic \| Suspense/Thriller
WRITTEN BY:	Frederick Knott (also play)
DIRECTED BY:	Alfred Hitchcock
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: September 7, 2004 Video: June 12, 2001 Theatrical: January 2, 2004
RUNNING TIME:	105 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

Best Actess (Kelly) and Best SUpporting Actor (Williams), 1954 National Board of Review; Best Actress (Kelly), 1954 New York Film Critics Circle Awards

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Village Voice B. Kite

If the things here are homelier and less loved than, say, Marnie's neon yellow purse or Cary Grant's glowing glass of milk, and the film itself no one's idea of major Hitch, it remains a fascinating investigation of a stillborn process from one of cinema's most dedicated inquisitors of structure.

Chicago Reader Dave Kehr

The screenplay tends to constrain rather than liberate Hitchcock's thematic thrust, but there is much of technical value in his geometric survey of the scene and the elaborate strategies employed to transfer audience sympathy among the four main characters. (review of original release)

TV Guide Staff (Not Credited)

Lower case Hitch, but diverting and sleek, with the climax early on. [review of original release]

The average user rating for this movie is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 5 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

David W. gave it a10:
Don't believe that this is a minor Hitchcock... it's a major work that is quite wonderful.

Andrew M. gave it a 10:
A talky Hitchcock that, as Will C. says, does indeed have the feel of a play. The first scene grabs your attention and it holds until the climatic end (there's really two climaxes in this film, giving it a two-act feel). You know everything throughout the film but due to great direction you still feel uncertainty and suspense. Note the clever camera placement in this film, which continually adds a sense of trepidation. Ray Milland is perfect in his role and Grace Kelly, truly beautiful, captures every scene she's in. The look she gives at the end when she realises the whole truth is devastating! The only minor downside is Robert Cummings, who is just passable in his role. But, for a "minor" Hitchcock film it's pretty darn good. One of my all time favourites.

Will C. gave it a 7:
It's more like watching a play than a movie. Yet the story, acting and directing are riveting to the end. And after all, it is Hitchcock.

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Dial M for Murder (re-release) Warner Bros.

Dial M for Murder (re-release)
Warner Bros.