Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic Hitchcock thriller is tense but not graphic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Dial M for Murder
What's the Story?
Wily, dilettante tennis pro Tony Wendice (Ray Milland) is aware that his wife Margot (Grace Kelly) is in love with an American writer (Robert Cummings). Dependent upon her money and fearful that she'll leave him, Tony spends months planning the "perfect crime" and blackmails an old college classmate into carrying out Margot's murder. When things go awry, the diabolical Tony comes up with another brilliant way to get rid of Margot. Only the presence of an equally clever London police detective threatens to stop Tony from having his way.
Is It Any Good?
While not in the pantheon of Hitchcock's greatest achievements, DIAL M FOR MURDER is still considered a classic by many. Its intricate plotting, carefully built tension, and the scheming nature of its debonair would-be murderer keep the talky film moving despite its singular, interior setting.
This is the first Hitchcock-Kelly pairing and the film is credited with making her a star. Curiously, Warner Bros. insisted that the film be produced in 3D, though it was never widely released that way. The film will appeal mostly to Hitchcock fans and old-fashioned "drawing room" mystery lovers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between movies made in this era and movies made today. How is violence portrayed differently? Why is there so much less smoking in movies today?
With scenes almost entirely in one room and based mostly on dialogue, how did Hitchcock build the suspense in this movie? Was it effective?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 29, 1954
- On DVD or streaming : September 1, 2009
- Cast : Grace Kelly , Ray Milland , Robert Cummings
- Director : Alfred Hitchcock
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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