Review of Dial M for Murder (1954) by Diana W — 10 Apr 2013

I think Dial M is one of Hitchcock's most underrated films. I've loved this film for a long time and wonder why it's so unappreciated. The acting is marvelous, especially Ray Milland as the duplicitous Tony Wendice. He's one of my favorite movie villains.

To be able to make a movie in which most of the action takes place on one small set and make it interesting is a testament to Hitchcock's brilliance. He firstly did it with Rope, and although not as good as Dial M, I still think it's an interesting film. He would do it again in his masterpiece Rear Window.

Much of Dial M's appeal is in the screenplay, which would have to be great in order to make a movie like this one, that has such a limited setting, any good. It's mainly the dialogue that has to keep the audience's attention. It does an excellent job. I think Dial M ought to be considered one of Hitch's great works along with many of his other films of this period.