Review of Dial M for Murder (1954) by Paul B — 09 Nov 2008

A film classic that proves Hitchcock is a master director of tension. Grace Kelley searching for asparin, a key under a carpet and the angle of a telephone all become gut-churning moments of gripping tension.

Proof that films do not need car chases and explosions to keep an audience on the edge of their seat. Ray Milland is excellent as the intelligent villain and Kelley does well in a difficult role. Robert Cummings is less convincing as the novelist and the music often veers between enhancing and crippling the story-telling.

Otherwise this deserves its reputation as a classic suspense thriller.