Review of Dial M for Murder (1981) by Roy S — 27 Nov 2012

Though usually not categorized among the best of Hitchcock, it should be. It is said to be "stagey" but if the action and dialog is suitably gripping (and it is) that shouldn't matter. Also, the 3D version seems to open it up a bit.

Actually, it has some of the best 3D scenes I've ever seen; quite an accomplishment for a movie that's almost 60 years old. The acting is top-notch too. But really it is the story that is outstanding.

So intricate, so twisty, and yet so coherent. They really don't make them like this anymore, but they should. Thrillers today either have twists that make no sense, rely heavily on violence or other intense action, or get bogged down in bodily fluids or other forensics.

This is nothing but clever web-spinning and puzzle-solving. Also unusual for Hitchcock; the police are actually effective.