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Based on a stage play, the film's plot takes place mostly in one apartment, a cozy abode complete with a fire burning in the fireplace. An aging tennis pro named Tony Wendice (Ray Milland) plans his wife's murder with the help of an old acquaintance.Wendice is charming, debonair, and intelligent, a man with great foresight who constructs his crime in meticulous detail. Half the fun of this film is watching, and listening to, this guy as he articulates his scheme with confident coolness. Ray Milland is just terrific in the role.Naturally, complications ensue as the film's plot moves along. Not even the scheming Tony Wendice can foresee every possible contingency. And in the second half we get to watch him squirm, mentally struggle, and improvise, as his airtight plan starts to unravel.The Frederick Knott script is heavy on dialogue, but the film is so engaging that it never seems "talky". Hitchcock's direction is fine. Color cinematography includes some clever camera angles that help break up the monotony of such an enclosed setting. Yet, the film has a claustrophobic feel that actually enhances the anxiety and tension of the situations the characters find themselves in.Dimitri Tiomkin's elegant score fits well with the formal attire of the characters. The impression is thus conveyed that Tony and his wife are sophisticated, well off financially, and connected to society's upper crust. Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings give fine performances in support roles. And John Williams' performance is as outstanding as that of Ray Milland.This film is not a whodunit. The story is simple and straightforward. It's more of a character study, particularly of Tony Wendice.With a terrific story, engaging characters, excellent acting, clever photography, and credible production design, "Dial M For Murder" is thoroughly enjoyable. It is one of my three favorite Alfred Hitchcock films.
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