Dial M for Murder

Dial M for Murder (in Spain, Crimen perfecto; in Mexico, With M for death; in other Latin American countries, The Fatal Call) is a film directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1954, and with Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings and John Williams as lead actors.

It is based on the play of the same name by English playwright Frederick Knott. This work was released on the BBC in 1952 and later on the London and New York stages before the film was shot two years later, with a script by Knott himself.

Finds AFI's 10 Top 10 in the "Mystery Movies" category.

Plot

Tony Wendice (Ray Milland) wants to kill his wife Margot (Grace Kelly) because she is unfaithful, but what interests him most is keeping his fortune. He blackmails an old college roommate into breaking into the house in her absence and strangling Margot when she receives a phone call. But a detail collapses the entire plan.

Hitchcock's usual cameo takes place at the 13ː15 minute mark; he is seen in a college dinner photo that Wendice shows Lesgate.

Cast

• Ray Milland as Tony Wendice.
• Grace Kelly as Margot Mary Wendice.
• Robert Cummings like Mark Halliday.
• John Williams as Chief Inspector Hubbard.
• Anthony Dawson like Captain Lesgate.
• Leo Britt as the party reporter.
• Patrick Allen as Detective Pearson.
• Robin Hughes as the police sergeant.
• George Leigh like Detective Williams.
• George Alderson as the first detective.