Overview
A web of deception and betrayal unfolds in a high-stakes game of murder.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- tense
- sardonic
- elegant
- classic movie night
- mystery marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a technically accomplished and suspenseful Hitchcock mystery, strengthened by its performances and camera work despite a talky, stage-bound setup.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Tony Wendice carefully engineers a murder-for-hire scheme, and the suspense arises from its practical details and unforeseen failures.
Most of the action unfolds inside the Wendices' London apartment, transforming a home, telephone, desk, and scissors into elements of danger.
Tony's murder plan is driven by Margot's affair with Mark and his fear of losing her wealth and status.
The story unfolds largely through dialogue and carefully arranged apartment scenes, reflecting Frederick Knott's stage-play origins.
Films like Dial M for Murder, and why
Suspicion
shared murder plotting, domestic betrayal, psychological suspense, and tightly controlled visual staging
The Lady Vanishes
shared confined-location mystery, marital danger, detective investigation, and elegant suspense mechanics
Shadow of a Doubt
shared domestic crime, manipulative relationships, noir tension, and morally compromised protagonists
Sleuth
shared locked-room mystery structure, witty dialogue, and a methodical investigation into an apparent perfect crime
Movie Details
- Director
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Release Date
- 1954-05-29
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 8.0 / 10 (2958)
Cast
- Ray Milland
- Grace Kelly
- Robert Cummings
- John Williams
- Anthony Dawson
- Leo Britt
- Patrick Allen
- George Leigh
- George Alderson
- Robin Hughes
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Dial M for Murder about?
- A wealthy London husband orchestrates an elaborate murder-for-hire scheme, only to find his supposedly perfect crime unraveling under close investigation.
- What is Dial M for Murder like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dial M for Murder as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Dial M for Murder violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Dial M for Murder as mild.
- What did critics think of Dial M for Murder?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a technically accomplished and suspenseful Hitchcock mystery, strengthened by its performances and camera work despite a talky, stage-bound setup.
- Which films are like Dial M for Murder?
- Films with a similar feel include Suspicion, The Lady Vanishes, Shadow of a Doubt, and Sleuth.
- How long is Dial M for Murder?
- Dial M for Murder runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Dial M for Murder?
- In United States, Dial M for Murder streams on IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel.
