I suspect my attempts at wrongdoing would resemble my efforts at bridge: I’d likely make some foolish error and not recognize it until everyone was staring at me. It might be considered mid-range Hitchcock, according to his own statements, but it remains one of the best mystery thrillers available. Ray Milland portrays Tony Wendice, a former tennis player married to Grace Kelly's Margot, who provides him with financial security. Worried that his comfortable existence is about to end because of her relationships with American mystery writer Mark Halliday (Robert Cummins), Tony develops a scheme to have her killed by an old associate he’s manipulating through blackmail. However, the plan goes wrong and a different approach is necessary to clear Tony from suspicion. Adapted for the screenplay by Frederick Knott from his popular and successful play, Dial M For Murder was a project Hitchcock didn't particularly value. Having already begun work on Rear Window, Hitch viewed Dial M For Murder as just another assignment. Jack Warner’s insistence that the film be presented in 3D further dampened his enthusiasm, along with all the limitations that such a production entails. Despite this, the restrictions and the director's overall mood resulted in surprisingly good outcomes. Choosing to shoot the entire movie within a single set, Hitchcock resisted the temptation to throw objects for 3D effects; instead, he used the process to emphasize props and camera angles within the Wendice home. His use of color is excellent here, especially concerning his emerging favorite actress, Grace Kelly. I’ve never seen the 3D version (and I wonder if anyone has), so I can't comment on its impact. But regardless of Hitch's complaints and general dislike for the film, he stepped up to the challenge by pushing himself and ultimately created a well-made and technically proficient picture. Ray Milland is coolly elegant, while John Williams as Chief Inspector Hubbard makes an entrance and steals the show. Kelly’s performance is passable; so early in her career, she was somewhat overly affectionate physically on set (according to "A Life in Darkness and Light"), which apparently pleased and amused Hitchcock, and he would later find better ways to utilize her talent. Sadly, Cummings is rather unremarkable and risks slowing down the film's momentum as things become more exciting in the final section. Despite this, it’s a very enjoyable movie, full of interesting characters and fascinating for Hitchcock fans interested in seeing how he navigated the 3D format to suit his own artistic vision. Dial M For Murder remains a disturbing mystery thriller that holds up well today. 8/10

Source on TMDB