Dial M for Murder is a classic thriller movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1954. The movie is based on a play of the same name by Frederick Knott.
The story revolves around Tony Wendice (played by Ray Milland), a retired tennis pro who discovers that his wife Margot (played by Grace Kelly) is having an affair with an American crime novelist named Mark Halliday (played by Robert Cummings). Fearing that Margot will leave him for Halliday, Tony devises a plan to have her murdered.
Tony hires an old acquaintance, Captain Lesgate (played by Anthony Dawson), to carry out the murder. Lesgate agrees to do it for a fee, and Tony provides him with a key to their apartment. Tony's plan is to blackmail Lesgate afterward, offering him a share of Margot's inheritance.
However, things don't go according to plan. Lesgate bungles the murder, and Margot fights back, killing him in self-defense. Tony then improvises a new plan to frame Margot for Lesgate's murder. He manipulates the evidence and witnesses to make it look like Margot killed Lesgate out of jealousy.
The movie builds a tense atmosphere as the investigation unfolds, and the audience is left wondering if Tony's plan will succeed or if the truth will be revealed. The climax of the movie takes place in Margot's trial, where Halliday takes the stand to defend her, and Tony's intricate web of lies begins to unravel.
Dial M for Murder is known for its clever plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and Hitchcock's masterful direction. The cast's performances, especially Kelly's, are widely praised for their nuanced and layered portrayals. The movie remains a classic of the thriller genre and a testament to Hitchcock's enduring legacy as a filmmaker.