The 22 minute scene with Swan is a MASTERPIECE. Each movement, each word, the reaction shots...nothing but two men talking in a room but it is mesmerizing and Hitchcock could only make it so great using Ray Milland. It was an Oscar worthy performance, far more so then the overwrought "Lost Weekend".
In fact, if we think about it, mostly of the best villains potrayed, are charming, good manners, gentlemen figures. The first which come in my mind is Hannibal Lecter.
It may not be the best movie ever made but it’s my personal favourite of all time .. it’s just so good , minimal cast , almost exclusively set indoors, great dialogue , it’s almost like watching a stage play , that last scene is my favourite, the tec is just so calm , grace kelly was so so beautiful.. and the great Ray Milland at his most menacing when scheming.... bloody wonderful.
Maybe not the “best movie ever” but it could easily be among a Top 100 list. The most minimalistic film I’ve seen. The movie was filmed almost entirely in a little department..
Hi, you may want to watch Rope by Alfred Hitchcock too if you want minimal cast and set indoors all the time. It's like a play but in a movie. Also about murder mystery. Jimmy Stewart was on there.
I know a lot of people think this isn’t all that great of a movie because it all comes down to the simplicity of a key. But I, personally, enjoy going back and watching it multiple times.
In Truffaut's interview with Hitch he more or less dismisses it as a filmed play and yet...he confessed he has watched it dozens of times sometimes twice in a week. Just the two man 22 minute scene with Swan is a masterclass in camera placement and camera movement.
So, he tries to knock her off, and when that doesn't work, he frames her for murder and makes her go through a trial and a conviction. Then he leaves her on Death Row and brings her to within a day of her own execution, which she only escapes because the one copper in Christendom with more than three brain cells manages to see through his nefarious scheme. And when he's busted, what does he do? Casually offers her a drink, which she takes the same way she'd take a nightcap after an evening at the theatre before retiring for the night. I really miss that old fashioned English sense of collected reserve, don't you? A modern English woman would scream "yer fuckin' slaaaaaggggg!", smash the bottle and twist it into his face.
After reading the original stage play by Knott, I think I understand why this is not seen as one of the top Hitchcock films. The scene is the same, the story is almost the same, even the dialogues are 90% the same (just some minor changes). Most of the merit actually belongs to the theatrical play. Hitchcock just put this on film, in 3d. He added his touch though, expecially in the scene of the murder which is more elaborate in the film (to give more suspense).
@@prismak7607 very interesting and I think you’re right ! I was interested in the original play and the playwright after watching the film. I honestly do think it’s one of Hitchcock’s top films and maybe his best .. but for me rear window is my all time favorite ! This might be my second favorite! I also love spellbound and notorious and some of his other films as well
I wouldn't even call Tony the best Hitchcock villain. The role is well written and Ray Milland did a great job but he isn't the most memorable villain in cinema history. As for the film itself, Dial M is one of the better Hitchcock pictures but far from Sir Alfred's best.
Hitchcock truly appreciated the art of film music, even though his working relationships with the composers could be quite rocky. My all-time favorite movie score is Bernard Hermann's music for NxNW. I also love the story of how Hermann convinced Hitch to use the shrieking violins in that most iconic shower scene in Psycho. The music is such an integral part of what makes that scene so chillingly memorable.
A classic Hitchcock movie that I have watched many times In my 52 years. Grace Kelly is so beautiful, and the other actors in this also played their parts brilliantly. Her English accent is faultless.
Agree with Brandon C. Not to mention it came from his mouth earlier in the film that he only married her for her money. Back then, you couldn't as easily divorce and just be with the person you love.
She did a terrible thing and she deserved the death penalty. That's not to say that he didn't, because he deserved to die also. They were both terrible people, and they both deserved to meet the bitter end.
odd that tony first mentions that he saw something that made him change his mind before he got swan to pick up the letters. after swan touches the letters, tony again mentions that he saw something... what if swan asked tony what he saw before he touched the letters? maybe tony would have simply not answered him and continued talking. anyway, seems like a weak part in the script, albeit a minor one. great job on this, really enjoyed it. i’ve seen this film countless times but lately i only ever watch this scene over and over, and that classy ending when he offers margot and tony a drink- “i suppose you’re still on duty inspector ..?” (hah, i’ve given myself away ... full stops in the states go inside the quotes but outside in britain, and you use single quotes mostly. oh well, no matter ... cheerio!)
Haha I love the irony that pretty much every time the inspector calls the station they pick up almost immediately. And the final call-in for Tony it keeps ringing long enough for him to pull out is mustache comb. 😂😂😂 Still a good closing scene but I had to take notice of that little tidbit.
Like what a recent comment here elucidated, Tony could have simply claimed that he made a copy of his key and put it in the stair carpet after her arrest, they'd have no proof that was a lie. But this fits for plot convenience I guess, also can't sympathise with Margot since she was a cheater
I grew up watching older films because of my grandfather. Even after his passing I still go back and look for other old films to watch and came across this one. That to say, It took me a second to realize who “Mark” was. And then I remember him from the Desilu comedy hour…. *slaps forehead* of course - Robert Cummings - the hilarious scene of him taking a bath while Lucille Ball tries to set up the pearl swap. 😂😂😂 Definitely enjoyed him in this movie. And yes!! Loved the inspected as well!
What I find interesting is they gloss over the fact that this never would have happened if she would have been faithful. She is made out to be a victim despite everything started with her?
Things didn't start with Margot, they started with Tony who SHAMELESSLY admits that he only married Margot for her money, had plenty of opportunities to confront her about the affair and seek a divorce, and chose not to act upon them because it would mean he wouldn't have access to her fortune anymore. We also hear both him and Margot imply that Tony was never a great husband, and even when he was becoming bad at tennis (which is a young man's sport, most players retire in their mid 30s at the LATEST) he refused to even consider retiring until he realized he could play up affection to try and keep her in his grasp while he plotted his revenge. Why should we feel bad she strayed from such a jackass?
My only problem with the movie is that the resolution of the case rests on Swann returning the key before entering the apartment. However, we don't see him try to put it back in at any point, either when he enters or when he is about to leave for the first time. The only way this could have happened is off-camera, which would be lazy and convenient on Hitchcock's part. Would showing that have ruined the surprise? Certainly, but it would have been enough to have him outside the door for two seconds before coming back, hinting the possibility. Enough time to hide it again. There is not a "that's when he put it back! " moment. We just have to go along with a fact unknowable for the audience. He could have done it just before she gets up her bed, it's plausible, nonetheless, the key (pun) to the mystery resting upon an off-camera trick doesn't seem right somehow (for me, at least).
There is no way that a detective inspector could have taken a prisoner convicted of murder and sentenced to death out of prison on a hunch. In reality the Chief of Police would have to make a plea to the Home Secretary who could order the execution postponed pending further investigation, the prisoner would remain in prison until the investigation was completed then the Home Secretary would then decide what to do.
@@darrellglover493OMG You're so right, Now I find this climax plot Armor!!! He could have just said that but I guess he kinda accepted Checkmate at the end. although Tony doesn't seem to be a man of honour lol
That would only kickstart suspicion. It could be traced back to him if he decided to make a copy of a house key. Evidently, that was not a possibility. The real mistake was asking that dope to kill his wife. He couldn't follow simple instructions - leaving the key in the stairs AFTER he'd done the deed, not before. A simple mistake like that ultimately resulted in getting caught.
This is a classic but some of the acting isn’t great the scene when she stabs him with the scissors they go in about 3 inches it’s laughable he’d of just carried on killing her bit silly.
Ray Milland was so smooth, so quick-witted, in this movie. A delightful villain.
The 22 minute scene with Swan is a MASTERPIECE. Each movement, each word, the reaction shots...nothing but two men talking in a room but it is mesmerizing
and Hitchcock could only make it so great using Ray Milland. It was an Oscar worthy performance, far more so then the overwrought "Lost Weekend".
1:08
@@poetcomic1 1:25
Anthony Dawson deserves a mention too I think ?
In fact, if we think about it, mostly of the best villains potrayed, are charming, good manners, gentlemen figures.
The first which come in my mind is Hannibal Lecter.
Tony sure took his defeat very well. The class act way to do it.
@Brandon C. can't all this be avoided if the villain just had one more key made just for the murder lol
gotta love the way those classic movies end when found guilty, like in Rope, they just play the piano
Possibly, although then there would have been 4 keys in the mix instead of 3. I love this film.@@lepetitchat123
It may not be the best movie ever made but it’s my personal favourite of all time .. it’s just so good , minimal cast , almost exclusively set indoors, great dialogue , it’s almost like watching a stage play , that last scene is my favourite, the tec is just so calm , grace kelly was so so beautiful.. and the great Ray Milland at his most menacing when scheming.... bloody wonderful.
yeah grace kelly was beautiful, she did good in rear window aswell in the same year, strangers on a train is good aswell
Maybe not the “best movie ever” but it could easily be among a Top 100 list. The most minimalistic film I’ve seen. The movie was filmed almost entirely in a little department..
@Brandon C. yes I agree
Grace's wardrobe could have been better. Too boring in this film
Hi, you may want to watch Rope by Alfred Hitchcock too if you want minimal cast and set indoors all the time. It's like a play but in a movie. Also about murder mystery. Jimmy Stewart was on there.
I know a lot of people think this isn’t all that great of a movie because it all comes down to the simplicity of a key.
But I, personally, enjoy going back and watching it multiple times.
In Truffaut's interview with Hitch he more or less dismisses it as a filmed play and yet...he confessed he has watched it dozens of times sometimes twice in a week. Just the two man 22 minute scene with Swan is a masterclass in camera placement and camera movement.
Love the way the Inspector totally ignores the perpetrator at the end.
I think the inspector’s priority was to phone it in immediately incase the perpetrator had something up his sleeve
So, he tries to knock her off, and when that doesn't work, he frames her for murder and makes her go through a trial and a conviction. Then he leaves her on Death Row and brings her to within a day of her own execution, which she only escapes because the one copper in Christendom with more than three brain cells manages to see through his nefarious scheme. And when he's busted, what does he do? Casually offers her a drink, which she takes the same way she'd take a nightcap after an evening at the theatre before retiring for the night. I really miss that old fashioned English sense of collected reserve, don't you? A modern English woman would scream "yer fuckin' slaaaaaggggg!", smash the bottle and twist it into his face.
To be honest seeing Grace Kelly say that would be great
Well, she was doing another guy.
@@lawrencewellington2343 That doesn't justify murdering her.
@@spitshinetommy3721 yes it is
@@spitshinetommy3721 yeah a simple divorce would’ve sufficed
Best villain ever. Best Hitchcock film. Way superior than Rear Window, kinda underrated.
I don’t think so but it’s neck and neck
After reading the original stage play by Knott, I think I understand why this is not seen as one of the top Hitchcock films. The scene is the same, the story is almost the same, even the dialogues are 90% the same (just some minor changes). Most of the merit actually belongs to the theatrical play. Hitchcock just put this on film, in 3d. He added his touch though, expecially in the scene of the murder which is more elaborate in the film (to give more suspense).
@@prismak7607 very interesting and I think you’re right ! I was interested in the original play and the playwright after watching the film. I honestly do think it’s one of Hitchcock’s top films and maybe his best .. but for me rear window is my all time favorite ! This might be my second favorite! I also love spellbound and notorious and some of his other films as well
North by Northwest is better
I wouldn't even call Tony the best Hitchcock villain. The role is well written and Ray Milland did a great job but he isn't the most memorable villain in cinema history. As for the film itself, Dial M is one of the better Hitchcock pictures but far from Sir Alfred's best.
It wouldn't be the wonderful movie it is without the incredibly evocative music by Dimitri Tiompkin!!!!!!!
Apologies!! I misspelled the last name of my favorite movie composer. It's Tiomkin.
@@ginnylorenz5265 i still like it either way, its my favorite hithcock film with rear window
Hitchcock truly appreciated the art of film music, even though his working relationships with the composers could be quite rocky. My all-time favorite movie score is Bernard Hermann's music for NxNW. I also love the story of how Hermann convinced Hitch to use the shrieking violins in that most iconic shower scene in Psycho. The music is such an integral part of what makes that scene so chillingly memorable.
I love that little flip of the key. 1:02
I never noticed that before lol!
The Inspector is like: and now my work here is done whilst combing his mustache.😂
A classic Hitchcock movie that I have watched many times In my 52 years. Grace Kelly is so beautiful, and the other actors in this also played their parts brilliantly. Her English accent is faultless.
So he gets himself caught and pours a Johnnie Walker Red, one of the most repulsive blended scotches out there.
can't all this be avoided if the villain just had one more key made just for the murder lol
Getting himself used to the taste of prison hooch.
@@Dabhach1 haha 😂
I mean....maybe it's symbolism 🤷🏻♂
Could have been worse. Could have been Whyte & MacKay.
The way the camera follows the hand with the key is feline. Smooth and so precise. I really need to see this movie in 3D as Hitchcock intended.
Actually he used the 3-d pits for some of the shots.
One of the best films ever made!
They don't make movies like this anymore 😭
2:22 I really love that expression! ;)
Such an English way to react. My word they’ve got class
Don't forget she cheated on her husband
Agree with Brandon C. Not to mention it came from his mouth earlier in the film that he only married her for her money. Back then, you couldn't as easily divorce and just be with the person you love.
She did a terrible thing and she deserved the death penalty. That's not to say that he didn't, because he deserved to die also. They were both terrible people, and they both deserved to meet the bitter end.
odd that tony first mentions that he saw something that made him change his mind before he got swan to pick up the letters. after swan touches the letters, tony again mentions that he saw something... what if swan asked tony what he saw before he touched the letters? maybe tony would have simply not answered him and continued talking. anyway, seems like a weak part in the script, albeit a minor one. great job on this, really enjoyed it. i’ve seen this film countless times but lately i only ever watch this scene over and over, and that classy ending when he offers margot and tony a drink- “i suppose you’re still on duty inspector ..?” (hah, i’ve given myself away ... full stops in the states go inside the quotes but outside in britain, and you use single quotes mostly. oh well, no matter ... cheerio!)
Haha I love the irony that pretty much every time the inspector calls the station they pick up almost immediately.
And the final call-in for Tony it keeps ringing long enough for him to pull out is mustache comb. 😂😂😂
Still a good closing scene but I had to take notice of that little tidbit.
The police station officers read the script.
@@Proximityillusions 😂 ha ha ha. Very funny
I'm sure that was entirely the point. Hitch had an amazing focus on those sorts of small but telling details.
Possibly a “gotcha!” even Columbo would smile at
I love John Williams.....so cool!
If only all police inspectors were that good...
1:28
"Now just where do you think you're going?"
😂
The inspector in 1954 gives the Miranda rights warning in the middle of the movie 12 years before it was passed in 1966.
If Swan had just followed Tony's direction about the key....
Finally, a movie that stars Ray Millard and Alfred Hitchcock Presents star, John Williams
More like Tony didn't follow his own plan.
Like what a recent comment here elucidated, Tony could have simply claimed that he made a copy of his key and put it in the stair carpet after her arrest, they'd have no proof that was a lie. But this fits for plot convenience I guess, also can't sympathise with Margot since she was a cheater
He's remembered!
That mustache comb is gangster af
Classy work of art!
I didn't know, moustache combs were a thing
So much better than the 80's remake where he just slumps into a chair.
My #2 favorite Hitchcock film, behind Rear Window🪟 , and ahead of North By Northwest. ☎️📽
1:18 when you've just been loudly talking to yourself thinking that you were home alone
I suppose you are still on duty inspector 👌
Love that line. Even when exposed as a duplicitous cad he doesn't forget his manners.
Love the Inspector.
Of course Robert Cummings the best.
I grew up watching older films because of my grandfather. Even after his passing I still go back and look for other old films to watch and came across this one.
That to say, It took me a second to realize who “Mark” was. And then I remember him from the Desilu comedy hour…. *slaps forehead* of course -
Robert Cummings - the hilarious scene of him taking a bath while Lucille Ball tries to set up the pearl swap. 😂😂😂
Definitely enjoyed him in this movie.
And yes!! Loved the inspected as well!
He died in a hero's way :)) bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
What I find interesting is they gloss over the fact that this never would have happened if she would have been faithful. She is made out to be a victim despite everything started with her?
Things didn't start with Margot, they started with Tony who SHAMELESSLY admits that he only married Margot for her money, had plenty of opportunities to confront her about the affair and seek a divorce, and chose not to act upon them because it would mean he wouldn't have access to her fortune anymore. We also hear both him and Margot imply that Tony was never a great husband, and even when he was becoming bad at tennis (which is a young man's sport, most players retire in their mid 30s at the LATEST) he refused to even consider retiring until he realized he could play up affection to try and keep her in his grasp while he plotted his revenge. Why should we feel bad she strayed from such a jackass?
Cheating IS NOT justifiable,BY ANY MEANS!!!! TONY was a good husband until she cheated on him@@emilynicole1234
2:22 - 2:27 Combing The Mustache. Cool Pimp.
My only problem with the movie is that the resolution of the case rests on Swann returning the key before entering the apartment. However, we don't see him try to put it back in at any point, either when he enters or when he is about to leave for the first time. The only way this could have happened is off-camera, which would be lazy and convenient on Hitchcock's part. Would showing that have ruined the surprise? Certainly, but it would have been enough to have him outside the door for two seconds before coming back, hinting the possibility. Enough time to hide it again. There is not a "that's when he put it back! " moment. We just have to go along with a fact unknowable for the audience. He could have done it just before she gets up her bed, it's plausible, nonetheless, the key (pun) to the mystery resting upon an off-camera trick doesn't seem right somehow (for me, at least).
Excelentísima película 🎥
Classic movie
Gerçekten inanılmaz bir filim herkeze tavsiye ederim alfred in unutulmaz eserleri arasında ilk 3 de
aynen, bu ve rear window guzeldi, strangers on a train de guzeldi
The key is the definitive McCuffin.
So sad to see Grace Kelly surrounded by very old men!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Art reflecting life. She had a bit of a reputation, you know.
There is no way that a detective inspector could have taken a prisoner convicted of murder and sentenced to death out of prison on a hunch. In reality the Chief of Police would have to make a plea to the Home Secretary who could order the execution postponed pending further investigation, the prisoner would remain in prison until the investigation was completed then the Home Secretary would then decide what to do.
All of this was illegal entrapment. The husband being so quick-witted could've said he made a copy after she was locked up.
@@darrellglover493OMG You're so right, Now I find this climax plot Armor!!! He could have just said that but I guess he kinda accepted Checkmate at the end. although Tony doesn't seem to be a man of honour lol
Yes, you're right. That would have made a far more exciting ending.
can't all this be avoided if the villain just had one more key made just for the murder lol
That would only kickstart suspicion. It could be traced back to him if he decided to make a copy of a house key. Evidently, that was not a possibility.
The real mistake was asking that dope to kill his wife. He couldn't follow simple instructions - leaving the key in the stairs AFTER he'd done the deed, not before. A simple mistake like that ultimately resulted in getting caught.
@@ajas90 Yeah for a job like that you gotta do it yourself or hire a professional with good reviews.
Buonanotte zio Attilio
This is a classic but some of the acting isn’t great the scene when she stabs him with the scissors they go in about 3 inches it’s laughable he’d of just carried on killing her bit silly.
First
nahhh bish deserved execution. cheating h o
Facts