La clé de l'énigme

This is a nearly line-for-line remake of Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 classic. It is drably shot (we're far from the Technicolor lushness of the original), and although the actors are good, especially Anthony Quayle as the wry Scotland Yard inspector, none of them really surpass their predecessors (the lover being the least interesting character in both versions). Yet the clockwork ingenuity of Frederick Knott's story comes through, and is more than enough to sustain it: I guess you can say it is foolproof. But if you DON'T know the story, better to start with the Hitchcock version and not get it spoiled by this one. **1/2 out of 4.

This TV version is captivating. The performances, particularly by Angie Dickinson and Christopher Plummer, are amazing. Angie made this film fresh off the success of DRESSED TO KILL, and she is strikingly beautiful. This is rare chance where a remake is well-worth tracking down and watching.

While not as compelling as Hitchcock's 1954 adaptation when it comes to cinematic technique, Christopher Plummer's turn as the socipathic but suave Tony Wendice makes this made-for-TV version of the perennial thriller classic DIAL M FOR MURDER worth a watch. It's not exactly a filmed stage play, but it's a hair away from being as such. It does try to "open up" the play by setting Margot and Max's conversation at a movie studio filming an adaptation of one of the latter's mystery novels rather than in the Wendice apartment, which I thought was a clever touch, playing upon the subtle meta elements of the original play.

As for the story itself, it's pretty much exactly the original play and/or the Hitchcock movie (which was adapted by the play's author Frederick Knott anyhow). I personally think the play's first half is more interesting than the second, since none of the other characters can match Tony for charisma or guile. But it is clever and twisty, and therefore enjoyable.

Yes, give this a try. The Hitchcock one is very fine, but you won't be disappointed by the performances here, either. Some of the explanations of Tony's behaviour I found clearer. Good cast all around.

Master TV director Boris Sagal brings us an excellent remake of DIAL M FOR MURDER. I haven't seen this but twice in 25 years, but I would love to see this making the TV rounds again or a DVD release soon.

We all know the story from the 1954 classic, but Christopher Plummer is nothing short of brilliant as Tony, while Angie Dickinson is perfect as Margot.

Generally not a fan of remakes - especially remaking films from the master of suspense, but Sagal puts it all together in a superb Made-For-Television classic back when the networks were still spending top dollar for Movies Of The Week.

Don't miss this one - if you ever get the chance(!)