Dial M for Murder Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Dial M for Murder
| Movie | Dial M for Murder |
| Release Year | 1981 |
| Director | Boris Sagal |
| Genre | Thriller / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 98 minutes (1h 38m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dial M for Murder (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Dial M for Murder are led by Angie Dickinson . The supporting cast, including Christopher Plummer and Anthony Quayle , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Dial M for Murder does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Thriller films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Dial M for Murder has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Dial M for Murder
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, Dial M for Murder is a Thriller, TV Movie film directed by Boris Sagal, written by John Gay. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Angie Dickinson as Margot Wendice.
Ending Explained: Dial M for Murder
Dial M for Murder Ending Explained: Directed by Boris Sagal, Dial M for Murder wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core thriller themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Angie Dickinson. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the thriller themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Dial M for Murder reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Dial M for Murder?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Angie Dickinson or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Dial M for Murder Parents Guide & Age Rating
1981 AdvisoryWondering about Dial M for Murder age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dial M for Murder (1981) is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Directed by Boris Sagal, the film runs for 98 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Dial M for Murder is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dial M for Murder worth watching?
Dial M for Murder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dial M for Murder parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dial M for Murder identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Dial M for Murder (1981)?
The runtime of Dial M for Murder (1981) is 98 minutes (approximately 1h 38m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
