Ray Milland plays Tony Wendice (prn. When-dess), in the 1954 Hitchcock film “Dial M For Murder.” He is a cold, calculating, psychopath, who has elegantly and cleverly set up Anthony Dawson’s character Charles Swann to kill his wife for her money. This is a familiar storyline from the movies Temptation, Double Indemnity, The Postman Rings Twice, to name a few.

What I found compelling from this movie, was the acting of Ray Milland. As Tony sits there, very relaxed, talking to his old college “friend” Charles, he slowly explains the point of bringing him there. After what seems like a very innocent “man buying a car,” story, Tony tells him step by step how he has been stalking him and details every intimate piece of knowledge he has found, to force Charles to except the role of murderer of his wife (who happens to be played by Grace Kelly). Tony plays with Charles, who appears to pull away and try to have a scintilla of consciousness. Charles is no match for the wit of Tony and eventually agrees for the $1000 in cash he so desperately could use (in today’s equivalent, this would be $12K).

The murder is fouled by Margot (Grace) herself, who is much stronger than Tony assumed. She kills Charles and thus Tony needs to create a new plan. Just like the scene with Charles Boyer, as Gregory in Gaslight (when he learns about the letter), Tony rises to the occasion and his plan is equally as fool proof as the original. Of course the original plan fell apart as does plan B. But, not until we see the manipulation and gaslighting of Margot, who the guilt ridden but dutiful wife believes.

Watching this movie, is much like watching Gaslight, in another time period. Two equally masterful actors and actresses show us body language, facial signals, well-timed performances that explain to us what is going on without a need for dialogue. While it is there, this could easily be shown as a silent – with these same performances and you would know what is going on even still.

I found myself feeling fearful even, at the end of this film, even though Tony didn’t get away. His personality sent shivers up my spine. This is the kind of guy you never want to meet. The type of person so many have, and so many have gone to their grave over, or spent time behind bars as a result of. While he seems so clever, and some may feel excited by his wisdom of being powerful enough to almost get away with things, what is more important is that this rogue is less clever than the investigators involved.