A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Dial ‘M’ for Murder

Full-Length Play, Melodrama  /  1w, 5m

Frederick Knott

Frederick Knott's midcentury melodrama had a highly successful run on Broadway and later gained popularity as a major motion picture directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This psychological thriller unravels an elegant mystery about an ex-tennis star who plots to kill his wealthy wife.

Dial ‘M’ for Murder

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller
  • Suggested Use
    • Scene Work
    • Competition or Audition Material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences

Details

Summary

Tony Wendice, who married his wife Margot for her money, now plans to murder her for the same reason. Tony arranges the perfect murder: He hires a scoundrel he once knew into strangling Margot, and arranges a brilliant alibi for himself. The night of the planned attack, in a thrilling surprise twist, the plan goes awry and Margot manages to kill her attacker.

Momentarily ruffled, Tony soon sees the hitman's death as an opportunity to have his wife convicted of murder. Working with an inspector from Scotland Yard, Tony plants the idea that Margot had planned the murder. Fortunately, the inspector and a friend of Margot's eventually discover the truth. In a scene of almost unbearable suspense, they trick Tony into revealing his guilt, freeing Margot.

History
Dial 'M' for Murder was first presented on the stage by James P. Sherwood at the Westminster Theatre, London on 19 June 1952. On 29 October 1952, the play premiered on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre. A 1954 film adaptation, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starred Ray Milland and Grace Kelly.
Keywords
Performing Groups
  • Time Period 1950s
  • Setting The living room of the Wendice's flat in London. 1952.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Quiet in style but tingling with excitment underneath.” – The New York Times

“Original and remarkably good theatre—quiet in style but tingling with excitement underneath.” – The New York Times

“It's a holiday for the whodunit fans, and, as such, it couldn't be more welcome.” – New York Herald-Tribune

“The author lets us in on all of Wendice's plans, but the events are given enough slight twists and sudden hitches to keep the chills and thrills running.” – The New York Times

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

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Authors

Author

Frederick Knott

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