Cert PG
105 mins
BBFC advice: Contains one scene of moderate violence
Cambridge: what a perfect setting to watch the 1954 classic Dial M For Murder.
Mrs W and I had spent the weekend with friends in this most English of cities, earwigging the posh conversations in pubs and on the streets.
And here we were in the beautiful Picture House cinema, watching some more more plummy lines from the likes of Grace Kelly and Ray Milland.
The irony is that one was an American and the other an adopted American.
You would never have believed it - both sounded as if they were auditioning for the anchor on Pathe News.
Milland plays a former tennis player who has murderous intentions towards his well-to-do but adulterous wife (Kelly).
Thus, he hatches a plan with a former colleague (ironically from Cambridge) who has become a bit of a rogue.
The villain (Anthony Dawson) agrees to bump off the wife but the plan backfires.
I'm sorry if I've given away a bit too much of the plot but I reckon most film fans are probably aware of it by now.
However, it was an absolute treat to see it on the big screen (even if the 3D was scarcely noticeable).
It demonstrated that a tight and clever storyline and superb direction (Hitchcock was a genius) still help a movie to pass the test of time.
And it is another example of a classic movie which doesn't rely on gore (there is violence but no blood is seen) and foul-mouthery.
Thus, its PG certificate means it can be enjoyed by all of the family.
It seems odd to me that so many directors have copied Hitchcock in a myriad of different ways but not when it comes to making sure they have as wide an audience as possible.
Anyway, Dial M For Murder was a riveting treat and dare I say, as good as they were, knocked both The Wolverine and Despicable Me 2 into a cocked hat.
Laughs: Three - all because of the brilliant Sherlock-Holmes-like antics of John Williams as Chief Inspector Hubbard.
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 9.5/10