MovieChat Forums > Dial M for Murder (1954) Discussion > Why Robert Cummings?

Why Robert Cummings?

posted 10 years ago by MuleDeer
33 replies | jump to latest

If you're a Robert Cummings fan, don't bother reading this.

I thought he was horrible, unable to convey anything other than dorkiness. He seemed like an amateur among professionals. While I don't think Grace Kelly is a great actress, she certainly had screen presence. Even Anthony Dawson as Swann was better. Ray Milland, of course, stole the show. When Cummings whispers "What's he doing?" it sounds like something from a 60s Disney movie or "Leave it to Beaver."

From his first moment on screen, looking smugly left and right as he arrives in England, he is distractingly annoying. There are several moments in this film when his face should display some type of emotion, but his is blank, like Howdy Doody. In his first scene with Grace Kelly, he is very unconvincing in the manner he holds his glass and cigarette.

Phony smoking is a pet peeve of mine. Like fake Southern accents, I hate watching non-smokers pretend to smoke. Watch Bogart. He smokes naturally. (That may be a bad example, because everything he does looks natural.) The cigarette is an extension of a smoker's hand. In non-smokers' hands, it's a foreign object, a prop, something that seems to be their primary, conscious focus. Why was he smoking anyway? There was no need for this character to smoke.

While I can understand a non-smoker being an unconvincing smoker, there's no excuse for someone not to be able to look natural holding a drinking glass! Everyone holds a drinking glass or cup at some point in their lives. And they drink out of them. In Dial M for Murder, between the glass and cigarette, Cummings looks like he's holding two live animals in his hands that he doesn't know what to do with.

Finally, why Robert Cummings anyway? THIS is who GRACE KELLY'S character would have an affair with? Why this dweeb? She could get anybody. Was it Hitchcock's way of not having "competition" for his leading lady? Robert Cummings seems much more suited for bland sitcom dads or a game show host, not someone Grace Kelly(!) is having a torrid affair with.

I still enjoy this movie, and by no means is Cummings the worst ever, but he does make me cringe at times.

[–] Bluebutterfly (2) 3 years ago

Oh god, you’re crazy Bob Cummings drives me crazy, so sexy. That aside, he certainly had acting chops, he could do drama and comedy, just great, “You came along”, and @the first time are probably my favorites”, I also love It started with eve”. But dial M makes me cringe a bit, cause it was a waste of his talent, there wasn’t a lot he could do there with the character. As for the cigarette, Bob could definitely hold them pretty cool, he actually did smoke a bit before he’d quit later. He is truly mesmerizing to me, I thought he had this smarm to him when I hadn’t seen much of his work at first, then I saw how much more range and depth he had in his roles, and how fascinating a person he was/is. I totally fell in love, that’s how I found this thread.

As for ripping him in King’s row, he was fantastic in it! he portrayed Parris in such a sweet way, and as a real gentleman. I loved how different he was as Parris, in contrast to his goofier comedy roles (which I equally love too).

[–] Shannon82 (56) 3 years ago

I'm so glad you made this comment. I have always been engaged by Cummings. I think he is mistaken for being wooden in Dial M for Murder because his character is "acting" throughout the movie. I'm sure it's awkward to act friendly towards Tony, while having an affair with his wife. He is clearly bored with the idea of the stag party. He would be self conscious and self censoring to avoid giving himself away.
People tend to judge harshly when they don't explore beneath the surface.

[–] Bluebutterfly (2) 3 years ago

Thanks, exactly, sometimes it’s just the part that doesn’t really allow the actor to shine. Bob definitely shines in many of his other movies, he’s amazing in them really.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

Read "Hitchcock/Truffaut"
In it he explains how he was forced to use Cummings due to what is commonly referred to as "studio demands" but in reality is "will work for the amount offered."
Hitchcock consistently suggested his list of actors when presenting a project only to be told he had to use what the studio would offer up. Also many actors considered thrillers as cheap entertainment and low grade. by the time (1955-1965) it became considered prestigious to work on a Hitchcock picture he could select who he wanted and he always got his leading man and usually his leading woman.
After The Birds (1963) it reverted back.

[–] goldenagefilmstv (178) 2 years ago

Robert Cummings projected sincerity and trustworthiness, making him a good contrast to the character of Tony Wendice, played by Ray Milland.

[–] liscarkat (18410) a year ago

You're right. Cummings was fine in the role, and very good in "Saboteur" and "Kings Row". Some people get miffed when every role isn't a top-line star, but Cary Grant and James Stewart can't be in everything.

[–] Melton (4486) 9 months ago

I agree, his natural qualities shone through, and I didn’t have a problem with his performance. Frankly, there’s a theatricality every performance during this era, it’s part of the charm of these movies.

[–] brux (14724) a year ago

He looks like a cad jock.

[–] liscarkat (18410) a year ago

I wish I did.