Dial+M+for+Murder+KS

Dial M for Murder:

How do the detectives approach the crime scene? When the detectives arrive on the scene, they search the apartment for any evidence that might be useful in solving the case. However, what stood out in my mind as being different than what the CSI investigators do when they search the scene, is that the Wendice's were still in the apartment while the investigators were searching. This is when Tony was able to do the last of his framing, and covering up of evidence, which wouldn't have happened had the case been today. Also, Ramsland talks about the fact that too many people on the crime scene is bad. In the movie, there seemed to be quite a few investigators and detectives present, which would probably be bad for the overall investigation.

What techniques for solving the crime are available? (ex – DNA? Fingerprint? Etc) The detectives in the case don't use DNA or fingerprinting evidence, because this technology was not available for crime scene analysis during the 50's (which is when the movie was filmed, and most likely took place). The detectives were, however, able to use microscopy to tell that the fibers on Swan's shoes were from the Wendice's mat at the front door. This proved that he entered from the door, and not the window, which was a key piece of information in the case.

How is the crime solved? The crime is solved through investigations made by the detectives. Chief Inspector Hubbard takes a closer look at the evidence in the Wendice's home, and he also looks into Tony's bank records. When he looks into his bank records, inspector Hubbard discovers that he has been taking out cash consistently for many weeks, and has been spending large amounts of money since Margo's arrest. This makes the inspectore suspicious of Tony, and so he follows his instincts to figure out what truly happened to Mr. Swan. Ultimately, the inspector figures out that the key in Margo's purse (that Tony took from Mr. Swan once he was dead) wasn't the key to their apartment, but rather to Mr. Swan's. This means that whoever was responsible for the crime hid the key somewhere to let Swan in, and when he died, they took the key in his jacket, thinking it was Margo's. However, what Tony didn't realize was that the key that he hid for Swan to get into the apartment was still hidden under the stairs where he had left it. So, to catch Tony, or prove Margo guilty, inspector Hubbard simply sees which one of the Wendice's knows that the key is under the stairs. When Margo doesn't know why her key doesn't work, it is clear that she is not guilty. Tony, however, realizes that the key is still under the stairs, and lets himself into the apartment, where inspector Hubbard is waiting to arrest him. Case solved.