Homophobic moment
When a policeman leaves the apartment with Grace Kelly's pocketbook on his arm, the Inspector reminds him that he can't go out like that or " he will get arrested". Ah, the 1950's.
shareThe good old days. ;)
share
MovieChat Forums > Dial M for Murder (1954) Discussion > Homophobic moment
It might've been indicative of society's homophobia at the time, but not that of the film or of Hitchcock himself.
It reflects society of the time.
Its that man again!!
Or perhaps people might think he stole it.
shareI recently saw this movie in a theater, and that line drew an explosion of laughter. Homosexuality was illegal in England at that time, which might have been why the Inspector made his comment.
It wasn't "homophobic," which apparently applies to anyone who doesn't unconditionally accept homosexuality. It was just good manners - the Inspector was just concerned about how the policeman would look walking down the street, holding a purse.
I think the audience was in part amused by the political incorrectness of the comment. Say that today, and you will be instantly labeled "homophobic."
It was just good manners - the Inspector was just concerned about how the policeman would look walking down the street, holding a purse.I'm fairly sure no one was ever "arrested" merely for bad manners, even in 1950s London.
"homophobic," which apparently applies to anyone who doesn't unconditionally accept homosexuality.That's not at all the case. The term refers to hostility to those possessing the human trait of homosexuality. People are free to "accept" whatever they wish, but refusal to do so manifesting in hostile attitudes and/or actions is where "homophobia" is properly applied as it concerns that particular area of sexuality.
It does seem, however, that the matter of acceptance is entirely moot in some cases; I don't know how anyone refuses to "accept" that which exists. It's rather like rain: some people like it; some don't; some are neutral about it. But it's a fact of life and nature whether one wants to "accept" it or not.
Poe! You are...avenged! share
A dated remark, but hardly "homophobic".
shareThere's a much simpler explanation than 1950's homophobia. People would think policemen has stolen the purse.
shareI agree, a man carrying a purse would have looked very suspicious. A friend of mine once had to carry his TV a short distance to his apartment, and the police stopped him to make sure he had not stolen it ! Like several things in this film, the lines may carry an intended, or unintended "double meaning". One could interpret the strange relationship between Wendice and Swann that way too. The way Tony says "I saw you..!", and then the camera pans left to right directly to Swann on the couch. Later Tony says "...I almost felt like you belonged to me...". Hidden homosexual undercurrents...? It all depends on how you take it...like the purse comment !
RSGRE