Pulling off a complex thriller is not an easy task, one made more difficult by a middling story that is too heavy on dialogue and too light on action.

Such is the case with Ocean State Theatre Company’s production of Frederick Knott’s “Dial M For Murder. While it was a popular movie back in the mid-’50s, the play alters the plot slightly, leaving us with too long a setup and too much dialogue.

Not a “whodunit” in the Agatha Christie style, “Dial M” tells us at the onset that Tony Wendice (Drew Anthony Allen) has hired an ex-con (Rudy Sanda) to murder his wife. A turn of events occurs at the end of the first act, leaving the second act to sort out the details, as a Columbo-type detective (Brandon Whitehead) relentlessly pursues the truth.

The clues revolve around a set of door keys. Halfway through the second act, I admit to losing my concentration and ultimately losing interest, not experiencing the tension that the author intended. On the contrary, my wife, a mystery novel buff, bought into the complex plot and stuck with it until the end.

With the tables turning on the husband and his hired murderer at the end of the first act, a body must be removed from the stage during intermission. Stay in your seats for the first five minutes and witness the clever way that director Amiee Turner has devised to accomplish the act.

Scenic designer Katryne Hecht has created a fine workable set, allowing people to come in and out of the Wendice’s London apartment, while lighting designer David A. Sexton has created the proper atmosphere for them to move about in the dark.

While not my favorite play, credit goes to director, cast and crew for doing the best they could with the middling mystery.

“Dial M For Murder” is at the Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, through November 16. Call 921-6800 for reservations.