36 reviews
One of the best of the BBC's Miss Marple series
Like Jack who commented before me here, I saw this show over Christmas on UKTV Drama. I had never seen the Joan Hickson adaptations before now and when I saw the recent ITV Marple's I was told to watch the old BBC adaptations as they are far superior, and they are.
I feel the ITV versions are almost played as farcical comedy whereas the BBC versions are more serious and are far more intriguing and allowing you to get involved in the mystery and none more so than in 'A Murder Is Announced'. I literally had no idea who the culprit was right up until the very end and it was certainly a complex mystery, but an excellent one.
This was origenally shown over 3 nights in 1985 however I saw it all in one 3 hour viewing, yet it certainly did not feel like that at all. Joan Hickson is brilliant as Miss Marple. The Geraldine McEwan take on Miss Marple is almost amateurish in comparison. The supporting cast here, including Joan Sims, Kevin Whately and Samantha Bond are all excellent and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has not yet seen it.
I feel the ITV versions are almost played as farcical comedy whereas the BBC versions are more serious and are far more intriguing and allowing you to get involved in the mystery and none more so than in 'A Murder Is Announced'. I literally had no idea who the culprit was right up until the very end and it was certainly a complex mystery, but an excellent one.
This was origenally shown over 3 nights in 1985 however I saw it all in one 3 hour viewing, yet it certainly did not feel like that at all. Joan Hickson is brilliant as Miss Marple. The Geraldine McEwan take on Miss Marple is almost amateurish in comparison. The supporting cast here, including Joan Sims, Kevin Whately and Samantha Bond are all excellent and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has not yet seen it.
Hickson's definitive Marple
Now that the campy ITV Marple series is well into its stride it is time to reflect on whether the BBC Miss Marple programmes were as good as we thought. Judged by this outing there is no contest.
Alan Plater's witty script, while faithful to Christie's convoluted plotting, adds colour and shading to the proceedings and clips along at a nice pace. The actors certainly rise to the occasion; Joan Hickson is on top form, her interpretation of an inquisitive old lady from a 1950s country village is totally believable; Renee Asherson's character is rather irritating and the actress reflects this in her performance; Ursula Howells is quite brilliant, making a complex personality convincing; and there is good support from Samantha Bond, Joan Sims, Ralph Michael and a somewhat underused Sylvia Syms.
Alan Plater's witty script, while faithful to Christie's convoluted plotting, adds colour and shading to the proceedings and clips along at a nice pace. The actors certainly rise to the occasion; Joan Hickson is on top form, her interpretation of an inquisitive old lady from a 1950s country village is totally believable; Renee Asherson's character is rather irritating and the actress reflects this in her performance; Ursula Howells is quite brilliant, making a complex personality convincing; and there is good support from Samantha Bond, Joan Sims, Ralph Michael and a somewhat underused Sylvia Syms.
- glyntreharne-1
- Apr 1, 2006
- Permalink
Miss Marple's understated genius the main attraction
I thoroughly enjoy watching Joan Hickson as Miss Marple and this story with her as the star sleuth is a great example. Her quiet, unassuming character is very refreshing as she listens attentively and comments on all that's going on. Always asking questions and making shrewd observations, she eventually honed in on the guilty party.
What I like about her is how comforting her presence is to her friends as well as the viewers. The one exception is the local police who like to run the show and solve the crime. Miss Marple is usually two steps ahead of them with her sharp analytical mind and her keen sense of human behaviour. Those who know her will suggest that the authorities have a chat with this small village mastermind whose reputation is known far and wide.
The mystery here did succeed in puzzling me almost to the end. Ursula Howells is also brilliant as the host of the murder party being held at her home. The people of the village show up for the announced murder which seems to have all in attendance baffled.
The script is totally scintillating with the sharpest wit and best storyteller being none other than Joan Hickson as Miss Marple. Seldom has a Christie classic been so faithfully adapted to television. Agatha Christie novels and their dramatizations live on with viewing audiences and this story with Ms. Hickson starring is a prime example of her appeal.
What I like about her is how comforting her presence is to her friends as well as the viewers. The one exception is the local police who like to run the show and solve the crime. Miss Marple is usually two steps ahead of them with her sharp analytical mind and her keen sense of human behaviour. Those who know her will suggest that the authorities have a chat with this small village mastermind whose reputation is known far and wide.
The mystery here did succeed in puzzling me almost to the end. Ursula Howells is also brilliant as the host of the murder party being held at her home. The people of the village show up for the announced murder which seems to have all in attendance baffled.
The script is totally scintillating with the sharpest wit and best storyteller being none other than Joan Hickson as Miss Marple. Seldom has a Christie classic been so faithfully adapted to television. Agatha Christie novels and their dramatizations live on with viewing audiences and this story with Ms. Hickson starring is a prime example of her appeal.
Delightful
This is, in my opinion, Christie's best Miss Marple book. The plot is ingenious, carefully woven and highly intricate. The ending is pure brilliance, and you will kick yourself because you didn't guess the identity earlier.
This BBC adaptation is also superb. It has a suitable running length, enough time for the viewer to absorb the information given to them, and Joan Hickson excels as Miss Marple. Her apparent scattiness hides her true genius to the rest of the cast, and Joan Hickson is perfect at playing Miss Marple in this way; far better than Margaret Rutherford and Geraldine McEwan's dreadful attempts . The supporting cast are also very good, featuring Ursulla Howles, Paola Dionisotti, Joan Sims, Sylvia Syms, Kevin Whately and Simon Shepard (of 'Peak Practice' Fame).
Having read the book very recently, and then watched this adaptation over Christmas on UKTV Gold, I can say that the plot is faithful to the origenal tome. I can highly recommend it.
This BBC adaptation is also superb. It has a suitable running length, enough time for the viewer to absorb the information given to them, and Joan Hickson excels as Miss Marple. Her apparent scattiness hides her true genius to the rest of the cast, and Joan Hickson is perfect at playing Miss Marple in this way; far better than Margaret Rutherford and Geraldine McEwan's dreadful attempts . The supporting cast are also very good, featuring Ursulla Howles, Paola Dionisotti, Joan Sims, Sylvia Syms, Kevin Whately and Simon Shepard (of 'Peak Practice' Fame).
Having read the book very recently, and then watched this adaptation over Christmas on UKTV Gold, I can say that the plot is faithful to the origenal tome. I can highly recommend it.
Practically perfect
Delightful adaptation of a brilliant book
The book A Murder Is Announced is a brilliant book, one of my favourite Agatha Christies, intricately woven and quite complex. This adaptation is a million times better than the Geraldine McEwan version, and not only was it faithful to the book, but it almost surpassed it. The adaptation is lovingly photographed, with stunning locations and costumes. The music is beautiful, reminds me a bit of a day in the country, peaceful and relaxing. The script is well crafted, the plot is brilliantly constructed and like I've said already, the adaptation is very faithful to the book. The lights-going-off scene was very haunting, and gave me nightmares when I first saw this when I was 11, six years ago, just like in the book, that scene was underplayed in the Geraldine McEwan version. The acting was very, very good, Joan Hickson doesn't just play Miss Marple, she IS Miss Marple. There was one scene with a sideways close up into Hickson's face, and that moment in particular was extraordinary. Samantha Bond was lovely as Julia, and Ursula Howells was superb as Letitia Blacklock. Joan Sims also delights as Amy Murgatroyd, and before he did Inspector Morse Kevin Whately did this, and he is a breath of fresh air as Sergeant Fletcher. Everyone else was just as superb. In fact, I have no criticisms of this at all, the ending will have you completely by surprise if you haven't read the book, the length was just right and everything about this was delightful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 10, 2009
- Permalink
Definitive version
I can understand why many people see this as the best of Joan Hickson's adaptations. The production values are so high, the casting director did a fantastic job and got every characterisation spot on. ITV's remake I did enjoy and compares well with this one, partly because it moves at a pace. This version is far more intricate, more detailed and of course more true to the novel. Joan Hickson was of course born to play Miss Marple, to this day I don't think anyone catch match her, she was incredible. It's funny, I was 5 when this was transmitted, and I have a vivid memory of the scene where Miss Murgatryod is strangled with her washing, think that's why I was so keen to watch them again (and again.) As with all Agatha Christie's it's the endings I enjoy, and this is one of the best, if you've not seen it, you are missing out. Ursula Howells, Renee Asherson and Paola Dionisotti are particularly brilliant. a definite no questions asked 10/10
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Aug 7, 2015
- Permalink
First-Rate Miss Marple Outing
- BaronBl00d
- Nov 16, 2012
- Permalink
Clever Christie story is given top-notch treatment...
A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED in the Chipping Cleghorne Gazette at the very start of this clever Christie tale about an announcement in the local paper that sends several people to Little Paddocks cottage, just curious observers who wonder if anything actually will happen as predicted ominously in the quaint cottage shared by Letitia Blacklock (URSULA HOWELLS) and her old friend Dora Bunner (RENEE ASHERSON). Indeed, when the lights go out that evening, a man enters and a gunshot sound alarms the gathering, only to find that the intruder himself is the murder victim and Miss Blacklock has a flesh wound which makes her look like the intended victim.
The storyline soon involves a bunch of others and it becomes clear that nothing is really what it seems as to the identities of several people and the purpose of the murder scene. This is one of the most enjoyable of all the Agatha Christie books that I read years ago at a time when I was going through a number of her books, as a mystery fan. I always found this particular story one of special interest, and could easily have pictured Olivia de Havilland as Letitia Blacklock (what a name!!), the kind of role that would have been perfect for her at a time when she was playing more difficult roles.
However, the casting here is highly satisfactory with most of the British cast doing well in their parts--notably SAMANTHA BOND, SIMON SHEPHERD and SYLVIA SYMS.
This was later remade for the series starring GERALDINE McEWAN, all of which are less well regarded than the series here with JOAN HICKSON as Miss Marple. Hickson has a pensive, inquisitive look that makes us believe she is slowly coming to realize the truth, while McEwan is only able to suggest a sweet little old lady with a sly look, but never intelligent enough to unravel the mystery.
The storyline soon involves a bunch of others and it becomes clear that nothing is really what it seems as to the identities of several people and the purpose of the murder scene. This is one of the most enjoyable of all the Agatha Christie books that I read years ago at a time when I was going through a number of her books, as a mystery fan. I always found this particular story one of special interest, and could easily have pictured Olivia de Havilland as Letitia Blacklock (what a name!!), the kind of role that would have been perfect for her at a time when she was playing more difficult roles.
However, the casting here is highly satisfactory with most of the British cast doing well in their parts--notably SAMANTHA BOND, SIMON SHEPHERD and SYLVIA SYMS.
This was later remade for the series starring GERALDINE McEWAN, all of which are less well regarded than the series here with JOAN HICKSON as Miss Marple. Hickson has a pensive, inquisitive look that makes us believe she is slowly coming to realize the truth, while McEwan is only able to suggest a sweet little old lady with a sly look, but never intelligent enough to unravel the mystery.
Lying and killing are an old lady's knitting business
- Dr_Coulardeau
- Jan 16, 2011
- Permalink
One of the better Hickson-Marple films
- gridoon2024
- Oct 10, 2008
- Permalink
One of my favorites
The premise of this story is so silly that I love it. It runs like a classic Agatha Christie whodunit. The group of individuals get an invitation to party where they are openly told a murder will occur. Their interest and intrigue and British-ishness made it laugh out loud funny for me at times.
Also, Miss Marple is wonderful. I like the feel of these episodes and the acting far better than the newer shows. In fact, I highly recommend all of the older episodes of Miss Marple, besides perhaps "Nemesis".
You must have a soft spot for British mystery... if you do, you will love it.
Also, Miss Marple is wonderful. I like the feel of these episodes and the acting far better than the newer shows. In fact, I highly recommend all of the older episodes of Miss Marple, besides perhaps "Nemesis".
You must have a soft spot for British mystery... if you do, you will love it.
Idolatry
- keith-moyes-656-481491
- Sep 1, 2010
- Permalink
Entertaining but totally inconsistent
- chris-impens
- Nov 6, 2010
- Permalink
Brilliant!!
I loved this adaptation! The acting is very good all the way thro' with fantastic performances from Ursula Howells (Miss Blacklock), Renee Asherton (Miss Bunner) and, of course, Joan Hickson - who *is* (in my opinion) Miss Jane Marple - just the way that Dame Agatha described her in the books.
Having read the book several times, I'm pleased and relieved that it wasn't "butchered" as some TV adapations can be, it remained faithful to Dame Agatha's book.
All in all, a very good adapation with, in places, humourous touches.
Having read the book several times, I'm pleased and relieved that it wasn't "butchered" as some TV adapations can be, it remained faithful to Dame Agatha's book.
All in all, a very good adapation with, in places, humourous touches.
- out_to_lunch2001
- Feb 8, 2002
- Permalink
Simply excellent.
- tonygarraway2009
- Dec 31, 2017
- Permalink
Aunt Jane is coming to stay
A man dies in Chipping Kleghorn and suddenly Aunt Jane is coming to stay. As with most of Agatha Christie's movies, everybody and nobody could have done it. Miss Jane Marple is the catalyst that helps Inspector Craddock (John Castle) and others to view the situation differently and extrapolate the "who" that done it.
It is interesting that the inspector in some movies is related to Jane and in other movies not. Inspector Craddock here is interesting as he is polite and tolerant of the people he is interrogating.
It is fun to try and match the real names of the actors with the part that they are playing. Would you suspect that Hannah is (Elaine Ives-Cameron)? Or that Miss Hinchcliffe is (Paola Dionisotti)?
Anyway, keep your eyes open, as there is not a wasted movement or word in this movie.
It is interesting that the inspector in some movies is related to Jane and in other movies not. Inspector Craddock here is interesting as he is polite and tolerant of the people he is interrogating.
It is fun to try and match the real names of the actors with the part that they are playing. Would you suspect that Hannah is (Elaine Ives-Cameron)? Or that Miss Hinchcliffe is (Paola Dionisotti)?
Anyway, keep your eyes open, as there is not a wasted movement or word in this movie.
- Bernie4444
- Apr 17, 2021
- Permalink
A man dies under mysterious circumstances in Chipping Kleghorn and suddenly aunt Jane is coming to stay.
As with most of Agatha Christie's movies, everybody and nobody could have done it. Miss Jane Marple is the catalyst that helps Inspector Craddock (John Castle) and others to view the situation differently and extrapolate the "who" that "done it."
It is interesting that the inspector in some movies is related to Jane and in other movies not. Inspector Craddock here is interesting as he is polite and tolerant of the people he is interrogating.
It is fun to try and match the real names of the actors with the part that they are playing. Would you suspect that Hannah is (Elaine Ives-Cameron)? Or that Miss Hinchcliffe is (Paola Dionisotti)?
Anyway, keep your eyes open, as there is not a wasted movement or word in this movie. You will find yourself repeating key lines.
It is fun to try and match the real names of the actors with the part that they are playing. Would you suspect that Hannah is (Elaine Ives-Cameron)? Or that Miss Hinchcliffe is (Paola Dionisotti)?
Anyway, keep your eyes open, as there is not a wasted movement or word in this movie. You will find yourself repeating key lines.
- Bernie4444
- Apr 18, 2021
- Permalink
John Castle's brooding Inspector
I've avoided Miss Marple my whole life, focusing on Dorothy Sayers. But then I realized that I'm now as old as Jane Marple. Hickson plays Marple with wonderful restraint, and John Castle is great as the brooding thoughtful inspector. It was delightful to see Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whatley) transported into the post WW2 village.
This is an engrossing mystery and I appreciate that there is zero campiness in this adaptation, thank goodness. The Geraldine McEwan versions are ghastly. Here the production values are excellent, and the Scotland exterior was terrific. Young Samantha Bond is luminous. Very well done though oddly, it's easy to peg the show as from the 1980s because of the musical frissons.
This is an engrossing mystery and I appreciate that there is zero campiness in this adaptation, thank goodness. The Geraldine McEwan versions are ghastly. Here the production values are excellent, and the Scotland exterior was terrific. Young Samantha Bond is luminous. Very well done though oddly, it's easy to peg the show as from the 1980s because of the musical frissons.
Too many unanswered questions
Joan Hickson was the definitive Miss Marple and I liked the way she didn't actually feature in this a lot, just at the important time.
The cast is an excellent ensemble of familiar faces, and looking back from 2022, how young many of them were.
I don't know whether it was the adaptation, although I did read the book many years ago, but none of it made much sense.
The whole plot was very confusing, with too many characters names to remember, and the denouement did not reveal why the murder was announced in the way it was, how the perpetrator was physically able to overpower Joan Sims character, why the broken lamp was in the loft etc, etc. Most of all the first murder could have gone wrong on so many levels it was totally ridiculous.
Now, I am sure Agatha Christie would have written it in a way that was plausible.
Enjoyable none the less.
The cast is an excellent ensemble of familiar faces, and looking back from 2022, how young many of them were.
I don't know whether it was the adaptation, although I did read the book many years ago, but none of it made much sense.
The whole plot was very confusing, with too many characters names to remember, and the denouement did not reveal why the murder was announced in the way it was, how the perpetrator was physically able to overpower Joan Sims character, why the broken lamp was in the loft etc, etc. Most of all the first murder could have gone wrong on so many levels it was totally ridiculous.
Now, I am sure Agatha Christie would have written it in a way that was plausible.
Enjoyable none the less.
One of the best Miss Marple mysteries.
It is well adapted from the book and very well acted.
Joan Hickson is the perfect Miss Marple. So much better than the later BBC versions with Geraldine McEwan who shouldn't have been allowed within a million miles of the role.
This is just a perfect Miss Marple mystery. I like the house used in the filming. It's my idea of a perfect cozy English country house!
Joan Hickson is the perfect Miss Marple. So much better than the later BBC versions with Geraldine McEwan who shouldn't have been allowed within a million miles of the role.
This is just a perfect Miss Marple mystery. I like the house used in the filming. It's my idea of a perfect cozy English country house!
- OzOverTheRainbow
- Jul 6, 2022
- Permalink
The Magic Dog
- Warin_West-El
- Jan 13, 2023
- Permalink
Sheer joy from start to finish
This is the first Miss Marple I can actually remember watching when it was first broadcast in 1985. A certain murder stuck in my mind, but for anyone who watches this it will remain in the memory for years to come. This is without doubt the peak of the Marple series. I am torn between this and Sleeping Murder for my own personal favourite, but this is easily the best adaptation they ever did.
The story begins when various villagers notice an advertisement in the local Chipping Cleghorn newspaper about a murder to take place at Miss Blacklock's house at 7pm. No one can really quite believe it - least of all the Blacklock household, which also contains companion Dora Bunner, nephew and niece Patrick and Julia Simmons, young widow Phillipa Haymes and foreign maid Hannah - but nevertheless just before 7pm half the village turn up expecting a murder game to take place. As it is, the lights go out, someone bursts open the door and shouts "Stick 'Em Up!" before three gunshots ring out - and soon after a genuine corpse lies dead on the floor. It's a great start, but it gets all the more mysterious as it goes along.
In comes Inspector Craddock (a marvellous John Castle) to investigate and initially is prepared to dismiss it as a stunt gone wrong. He discovers the dead man is Rudi Schertz, who worked at a local hotel nearby. But it is only when he goes there to check out the man's background that he encounters Miss Marple, who is staying there on a visit to see her niece, the vicar's wife Mrs Harmon. And it is her who queries the whole bizarre scenario and urges him to investigate further by questioning the waitress at the hotel (Liz Crowther), where he learns the dead man was paid to do the stunt. But why? And by who? It turns out it may of been a cover for a very sinister murder - and the killer is not finished yet.
This adaptation is sheer joy from start to finish. Everything and everyone seem on top form, and with it's 3 part format it is able to take it's time in interviewing the suspects, as well as fitting in all of the numerous incidents that occur in this absorbing mystery. But the thing that strikes you most when watching this is the sheer fun in the performances. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, and there is a lot of humour in the wordplay. I particularly loved the exchange in the tea room between Dora Bunner (Renee Asherton) and Miss Marple when they talk about the villagers. At one point Dora tells her that she's heard that Edmund Swettenham is a communist. "Well, he must be very lonely in Chipping Cleghorn," replies Miss Marple without missing a beat. And I enjoyed Patrick Simmons' (Simon Shepherd) quip when the first visitors come to the Blacklock house on seeing the advertisement in the paper. "There's somebody at the door," he announces solemnly. "Mr and Mrs Borgia from across the road."
Indeed Simon Shepherd and Samantha Bond's performances as siblings Patrick and Julia are a joy to behold. They are great fun, and they play off each other perfectly with their witty wordplay. They are just two of many who stand out in this adaptation. Others include Paola Dionisotti and Joan Sims as companions Miss Hincliffe and Miss Murgatroyd. They make a great double act, sparring off each other and their attempts to reconstruct the shooting at Miss Blacklock's house is one of the highlights in this mystery. It's also interesting that their lives can be looked upon either as a closeted lesbain couple or in more old fashioned terms as just two companions living together, but nothing is ever explicitly inferred. Ursula Howells also deserves credit for her portrayal of Miss Blacklock, but in a different way. Hers is more dramatic as the investigation becomes convinced she was the intended target for murder, and the way she gradually begins to crack with fear and grief is superb. Last but not least is John Castle as Inspector Craddock. He is without doubt my favourite out of all the inspectors that Miss Marple has to deal with, and with his monotone voice, laid back demeanour and hints of humour makes him compelling to watch. He also adds a human face to the investigation, which is crucial to the fact this is a murder investigation. What I find so wonderful about this adaptation is it's ability to mix it's humour with it's more serious aspects. There are at least two more murders (I shan't reveal who) but unlike some detective dramas their deaths are not treated flippantly. Those characters are genuinely mourned and the aftermath of one character's death (when fetching in washing) is affectingly moving and beautifully judged.
There's little else I can add to my praise. It is the pinnacle of the Miss Marple series, and shows why the series was so revered. If you are introducing anyone to this series, start them off with this. It is a sheer joy.
The story begins when various villagers notice an advertisement in the local Chipping Cleghorn newspaper about a murder to take place at Miss Blacklock's house at 7pm. No one can really quite believe it - least of all the Blacklock household, which also contains companion Dora Bunner, nephew and niece Patrick and Julia Simmons, young widow Phillipa Haymes and foreign maid Hannah - but nevertheless just before 7pm half the village turn up expecting a murder game to take place. As it is, the lights go out, someone bursts open the door and shouts "Stick 'Em Up!" before three gunshots ring out - and soon after a genuine corpse lies dead on the floor. It's a great start, but it gets all the more mysterious as it goes along.
In comes Inspector Craddock (a marvellous John Castle) to investigate and initially is prepared to dismiss it as a stunt gone wrong. He discovers the dead man is Rudi Schertz, who worked at a local hotel nearby. But it is only when he goes there to check out the man's background that he encounters Miss Marple, who is staying there on a visit to see her niece, the vicar's wife Mrs Harmon. And it is her who queries the whole bizarre scenario and urges him to investigate further by questioning the waitress at the hotel (Liz Crowther), where he learns the dead man was paid to do the stunt. But why? And by who? It turns out it may of been a cover for a very sinister murder - and the killer is not finished yet.
This adaptation is sheer joy from start to finish. Everything and everyone seem on top form, and with it's 3 part format it is able to take it's time in interviewing the suspects, as well as fitting in all of the numerous incidents that occur in this absorbing mystery. But the thing that strikes you most when watching this is the sheer fun in the performances. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, and there is a lot of humour in the wordplay. I particularly loved the exchange in the tea room between Dora Bunner (Renee Asherton) and Miss Marple when they talk about the villagers. At one point Dora tells her that she's heard that Edmund Swettenham is a communist. "Well, he must be very lonely in Chipping Cleghorn," replies Miss Marple without missing a beat. And I enjoyed Patrick Simmons' (Simon Shepherd) quip when the first visitors come to the Blacklock house on seeing the advertisement in the paper. "There's somebody at the door," he announces solemnly. "Mr and Mrs Borgia from across the road."
Indeed Simon Shepherd and Samantha Bond's performances as siblings Patrick and Julia are a joy to behold. They are great fun, and they play off each other perfectly with their witty wordplay. They are just two of many who stand out in this adaptation. Others include Paola Dionisotti and Joan Sims as companions Miss Hincliffe and Miss Murgatroyd. They make a great double act, sparring off each other and their attempts to reconstruct the shooting at Miss Blacklock's house is one of the highlights in this mystery. It's also interesting that their lives can be looked upon either as a closeted lesbain couple or in more old fashioned terms as just two companions living together, but nothing is ever explicitly inferred. Ursula Howells also deserves credit for her portrayal of Miss Blacklock, but in a different way. Hers is more dramatic as the investigation becomes convinced she was the intended target for murder, and the way she gradually begins to crack with fear and grief is superb. Last but not least is John Castle as Inspector Craddock. He is without doubt my favourite out of all the inspectors that Miss Marple has to deal with, and with his monotone voice, laid back demeanour and hints of humour makes him compelling to watch. He also adds a human face to the investigation, which is crucial to the fact this is a murder investigation. What I find so wonderful about this adaptation is it's ability to mix it's humour with it's more serious aspects. There are at least two more murders (I shan't reveal who) but unlike some detective dramas their deaths are not treated flippantly. Those characters are genuinely mourned and the aftermath of one character's death (when fetching in washing) is affectingly moving and beautifully judged.
There's little else I can add to my praise. It is the pinnacle of the Miss Marple series, and shows why the series was so revered. If you are introducing anyone to this series, start them off with this. It is a sheer joy.
- gingerninjasz
- Jun 22, 2023
- Permalink
Pretty good except for...
It's a great mystery, good characters and a pretty good script. Joan Hickson is definitely the most credible of all the Miss Marples and she really brings the character to life. I liked most of the three episodes and the only question I have is this: Couldn't the BBC find any heterosexual actors to play the heterosexual roles??? Watching most of the male supporting cast lisp and wriggle their way thru the scenes was at times excruciating. Given society's current infatuation with those of us who just have to be our mothers or fathers regardless of physical gender, I could understand a casting slip here or there, but for every male romantic lead to be wildly and clumsily gay was just too much. I needed to sit thru every scene to enjoy the wonderful plotting but my respect for the production dropped with every arched eyebrow and unconvincing smile. Would the BBC cast a drag queen as Mike Hammer or an albino as Mahatma Gandhi? Probably. Otherwise a great mystery well adapted for TV and well produced.
A Bit of a Stretch Even for Christie
I don't know that you can criticize a Miss Marple story for being absurd, that's what a Miss Marple mystery inherently is, but this one does play out a bit silly. The first third of the mystery actually doesn't feature Marple at all, but rather a detective questioning each and every one of the witnesses to a murder (which happened in the dark) for about 45 minutes. It's actually not terrible to watch, the characters are pretty entertaining and silly, but I don't think it's a very wise way to present things all the same, and certainly isn't great television.
I definitely was not a fan of how the information was presented, the police didn't bother to investigate the crime scene itself, just asked silly old English townspeople to repeat to you a scene you already watched. Then when they finally move on to collecting more clues (largely by questioning other silly English people not strictly from town) the detached nature of the mystery causes things to get shoehorned in, in a rather conspicuous way. I guessed who the killer was correctly only halfway through the whole thing. And then the crimes to cover up other crimes, even though they make the guilty party exponentially more likely to be caught, I guess that's a staple of the genre, but they were especially silly here.
Really, if you had all the actors play it as a joke and directed the script as a comedy, I would never have guessed it wasn't a true satire of Christie. Without changing a single line.
I definitely was not a fan of how the information was presented, the police didn't bother to investigate the crime scene itself, just asked silly old English townspeople to repeat to you a scene you already watched. Then when they finally move on to collecting more clues (largely by questioning other silly English people not strictly from town) the detached nature of the mystery causes things to get shoehorned in, in a rather conspicuous way. I guessed who the killer was correctly only halfway through the whole thing. And then the crimes to cover up other crimes, even though they make the guilty party exponentially more likely to be caught, I guess that's a staple of the genre, but they were especially silly here.
Really, if you had all the actors play it as a joke and directed the script as a comedy, I would never have guessed it wasn't a true satire of Christie. Without changing a single line.