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As the sole witness to a dying man's last words - "Why didn't they
ask Evans?" - Bobby is determined to solve the riddle they pose.
Forming an alliance with a beautiful socialite and visiting family
friend Miss Marple, Bobby's resolve is strengthened when someone tries
to kill him.
A trail of clues leads them to a strange
mansion where (ultimately) Miss Marple reveals the devastating truth
behind several murders.
The story itself was actually the first
major TV production of Agatha Christie’s work back in 1980. This
particular TV version is an episode of the most recent series of
adaptations under the new title of Marple, which began in 2004.
Geraldine McEwan starred in the first three seasons. Julia McKenzie took over the role for the fourth season.
While
fitting the well-known image of what viewers have come to expect of
Miss Marple, Julia McKenzie brings a slightly younger look to the
role. It is a welcome return to our TV screens for McKenzie, although
different to the role for which she is most famous (in the TV comedies Fresh Fields and French Fields).
Her acting partner from Fresh Fields, Anton Rodgers, can also be seen in the similar crime detective series Murder Most English.
In this particular episode of the Miss Marple
series, McKenzie appears relatively infrequently as it is more about
the young couple investigating several mystery deaths while Miss Marple
gives knowing looks and drops hints to move the couple onto the next
clue.
Apparently, the plot of this TV version has been largely
rewritten from the original book. However, the episode does feature
some great atmospheric shots of trains, cliff tops and mansions that
create the look and feel of the 1950s English countryside.
This entry in the series has some notable guest stars, including Richard Briers (from Monarch of the Glen), an older and greying Rik Mayall (from The Young Ones and Bottom) and Samantha Bond (from Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond movies).
In fact Samantha Bond is particularly impressive as an, apparently, unhinged character.
There
are plenty of twists and turns that are sometimes hard to follow unless
you are concentrating. However, the episode has a most surprising,
effective and satisfying ending.
This is yet another entertaining release from the Agatha Christie archives and the ABC... and that's no mystery! EXTRAS
Nothing included here, which is to be expected, but occasionally
something would be nice. How about a restrospective look at the works
of Agatha Christie? Conclusion: Episodes 90% Extras: N/A
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