As with all of the Agatha Christie stories on film, this one strays a bit from the novel but not enough to be as severely criticized as some other comments would suggest. Most of the storyline is intact, it being the tale of Mrs. McGillicuddy (PAM FERRIS), who witnesses a murder from a train window and inspires Jane Marple (GERALDINE McEWAN) to do some detective work, tracing the murder to the Crackenthorpe estate.
David WARNER, who made such an indelible impression on me as the villain of TITANIC, is the crusty invalid, Mr. Crackenthorpe, head of the family, all of whom become suspects when Miss Marple's friend, Lucy, (AMANDA HOLDEN) agrees to be a housekeeper at the estate so that she can search the grounds for the murdered woman's body.
All of it is extremely watchable due to some gorgeous color photography of exteriors and interiors and some likable performances from the splendid cast. JOHN HANNAH is amusing as the detective aided by Miss Marple and all of the suspects become rather interesting characters before the story reaches its conclusion.
One of the better entries in the series, although I have to add that GERALDINE McEWAN is just a bit too droll as Miss Marple, never giving the impression that she has the capability to do any real detective work but merely giving the impression that she's a charming and sweet little old lady.
David WARNER, who made such an indelible impression on me as the villain of TITANIC, is the crusty invalid, Mr. Crackenthorpe, head of the family, all of whom become suspects when Miss Marple's friend, Lucy, (AMANDA HOLDEN) agrees to be a housekeeper at the estate so that she can search the grounds for the murdered woman's body.
All of it is extremely watchable due to some gorgeous color photography of exteriors and interiors and some likable performances from the splendid cast. JOHN HANNAH is amusing as the detective aided by Miss Marple and all of the suspects become rather interesting characters before the story reaches its conclusion.
One of the better entries in the series, although I have to add that GERALDINE McEWAN is just a bit too droll as Miss Marple, never giving the impression that she has the capability to do any real detective work but merely giving the impression that she's a charming and sweet little old lady.