The Moonstone (1996 TV Movie) User Reviews

Read the Novel

[aben-rudy · 7/10 · 24 February 2018]

On its own it's fine, but it does a great injustice to Wilkie Collins' Victorian masterpiece. Collins' novel is not just a thriller, but a collection of wonderful character studies. This screenplay omits a few characters and alters many of them. By doing so it fails to capture the delightful humor of Collins' work.

Good acting, wonderful atmosphere, unbelievable story.

[cashimor · 7/10 · 27 December 1998]

I consider the acting in this movie quite good, especially of the famous detective who tries to solve the case, and also the scenery (quite English, quite period) is good, but unfortunately the story isn't believable anymore for late 20th century people. Still, I would recommend watching this one.

Nice production of a story that is now high camp.

[dmatthews03 · 15 June 2003]

The Moonstone was of course a landmark Victorian novel it being the first detective novel.

There is much to enjoy here, the scenery and settings are great, the photography and music excellent. The principal actors, Greg Wise and Keeley Hawes, are fine, playing it straight and acting their way through the twists and turns of the often ridiculous plot with great sincerity. I wasn't too keen on Anthony Sher's Inspector Cuff I found it too stagy and mannered and some of the minor characters are over blown but all in all it's a good production.

Lots of fun if taken in the right spirit.

Well acted and a good production

[gleywong · 2 August 2002]

Even though the plot is complete incredible, the screenplay is quite faithful to the original book by Wilkie Collins. The cast is excellent: Greg Wise as the long-lost cousin who brings the priceless Moonstone, Antony Sher as the famous Sergeant Cuff who investigates its disappearance, Peter Vaughan as the faithful old butler and Keeley Hawes as the charming and beautiful owner of the priceless gem.

Plus, the film has a nice soundtrack and a lovely setting.