In this her debut performance as Miss Marple, I thought that Julia McKenzie did a very good job. Her Marple seems kindly, intelligent and respectful. I did grow to like Geraldine McEwan in the role but I think (on this showing) that I will prefer McKenzie's portrayal - McEwan often overdid the 'mischief'.
Kevin Elyot gives us a very faithful version of the book - perhaps TOO faithful! This may seen an odd thing to say in these days of wild plot changes but there are a lot of characters in this novel and arguably too many to fit in to a two hour (with commercial breaks) time slot. The Joan Hickson version of some years ago (of which I am very fond) cut the characters of Elaine and Gerald and I can't say that their inclusion in this new version really added anything. Because of the sheer number of characters few of them come to convincing life. McFadyen is good as the rather clipped and correct Inspector Neele and I also thought Rupert Graves made a suitably personable Lance. Among the women I liked Helen Baxendale as Mary Dove and Liz White as a rather edgy Jennifer and Wendy Richard's cameo as crusty Mrs Crump but none of them were as good as their counterparts for Hickson.
The first hour is played for gentle laughs and then becomes a little more serious when Miss Marple arrives on the scene. It was enjoyable but just a little dull but McKenzie was good and I look forward to seeing her again.
Kevin Elyot gives us a very faithful version of the book - perhaps TOO faithful! This may seen an odd thing to say in these days of wild plot changes but there are a lot of characters in this novel and arguably too many to fit in to a two hour (with commercial breaks) time slot. The Joan Hickson version of some years ago (of which I am very fond) cut the characters of Elaine and Gerald and I can't say that their inclusion in this new version really added anything. Because of the sheer number of characters few of them come to convincing life. McFadyen is good as the rather clipped and correct Inspector Neele and I also thought Rupert Graves made a suitably personable Lance. Among the women I liked Helen Baxendale as Mary Dove and Liz White as a rather edgy Jennifer and Wendy Richard's cameo as crusty Mrs Crump but none of them were as good as their counterparts for Hickson.
The first hour is played for gentle laughs and then becomes a little more serious when Miss Marple arrives on the scene. It was enjoyable but just a little dull but McKenzie was good and I look forward to seeing her again.