User Reviews

Some episodes have been guilty of looking wonderful, but lacking a little something, in this one they managed to keep the true essence of the story, altering very little, and making it look beautiful.

Miss Marple fits in to the story with ease, it's like it was written for her, so little of the plot is actually changed, due in part I would think to Kevin Elyot, such a good writer.

Beautifully acted it boasts some excellent performances. The accomplished Eileen Atkins is wonderful as the bed ridden cigar smoking Lady Tressilian, her irritation of Miss Marple is great. Wonderful to see Tom Baker here too, Freddie Treves is pretty bland in the book, Tom injects his magic into him and makes him very interesting. The acting elsewhere is excellent, just that some of the characters aren't that likable.

The settings are glorious, the coast line and beaches look really rather wonderful.

For someone that's not read the book it's a very pleasing mystery, and the identity of the killer(s) is a surprise.

Some great scenes, the best one being Freddie Treves telling the story of the two boys playing with bows and arrows, one shot the other, it's a real change in tone, beautifully acted. Watching the reactions on everyone's face is great. The funniest scene must be Donald jumping up onto Miss Marple, he's so naughty.

Very well made and intriguing, it's a dark story. The first 25 minutes is a little on the slow side, but it opens up brilliantly. Worth watching for the brilliance of Tom Baker alone. Great tone. 9/10

"Towards Zero" is a whodunit that's both simple and tricky: simple because there is a limited number of suspects and practically no subplots (everything that happens is related to the main story), and tricky because it is built on a two-level deception, a deception that doubles back on itself. Miss Marple was not included in the original novel (which was actually filmed again, the same year, in France - I remember that film being worth watching too), but she is pretty naturally inserted here; one interesting point is that the policemen working on the case are more competent than usual, they know their technical stuff, but they still can't make the necessary connections that Marple's brain can! Despite the brutality of the murder itself, the mood here is lighter than "Nemesis" and "Ordeal By Innocence". The cinematography matches the beauty of the locations, and every actor seems to be cast perfectly for what the role requires from him or her. Although "At Bertram's Hotel" is far and away the most entertaining episode of Season 3, "Towards Zero" sits comfortably in the second place. *** out of 4.

There have been many complaints about the Geraldine McEwan MARPLE series, and how it leaves the plot unrecognizable. Perfect examples include NEMESIS, AT BERTRAM'S HOTEL, and THE SITTAFORD MYSTERY. I was preparing for the worst, but I was pleasantly surprised. I noticed only 3 major changes (probably a record so far for the series).

1) Miss Marple is included.

2) Say goodbye to Superintendent Battle-- he never appears.

3) A new character appears-- a girl with a dog. She takes on the role Macwhirter took in the book. (Don't worry, she doesn't end up with Audrey.)

The acting was, as usual, fantastic. Greg Wise did a great job as Neville Strange. Mr. Treves was perfectly cast, and so are the others. This is a true classic-- maybe even the best McEwan so far. You won't be disappointed!

One of the previous reviewers was right. There is something about this episode that just really works. The plot is both logical and unexpected as it should be in a good Christie adaptation. It really fits together in the end (though it would have been nice if Marple had explained it all in one sitting as opposed to two different people at different times). I know Marple wasn't originally supposed to be in this, but I think she fit well, certainly better than in some of the Julia McKenzie episodes (cringe). Geraldine McEwan is my preferred of the two ITV Marples. I think she had good chemistry with detective Mallard, played by Alan Davies, and also the supporting characters. Eileen Atkins was fantastic as the grumpy matriarch, and I was quite sad she died so early in the film. Saffron Burrows, Paul Nicholls, and Greg Wise were also excellent. I really cannot think of many bad things to say about this one. The makers knew exactly what they were doing, and they pulled it off well. The story followed through completely, and the characters were interesting. If you want to check out the series this might be a good one to start on.

'Towards Zero' is a favourite Christie book of many but not me! I'm not sure why...perhaps it's the rather chilly cast of characters or the (often) rather unlikely plot. That said, this is a good adaptation of the book and generally very faithful. Miss Marple does not appear in the book and in this outing she seems more out of place than she did in 'Ordeal By Innocence' - I'm not convinced that her presence adds anything.

The film is beautifully shot and there is some good acting, particularly from Eileen Atkins as the acerbic Lady Tressilian, Greg Wise as Neville Strange and Julie Graham as a perfect Mary Aldin. Some are not so convincing (Zoe Tapper, Alan Davies) but no-one is really bad though Tom Baker is inclined to go rather over the top as usual.

I felt that bits of the narrative were too rushed and Miss Marple's arrival at the identity of the murderer none too clear. Indeed the end denouement is the weakest part of the film ('if it hadn't been for you Miss Marple, you old busybody' complains the murderer, sounding like the baddie in Scooby Doo!) Overall though, this is an enjoyable film and one I will certainly watch again.

Miss Marple Triumphs Again.!

This episode is not only an enjoyable watch but, quite the memorable one too..!.

The Cast are Spot-On... !

Neville Strange (played convingly by Greg Wise) is a very conspicuous and devious minded character. His second wife Kay, (played by Zoe Tapper) is a little dilutional with regards to the extent of Nevilles' manipulative nature or how cunning he can really be. She learns from him of his intentions to invite his ex wife Audrey, (played by the lovely Saffron Burrows) to his aunt Lady Camilla Tressillians' seaside villa at the same time they themselves would also be there. 'His devious plans are afoot'...!

Realising Nevilles intention to invite his ex wife Audrey to Lady Camillas villa after he had supposedly ran into Audrey the previous day, Kay becomes adjitated and extremely jealous at the thought of socialising with Audrey, the 1st Mrs Strange, as this was supposed to be a quiet getaway for them both, especially after the mature Neville recently having been defeated at Wimbledon (by Merrick,played by Greg Rudeski- special appearance). Neville continued to try and convince Kay that the two women could get along and even maybe become friends, much to Kays distain and discomfort..!!!

One amongst the eclectic group of people also invited to the villa is Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) whom is staying across from Gulls Point at Easterhead Bay hotel Balmoral Court where the invited guests are also residents. (except Audrey and the Stranges). Jane Marple is taking a sketching holiday (supposedly) and, is an old school friend of Lady Tressilian played well by (Eileen Atkins). Lady Tressilian is somewhat a little different to Marple, quite brutally forthcoming and extremely to the point.. One of the guests a regular visitor and well liked resident at 'Balmoral Court' is Freddie Treves, a retired solicitor played by (Tom Baker-Dr Who) who set the cat amongst the pigeons with quite a rhetorical story that he began by telling Miss Marple whilst in the drawing room. He begins the story about a boy murderer he had become acquainted with years earlier. During his story telling, the other guests that had also retired to the drawing room after dinner for a soirée overheard Freddies story and became intrigued and impatiently nauseating to learn more about this boy killer. It was obvious to them that after Freddie had finished his story, he'd definately recognised amongst them his little killer, hinting, that he bore a particular peculiarity...! This of course adds to the Mystery, and the demise of poor Freddie..!

Miss Marples' observation of all the guests and her ability to understand human behaviour and their nature, sets her sleuthing mind adrift.....!.

Ted Latimer also a guest at the hotel is played by Paul Nicolls whom has a reputation that precedes him as somewhat of a dego gigolo {description from Lady Camilla} and lothario ,very much attracted to Kay Strange.! (His character and performance however seemed to be the least convincing as the wealthy latin lover, totally miscast). It was as though he was playing a Northern character that had an awful orange tint of a tan and a confused accent.. He didn't quite cut-it..! Julian Sands however plays Audrey's old school friend and distant cousin Thomas Royde, also staying at Lady Camillas, has always cared very much for Audrey since growing up together as children, is a protective inspiration for her. His brother Adrian had recently died in a suspicious car crash locally and quite unexpectedly, was Fiencè to Audrey. The three children Thomas, Adrian and Audrey were childhood close friends until Neville Stretch came along and snatched Audrey from under their feet..

Before the commotion in the drawing room happened, all the guests had gathered to attend dinner, Kay suddenly changes focus due to excess drinking and becomes irratic and, her jealousy rises to a more facetious venom by the minute, attacking Audrey at every opportunity with veracity and distain. She then turns her attentions towards Tom suddenly becoming her target of humour, Kay asked Tom 'what happened to his arm'. Tom tried to explain that 'he'd had an accident as a child, jamming his arm in a doorway that left him a little lop-sided and disabled in one arm. Kay found this story quite amusing and pleasurable, hilariously laughing into her glass at him. The guests didn't take this amusingly and were disgusted by her actions. Neville however, secretly enjoyed every moment of it.. Julie Graham (in a good role) plays Mary, confidante and companion to Lady Camilla, quite a likeable character. Then there's Alan Davis, who plays Superintendent Mallard, a welcomed addition for Miss Marple. Together with the Superintendents sergeant, they begin to deduce the characters one by one...!

This particular storyline is really quite enjoyable and, there are so many talented performances from these established actors that the adaptation of 'Christies' plot was bound to succeed...!

(Although, it was obvious who the culprit was)..!!!

Great performances from a great cast, especially Miss Geraldine McEwan as ever..!!

She is undoubtedly The Real McCoy & The Genuine Miss Jane Marple..!

I have loved watching each and every episode with Geraldine McEwan as Marple, I simply cannot imagine Julia Mckenzie in (what has become Geraldine McEwans Role of a Lifetime) reprising Miss Marple with the same vigor, intrigue, and compassion that invariably brings out the injunuity, mystique and warmth that McEwan gives to Miss Marple.! It was a surprise and shock to learn, that after episode 4 of the 3rd series 'Nemesis', Geraldine McEwan would no-longer play Miss Marple in the continued 4th series throughto series six. It was announced that Julia Mckenzie (although talented) would now play Marple in the 4th, 5th & 6th series.

A total mis-cast & No Comparison..!

The last of the final series ended with:- "Endless Night" what a grand finale..!!

This was an enjoyable series.. Sublime and Amazing..!!!

I have purchased the 3 series of 'Miss Marple' with 'Geraldine McEwan' as Marple and I shall treasure always.. I Recommend You Watch this and all episodes, especially the 1st three series..:):):)

Geraldine McEwan was an actress who, in the right part, always was superb. The fact that she brought her tricks to Marple and wasn't redirected bothered me considerably at first, but on watching the episodes again I find I can just think of them as showing Emmeline Lucas Pillson playing Miss Marple. As everyone knows, Lucia was incapable of playing or pretending to be anyone but herself.

And her work is in the hands of mad revisers and tasteless tinkers with the Christie corpus.

And thus my response is that it all looks pretty, Ms. McEwan always is a sight for very sore eyes, many of actors and actresses are either fine or pretty or both, and it's all an honestly silly camp piece. You can't find better support than what Eileen Atkins and Tom Baker do to consume the scenery like Formosan subterranean termites. You could cut your finger on Saffron Burrows' jawline, and Paul Nicholls and Greg Wise have great legs.

With the posing of the bodies, red herrings played like they've been dead on the beach for four days, and that exasperating twinkle in Marple's eyes that makes you hate her as much as the detectives do at times, it's easy fun.

But read the books for Christie for pure Marple as the character changes over time from an interfering, smart gossip to the genius eventually embodied by Joan Hickson. Hickson's position, supported in theory by Christie's saying she would be her own choice for the role, concludes that a person as brilliant as Jane is would also be quiet, careful, country-refined-with-knowledge of the world, serious, and aware at all times that the microcosm is the macrocosm.

With all that, this is as representative of the shambling approach of these production as any. Its pleasures are those described, down to Mr. Wise's wet underwear scene and the cuckoos one hears with one's critical e

Three items, though.

Fourteen years ago a person wrote here of the three plot changes, saying this was a case of a story therefore being (practically) unaltered. No, there are at least five major changes, with the fourth being the suppression of the failed-suicide MacWhirter character in the story who saves Audrey at the cliff and who would eventually marry her. With his being gone, Audrey weds Royce, which denies the fact that Christie wanted symmetry and to avoid the creepiness of Royce marrying his murdered brother's fiancee. She plainly did not love the remaining Royce, who she already bypassed for two other men. Royce was meant to discover that his long obsession for Audrey was not love, which frees him to love Mary Aldin. Symmetry AND self-realization.

The fifth is the removal of Inspector Battlement (and his nephew), who appeared in five novels, to accommodate the insertion of Miss Marple. The pretext is Jane "sketching" in the vicinity of her old school friend. Ugh.

Finally, another quibble is that a poster from 2021 comments "statistically" about Miss Marple "murder" statistics exceeding normal experience by x percent (The datum shown being a typo, it is not possible to know what was intended). Both nominator and denominator appear to be wrong. As a statistician looking at a simple rate, I would first suggest that the 12 cases noted is erroneous, in that additional to the 12 novels noted there were 20 short stories, making. I also do not know what population risk for being "exposed" to murder was used. So when considering this or other surmises of Miss Marple's (over)exposure to homicide (with many stories having more than one murder, as well) over her long career, I would suggest saying that Jane lived in an England and traveled where environmental poisoning, family disorder and psychopathy were rampant and leaving it at that. Comparing her experience to Jessica Fletcher's is an insult to St. Mary Mead.

If you do not find this review helpful, I understand. Thank you.

Julian Glovers guest stars in this 2007 episode of Marple, and it's quite tense all the way to the end, when everything except the kitchen sink is literally thrown off the boat. I love the scene where the glove would fit or not. Judge Ito would be proud. The scenery is beautiful.

Also good to see Tom "Dr Who" Baker making a guest appearance.