Description: Murder She Said (1961): Margaret Rutherford's debut as Agatha Christie's Miss Marple Murder at the Gallop (1963): Murder and mystery start with a funeral Murder Most Foul (1964): Miss Marple joins a theatrical troupe whose specialty is death scenes. Murder Ahoy (1964): Miss Marple takes the helm in a seagoing whodunit
Amazon.com: Never mind purists who bemoan Margaret Rutherford's incarnation of Agatha Christie's celebrated spinster sleuth. These four British films, produced between 1961 and 64, are jolly good, regardless of their tenuous connection with Miss Marple as written, or with Christie herself. One of the films, in fact, Murder Ahoy, is an original screenplay credited as "an interpretation of Miss Marple." And two others, Murder at the Gallop and Murder Most Foul were based on books featuring Christie's other famed detective, Hercule Poirot." But no matter. The redoubtable Rutherford indelibly makes Marple her very own, or, as she proclaims to Inspector Craddock (Charles Tingwell), with whom she locks horns throughout all four films, "I am always myself." Rutherford makes a formidable first impression in Murder She Said, based on Christie's 4:50 from Paddington, in which the armchair sleuth goes undercover as a servant after witnessing a murder on a train. In Murder at the Gallop, based on After the Funeral, where there's a will, there's murder. In Murder Ahoy, Marple discovers a ship of thieves. In Murder Most Foul, Marple deadlocks a jury and joins a theatrical troupe to prove the defendant's innocence.
The Marple films are endearingly modest productions, redeemed by peerless performances and mostly sharp scripts. Ron Goodwin's theme music used in all four films is an irresistible piece of '60s symphonic pop that's a classical gas. None of the actors are suspect. Rutherford gets able support from her real-life husband, Stringer Davis, who portrays Marple's Watson-esque sidekick. Venerable character actors Robert Morley and Ron Moody enliven Gallop and Foul, respectively. And in Murder She Said, that's Joan Hickson, who would go on to acclaim as Miss Marple in the celebrated BBC series (also available on DVD). But it's tough to steal a scene from Rutherford, whose Marple displays a keen mind, and, in Ahoy, surprising prowess with a sword! --Donald Liebenson
Delightful Rutherford! These are my favorite Miss Marple films even though Margaret Rutherford's character is nothing like the "real" Miss Marple. Three of the films are loosely based on Agatha Christie novels, however.
Margaret Rutherford is delightful. She is the reason I enjoy this series so much. My friends and I rented these films in the 1970s - before VCRs. I later recorded the movies from TV. This summer I was happy to find the DVDs for a very reasonable price on Amazon - only $27.49 at the time with free shipping.
The satirical cover illustrations alone are worth the price!
Miss Marple Collection A whole bunch of fun. A Miss Marple with lots of fight in her, who loves a little beer. You can't beat Margaret Rutherford as a feisty Miss Marple who will try anything to solve a mystery.
A DIFFERENT TYPE OF MARPLE
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PURE MARPLE HERE, YOU WON'T FIND HER. YOU WILL FIND ENJOYABLE FUN. RUTHERFORD'S MARPLE IS ATHELETIC, BOSSY AND LOADED WITH FEARLESS DETERMINATION. IN THESE STORIES SHE CLIMBS UP ON A PILE OF BOXES AND PEEKS IN WINDOWS. DOES THE TWIST WITH AN OLD FRIEND, CAVORTS OVER A BRICK WALL AND IS CHASED BY A LARGE DOG AND ALSO ANNOYS A JUDGE AND AN ENTIRE JURY BECAUSE SHE KNOWS SHE'S RIGHT. I ENJOYED THIS VERY DIFFERENT MARPLE VERY MUCH.
Miss Marple - A set of classic 'Whodunits' What a delight! Margaret Rutherford in full flight is a sight to see. I haven't seen a Miss Marple movie for many years, but I remembered them with a great deal of pleasure. When I saw this set finally released, I could not help myself; I had to buy them....I have not been disappointed! I'm not entirely sure what it is about Margaret Rutherford, but I would describe her as one of the all-time greatest of character actors. When she rolls up her sleaves and gets stuck-in-to the task at hand... she's very determined indeed. If you are into the older style of movie making and enjoy a real 'whodunit' with a splash of comedy, I highly commend these movies to you.
Agatha Christie Miss Marple Collection This set enhances my dvd collection of murder mysteries, and I enjoy Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple because the stories are more entertaining and interesting.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
