Not only was this NOT originally a Miss Marple novel, it's populated with the most unsympathetic bunch of characters in the history of miscasting. There are scarcely any characters here that we can bring ourselves to care one whit about, and the only ones that elicit any sympathy are soon eliminated or defiled, in the new tradition of the current Christie "adaptors." There were some inspired bits of casting: Jane Seymour as the ill-fated, hard-as-nails matriarch; Alison Steadman as Kirsten, the faithful maid (Yes, Shirley Valentine's gal-pal is now playing a middle-aged Swedish maid!), and pop star Lisa Stansfield as Mary, the ONLY sympathetic offspring. She alone gives her role any gravitas at all; the other characters (particularly the female offspring) have clearly trained for their roles by watching crappy American reality TV shows. I particularly disliked Hester, a whiny daddy's girl who's revealed to have had a fling with sister Mary's husband--and still manages to treat HIM like the bad guy, as if it didn't take TWO to dance that tango. Father Leo is a fumbly, mumbly, mamby-pamby idiot with no spine who can't even bring himself to stand by his fiancé and show faith when doubt is cast on her. (Whoops, that was a spoiler. Oh well, there ain't much to spoil.) All in all, only Steadman and Stansfield (and, initially, Seymour) are worth watching. The rest fail miserably, and unfortunately, cause the story to collapse. Don't bother with this--read the book instead.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Not as bad as all that
11 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I feel like I should say at least a word in defense of the new "Marple" series.
Certainly, some of the "revisionist" elements are almost incredible...Miss Marple with a past?! That involved a MARRIED MAN?! No way would the Miss Marple that we grew up reading have ever considered such a thing.
But in some ways, the new series serves a purpose: as much as the original Miss Marple was a stalwart, righteous character of the highest moral standing, how many of us can actually relate to that? She is an absolute dear, but almost a walking reproach! Geraldine McEwan's Miss Marple is also very right-minded, but she's more human and accessible, with her impish sense of humor and mischievous, knowing grin. We know that she will get there in the end, but she will have many bumps and turns on her way to solving the crime.
I like in some ways that the other characters in this particular story have a past: (SPOILER HERE) the fact that Ann Protheroe and Lawrence Redding have a history BEFORE the story even begins makes it more believable that they would have an affair during this story. Not to mention some of the top-notch talent they've gathered for this production: Janet McTeer (Oscar-nominated for "Tumbleweeds"), Rachael Stirling (daughter of Diana Rigg), and Tim McInnerney are just a few people who bring this story to life.
Finally, consider the fact that the original "Murder at the Vicarage" episode (made in 1986) was in itself a bit of a revision, as the book was written and took place in 1930, and the show was updated to occur in the mid-1950s.
I won't give away the ending, but I can tell you that the aftermath (the "punishment" portion that takes place months after the crime is solved) haunted me for a long while...a reminder that murder is not to be undertaken lightly and has consequences!
Certainly, some of the "revisionist" elements are almost incredible...Miss Marple with a past?! That involved a MARRIED MAN?! No way would the Miss Marple that we grew up reading have ever considered such a thing.
But in some ways, the new series serves a purpose: as much as the original Miss Marple was a stalwart, righteous character of the highest moral standing, how many of us can actually relate to that? She is an absolute dear, but almost a walking reproach! Geraldine McEwan's Miss Marple is also very right-minded, but she's more human and accessible, with her impish sense of humor and mischievous, knowing grin. We know that she will get there in the end, but she will have many bumps and turns on her way to solving the crime.
I like in some ways that the other characters in this particular story have a past: (SPOILER HERE) the fact that Ann Protheroe and Lawrence Redding have a history BEFORE the story even begins makes it more believable that they would have an affair during this story. Not to mention some of the top-notch talent they've gathered for this production: Janet McTeer (Oscar-nominated for "Tumbleweeds"), Rachael Stirling (daughter of Diana Rigg), and Tim McInnerney are just a few people who bring this story to life.
Finally, consider the fact that the original "Murder at the Vicarage" episode (made in 1986) was in itself a bit of a revision, as the book was written and took place in 1930, and the show was updated to occur in the mid-1950s.
I won't give away the ending, but I can tell you that the aftermath (the "punishment" portion that takes place months after the crime is solved) haunted me for a long while...a reminder that murder is not to be undertaken lightly and has consequences!
Relative Values
(2000)
Don't overlook Sophie!
17 January 2003
This was a pretty darn good movie, and I always enjoy seeing Julie Andrews do comedy. But for me, the highlight of the movie was the dinner scene, with "Moxy" (Sophie Thompson) furiously biting her tongue while her clueless real-life sister (Jeanne Trippelhorn) concocts falsely slanderous stories about their mother, painting her as a bawdy alcoholic. Moxy's outraged cry of "Jugs of Beer!?" after Miranda/Freda leaves is priceless, as is her dressing down of Freda near the end of the film.
I liked this film, too, because it didn't sink too far into the "Silly Ass/Bright Young Thing" mode that most of Coward's works tend to. Rent it if you can. It's worth catching.
I liked this film, too, because it didn't sink too far into the "Silly Ass/Bright Young Thing" mode that most of Coward's works tend to. Rent it if you can. It's worth catching.
Have button, will love...
29 May 2002
I'm a fan of the genre. I have the aforementioned rewind button. I loved the show.
I didn't find it too implausible, considering that this did take place in the 1950s (no faxes, e-mail or digital cameras), and I thought it possible and plausible that the people in question could assume someone else's identity, especially as their performances were being given for the benefit of people who hadn't seen the "original identity holders" in many years, if at all.
Hints at Hinchcliffe's and Murgatroyd's lesbian "partnership," without ever coming directly across and labeling it (although it does more broadly hint at the relationship than Agatha Christie's original novel). Issues of youthful Communism and unrequited love are almost too felicitously handled, although one wishes that real life could be this uncomplicated!
Watch for a spunky performance from Samantha Bond (now universally recognized as Miss Moneypenny in the 007 series). Paola Dionisotti (The House of Elliott) is also greatly likable as Miss Hinchcliffe.
I didn't find it too implausible, considering that this did take place in the 1950s (no faxes, e-mail or digital cameras), and I thought it possible and plausible that the people in question could assume someone else's identity, especially as their performances were being given for the benefit of people who hadn't seen the "original identity holders" in many years, if at all.
Hints at Hinchcliffe's and Murgatroyd's lesbian "partnership," without ever coming directly across and labeling it (although it does more broadly hint at the relationship than Agatha Christie's original novel). Issues of youthful Communism and unrequited love are almost too felicitously handled, although one wishes that real life could be this uncomplicated!
Watch for a spunky performance from Samantha Bond (now universally recognized as Miss Moneypenny in the 007 series). Paola Dionisotti (The House of Elliott) is also greatly likable as Miss Hinchcliffe.
The Pesky Suitor
(1995)
A Sweet Short Film that Converted me
20 March 2001
I have to admit I had never really been a great Claire Danes fan...on "My So-Called Life," I really felt the rest of the cast outperformed her, and her downbeat, pensive character reminded me of the all-black-wearing, amyl-nitrate-sniffing kids who hung out at the comic book store in my hometown.
But this short film really changed my mind. I completely identified with Lisa, an essentially nice but awkward young teenage girl who befriends an elderly man and his unseen, shrill wife. I also identified with her genuine discomfort as she realized that this sweet old guy would go on talking forever and ever and ever...if she let him!
As the film progresses, we see touching glimpses into the lives of these two older people. By the end, everything is so poignant and beautifully wrapped up that you feel you've watched a full-length feature film.
I highly recommend this one. It's shown occasionally on the Independent Film Channel.
But this short film really changed my mind. I completely identified with Lisa, an essentially nice but awkward young teenage girl who befriends an elderly man and his unseen, shrill wife. I also identified with her genuine discomfort as she realized that this sweet old guy would go on talking forever and ever and ever...if she let him!
As the film progresses, we see touching glimpses into the lives of these two older people. By the end, everything is so poignant and beautifully wrapped up that you feel you've watched a full-length feature film.
I highly recommend this one. It's shown occasionally on the Independent Film Channel.
A Letter to Three Wives
(1985 TV Movie)
Yes, This Was Quite Sucky...
13 September 2000
As much as I love the actresses who appeared in this movie, this was one remake that could have stood never to be remade.
I liked Michele Lee as Rita Phipps, I have to say. It had to have been hard to try and update that whole storyline from "Radio Is Going to Kill Culture" to "TV IS Killing Culture," not to mention trying to give snappy, witty dialogue to Rita and George. I mean, how can you outdo Kirk Douglas and Ann Sothern? Can't be done--just can't!!! I also liked Doris Roberts as the wise-cracking maid, and Stephanie Zimbalist was in top form here as Deborah.
But the whole effect taken together looked like a very clumsy attempt at trying to recapture an era that cannot be recaptured, because times have changed. Women do not attempt to be wily and sexy in order to win the boss as a husband these days and still come off as respectable. Only back in the 40s, when it was considered a woman's HIGHEST aspiration to marry a rich husband, would that be acceptable. Now it just looks trashy, and is an insult to women.
I can't forget the crumb they threw to Ann Sothern, the only surviving female cast member from the original 1948 flick. She walked away with the original as Rita. Here, she was sadly underused.
My advice for producers who (for whatever reason) want to remake these old classics: make it a period piece! Don't try to give a '40s movie a '40s feel in the '80s (or beyond).
I WON'T hold my breath for a remake of "The Women." I don't want to see Gwyneth Paltrow (or whoever the "Waif of the Week" is) spraying perfume in a department store and trying to be clever. Can't be done--just can't!!
I liked Michele Lee as Rita Phipps, I have to say. It had to have been hard to try and update that whole storyline from "Radio Is Going to Kill Culture" to "TV IS Killing Culture," not to mention trying to give snappy, witty dialogue to Rita and George. I mean, how can you outdo Kirk Douglas and Ann Sothern? Can't be done--just can't!!! I also liked Doris Roberts as the wise-cracking maid, and Stephanie Zimbalist was in top form here as Deborah.
But the whole effect taken together looked like a very clumsy attempt at trying to recapture an era that cannot be recaptured, because times have changed. Women do not attempt to be wily and sexy in order to win the boss as a husband these days and still come off as respectable. Only back in the 40s, when it was considered a woman's HIGHEST aspiration to marry a rich husband, would that be acceptable. Now it just looks trashy, and is an insult to women.
I can't forget the crumb they threw to Ann Sothern, the only surviving female cast member from the original 1948 flick. She walked away with the original as Rita. Here, she was sadly underused.
My advice for producers who (for whatever reason) want to remake these old classics: make it a period piece! Don't try to give a '40s movie a '40s feel in the '80s (or beyond).
I WON'T hold my breath for a remake of "The Women." I don't want to see Gwyneth Paltrow (or whoever the "Waif of the Week" is) spraying perfume in a department store and trying to be clever. Can't be done--just can't!!
Freaky Friday
(1995 TV Movie)
Not Quite Freaky
15 August 2000
I had the opportunity of seeing the original version of this movie when I was in third grade. Believe it or not, this was the first movie that I ever saw Jodie Foster in--not "Taxi Driver" (considering that I was 9, that was probably a good thing).
This was not a bad movie, and it wasn't intended to be identical to the original, but the peripheral characters in this version fell flat. Sandra Bernhard was stifled--not very funny at all, just kind of stuffy and bitchy. And I was expecting a spunky "tomboy" Annabelle like Jodie Foster's, not the subdued, frustrated suburban teenager that Gaby Hoffman played (although that's actually closer to Mary Rodgers' novel). And NOBODY could play Mrs. Andrews like Barbara Harris. The sight of her waterskiing in a velvet evening dress with her false eyelashes coming off was just too priceless!
One thing I DID like about this version, though: the red convertible VW bug that Shelley Long drives is identical to the one that Barbara Harris drove in the original! I was so afraid we'd be seeing a BMW or some other yuppie wussy-wagon. Thank God for SOME tradition!
In short, don't watch the original version before you see this one. Let this one stand on its own first. It isn't made to be compared, but it's inevitable that you will compare it.
This was not a bad movie, and it wasn't intended to be identical to the original, but the peripheral characters in this version fell flat. Sandra Bernhard was stifled--not very funny at all, just kind of stuffy and bitchy. And I was expecting a spunky "tomboy" Annabelle like Jodie Foster's, not the subdued, frustrated suburban teenager that Gaby Hoffman played (although that's actually closer to Mary Rodgers' novel). And NOBODY could play Mrs. Andrews like Barbara Harris. The sight of her waterskiing in a velvet evening dress with her false eyelashes coming off was just too priceless!
One thing I DID like about this version, though: the red convertible VW bug that Shelley Long drives is identical to the one that Barbara Harris drove in the original! I was so afraid we'd be seeing a BMW or some other yuppie wussy-wagon. Thank God for SOME tradition!
In short, don't watch the original version before you see this one. Let this one stand on its own first. It isn't made to be compared, but it's inevitable that you will compare it.
Night Drive
(1977 TV Movie)
Very unique for its time
20 October 1999
I agree with Kirk; I saw this when I was nine, and never forgot it! It provided a special twist to your typical, melodramatic woman-alone-on-the-road story, so common for an age where were just getting over the idea of women being "helpless." But this killer should never have messed with Rhoda!
The production values weren't bad for the 70s-made-for-TV genre, either. Really kind of a breath of fresh air, when all the other made-for-TVs were going for the "creepy-crawly thing of the week" motif.
Valerie Harper plays a mother who is traveling across the country to see her son, who has just had an ear operation. On the way, she witnesses a policeman being murdered. What's worse, the murderer witnesses HER. Then the chase is on!
The killer only speaks through a vibrating larynx box, which makes his words, considering their nature, sound even more sinister and mechanical, when we hear him speak at all (really only at the beginning).
I'm not sure where this movie can be rented...the best hope is to wait for your local television station to play it as a late-night feature or a Sunday matinee. Try and catch it if you can. Watch especially for the clever climax and turnabout, as Val turns the tables on the killer!
The production values weren't bad for the 70s-made-for-TV genre, either. Really kind of a breath of fresh air, when all the other made-for-TVs were going for the "creepy-crawly thing of the week" motif.
Valerie Harper plays a mother who is traveling across the country to see her son, who has just had an ear operation. On the way, she witnesses a policeman being murdered. What's worse, the murderer witnesses HER. Then the chase is on!
The killer only speaks through a vibrating larynx box, which makes his words, considering their nature, sound even more sinister and mechanical, when we hear him speak at all (really only at the beginning).
I'm not sure where this movie can be rented...the best hope is to wait for your local television station to play it as a late-night feature or a Sunday matinee. Try and catch it if you can. Watch especially for the clever climax and turnabout, as Val turns the tables on the killer!
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