The sleepy English village of St.Mary Mead is awakened when a big American movie company descends on it for making a historical film featuring the once-popular, Marina Rudd. When a local simpleton, Heather Babcock is poisoned and Marina seems to have been the intended victim, it is up to the wise old Miss Jane Marple to solve the case along with her nephew from Scotland Yard, Inspector Craddock.
Language:
English
Running Time:
105 mins
Rating:
PG
Release date:
19 December 1980
Directed by:
Guy Hamilton
Produced by:
John Brabourne
Richard Goodwin
Written by:
Jonathan Hales
Barry Sandler
Based on:
The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side by
Agatha Christie
Starring:
Angela Lansbury
Elizabeth Taylor
Kim Novak
Rock Hudson
Edward Fox
Geraldine Chaplin
Music by:
John Cameron
Shot by:
Christopher G. Challis
Editing by:
Richard Marden
Distributed by:
Columbia Pictures

What’s Hot

  • Angela Lansbury, is fabulous as Jane Marple and her subtle expressions, sly questions and brilliant deductions impress the audience throughout the film.
  • Elizabeth Taylor, as the fallen actress, who has frequent nervous breakdowns is delightful as the quintessential drama queen. Her modulation while rattling off those long stage-play-esque dialogues is unmatchable.
  • The supporting actors, Edward Fox, Kim Novak, Rock Hudson add color to this wonderful novel by Agatha Christie, adapted to the screen by Jonathan Hales & Barry Sandler.
  • A special mention needs to be given to Christopher G. Challis Judgment, the cinematographer, for some exquisite camera movements and zooms that remind us of the classic, Judgment at Nuremberg. The suspense element is maintained effectively by John Cameron’s score.

What’s Not

  • There are certain scenes near the end of the film that seem a touch rushed. There could have been more time devoted to explaining the plot when Jane Marple solves the case.

Badges

Verdict

Verdict Stamp

A thoroughly enjoyable Agatha Christie mystery, which stands the test of time because of a very good plot combined with excellent performances from all the actors involved.