Arthur Bantry has passed away, Dolly Bantry has sold Gossington Hall to legendary film icon Marina Gregg, and moved to a small lodge on the site. Marina has moved to St Mary Mead for a quieter life, along with husband Jason Rudd and servants. Marina agrees for Gossington Hall to host its annual fête, she is introduced to the locals, one she meets in particular seems to have a profound effect on her, Heather Badcock, a woman of modest means from the new development site and St John's Ambulance volunteer. During the rather dull conversation about a meeting many years previous, Marina is frozen to the spot, a look described as being likened to The Lady of Shalott 'Doom came upon her etc.' Heather, not a drinker, takes a drink (a daiquiri) intended for Marina, not used to alcohol suddenly dies, alarm bells raised and Marina descends into a terrified state, who had intended to poison her?
Miss Marple, now in advanced years has a carer/companion Miss Knight, a feisty Scots woman who attempts to encourage Miss Marple to take it easy, but the Detective in her sets out to unravel the mystery.
As a novel I think it's one of the easiest Agatha Christie stories to read, the characters are beautifully created, they translate well into this adaptation. Claire Bloom is particularly delightful as Marina Gregg, I firmly believe in her being a great actress in her later years (well it's not exactly a stretch in reality is it?) such a beautiful, charismatic woman.
Lots of old friends on show to bow out with, Inspector's Craddock and Slack, Dolly Bantry, Sergeant Lake, Christopher Hawes etc, it ends with such a sweet moment.
Favourite scene has to be the village ladies discovering the Marble bathrooms for the first time, no doubt rare at the time, their reactions are just wonderful. Miss Marple's frustrations with Miss Knight are so fun too
Such a shame they never adapted The Blue Geranium, I love the audio-book ready by Joan Hikson.
People have commented about Miss Marple suddenly being Craddock's aunt, I think it's meant more as a term of endearment, a closeness developed over the years.
9/10, a tale of tragedy as well as a murder, with subtle elements of humour woven in. I like it very very much. It's ultimately superior to the Hollywood film.
