The citizens of St. Mary Mead are rocked by the murder of Colonel Protheroe, the local churchwarden and magistrate, whose body was found inside the study of the vicar, Reverend Len Clement. The man was disliked by many; including the vicar, the vicarage's curate, Protheroe's second wife Anne, her lover Lawrence Redding, Protheroe's daughter from his first marriage Lettice, the vicar's wife Grieselda Clement, and a mysterious new resident named Mrs. Lester who seemed to have produced a strange reaction from Protheroe. Not long after the vicar discovers the body, Lawrence Redding, who is a painter, confesses to the murder. But Miss Marple believes him innocent.
Geraldine McEwan is very good as Marple showing a little sympathy and some emotion as well as her usual crime busting ways, and Angela Pleasance as an eccentric woman is a standout. The rest of the cast is good enlivening this story which can be a bit slow and lacking some sharpness, though it can be quite tragic and sad. The serene St. Mary Mead looks great and village is brought to life quite well. An interesting thing is that Miss Marple is seen reading a Raymond Chandler novel - the filmmakers cheekily added this as Raymond Chandler was a big critic of Agatha Christie novels! A sort of an ironic idea.
Geraldine McEwan is very good as Marple showing a little sympathy and some emotion as well as her usual crime busting ways, and Angela Pleasance as an eccentric woman is a standout. The rest of the cast is good enlivening this story which can be a bit slow and lacking some sharpness, though it can be quite tragic and sad. The serene St. Mary Mead looks great and village is brought to life quite well. An interesting thing is that Miss Marple is seen reading a Raymond Chandler novel - the filmmakers cheekily added this as Raymond Chandler was a big critic of Agatha Christie novels! A sort of an ironic idea.