A classic, typical P D James story, well filmed for television. I actually saw Martin Shaw's other outing as Dalgliesh (The Murder Room) before this one, but I liked him better here, possibly because there was less of a soppy subplot in this case. Good acting all round, here, with special praise due to Robert Hardy, who is always good value, and to Jesse Spencer as the troubled head ordinand. Julia MacKenzie does a super turn, too. The plot is full of interest and is grippingly told in three hours. The only weakness in my view is the location. The college is supposed to be on a cliff that's being eaten away by the sea, but we never see it properly at all. All we are shown is the silhouette of a tower on a cliff, plus close-up shots of what could be more or less any old ecclesiastical buildings. Small budget, I suppose, but a shame, because it would have been good to get a fuller feeling for the claustrophobia of the college in its windswept location, battered by the forces of nature. Nevertheless, well worth seeing.
10 Reviews
A deep, engrossing mystery, superbly acted and produced.
Sleepin_Dragon22 April 2019
When Roy Marsden signed off in 1998, I thought that was the end of for Adam Dalgliesh on TV, so I was very glad to see the BBC take up the as were new novels, and breathe fresh life into them.
Martin Shaw does a very fine job, he's a terrific actor and very different to his roles in George Gently and Judge John Deed, I believe in him here, a continuation, rather then a replacement for Marsden.
If I'm honest, I liked the first half more then the second, as I thought it was faster paced and more dramatic, but overall it's a terrific, engaging mystery, which is so much more then just a whodunit.
The acting is terrific, it's Robert Hardy that delivers the masterclass, but Hugh Fraser and Jesse Spencer that stand out.
At the time I wished they'd done more, and remade others, but that was never the point of this series. 8/10
Martin Shaw does a very fine job, he's a terrific actor and very different to his roles in George Gently and Judge John Deed, I believe in him here, a continuation, rather then a replacement for Marsden.
If I'm honest, I liked the first half more then the second, as I thought it was faster paced and more dramatic, but overall it's a terrific, engaging mystery, which is so much more then just a whodunit.
The acting is terrific, it's Robert Hardy that delivers the masterclass, but Hugh Fraser and Jesse Spencer that stand out.
At the time I wished they'd done more, and remade others, but that was never the point of this series. 8/10
Very good, with one problem for me
JudithClark26 February 2016
I too have been used to seeing Roy Marsden as Adam Dalgleish, but changes are not always bad. I watched it on PBS recently, so it was some years after it first appeared in the UK. It was one of those "I know that person" moments that often occur while watching British programs. More recently here we have watched Mr. Shaw in the Inspector George Gently series, and here he is looking much younger! The production dates explained that confusion.
I have enjoyed the two programs very much. I hope there are more. My only problem is that "Death in Holy Orders" ran for three hours from 8-11 pm. I just can't stay awake that long! A friend in the UK explained that their version is cut up into shorter episodes, perhaps hourly. This is a PBS choice, and doesn't take away from the whole production.
Such a nice change from continuous gun battles and car chases!
I have enjoyed the two programs very much. I hope there are more. My only problem is that "Death in Holy Orders" ran for three hours from 8-11 pm. I just can't stay awake that long! A friend in the UK explained that their version is cut up into shorter episodes, perhaps hourly. This is a PBS choice, and doesn't take away from the whole production.
Such a nice change from continuous gun battles and car chases!
Superb multi-murder mystery
Darccity5 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This excellent murder mystery by the author P. D. James, finds James' sleuth, Commander Adam Dalgleish, trying to solve a multi-murder at a remote theological seminary, ST. Anselm's, on the east coast of England. Dalgleish is played in this film by the fine British actor Martin Shaw, who appeared in The Scarlet Pimpernel with Richard E. Grant several years ago. He is terrific. You can practically see the clues swirling about in his head as he tries to figure out who killed whom. Another major actor in this film is Robert Hardy as Father Martin, who most viewers will remember as Siegfried Farnon in the old British TV series, "All Creatures Great and Small." Hardy adds class, realism and style to any production (such as Sense and Sensibility) and this is no exception. He is the most natural of actors, creating totally believable characters. There are many smaller plot tidbits, such as the fact that St. Anselm's is about to go under for lack of funds. It has a number of artworks which the archdeacon wants to get his hands on, including an altar piece by Rogier van der Wyden.....all of these plots and clues make for a very entertaining film. Why was Treeves upset the day he died? Was his death a murder, suicide or simply an accident? What about the gardener Eric, who makes love to his sister? They definitely have something to hide. Who amongst the fathers or teachers is abusing young students, and why is Raphael, the head boy, so sure that the archdeacon killed his wife? What about Emma, the female teacher? Can she break into the shell Adam has built around himself to dull the pain of the death of his wife and child in childbirth? Can Adam trust Emma? Can Adam trust Father Martin, who seemed so happy to see him but who holds a valuable papyrus scroll in a secret place and will not give it up until his death? The fact that the cliffs periodically fall into the sea and have already gobbled up several villages medieval villages whose church bells, they say, can be heard ringing during the lonely nights creates a sinister feeling. Race against Dalgleish and see if you can spot the clues and solve the murders first! Happy sleuthing!
Subtle is better
moolyyours1 January 2005
This is one of the best mysteries I've seen in a while, perhaps because it reaches beyond being a simple whodunit and becomes a complex, personal drama.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Death in Holy Orders is that you know the characters better than they know themselves, and certainly better than they know each other. The knowledge we have of them propels the story forward easily as you analyze their criticisms of each other and weigh their motives. The dialogue borders on poetry at times, and Martin Shaw in particular executes the lines with compassion and honesty.
My only two criticisms are a subplot that made me rather queasy, and the actress who played Inspector Kate Miskin (very, very smugly). If an officer walked around looking at criminals that way in real life, he or she wouldn't make it to Inspector.
In addition to Martin Shaw's natural execution, the performances of Robert Hardy, Clive Wood, and Jesse Spencer (where did this kid come from?!) are a real treat in this film.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Death in Holy Orders is that you know the characters better than they know themselves, and certainly better than they know each other. The knowledge we have of them propels the story forward easily as you analyze their criticisms of each other and weigh their motives. The dialogue borders on poetry at times, and Martin Shaw in particular executes the lines with compassion and honesty.
My only two criticisms are a subplot that made me rather queasy, and the actress who played Inspector Kate Miskin (very, very smugly). If an officer walked around looking at criminals that way in real life, he or she wouldn't make it to Inspector.
In addition to Martin Shaw's natural execution, the performances of Robert Hardy, Clive Wood, and Jesse Spencer (where did this kid come from?!) are a real treat in this film.
I saw this for Jesse Spencer, but got so much more.
specialist200815 March 2010
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I came across the film because I had been so impressed with the work Jesse Spencer did for his character in House, I sought out to see more of his work. This movie does not disappoint since he plays quite an important character quite beautifully. But what really blew me away was the wonderful acting throughout the entire film. Every actor was perfect for his/her respective role and the direction was superb as well. Martin Shaw was perfect as Commander Dalgliesh and turned practically every interaction into an interesting character study. Also deliciously into their roles were Hugh Fraser as the cynical George Gregory and and Alan Howard as Father Sebastian. There is also Janie Dee as the sympathetic Emma and Robert Hardy as Father Martin. His poignant portrayal especially at the end of the first part (the movie has 2 parts) had me panicking because I thought it was the end, and I didn't want it to be over. Which brings me to the music: lovely, lovely musical score. I have so many favorite scenes that I don't mind re-watching this movie with those I recommend it to. I guess, I should have expected the high quality since it's a BBC production but still, in my mind it was just a TV movie and I thought, how good could it be. The answer: extremely so. Personally, I enjoy movies that are invested in the characters, not just in the plot, action or mystery. Death in Holy Orders delivers all the way.
Captures the book atmosphere
pauladobro3 December 2021
Martin Shaw is a great Dalgleish: very humane. There were several other excellent performances. The portrayal runs close to the book and the characters very convincing for the most part. My only real disappointment was Victoria Scarborough's portrayal of Inspector Kate Miskin. Her smirking during the interviewing of two of the characters in particular was actually very distracting, and it was good for one of them to put her in her place. That didn't fit with my remembrance of the book. Also I cannot imagine anyone giving answers to a police officer who acted in that way in real life. It smacked too much of the 'good cop/bad cop' which appears too frequently in fictional films. Overall though, it was a great two part film.
Brilliant murder mystery
debbie-9724 August 2003
I have never been fan of murder mysteries, like Miss Maple and Inspector Morse.
I usually lose interest half way through. I wanted to see this drama after buying the book by PD James and because i never got round to reading it. I decided to watch the drama.
The acting was first class, especially Jesse Spencer character Raphael Arbuthnot. I had only ever seen him in Neighbours. His English accent was very convincing and his acting on whole was nothing short of superb.
The drama is three hours long. It was showed over two nights in England. I set the recorder. It is a great piece of drama to watch, compelling viewing. I was never bored. They are so many various characters all at some point who will become suspects in Adam Dalglish investigation. He is the PD James creation. And like all detectives he draws the audience into the drama as he goes about solving the crime.
I don't want to give any of the plot away. The drama is set in the East Anglian coast at a Theological College, where men train to become priest. Adam Dalgish is called to investigate, after the death of one of the students and after the boy's wealthy Father insist on knowing what happened to his son. No sooner Adam Dalgish arrives, there are more murders.
If you like dramas set in the country with murder and mystery, then you should like this drama. It might not be to everyone's taste. If you prefer fast senseless violence, with no plot to follow then this won't be for you. But if you like intelligent writing and are willing to sit it out to the end, then this is for you. I enjoyed it and any Jesse Spencer fans, like myself, will enjoy it. As his character is central to the plot.
I usually lose interest half way through. I wanted to see this drama after buying the book by PD James and because i never got round to reading it. I decided to watch the drama.
The acting was first class, especially Jesse Spencer character Raphael Arbuthnot. I had only ever seen him in Neighbours. His English accent was very convincing and his acting on whole was nothing short of superb.
The drama is three hours long. It was showed over two nights in England. I set the recorder. It is a great piece of drama to watch, compelling viewing. I was never bored. They are so many various characters all at some point who will become suspects in Adam Dalglish investigation. He is the PD James creation. And like all detectives he draws the audience into the drama as he goes about solving the crime.
I don't want to give any of the plot away. The drama is set in the East Anglian coast at a Theological College, where men train to become priest. Adam Dalgish is called to investigate, after the death of one of the students and after the boy's wealthy Father insist on knowing what happened to his son. No sooner Adam Dalgish arrives, there are more murders.
If you like dramas set in the country with murder and mystery, then you should like this drama. It might not be to everyone's taste. If you prefer fast senseless violence, with no plot to follow then this won't be for you. But if you like intelligent writing and are willing to sit it out to the end, then this is for you. I enjoyed it and any Jesse Spencer fans, like myself, will enjoy it. As his character is central to the plot.
Where the heck is Roy Marsden?
blanche-220 September 2011
I was a little surprised when I turned on this Inspector Dalgleish and found out that he is now Martin Shaw and not Roy Marsden. Worse yet, after making the character of Dalgleish so popular, P.D. James apparently told someone she likes Shaw better. How's that for gratitude.
At any rate, I was so distracted by the fact that it was a new Dalgleish that it was hard at first to concentrate on the film. And it's a good one. Dalgleish returns to a seminary where he spent happy days as a teenager to see if a suicide could have been murder. The seminary is in danger of being closed, and the archdeacon who is interested in its demise is on the premises, as is the detective who accused the archdeacon of killing his wife and as a result, lost his career. When the bodies start dropping around him, Dalgleish realizes the seminary has other problems besides possibly closing.
This is a multilayered story with wonderful characterizations thanks to the script and cast, including the handsome Jesse Spencer, Alan Howard, Clive Wood, and Poirot's old partner in crime, Hastings, Hugh Fraser.
As for Martin Shaw, I have no memory of the Dalgleish books and Dalgleish as he is written by James. Shaw gives a very subtle, underplayed performance of a gentle man in pain from loss and afraid to reach out again. He's very good, just took some getting used to.
At any rate, I was so distracted by the fact that it was a new Dalgleish that it was hard at first to concentrate on the film. And it's a good one. Dalgleish returns to a seminary where he spent happy days as a teenager to see if a suicide could have been murder. The seminary is in danger of being closed, and the archdeacon who is interested in its demise is on the premises, as is the detective who accused the archdeacon of killing his wife and as a result, lost his career. When the bodies start dropping around him, Dalgleish realizes the seminary has other problems besides possibly closing.
This is a multilayered story with wonderful characterizations thanks to the script and cast, including the handsome Jesse Spencer, Alan Howard, Clive Wood, and Poirot's old partner in crime, Hastings, Hugh Fraser.
As for Martin Shaw, I have no memory of the Dalgleish books and Dalgleish as he is written by James. Shaw gives a very subtle, underplayed performance of a gentle man in pain from loss and afraid to reach out again. He's very good, just took some getting used to.
Sorry, but Martin Shaw is not Roy Marsden.
EdinaJambo30 July 2023
Martin Shaw has been around on various UK TV shows since the 70s as a tough Criminal Intelligence agent as part of a crime fighting duo in The Professionals through various roles to the recent 1990s benevolant yet smug High Court Judge in Judge John Deed, but as a replacement Adam Dalgliesh in a 2000s remake of PD James' Dalgliesh character he just does not cut it for me. I was brought up on his tough guy Professionals character and barely tolerated Judge John Deed, but, as a long time Roy Marsden favourite I cannot take to the modern Martin Shaw effort seriously. In short, when I see Shaw listed as the PD James character I give it a wide berth. He just doesn't have the same class as Marsden.
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