Benutzerrezensionen

Like Jack who commented before me here, I saw this show over Christmas on UKTV Drama. I had never seen the Joan Hickson adaptations before now and when I saw the recent ITV Marple's I was told to watch the old BBC adaptations as they are far superior, and they are.

I feel the ITV versions are almost played as farcical comedy whereas the BBC versions are more serious and are far more intriguing and allowing you to get involved in the mystery and none more so than in 'A Murder Is Announced'. I literally had no idea who the culprit was right up until the very end and it was certainly a complex mystery, but an excellent one.

This was originally shown over 3 nights in 1985 however I saw it all in one 3 hour viewing, yet it certainly did not feel like that at all. Joan Hickson is brilliant as Miss Marple. The Geraldine McEwan take on Miss Marple is almost amateurish in comparison. The supporting cast here, including Joan Sims, Kevin Whately and Samantha Bond are all excellent and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has not yet seen it.

Now that the campy ITV Marple series is well into its stride it is time to reflect on whether the BBC Miss Marple programmes were as good as we thought. Judged by this outing there is no contest.

Alan Plater's witty script, while faithful to Christie's convoluted plotting, adds colour and shading to the proceedings and clips along at a nice pace. The actors certainly rise to the occasion; Joan Hickson is on top form, her interpretation of an inquisitive old lady from a 1950s country village is totally believable; Renee Asherson's character is rather irritating and the actress reflects this in her performance; Ursula Howells is quite brilliant, making a complex personality convincing; and there is good support from Samantha Bond, Joan Sims, Ralph Michael and a somewhat underused Sylvia Syms.

I've avoided Miss Marple my whole life, focusing on Dorothy Sayers. But then I realized that I'm now as old as Jane Marple. Hickson plays Marple with wonderful restraint, and John Castle is great as the brooding thoughtful inspector. It was delightful to see Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whatley) transported into the post WW2 village.

This is an engrossing mystery and I appreciate that there is zero campiness in this adaptation, thank goodness. The Geraldine McEwan versions are ghastly. Here the production values are excellent, and the Scotland exterior was terrific. Young Samantha Bond is luminous. Very well done though oddly, it's easy to peg the show as from the 1980s because of the musical frissons.

This is, in my opinion, Christie's best Miss Marple book. The plot is ingenious, carefully woven and highly intricate. The ending is pure brilliance, and you will kick yourself because you didn't guess the identity earlier.

This BBC adaptation is also superb. It has a suitable running length, enough time for the viewer to absorb the information given to them, and Joan Hickson excels as Miss Marple. Her apparent scattiness hides her true genius to the rest of the cast, and Joan Hickson is perfect at playing Miss Marple in this way; far better than Margaret Rutherford and Geraldine McEwan's dreadful attempts . The supporting cast are also very good, featuring Ursulla Howles, Paola Dionisotti, Joan Sims, Sylvia Syms, Kevin Whately and Simon Shepard (of 'Peak Practice' Fame).

Having read the book very recently, and then watched this adaptation over Christmas on UKTV Gold, I can say that the plot is faithful to the original tome. I can highly recommend it.

The book A Murder Is Announced is a brilliant book, one of my favourite Agatha Christies, intricately woven and quite complex. This adaptation is a million times better than the Geraldine McEwan version, and not only was it faithful to the book, but it almost surpassed it. The adaptation is lovingly photographed, with stunning locations and costumes. The music is beautiful, reminds me a bit of a day in the country, peaceful and relaxing. The script is well crafted, the plot is brilliantly constructed and like I've said already, the adaptation is very faithful to the book. The lights-going-off scene was very haunting, and gave me nightmares when I first saw this when I was 11, six years ago, just like in the book, that scene was underplayed in the Geraldine McEwan version. The acting was very, very good, Joan Hickson doesn't just play Miss Marple, she IS Miss Marple. There was one scene with a sideways close up into Hickson's face, and that moment in particular was extraordinary. Samantha Bond was lovely as Julia, and Ursula Howells was superb as Letitia Blacklock. Joan Sims also delights as Amy Murgatroyd, and before he did Inspector Morse Kevin Whately did this, and he is a breath of fresh air as Sergeant Fletcher. Everyone else was just as superb. In fact, I have no criticisms of this at all, the ending will have you completely by surprise if you haven't read the book, the length was just right and everything about this was delightful. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I can understand why many people see this as the best of Joan Hickson's adaptations. The production values are so high, the casting director did a fantastic job and got every characterisation spot on. ITV's remake I did enjoy and compares well with this one, partly because it moves at a pace. This version is far more intricate, more detailed and of course more true to the novel. Joan Hickson was of course born to play Miss Marple, to this day I don't think anyone catch match her, she was incredible. It's funny, I was 5 when this was transmitted, and I have a vivid memory of the scene where Miss Murgatryod is strangled with her washing, think that's why I was so keen to watch them again (and again.) As with all Agatha Christie's it's the endings I enjoy, and this is one of the best, if you've not seen it, you are missing out. Ursula Howells, Renee Asherson and Paola Dionisotti are particularly brilliant. a definite no questions asked 10/10

A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED in the Chipping Cleghorne Gazette at the very start of this clever Christie tale about an announcement in the local paper that sends several people to Little Paddocks cottage, just curious observers who wonder if anything actually will happen as predicted ominously in the quaint cottage shared by Letitia Blacklock (URSULA HOWELLS) and her old friend Dora Bunner (RENEE ASHERSON). Indeed, when the lights go out that evening, a man enters and a gunshot sound alarms the gathering, only to find that the intruder himself is the murder victim and Miss Blacklock has a flesh wound which makes her look like the intended victim.

The storyline soon involves a bunch of others and it becomes clear that nothing is really what it seems as to the identities of several people and the purpose of the murder scene. This is one of the most enjoyable of all the Agatha Christie books that I read years ago at a time when I was going through a number of her books, as a mystery fan. I always found this particular story one of special interest, and could easily have pictured Olivia de Havilland as Letitia Blacklock (what a name!!), the kind of role that would have been perfect for her at a time when she was playing more difficult roles.

However, the casting here is highly satisfactory with most of the British cast doing well in their parts--notably SAMANTHA BOND, SIMON SHEPHERD and SYLVIA SYMS.

This was later remade for the series starring GERALDINE McEWAN, all of which are less well regarded than the series here with JOAN HICKSON as Miss Marple. Hickson has a pensive, inquisitive look that makes us believe she is slowly coming to realize the truth, while McEwan is only able to suggest a sweet little old lady with a sly look, but never intelligent enough to unravel the mystery.

Something's odd in the village of Chipping Cleghorn (besides its name). A murder is announced in the local paper to happen at Little Paddocks, the home of Miss Leticia Blacklock and her friends and relatives. Neighbors show up, curious as to what will happen. And the murder does happen. A young man who strides into the suddenly darkened room shouting "hands up" is shot. Two more deaths will occur before Miss Marple (who happens to be visiting) is able to discover the murderer.

Even upon reading the book, the premise of this murder seemed pretty fantastical and when you discovered who the murderer is, it makes even less sense. I think Christie had an idea but couldn't come up with a decent justification for announcing a murder that's going to occur. So the lower rating is due to the plot being rather off.

However, this episode is well-acted with particular kudos to John Castle as the inspector assigned to the case and to Ursula Howells as Miss Blacklock, the center of the odd happenings at Little Paddocks. (and of course, Joan Hickson). The best way to enjoy it is to simply not focus much on the plot points but simply enjoy the performances. Also in its favor: this is the one episode that really seems to address the impact of World War II on every day life as it is the chaotic upending of society by World War II that provides the opportunity for the murderer that later becomes the motive for their crimes.

The premise of this story is so silly that I love it. It runs like a classic Agatha Christie whodunit. The group of individuals get an invitation to party where they are openly told a murder will occur. Their interest and intrigue and British-ishness made it laugh out loud funny for me at times.

Also, Miss Marple is wonderful. I like the feel of these episodes and the acting far better than the newer shows. In fact, I highly recommend all of the older episodes of Miss Marple, besides perhaps "Nemesis".

You must have a soft spot for British mystery... if you do, you will love it.

I don't know that you can criticize a Miss Marple story for being absurd, that's what a Miss Marple mystery inherently is, but this one does play out a bit silly. The first third of the mystery actually doesn't feature Marple at all, but rather a detective questioning each and every one of the witnesses to a murder (which happened in the dark) for about 45 minutes. It's actually not terrible to watch, the characters are pretty entertaining and silly, but I don't think it's a very wise way to present things all the same, and certainly isn't great television.

I definitely was not a fan of how the information was presented, the police didn't bother to investigate the crime scene itself, just asked silly old English townspeople to repeat to you a scene you already watched. Then when they finally move on to collecting more clues (largely by questioning other silly English people not strictly from town) the detached nature of the mystery causes things to get shoehorned in, in a rather conspicuous way. I guessed who the killer was correctly only halfway through the whole thing. And then the crimes to cover up other crimes, even though they make the guilty party exponentially more likely to be caught, I guess that's a staple of the genre, but they were especially silly here.

Really, if you had all the actors play it as a joke and directed the script as a comedy, I would never have guessed it wasn't a true satire of Christie. Without changing a single line.

I loved this adaptation! The acting is very good all the way thro' with fantastic performances from Ursula Howells (Miss Blacklock), Renee Asherton (Miss Bunner) and, of course, Joan Hickson - who *is* (in my opinion) Miss Jane Marple - just the way that Dame Agatha described her in the books.

Having read the book several times, I'm pleased and relieved that it wasn't "butchered" as some TV adapations can be, it remained faithful to Dame Agatha's book.

All in all, a very good adapation with, in places, humourous touches.

I thoroughly enjoy watching Joan Hickson as Miss Marple and this story with her as the star sleuth is a great example. Her quiet, unassuming character is very refreshing as she listens attentively and comments on all that's going on. Always asking questions and making shrewd observations, she eventually honed in on the guilty party.

What I like about her is how comforting her presence is to her friends as well as the viewers. The one exception is the local police who like to run the show and solve the crime. Miss Marple is usually two steps ahead of them with her sharp analytical mind and her keen sense of human behaviour. Those who know her will suggest that the authorities have a chat with this small village mastermind whose reputation is known far and wide.

The mystery here did succeed in puzzling me almost to the end. Ursula Howells is also brilliant as the host of the murder party being held at her home. The people of the village show up for the announced murder which seems to have all in attendance baffled.

The script is totally scintillating with the sharpest wit and best storyteller being none other than Joan Hickson as Miss Marple. Seldom has a Christie classic been so faithfully adapted to television. Agatha Christie novels and their dramatizations live on with viewing audiences and this story with Ms. Hickson starring is a prime example of her appeal.

A man dies in Chipping Kleghorn and suddenly Aunt Jane is coming to stay. As with most of Agatha Christie's movies, everybody and nobody could have done it. Miss Jane Marple is the catalyst that helps Inspector Craddock (John Castle) and others to view the situation differently and extrapolate the "who" that done it.

It is interesting that the inspector in some movies is related to Jane and in other movies not. Inspector Craddock here is interesting as he is polite and tolerant of the people he is interrogating.

It is fun to try and match the real names of the actors with the part that they are playing. Would you suspect that Hannah is (Elaine Ives-Cameron)? Or that Miss Hinchcliffe is (Paola Dionisotti)?

Anyway, keep your eyes open, as there is not a wasted movement or word in this movie.

As with most of Agatha Christie's movies, everybody and nobody could have done it. Miss Jane Marple is the catalyst that helps Inspector Craddock (John Castle) and others to view the situation differently and extrapolate the "who" that "done it." It is interesting that the inspector in some movies is related to Jane and in other movies not. Inspector Craddock here is interesting as he is polite and tolerant of the people he is interrogating.

It is fun to try and match the real names of the actors with the part that they are playing. Would you suspect that Hannah is (Elaine Ives-Cameron)? Or that Miss Hinchcliffe is (Paola Dionisotti)?

Anyway, keep your eyes open, as there is not a wasted movement or word in this movie. You will find yourself repeating key lines.

Someone has placed a notice in the local paper, stating where and when a murder will be committed. At the time and place - a dinner party at Miss Blacklock's house - the lights go out and a masked man enters waving a torch and threatening the attendees. He is then shot dead.

A highly intriguing and engaging Miss Marple mystery. Some wonderfully drawn characters, some of whom provide great comedic value, all played extremely well. John Castle is fantastic as Detective Inspector Craddock, providing great gravitas, calmness and sense of authority.

The interesting feature of the cast is Kevin Whately as Craddock's sidekick, Detective Sergeant Fletcher. Two years later he would star as DS Lewis in Morse, a role he would be seen in for the next 13 years. The character of Lewis then got his own series, Lewis.

Joan Hickson was the definitive Miss Marple and I liked the way she didn't actually feature in this a lot, just at the important time.

The cast is an excellent ensemble of familiar faces, and looking back from 2022, how young many of them were.

I don't know whether it was the adaptation, although I did read the book many years ago, but none of it made much sense.

The whole plot was very confusing, with too many characters names to remember, and the denouement did not reveal why the murder was announced in the way it was, how the perpetrator was physically able to overpower Joan Sims character, why the broken lamp was in the loft etc, etc. Most of all the first murder could have gone wrong on so many levels it was totally ridiculous.

Now, I am sure Agatha Christie would have written it in a way that was plausible.

Enjoyable none the less.

This is one of the best Christie stories and an excellent adaptation.

In the Chipping Cleghorne Gazette, there is a notice: "A murder is announced to take place on October 5th, 7 PM at Little Paddocks cottage."

Everyone in town is intrigued. The people living there, retired secretary Miss Blacklock, her companion Miss Bunner, Miss Blacklock's two distant cousins, Patrick and Julia, and Mrs. Haymes, a gardener, are clueless.

Not surprisingly, a bunch of townspeople show up, some believing it might be a murder mystery game. As the ad claimed, at exactly 7 PM, the lights went out, and a man entered the room, shining a flashlight at everyone.

Shots are heard and the man who entered the room is shot, and Miss Blacklock's ear is grazed and bleeding.

At the encouragement of another officer, Detective Craddock consults Miss Marple. She does not think the dead man, identified as a petty thief, had a gun. Someone shot him. She believes he was paid to put the announcement in the paper and make an appearance. Craddock is surprised to learn Marple is correct.

The case seems to center around Miss Blacklock, who may be coming into an inheritance when her old boss' very sick wife passes away. There are others in line for the inheritance from her boss' past if Miss Blacklock dies. Are they in town under assumed names?

Fascinating, tricky mystery with plenty of suspects and two more murders. It has a fabulous denouement set up by Marple and Craddock.

Top-notch performances all around.