Miss Marple al Bertram Hotel

Late and rather convoluted Christie novel gets first-class treatment.

Staying in a swanky, old-fashioned London hotel for the first time since she was a girl, nosy Jane Marple stumbles onto a baffling series of events involving a missing clergyman, a beautiful heiress in distress, a female thrill-seeker, a race car driver and a big robbery.

Highlights include George Baker as a Gilbert and Sullivan singing policeman. Baker's role is so pleasantly jolly it seems a shame, in retrospect, he's played so many parts where he's always cross. He's a delight.

Joan Greenwood makes a welcome appearance but it's sad to see her looking so old and tired, she was so sultry in movies like "Man in a White Suit" and "The Importance of Being Earnest" where she held her own against the likes of Alec Guinness and Michael Redgrave; and especially the exchange she has in the latter with Dorothy Tutin. Good company! Both are movies more worth seeing than this ("Earnest" is worth seeing just to hear Edith Evans say "A handbag?")

The plot's still convoluted, and one may have to watch it more than once to figure all the ins and outs; but it's fun to see Marple visit a diner where they're playing "Rock with the Caveman."

Joan Hickson is still the consummate Marple.

This movie made from Agatha Christie's novel is all about dotty characters, and not really about crime. Christie was the master at crafting characters and places. These were the essence of her novels, which placed them apart and well above more routine mystery stories.

There's Miss Marple, the epitome of the spinster lady of good manners and breeding, if a little on the inquisitive side. Always aware of what's going on around her, collecting all gossip and facts which she will use to solve the murder that baffles the police. Joan Hickson played the best Miss Marple; she was Miss Marple - all cardigans and tweed skirts.

There's Col. Luscombe the old bachelor who couldn't be more unsuited to his role as guardian of a comely girl. Clueless as to parenting, and as unfeeling as only old bachelors can be.

There's Lady Selina Hazy, a dotty old dear if there ever was one. Ever gossiping, knowing something about just every one, she's the quintessential lady who rattles on and on. See her stick to Miss Marple like gum to a shoe. And Miss Marple is gentlewoman enough to allow her.

Chief Inspector Davy is the dull, if gentlemanly copper. Played by George Baker, who's also Chief Inspector Wexford in the Ruth Rendell mysteries. Hangs about the Betram Hotel eating muffins, while undercover to investigate some robberies.

Canon Pennyfather is the old gent gone vague, the absolutely most absent minded fellow there was. Definitely bats in his belfry.

Miss Gorringe is the receptionist at the hotel, ever stuffy and condescending to the guests.

Henry is the doorman, or concierge since we are in exclusive Mayfair, London.

Ladislaus is the oily racing car driver and two-timer.

We see a fabulous cameo of an Indian waiter played by Rashid Karapiet, who had played Dr. Das in Passage to India (1984).

Don't watch this movie for the crime, or the brilliant detective work and clever solution. But do watch it if you enjoy characterizations that amuse. Do watch it if you enjoy a brilliant author at her best, expertly crafting the oddest bunch of characters to ever fill a hotel.

Compliments to the director for bringing these characters to life!

Miss Marple checks into lavish London hotel, 'Bertam's,' a place she stayed as a young girl. However, beneath the facade, Bertram's isn't all it appears, it's the setting for deception, intrigue and murder.

It's such a faithful and warm production. When winter breaks and the nights draw in, I can think of nothing nicer than putting on the fire, pouring a brandy, and curling up to watch Bertram's.

I will say that some elements of the story are a little far-fetched and require a stretch of the imagination, such as some of the robberies, but the production is so velvety that I didn't even give them a second thought.

Caroline Blakiston deserves a huge level of applause for bringing the character of Bess Sedgwick to life. When you read the book, she is the standout character, the interest and focus; Caroline makes her seem wealthy, edgy, and wild. To see what I mean, please check Polly Walker's performance in the poor remake. She is a great actress but doesn't bring the character to life. 'Bigamy, trigamy, what's the difference, scotch?'

Bertram's itself looks so believable. When I read the book, this is exactly how I picture it: sleepy, subtly lavish, and full of rich and retired gentlefolk, eccentric in their ways and style, suitably conservative in their appearance.

The main reason that Bess works so well, is that she stands out, she's so stylish, so dynamic, she wears some stunning clothes, that outfit she wears at the end is beautiful. The music as always is spot on, melodic and non obtrusive.

I've commented before on Hickson's superior performances, so I won't bore you with more comments, however, her scenes with Blakiston and Greenwood are tremendous. I was so sad to see Lady Selina leaving the hotel.

The ending is wonderfully done, so exciting, dare I sat it manages to out-do even the final few pages of the book.

10/10.

It's a good thing this film is well acted and, for the most part, well photographed. The plot almost ruins the story, since it's ridden with "deus ex machina" devices that Christie must have dreamed up in a desperate attempt to finish the novel for her publishers (unless the fault lies with the screenwriter, of course). I recommend watching strictly for the atmosphere and most of the acting, although the actress in the key role of the spoiled daughter might have benefited from more experience. All in all, watch this one only if you need a break from the estimable Midsomer Murders.

I haven't read the book for a long time, but I do remember finding it rather slow and somewhat unexciting. Maybe I am being unfair because I remembered getting chills from reading A Murder is Announced and Sleeping Murder, so maybe my expectations of the book were a little too high. This adaptation I think manages to be better than the book, and actually respects it while forgivably condensing it. Some parts are a little slow and the first twenty minutes take a bit of time to get going, but the acting and the filming compensated hugely. Bertram's Hotel is very well made, with beautiful photography, crisp editing and a very nice looking hotel. Above this the directing is detailed and the scripting is intelligent. Joan Hickson is once again wonderful as Miss Marple, and while starting off a little dull George Baker is amusing as Inspector Davy. Caroline Blakiston is delightful as Bess Sedgewick, while Helena Michell is suitably cold as Elvira and Joan Greenwood effective as Selina. Overall, a superior adaptation, that is well made and well performed. 8/10 Bethany Cox