Miss Marple: Nemesis

I was driven to write this by Charlie Peterson's baffling review, claiming that it is nothing like the book. I had watched and enjoyed the film, but then saw that review and so went back and read the book again.

It's a book with an awful lot of people talking and saying what they're thinking, which you simply can't drop straight into a film adaptation. However, the fundamental story line is maintained, along with almost all the characters. (A couple of very minor ones have been dropped, and one other minor one is introduced.)

You can't turn a book like this verbatim into a film, but this is a really good effort and very well done indeed. It captures the atmosphere and the story telling of the book excellently. To fuss that you can spot tiny differences is simply splitting hairs.

There are really bad adaptations out there - The Secret of Chimneys with Julia McKenzie for instance is quite dreadful - but where that film scores less than 1% for faithfulness to the book, Nemesis scores well over 90%.

Worth seeing - whether or not you have read the book.

Joan Hickson is at her peak in her portrayal of Agatha Christie's amateur detective character Miss Jane Marple. The title "Nemesis" is the key to the way in which the character is presented: Miss Marple, despite her appearance as a rather confused spinster, is in fact, a relentless avenger of a long-forgotten murder. She seeks justice, despite where the results may lead, on behalf of an old friendship. Hickson depicts Miss Marple as an unyielding force; far from the doddering old lady she might seem on the surface. The best version of Miss Marple, bar none.

Joan Hickson as Miss Marple is simply the best. I certainly understand why Agatha Christie herself wanted Hickson to play Miss Marple. (she once said to Hickson that she would be perfect for the role). Years later, and after Christies death, her wish came true.

In this TV movie, and all the others Joan Hickson portraits Miss Marple in a wisdom, and quit way. She is intense and alert in the role, but also withdrawn and quiet.

This is one of my all time favorite films based on the great Agatha Christies novels. The story builds up the suspense, and there are a great set of characters. The evil is hard to find, and Miss Marple really has a tough time figuring out whats going on.

If you would like to see an older adaption of this kind of play, try out this one first. If you like top crime-stories, you won't be disappointed. They don't make them like this anymore.

I first saw it in its American premiere, and it is excellent in all its elements. Don't let the naysayers dissuade you; anyone who fails to succumb to its many virtues suffers from a lack of imagination (among other things.)

Miss Marple receives a mission from beyond the grave, her old friend Jason Rafiel asks her to search for justice.

I have waited for ages to comment on this program, and felt it was about time some justice was done to it. This is one of Christie's darker, more sinister, and engaging works; not simply someone being killed for money. This is a dark and thoroughly engaging tale of mystery, intrigue, love, and murder, made all the better by the amendments made by the adaptor.

The level of acting is utterly superb; Joan Hickson is sublime in the part, as always! The rest of the cast, including the likes of Liz Fraser, Anna Cropper, and Helen Cherry, all perform beautifully; but in my opinion, the show is stolen by Margaret Tyzack. The closing scene between her and Joan Hickson is simply magical; the acting is as good as it gets: chilling, moving, and totally brilliant. The performances are incredibly sincere.

Please let me know if you agree with my words. I find it quite sad that ITV made such a hash of their adaptation with Geraldine McEwan. The story is such a strong one; they butchered it, by making it unrecognisable.

10/10.