Based on the book that marks the debut of Miss Marple.
Mrs Protheroe (Polly Adams) is seen reading the book "The Broken Road" by A E W Mason. Mason was the creator of Inspector Hanaud who inspired Agatha Christie to invent Hercule Poirot.
The prescription on the bedside table of Christopher Hawes is from Mr. Badger, the chemist. This is the same Mr. Badger Miss Marple discusses in 'The Body in the Library'.
"The Murder at the Vicarage" (1930) was the first novel to feature the character of Miss Marple and her village of St Mary Mead. Marple had previously appeared in short stories published in magazines, starting in December 1927.
This adaptation omits the novel's supporting characters Colonel Melchett, Dennis Clement, Raymond West, Dr. Stone and Gladys Cram.