Agatha Christie's Miss Marple - Movie Collection

These 4 movies with Margaret Rutherford were my first introduction to Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, and they are excellent entertainment with great acting. For this reason I really like them and I think they motivated me to later read the novel "4:50 From Paddington" and subsequently more of Agatha Christie's books. They are not exactly 'comedy' as the covers seem to be indicating, but a slightly humourous & lighter presentation. These are probably best appreciated by those who have not read much of Agatha Christie's works or prefer a lighter, less graphic, presentation of the murder stories. My Dad, who has read all of Agatha Christie's books four times over, doesn't really care for these renditions even though he admits they are well done.British actress Margaret Rutherford stars in these 4 productions, and Stringer Davis, her husband in real life, plays her friend Mr. Stringer. They are a very good twosome and the chemistry and love between them comes across very nicely on film as well. The characters also made a cameo appearance in "The ABC Murders" movie with Tony Randall (although the film was not well done)."Murder She Said" is based on the Miss Marple story "4:50 From Paddington". Although the main plot is the same, the absence of Lucy Eyelesbarrow is most obvious. Instead Miss Marple plays the roles that both Lucy & Mrs. McGillicuddy did in the book. In other words, Miss Marple does everything herself. She witnesses the murder on the train and also becomes the maid at the Crackenthorpe estate. They've also changed characters, such as making the boy Alexander into an eccentric and interesting personality, and taking away his true connection to the family that is presented in the novel. It is interesting that Joan Hickson, who was viewed by others and even Agatha Christie herself as the best Miss Marple, appeared in this film as the other housekeeper, Mrs. Kidder."Murder At the Gallop" is based on the story "After the Funeral" which is a Poirot story. So changing Poirot to Miss Marple, completely changed the premise of the story."Murder Ahoy" is not based on any of Agatha Christie's novels and is an invented story that borrows AC's characters. I think I like this one best of all, perhaps because they are not trying to put a square peg into a round hole."Murder Most Foul" is based on the novel "Mrs. McGuinty's Dead" and I can tell you after reading the book over the summer, that it is not at all like the novel on which it is based.I would definitely recommend these renditions of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. They may not be for purists, but they certainly are enjoyable! They are very suspenseful and you don't know what will happen until the very end. The covers are in colour, but all the movies are black and white. I especially like the fact that they are presented in widescreen. I've been eying these for years as they have been available in Britain, Region 2, for a quite a while. I'm glad that Region 1 can now enjoy these excellent films as well, and that they are so nicely presented in this dvd collection.

Found & purchased, from Thrift Books, a set with all 4 Miss Marple movies that starred Margaret Rutherford as Jane Marple. They're black & white, so exude the classic feel. Rutherford's portrayal of Agatha Christie's character is unique. Rutherford portrays Marple as a peppy, wise, crafty, fun, fearless, confident, no nonsense, energetic older lady....not frail & delicate as some have been (but love those too). Supporting cast in all movies are also great. Also loved that she has an admirer, (Mr. Stringer) who works in the library and is obviously smitten with her, and willing to do whatever she wants him to. He is played by Stringer Davis (who was Margaret Rutherfords real life husband). Not exact to the written stories by Christie, but wonderful just the same. Margaret Rutherford's portrayal of Marple will NOT disappoint. I also loved having all of Rutherford's "Marple" movies in one set.

Classic stories with great acting of a greatly respected actress. Catch the sword fight of all time.Fun enjoyment to all.

I for one fell in love with the Miss Marple character (not literally) when I was watching pbs quite a long time ago and "A Murder is Announced" came on. Please understand this was the Joan Hickson one and not the perverted one they made more recently... Anyway, I was hooked and watched most of the ones from that era and actress. I even watched one or two with Helen Hayes but they were not remarkable. Though I can't remember when (I think it was dvds at the library) I came across the Dame Margaret Rutherford Miss Marple. What a delight! She and her husband Stringer were marvelous! And the captain aboard the battledore in Murder Ahoy was superbly funny! I enjoy Joan Hickson's Marple for it's quiet and thoughtfulness.... But this set with Dame Margaret is good for rain or shine! Funny thing is, I am not a fan of Agatha Christie's books... I tried reading a few and much prefer certain adaptations, such as these dvds. I do not like any of the other Miss Marples (even though I like the most recent one Julie very much in French Fields as well as Fresh Fields and loved her in Cranford)... The new adaptations love adding shock value such as making certain characters into homosexuals that Christie herself never wrote as such... I refuse to even bother with those once that is in it.... Stick to Joan or Dame Margaret...Interestingly if you look up Margaret Rutherford's life, it is filled with much devastation that would ruin most people...but with her beloved Stringer by her side, she made it through many near impossible trials...He was with her and took care of her when she succumbed to Alzheimers until she passed away and then he passed away the next year. Such devotion! I love seeing them on the screen together and try to remember them this way...I hope they were both saved and that I will meet them in heaven someday!

Brought these CDs as a birthday present. Wonderful quality to these old classic films. Sound quality excellent.

Christie fan here. Have seen all the adaptations of Miss Marple, and I think Rutherford has won, hands down. Her droll manner and facial expression add a touch of comedy to the tragedy of murder. Her sidekick, Mr. Stringer, is her voice of reason, and sometimes comedy relief. Wonderful to find them packaged in a set. Nice price. My mom turned me on to these movies, so it was fitting that I gifted them to her. And they're captioned.