The indomitable character actress of the British stage (and TV screen), Margaret Rutherford, portrayed reluctant sleuth, Miss Jane Marple, in a series of movie mysteries released in 1961-64. This is the first, and many might agree, the best of the bunch, based on Agatha Christie's "4.50 from Paddington" (the Station, not the bear!), in which Miss Marple believes she witnessed a murder through the windows of a passing train. She then goes "under cover" as the new maid for a weird and suspicious family she thinks is involved, or knows who is. It's a delightful tale, told engagingly by director George Pollock and a fine U. K. supporting cast of actors acting serious, while seemingly on the verge of having a laugh at themselves/their nonsense. By the end of her career, Ms. Margaret Rutherford would be a proud recipient of practically every award and accolade, including O. B. E. And Dame Commander of the British Empire. This one's a good example of why she and her characters were so beloved. If half's were allowed, then this one would rate a solid 7.5/10.
Review of Murder She Said
