The plot and the characters of her final Miss Marple novel have been so completely decimated in this TV movie, that I don't know how the producers have dared to put her name to it. It doesn't even come as close as "based on", or "as suggested by". It's a brand new story with only a slight resemblance to her novel.
Have the scriptwriters actually read the novel? It certainly doesn't appear so. Could it be that they heard a short resume related at second hand, thought it was a good idea, then made up their own plot from it as they went along? I'm surprised they retained the original culprit.
To anyone who hasn't read the book, and/or want to see a faithful filmed version of it, this is not the one to watch, and I suggest they try the earlier Joan Hickson instead.
The other efforts in this "Marple" series, starring Geraldine McEwan as the eponymous heroine, were bad enough, but this is the worst of them all. I really don't think any blame can be attached to the actors. They must have read the book in preparation for this film, and they all look as bewildered as every Agatha Christie fan must be. If her novels can't be treated with the respect they deserve, then the sooner this series is scrapped the better.
Have the scriptwriters actually read the novel? It certainly doesn't appear so. Could it be that they heard a short resume related at second hand, thought it was a good idea, then made up their own plot from it as they went along? I'm surprised they retained the original culprit.
To anyone who hasn't read the book, and/or want to see a faithful filmed version of it, this is not the one to watch, and I suggest they try the earlier Joan Hickson instead.
The other efforts in this "Marple" series, starring Geraldine McEwan as the eponymous heroine, were bad enough, but this is the worst of them all. I really don't think any blame can be attached to the actors. They must have read the book in preparation for this film, and they all look as bewildered as every Agatha Christie fan must be. If her novels can't be treated with the respect they deserve, then the sooner this series is scrapped the better.