I guess the Christie estate doesn't care what anyone does to Agatha Christie books, as long as they get their money.
I like very much what one reviewer on this site said, "good on its own merits." Alas, when watching the Julia MacKenzie and Geraldine McEwan Marples, you have to forget about Agatha Christie entirely and just focus on what's in front of you. And most of the time, that has nothing to do with the original story.
I saw a version of this in the '80s with Helen Hayes, whom I always thought was the best Marple. She's the one I pictured when reading the books, a woman with a sparkle in her eye and loads of charm. McKenzie has this; Hickson for me was too dry and serious; and McEwan is too knowing for a small town lady.
I watched this version because of my adoration of Benedict Cumberbatch, who was gorgeous in his way in this, playing the role of Luke.
Miss Marple (MacKenzie) meets a lady on a train who talks about murder being easy and is en route to Scotland Yard. She's nervous for her own life. Minutes later, when off the train, she falls down some escalator steps. Or was she pushed? Reading about her death, Miss Marple becomes instantly suspicious and travels to the town, which has had a few accidental deaths. They have still more once she gets there. Slowly but surely she uncovers a web of blackmail, illegitimacy, suspected abortion and more, all stemming from a situation that took place years earlier.
Beautifully photographed with lovely performances, this is a good TV movie -- on its own merits -- with very good acting all around. I will say pay attention - there are lots of murders and lots of characters.
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