Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle (2003 TV Movie) User Reviews (21)

URGENT: Where can I buy it?

[folsominc2 · 8/10 · 16 March 2011]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a copy of this Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle? I would love to have one.

Angela Lansbury is one of my favorite actresses and I just loved the series. I think she is so very sophisticated and that they did not use her enough in Nanny McPhee. That was a sorrowful joke!

She has honed the personality of Jessica Fletcher so well that I think even I would like to become this person, however, fanciful the fact remains that her books (or book, The Corpse Danced at Midnight) sells in all markets.

She is the best "amateur" detective that ever was.

Thank you!

The last 'Murder She Wrote' feature length TV Movie. *** out of *****

[WelshFilmCraze · 6/10 · 27 February 2010]

After MURDER SHE WROTE - The Series, Finished in 1996 after 12 Years and nearly 300 Episodes, Angela Lansbury returned in 4 Murder She Wrote TVMs, with THE CELTIC RIDDLE being the last.

This time around Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) is solving another mystery - this time in the picturesque surroundings of Ireland, Where she has been invited to attend an old acquaintance's recorded last Will & Testament, Where each family member (who are really unlikeable and don't get on at all) along with Jessica are given clues, which supposedly are used to uncover a secret treasure, and as this is Murder She Wrote, a dead body falls at JB's feet within a matter of minutes so Jessica as always investigates.

Not bad, But I can't help but feel that this is a 60 Minute TV episode stretched out to feature length with a lot of padding along with some very shaky Irish accents but nevertheless it's enjoyable enough with another great performance from Lansbury.

*** out of *****

Back for one more riddle (case) to solve.

[OllieSuave-007 · 8/10 · 26 September 2014]

It is good to see Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) back in action in the fourth TV movie after the Murder, She Wrote TV series ended. This time, Jessica travels to Ireland to attend the reading of an old acquaintance's will, which contains clues to a secret treasure. The hunt for the treasure leads the strained family to search for it, and Jessica to solve a murder mystery.

This movie possesses the same charm, sleuth tactics and plot twists and turns of the TV series, and is filled with some intriguing and unique plot elements, particular the Ireland setting. The classic treasure-hunt aspect also gives the movie a unique flavor and it adds onto the suspense in the good-paced plot. Lansbury does her role well as always, as does the rest of the actors, who pulled off their roles quite nicely.

With all the finger-pointing and unpredictability elements in the movie, you would be eager to find the answer to the "whodunit" question and would be captivated by this overall TV movie, which is another nice throwback to the heyday of the TV series.

Grade B+

The usual formula, but Lansbury is good as always

[vchimpanzee · 13 May 2003]

I was not a fan of the "Murder, She Wrote" TV series, but that was because I didn't know what I was missing, and I have enjoyed all the TV movies based on the series since it went off the air.

In Ireland, a group of people watches a video will. Jessica Fletcher is one of those witnessing the now-deceased man explaining how he wants his estate divided, because she made a difference in the man's life many years earlier. Certain members of the man's family do not get all that they feel entitled to, while some servants receive more than they probably should have. Jessica gets the Rose Cottage, though she doesn't really want it. That is just as well, because the man's will is challenged by certain members of the family. In addition, there is a mysterious treasure, and each person named in the will is given a sheet of paper with clues to finding the treasure.

While Jessica intends to return home quickly, she cannot leave after she witnesses a murder (or perhaps the aftermath of one). And someone warns her that she and others should watch out, because certain people cannot be trusted. In fact, Jessica is subjected to danger several times during the movie, but do you think the producers will let anything happen to the star? An additional complication: it appears someone has been embezzling from the family business.

Angela Lansbury makes Jessica charming, perceptive, intelligent, and quite likeable, as she has for years. No one else's performance really stands out, except for a storyteller who resembles a leprechaun. I was led to believe we were going to be sent in several different directions, but at no time did I ever feel I knew who the murderer might be (so I never was given false hope) until Jessica revealed his or her identity at the end. The process of seeing the mystery solved was quite enjoyable, though, as usual.

Entertaining enough, with its problems yes but it has enough interest to make it enjoyable

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 27 June 2010]

I love the show and I have really liked all the TV movies. The Celtic Riddle is my least favourite of the TV movies, but it is very enjoyable still. So what were its problems? Some scenes felt a little too padded out and I do have to agree some of the accents are rather shaky. Plus there is some uneven pacing. However, the story is a good one, it intrigues and the ending is suspenseful enough. What delighted me most though was the beautiful scenery and the photography is nice and lush. I also liked the music, it was melodious, beautiful and haunting and the end credits song was a lovely touch. The script is decent, the direction is good and the acting is pretty good- Angela Lansbury is wonderful as always while Fionnula Flannagan is beautiful and fiery. Nobody else stands out really, but they certainly aren't bad. Overall, enjoyable and definitely worth seeing for the scenery and Lansbury. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Fletcher's back

[Inliten · 7/10 · 9 May 2003]

Yes, the nosy Ms. Fletcher has returned for another murder mystery. When presented with roundtrip tickets to Ireland to attend a reading of an acquaintance's will, Jessica Fletcher discovers just what the prospect of finding treasure will do to people.

The made-for-TV film was corny and pretty flimsy to solve, and it was quite a joke to see the immediate transitions of some of the characters. The ending was also quite abrupt, but the film managed to remain at least somewhat entertaining.

One of the better episodes...

[rocknsky · 9/10 · 19 May 2003]

With strong performances by all players, this was one of the best episodes of "Murder She Wrote". It was refreshing to watch a "Who done it" that wasn't easily solved in the first 10 minutes of the movie.

Fionnula Flanagan's character, Margaret, kept Jessica's eyes rolling with her finger-snapping and explosive temper. The setting was beautiful giving one a sense of Ireland and it's people. Let's have more episodes, please.

Very interesting, engaging who done it

[skyshagster · 10/10 · 14 May 2003]

Jessica Fletcher is one of my favorite actresses and she hits a home run with this one.

The movie is set in Ireland, and the cast is mainly Irish, except for Jessica of course. The scenery and characters are very vivid and make you long to visit Ireland.

So Jessica is called to Ireland for the reading of the will. The deceased leaves a riddle to be solved, of which the prize is something of great value....

And so it is off. The riddle takes teamwork as each person is left a small piece of a puzzle to be solved. Several murders ensue and the race is on to solve the riddle and find the killer.

I loved this one.

Rose Cottage

[rgxdzrybr · 7/10 · 13 January 2024]

Jessica inherits Rose Cottage in Ireland from a man she once helped.

His video will is interesting and Jessica is not feeling completely welcome by the man's family. His younger daughter Breeta however quickly makes friends with Jessica and they have a mystery to solve that will lead them to a treasure. There are some romantic aspects to this story and of course bodies start dropping. I confess I figured out who the killer early on but still found this feature length Murder She Wrote interesting as more than one thing needed to be worked out.

There was some family drama but is happily worked out by the end . It's also clear why Jessica inherited Rose Cottage as she did the right thing with it.

Ordinary Murder She Wrote

[Enchorde · 5/10 · 5 March 2005]

** Yupp, here be spoilers **

Recap: Jessica Fletcher (Lansbury) is called on to come to Ireland for the last will of an old acquaintance. The man was somewhat wealthy and the family that is left mostly rather greedy, except for youngest daughter Breeta (Potts). When each member of the family, and most of the staff is given a clue, sealed in envelope a icy tension arises. According to the will, all clues must be bought together, and will then lead the way to a very valuable treasure. Soon thereafter one after one that was given a clue is murdered, and the tension rises still more. Only Fletcher, with some small aid of local police, is calm enough to start to figure out what secrets lies beyond the clues and murders...

Comment: A typical Murder She Wrote - story, set in beautiful and mystic Ireland. The story is good, not revealing anything before hand only letting up small clues along the way. The final answer is not given until the ending scene. That, however, is the movies greatest weakness. The resolution of it is actually amateurish, the murderer acting stupid and other events happening just with a little too much timing. And the icy tension that existed before suddenly vanishes. But then again, one does not watch this for the ending scene but for the mystery. And the mystery is good as mentioned above. Good cast with some known names, Lansbury and Flanigan for example, that acts well. This is not a movie to remember though, but it might entertain for an evening...

5/10

Same Actors from S10/E7!

[healingruby · 9/10 · 1 April 2022]

Three of the actors who play in Season 10 Episode 7 "A Killing in Cork" are in this episode as well. Both Irish themed, just thought it was interesting, even though the story lines are different. This particular Movie was made very well, it kept me interested and I even watched it a few times.

Average fare with Lansbury trying her best

[BigWhiskers · 5/10 · 9 February 2012]

The plot has Jessica being summoned to Ireland for an old friends funeral and reading of his will. She inherits a house and property while trying to get to know the rest of his family and solve a riddle that leads to a treasure. Along the way people get murdered and she is warned by the housekeeper that someone is watching her. As she slowly gathers the clues and discovers the truth behind the murders ,it leads her to a cave in the hills for the final act and confrontation with the murderer.

A good story on paper but unfortunately an average script and some wooden acting ,mainly bad Irish accents drag it down to where it isn't even as good as a regular episode of the TV show it's based on. I do love Angela Lansbury but there is only so much she can do with the lousy writing and script. 5/10

If this is the last MSW-great story to go out on!

[JTBWRITER · 10 May 2003]

The Celtic Riddle was a richly drawn mystery that captured all the best of the "Murder, She Wrote" episodes, with an additional twist at the end for good measure!

If this is the last MSW-it is a great story to go out on. Angela Lansbury is supreme as Jessica Fletcher, once more traveling to Ireland to hear the reading of a will of a man she only met once. The wonderful Peter Donat makes a cameo appearance and only adds to the spice of the story. One key of this very well written story is the theme of "second chances"-you will have to see this movie to find out more!

I hope this gets lots of reruns on CBS and USA-it is worth it!

The legend that is

[louisebrick · 9/10 · 13 March 2007]

The film the Celtic riddle is a legendary piece of film art. Jessica fletcher at her finest (as always). The plot infallible, the characters despite the badly fake Irish accents are what we would call shadows to Angela's amazing acting abilities. I find Jessica's ability to spot a large haematoma on the back of someones head from a great distance to be an amazing talent. One which many a health-care professional could do with. Despite the Northern Licence Plates in what should be a film set in the south of Ireland. Being Irish myself I find it is not very often that Northern licence plates are found in the Republic, especially not on police cars, which by the way should be the Garda.

Despite these errors, minor flaws, I still find the Celtic riddle to be the greatest film to be released in 2003. I wish Angela Lansbury all the best in future film making, hoping she does return to Ireland as Jessica Fletcher, taking on-board my constructive criticism of course.

Lots of Luv and respect From Louise Brick

Very good

[QueenoftheGoons · 3/10 · 16 March 2022]

This was a very good movie. The good old reading of the will followed closely by murder. Timothy V Murphy as the cop is well entertaining and the atmosphere was nice. Angela comes thru again.

Excellent.

[chester-gray · 11 May 2003]

This TV movie was even better than the Murder She Wrote series itself. I would have thought that Angela Lansbury's acting abilities may have declined with her advanced age, but they seem to have gotten better. The plot as great, and all of the actors fit their roles perfectly.

Breath Taking location and an amazing cast and film

[mrmovie-30033 · 18 November 2016]

This is truly one of the greats as far as movies go And along with south by south west is my favourite Murder She Wrote Movie From the opening scene as camera soars of the beautiful Ireland landscape With the equally beautiful song second chance playing your hooked It's such an amazing movie you must watch it If you are a Murder She Wrote fan and haven't seen it watch it trust me If you are a MSW Fan and have watch it again If you have never experienced MSW please watch it and discover one of the greatest shows the world has produced

As for the movie Jessica Fletcher a crime writer travels to Ireland to attend A friends will reading only to be dragged into a clue driven hunt for her friends secret treasure

Lansbury at 78 rpm

[billohno · 9 May 2003]

Just checked out this latest issue of Murder, She Wrote. As it was airing, I clicked over to IMDB to clarify Lansbury's age of 78. She's an amazing actress and it is clear that she is doing what she enjoys. The setting was okay, but the plot was formulaic and predictable enough for the franchise. Nonetheless, great to see Angela Lansbury is still making great TV that even my kids can watch.

Hilarious inconsistencies

[jakmgb · 16 August 2011]

Although some scenes were clearly In Ireland, possibly Kerry, much was filmed in the LA area I think. The clearness of the daylight was too good for the British Isles. The hotch potch of accents made this compelling viewing for me, there was an old lady (related to the patriarch) with a Glaswegian (Scottish) accent, a few Northern Oirish voices (including one of the leads - Sarah-Jane Potts) and some lovely strong west coast brogues (to be sure there were from de detective fella in particolar). That and the wonderfully woeful stereotyping of de irish, Irish dancing in a US style sports bar, an old rogue telling a dreadfully dull mythical Irish tale and all this being thoroughly lapped up by a youthful clientèle favouring Guinness or Whiskey of course! Brilliant. Could have been worse; I was once in an Irish bar in NYC and an Irish American ordered himself what he felt was an authentic drink: half Guinness/half Kilkenny! I choked. No joke, it all made this more fun to watch. Also look out for the large American Ford van in a chase scene, who shipped that over? And the detective's car, a lovely 80s mercedes with French headlamps. Gorgeous car mind. Quite a stock of right hand drive vehicles in them thar Hollywood Hills. I quite like MSW, but my favourite TV detective will always be Columbo. Slainte!

Stage Irish-ism at its worst!

[jjefferies-1 · 28 September 2004]

I cringed when I saw this film. Sections of it may have been filmed in Ireland but that's where any Irish connection ends. Fionnuala Flanagan is the only Irish actor of note in the film and she has lived in the USA for the last 34 years. Hardly any other member of the cast or production team is Irish, including those with Irish sounding names.

The stage-Irish accents are appalling and you are unlikely to encounter such an accent anywhere in Ireland. Strange as it may seem Irish people don't speak like the leprechauns of 1930s Hollywood films.

I thought they gave up making this type of gombeen Irish film forty years ago. It seems I was wrong. Go back to Cabot Cove Angela!