Credit: Acorn Media
Synopsis (from Acorn Media): Agatha Christie’s much-loved heroine is back on the case inAgatha Christie’s Marple: The Pale Horse, debuting on DVD from Acorn Media on June 21, 2011. Premiering on PBS Masterpiece Mystery! on July 10th, ITV Studios’ new adaptation finds Julia McKenzie (Cranford) as the beloved spinster sleuth, taking on a spooky murder case at an inn run by three modern-day witches. Based on Christie’s 1961 novel, The Pale Horse also stars Oscar® nominee Pauline Collins (Shirley Valentine, Upstairs, Downstairs), Sarah Alexander (Coupling), JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey), and Bill Paterson (Traffik). Rich with authentic period atmosphere and pitch-perfect performances, the DVD 2-Disc set includes a bonus disc with a 1996 adaptation of the novel without Miss Marple ($29.99, www.AcornOnline.com).
BLU-RAY AVAILABLE: June 21st also marks the first Blu-ray Marple with the release of Marple: Complete Series 5 with four mysteries including The Pale Horse (4-vol. boxed set, $69.99).
Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) receives a mysterious list of names from her friend Father Gorman, who sent it moments before he was brutally murdered on a London street. She soon discovers that people on the list are dying. A clue leads her to the Pale Horse Inn in Hampshire, a spooky establishment run by three modern-day witches. As she closes in on the truth, one of the guests is found dead in his bed, and Miss Marple learns that her own life may be in danger.
BONUS DISC: The Pale Horse (101 min.), a 1996 adaptation of the classic mystery starring Colin Buchanan (Dalziel & Pascoe), Jean Marsh (Upstairs, Downstairs), and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings)
My review: I didn’t know what to expect with a Miss Marple movie. The closest thing I know to a Miss Marple-type show is Murder, She Wrote, but I was also a little kid and found it boring because I was only five years old. But now that I’m considerably older, I can see why the Angela Lansbury show was popular after watching Agatha Christie’s Marple: The Pale Horse.
The plot is of the same convoluted, maze-like storylines found in Christie’s other mystery novels, the Poirot series. Also, just like how Poirot is unassuming with his light voice and sweet demeanor, Miss Marple is unassuming in her quaint, grandmotherly-type qualities. But, just like Poirot, she’s wicked smart, smarter than everyone she comes in contact with, especially the villain.
The viewer will certainly stay engrossed in the twists and turns in the film, because it’s hard to figure out who the murderer is, and right when you think you’ve figured it out, you’ll find out your wrong. The ending will leave you talking about the film long after it has ended, and if a film can make you talk about it after it’s over, then generally, you have a winner.
Also, I have to say that Julia McKenzie, an actress I first got to know through reviewing Fresh Fields, impresses me once again. She has a way to bring natural, organic feelings to acting, and it’s something that makes you feel at ease and comfortable when watching her, as if you’re visiting an old friend or your favorite aunt.
Overall, I say you should get this DVD. You won’t be disappointed.
Agatha Christie’s Marple: The Pale Horse
Street Date: June 21, 2011
SRP: $29.99
DVD 2-Disc Set: Approx. 89 min., plus 110 min. bonus – British mystery – SDH subtitles (main program)
