Cast
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Margaret Rutherford
as Miss Jane Marple
Arthur Kennedy
as Paul Quimper
Muriel Pavlow
as Emma Ackenthorpe
James Robertson Justice
as Luther Ackenthorpe
Thorley Walters
as Cedric Ackenthorpe
Charles Tingwell
as Inspector Craddock
Conrad Phillips
as Harold Ackenthorpe
Ronald Howard
as Brian Eastley
Joan Hickson
as Mrs. Kidder
Stringer Davis
as Jim Stringer
Ronnie Raymond
as Alexander Eastley
Gerald Cross
as Albert Ackenthorpe
Michael Golden
as Hillman
Richard Briers
as 'Mrs Binster'
Lucy Griffiths
as Lucy
Crew
Director
- George Pollock
Producer
- George H. Brown
Reviews
CinemaSerf
The first of the four films Margaret Rutherford was to make portraying Agatha Christie's dotty old "Miss Marple" who had a nose for detective work. Here she looks out of the window as she travels home on her train to witness a woman being strangled on a train passing in the other direction. She reports this to the authorities but they prove sceptical and so she duly sets off to track down the assailant with the help of her not-so-sturdy sidekick "Mr. Stringer" (Stringer Davis). Arthur Kennedy, Muriel Pavlow, a perfectly curmudgeonly James Robertson Justice and en engagingly smart-alec effort from the young Ronnie Raymond are her foils in this simple, engaging, murder-mystery with a twist. Who would dare to put poison in her duck curry?
Jun 1, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Murder She Said examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director George Pollock brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1961, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Murder She Said took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1961, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Murder She Said shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Out of the Past, which focuses more on action than character development, Murder She Said subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Contact and The Bridges of Madison County explore similar territory, Murder She Said stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 26, 1961
- Runtime: 1h 27m
