Cast
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Margaret Rutherford
as Miss Jane Marple
Ron Moody
as H. Driffold Cosgood
Charles Tingwell
as Inspector Craddock
Andrew Cruickshank
as Justice Crosby
Megs Jenkins
as Gladys Thomas
Ralph Michael
as Ralph Summers
James Bolam
as Bill Hanson
Stringer Davis
as Jim Stringer
Francesca Annis
as Sheila Upward
Pauline Jameson
as Maureen Summers
Annette Kerr
as Dorothy
Alison Seebohm
as Eva McGonigall
Windsor Davies
as Sergeant Brick
Neil Stacy
as Arthur
Maurice Good
as George Rowton
Crew
Director
- George Pollock
Producer
- Ben Arbeid
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Margaret Rutherford and a superbly theatrical Ron Moody star in this murder-mystery caper about a murder of "Mrs. McGinty". "Miss Marple" is seconded onto the jury but is unconvinced by the police evidence against their alleged perpetrator - the lodger - and off she sets on her own trail of detection that involves her taking up a role with a local drama troupe headed by Moody. This features a solid ensemble cast delivering a mystery about wax, hot irons, crispy one pound notes and some bobbing about in a humorous and delightful manner. Nothing too onerous, and it takes a fun swipe at the ways of 1960s British "Rep" theatre culture too.
Jun 1, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Murder Most Foul 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 1964, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Murder Most Foul took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1408 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 314 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Murder Most Foul shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cut Off, which focuses more on action than character development, Murder Most Foul offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hazel's People and The Policeman's Lineage explore similar territory, Murder Most Foul stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 1964
- Runtime: 1h 30m
