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Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple

Jemma 26 Aug 09 at 8:27 a.m. GMT

Julia McKenzie debuts as Miss Marple in A Pocket Full of Rye in the UK on 6th September at 8pm on ITV1.

What are your thoughts on the production?

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68 replies

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Tommy_A_Jones 15 Nov 11 at 2:44 p.m. GMT

There is only one Place where the ITV version of Sleeping Murder should go, The Bin, along with The ITV versions of Nemesis, urder is Easy, and Most of the other ITV versions of Marple

lgw 11 Nov 11 at 4:33 p.m. GMT

Willowspuppy,  thanks for the video information.

go_leafs_nation 28 Nov 09 at 4:17 p.m. GMT

darrelboy

I would stack The Sleeping Murder and The Moving Finger up against anything that's even remotely similar out there, both for quality and for being so wonderfully seductive. 

Be prepared for snipers firing out of windows, darrelboy. Sleeping Murder is quite hated on the site, and rightly so because of its poor plotting in order to include 'wonderful' themes prominently like drug abuse and attempted suicide.

However, you're quite right that the McEwan series often had some excellent production values when it comes to direction, music, and (most of the time at least) acting. The initial 20 minutes of Sleeping Murder, until the scene where everyone goes to Dr. Kennedy, are very well-done. It's extremely scary, and the supernatural feel of the book is perfectly captured. Then it goes downhill, as the changes make for a convoluted, very silly plot. The climax is also dumbed down from a horrific one-on-one confrontation with the killer to a "one-of-you-is-a-killer" climax. Not very effective.

Substitute Sleeping Murder with the opulent (and great in capturing atmosphere) By The Pricking of My Thumbs, and you have my total support. I actually prefer the Marple version to the French version, as the French one was more of a dark comedy, and not very scary, which is the atmosphere I got out of the book. And no one can replace June Whitfield as Mrs. Lancaster. "Have a glass of milk, my dear? It isn't poisoned today."

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Nov 09 at 1:10 p.m. GMT

There wasn't a Theatre Troop in The Sleeping Murder and the Doctor was too short and not scots UI think you must have been watching something else

darrelboy 28 Nov 09 at 1:11 a.m. GMT

The Marple series with Geraldine McEwan was a perfectly crafted example of what the cinema should be. Miss Marple may not have been written exactly as she played her, but she played her exactly right, according to the series' needs and the director's behest. She brought a perfect complement to the mood, and remains my favorite. I would stack The Sleeping Murder and The Moving Finger up against anything that's even remotely similar out there, both for quality and for being so wonderfully seductive. 

dagnyfan 11 Oct 09 at 1:21 a.m. GMT

Merrythought

I'm in Australia where we have already seen the new Miss Marple episodes. Much as I always enjoyed Joan Hickson's performances, she didn't fit my mental image of Miss Marple. I felt she was far too brisk and matter-of-fact, not 'fluffy' enough....However, I was delighted with Julia Mckenzie's portrayal. With her hesitant style of expressing herself and gentle manner, I felt she got much closer to my idea of the great lady. My only complaint is that there were too few new episodes!

I agree whole-heartedly.  I really love Julia McKenzie's Miss Marple.  To me, she IS Miss Marple!! 

Merrythought

I'm in Australia where we have already seen the new Miss Marple episodes. Much as I always enjoyed Joan Hickson's performances, she didn't fit my mental image of Miss Marple. I felt she was far too brisk and matter-of-fact, not 'fluffy' enough....However, I was delighted with Julia Mckenzie's portrayal. With her hesitant style of expressing herself and gentle manner, I felt she got much closer to my idea of the great lady. My only complaint is that there were too few new episodes!

Bundle_ 09 Oct 09 at 4:52 p.m. GMT

Welcome, willowspuppy! You have a nice moniker, btw. And thanks for posting the videos!

go_leafs_nation 09 Oct 09 at 1:02 p.m. GMT

Thanks so much for those interesting videos! Although, now I question Karen Thrussell's sanity. She mentioned things that they simply 'couldn't to' to AC's stories ('because she's fantastic'), which directly contradicts a lot of the stuff that's been going on with her as a producer.

At any rate, Julia is a fantastic Miss Marple, and I'm very glad that she's on board in the lead role.

willowspuppy 08 Oct 09 at 8:18 p.m. GMT

Hi all!

I'm a newbie here and i've really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the new Marple! I thought McKenzie did well actually, i was throughly entertained!

I came across some behind-the-scenes videos from the new production 'A Pocketful of Rye' on YouTube, and i thought i'd post them here - hope that's ok, apologies if its's not, please let me know!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGr5fz65V7Y"Julia McKenzie Interview</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY68xD-TLyE"Behind-the-scenes footage</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWMRcr6Tn6o"Ralph Little Interview</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-c0P82-qBw"Interview with producer, Karen Thrussell</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnzGZ702AUs"Interview with the Director</a>

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Sep 09 at 10:44 a.m. GMT

I think I have confused myself now, If S Sigerson is suggesting that the Actor in the 'Marple' episode couldn't do what the character does in the book then I gree Julia McKenzie would not say that as it is unkind as you say and it would be unprofessional of her and so S Sigerson is not JM but if Miss Marple said it in the Adaptation I can see Miss Marple saying it as that would be in the script as I said and as I said if it is in the script JM would have to say it as I think MM would.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 12:01 p.m. GMT

I was just about to say that perhaps S Sigerson meant it about the the Character not about the Actor (I have't read it yet and as it is on in UK later in the year perhaps I have a bit of time to read it to see how he is described as the Actors who have played the part before are totally different.

Bundle_ 10 Sep 09 at 11:14 a.m. GMT

I see your point, Tommy/Winne.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 11:10 a.m. GMT

Oh right, now I unbderstand, I haven't seen that one yet, but I think if it were in the script I think she would, If it is in the script any actor worth their salt would and I think MM would to prove her case and as she would be talking about the Murderer it wouldn't matter if he were offended, sorry Mole.

Bundle_ 10 Sep 09 at 10:59 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I was just saying that I don't think Julia McKenzie would have called one of the actor's 'fat' (in They Do it With Mirrors) and that it would be difficult for him to run to murder the guy and come back And not be out of breath. It's a very interesting observation and one that makes a lot of sense - but can one imagine JM actually saying that about one of her cast mates along w/ critiquing the realism of the plot like that?

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 10:53 a.m. GMT

You used the example that S Sigerson was criticising Murder With Mirrors  but didn't explain why that proves he or she isn't JM, also there are other cases where the reader has to imagine something that might be imnpossible happens so you using that as proof that S Sigerson IS NOT Julia McKenzie is a bit weak, you should have said how S Sigerson's post disproves he or she isn't JM.

Bundle_ 10 Sep 09 at 10:42 a.m. GMT

Now I'm confused. Could you explain why my post was not an apt example, please, Tommy.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 10:38 a.m. GMT

That's O.K. go_leaf, If I hadn't known who the MNurderer was I still wouldn't have liked the book.

To Bundle I have been thinking, your examoplke of S. Sigerson post to explain why he or she isn't JM is an odd one, I watcghed a programme a few years ago where a panel were talking about books and someone pointed oput that in 1 2 Buckle My shoe the drug used would have worked instantly but the victim was able to go back to his Hotel, go to bed and be discovered Dead in the morning. sometimes a little lisence must be allowed to make a story look right. 

go_leafs_nation 09 Sep 09 at 7:07 p.m. GMT

Sorry about that, but it WAS in the "For the Very Knowledgeable" section, so I didn't bother with regular precautions.

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Sep 09 at 10:53 a.m. GMT

I am sorry if one of my posts was thought to be paranoia and I am also sorry if my post lead to a book being ruined for anyone.

To Bundle I understood all that but I still don't understand your point if you had posted a bit more after quoting S Siggerson I would have understood.

To  S Sigerson I agree totally with you about Miss Marple being Melencholly in some of the books, I read The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side recently and MM is Melewncholly in that although I would say reflective.

To go_leafs It is horrible having a book spoilt for you, On the old site on a Topic Characters you spoilt Endless Night for me, The topic was about Favourite Murderers so perhaps it would have been better if you had said 'The Murderer in Endless Night and not said the persons name, Like Bundle said I did not mean to cause offence by suggesting that JM is S Sigerson so I am sorry if I have.

Bundle_ 08 Sep 09 at 10:45 p.m. GMT

Let's just drop the whole thing.

BTW I too find S Sigersons opinions interesting and enjoyable to read.