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The incomparable Joan Hickson

Katherine 12 Oct 09 at 7:18 p.m. GMT

I caught some of the 1985 version of "A Murder is Announced" on Sunday, and it just reminded me how marvellous Joan Hickson was as Miss Marple.

She was just so perfect in the role: acerbic or charming, eccentric or humorous, I really can't imagine anyone ever approaching her. She really was the definitive Marple in a way that for me, Poirot has never yet been captured.

Her towering performance really renders all of the recent reimaginings as pretty redundant. Just wonderful.

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dumbledore 08 Nov 09 at 8:07 p.m. GMT

Agree, agree

Treated myself to the DVD set of ALL of Joan Hickson's masterful performances as MM and have never regretted it. Body in the Library remains my favourite.  She is greatly missed

Puffinjill 14 Oct 09 at 7:11 p.m. GMT

Oh, I do, especially now the nights are drawing in. Nothing better than curling up with a good book (I wonder who by?) or a DVD. Thankfully, the christmas before I got the Poirot collection too, so I'm spoilt for choice!! Missing the more recent Poirot episodes, though, so will have to buy them sometime. Hope you enjoy yours!!

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Oct 09 at 4:15 p.m. GMT

I have them on Video Enjoy them, wouldn't be without mine, I watch one when I have read the book but last yerar watched one every Sunday (Except A Murder Is Announced and Body In  The Library which are both over 2 Video's but managed to get them in sometime later.)

Puffinjill 14 Oct 09 at 2:32 p.m. GMT

Took the words out of my mouth!! I adore Joan Hickson's portrail of Miss Marple. She underplays the role beautifully whereas all the recent actresses who have attempted the part have tended to overplay it. Seeing the original BBC adaptations when first broadcast really help to seal my love for all things AC. I've tended to steer clear of the recent ones as I think the adaptations are so poorly done and bare little resemblence to the original texts.

But storylines apart, it's Joan Hickson's wonderfully accurate interpretation of Miss Marple that wins hands down. I was a very lucky girl when I was given the complete DVD collection last christmas.

ampman 13 Oct 09 at 9:09 a.m. GMT

I totally agree with you. There will never be another Miss Marple like Joan Hickson. I wish they had filmed some of the short stories at  the same time. When i read them it is JH I see in my mind's eye. I can't think of another present day actress who could interpret MM so well.