Murder She Said (1961) User Reviews

Delightful depiction of Miss Jane Marple

[wisewebwoman · 8/10 · 22 November 2004]

So yes, Miss Agatha Christie herself did not quite care for Miss Margaret Rutherford in the role but Miss Rutherford made of the part her own in her own inimitable fashion even going to the extent of having her very own obedient side-kick, her real-life husband Stringer Davis, known as Jim Stringer in the series, inserted into it. She called the shots and kept the studio afloat. And what a series!

This is the first in it and it evokes the era extraordinarily well, the quick murder and disposal of the body, the old country house, the many suspicious relatives and one of my favourites, James Robertson Justice heading up the entire clan. He even gets to propose to the lady herself, so impressed is he with her detecting.

Add the requisite cute kid, Ronnie Raymond, an excellent bit part by Joan Hickson (the future Miss Marple in the excellent BBC series) and what faults are there to be found in this unique first film of four in the series.

8 out of 10.

Incredibly entertaining, wonderful use of black and white film medium and a really good score.

Pure treasure

[mnpollio · 8/10 · 12 April 2007]

The first in a series of four Miss Marple films featuring the incomparable Margaret Rutherford as the elderly spinster with excellent detective abilities from the popular Agatha Christie novels.

The story sticks relatively close to the events in the novel 4:50 from Paddington, with one major exception that may surprise fans of this series who have not read the novels. Christie's Marple was really a sedate, seemingly dithery woman who basically spends most of the books sitting on her backside knitting - in fact, in some of the novels Marple actually gets very little time and is merely on-hand to piece together the clues provided by others and provide the name of the culprit. In this case, screenwriters wisely combined a young character with Miss Marple so she remains front and center in the action. I much prefer these films as opposed to the more traditional renderings from BBC/PBS as Miss Marple is depicted here as such a vital and uniquely active free spirit. Rutherford is simply wonderful with her unforgettable expressions. She plays well off a diversity of people, including the gloriously crusty hypochondriac patriarch James Robertson Justice, the mischievous grandson Ronnie Raymond, the mildly exasperated police inspector Charles Tingwell or the gentle compatriot Stringer Davis.

A delightful series and a testament to a great talent who should never be forgotten.

View it on its own terms and it delivers wholesome entertainment.

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 24 March 2010]

Waking from a doze in her train seat, Miss Jane Marple awakes in time to witness thru her window a young lady being strangled aboard a passing train. When she cries murder to the police, they suggest she was most likely only dreaming. Undaunted, she sets out to find the truth and to prove that she isn't indeed a dotty old spinster.

Directed by George Pollock, Murder She Said is adapted by David Osborn, David Pursall & Jack Seddon from the best selling book "4:50 From Paddington" (also published as What Mrs. McGillicudy Saw!) written by the legendary Agatha Christie. It stars Margaret Rutherford, Arthur Kennedy, Muriel Pavlow & James Robertson Justice.

Lets forget the book eh, and lets forget that Agatha Christie felt that Margaret Rutherford was wrong for the role of Miss. Jane Marple. How about we just view this delightful English mystery on its filmic terms? Rutherford is just lovely as Marple, putting her own classy stamp on the role, she was an instant hit and went on to make a further three Marple movies. It has all the classic elements for a Christie murder mystery. An odd family at a big foreboding residence {Ackenthorpe Hall} and sure enough there's something afoot here. Enter Rutherford's determined sleuther Miss. Marple as she enrols as housekeeper there and pokes around in search of clues. The suspense is built up, as is the mystery "who done it?" element, but the film never loses its sense of humour. Something that makes Rutherford's incarnation of Marple a joy to be involved with. Her play offs with James Robertson Justice's blustery old grump (Ackenthorpe), and wee Ronnie Raymond's Alexander are true high points in Pollock's movie.

Be it Marple or Poirot you know the formula at the heart of these murder mysteries. There are many adaptations to the screen of Christie's works, and for sure not all of them work. With that, Rutherford's tenure as Miss Marple probably ranks about middle tier in the pantheon. But that is still good enough for a jolly day of viewings, fun viewings that are propelled by the wonderful talent of Margaret Rutherford. 7.5/10

Grand-Dame Good Film

[BaronBl00d · 1 January 2000]

Grand Dame Margaret Rutherford gives a fine performance as super sleuth Jane Marple in this, the first of four films based on Christie's detective. Agatha Christie was upset with the casting of Rutherford in the role of her dowdy, inquisitive, rather passive detective who solves crimes more on what she hears from other people more than anything else. And who cannot understand her concerns, initially? Rutherford is the antithesis of the fictional Marple. She is a battleship on screen with her plump, statuesque build, her one-of-a-kind visage, her English aristocratic bearing and wit, and her anything but passive behaviour. To put it bluntly, Christie's character was only that character in name.....but....this does not detract from the film in the least for me. And I should expect that only die-hard fans of Miss Marple will not enjoy this film for it is a good mystery, has excellent character acting, a zippy score, and some wonderful witty dialogue. Most of all, it has Dame Margaret Rutherford give a larger-than-life performance that promises to bring you many smiles and some good laughs.

"Marple her name, marble her nature"

[ackstasis · 7/10 · 18 December 2008]

Though I've always loved a good murder mystery, shockingly, I can't remember ever reading anything by Agatha Christie. In fact, the closest I've come to one of her characters was the sprightly Jessica Marbles (played by Elsa Lanchester) in the film adaptation of Neil Simon's spoof comedy 'Murder by Death (1976).' Probably Christie's most famous character, Miss Jane Marple doesn't quite fit the mould of a master-detective: she's a slow and frail old woman, but with enough vibrant enthusiasm and quick wit to more than compensate. Though the authorities initially tend to regard her as something of a dotty spinster, Miss Marple has read more than enough detective stories to understand the criminal psyche, and her creative insights, though probably useless in trivial crime matters, are just what is needed to unmask the cleverest of murderers. 'Murder She Said (1961)' was the first of four British films in which Marple was portrayed by Margaret Rutherford, the sequels being, in order of release, 'Murder at the Gallop (1963),' 'Murder Most Foul (1964)' and 'Murder Ahoy (1964).'

While reading "Death Has Windows" on a train journey, the docile Miss Marple is shocked to witness a women being strangled in a passing locomotive. Though she protests immediately to the conductor, a half-hearted police investigation turns up no traces, and Inspector Craddock (Australian acting legend Charles "Bud" Tingwell) privately suspects that the entire crime was imagined… or, indeed, merely a misinterpreted act of "horseplay" among honeymooners. But Miss Marple is not to be dismissed. She acquires the assistance of fellow mystery-buff Mr. Stringer (Rutherford's husband, Stringer Davis) and commences her own investigation. The clues lead to the estate of Mr Ackenthorpe (James Robertson Justice), a grumpy and miserly invalid who hosts a family of similarly greedy and unlikable businessmen. Not to be intimidated, Miss Marple quickly signs up as the family's hard-working maid, proving that she's more than a match for Ackenthorpe's cantankerous protests. But her investigations are interrupted by yet another murder, and then the game is well-and-truly afoot.

One doesn't see too many lighthearted murder tales coming out of America during that era; it seems a very British thing to do. Even one of the few Hollywood examples, 'The Trouble With Harry (1955),' was directed by Mr. Alfred Hitchcock, who always retained that cruel British sense of humour that was characteristic of his work. George Pollock's 'Murder She Said' is a very British film, indeed, and such lighthearted and easy viewing that it almost works as a satire of the traditional murder mystery. Ron Goodwin's upbeat musical theme suggests a bright day in the country rather than a trip to the mortician. Nobody seems to take any of the deaths seriously, and even the greedy brothers joke snidely as their siblings are bumped off one at a time. The performances are sound across the board, with particular praise due to Rutherford, whose Miss Marple is such an offbeat but immediately likable character. Perhaps the only weak link was young Ronnie Raymond, whose conspicuously-dubbed voice was incredibly distracting.

"They don't make them like that anymore!"

[jamesraeburn2003 · 10/10 · 14 October 2003]

An elderly spinster called Miss Marple witnesses a man strangling a woman on a passing train. When nobody believes her she investigates the crime herself.

Murder She Said marked the first big-screen appearance of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. The script by David Pursall and Jack Seddon is based on the 1957 novel "4:50 From Paddington". Its success lead to three more equally entertaining films starring Margaret Rutherford. Agatha Christie liked Rutherford as an actress but thought that she was all wrong for the part. Indeed Rutherford is nothing like the Jane Marple that Joan Hickson would portray in the highly successful BBC series of the 1980's-90's, but she is a delight to watch as she makes the part entirely her own and earned herself a legion of fans. Incidentally, Hickson appears in this film in a minor role as the miserable housekeeper Mrs Kidder. A great supporting cast includes Muriel Pavlow, Arthur Kennedy and James Robertson Justice. Charles Tingwell plays the hapless Inspector Craddock who cannot bear Miss Marple interfering and solving his cases for him, a role which in which he is featured in all the entries in this series. Another regular in the series is Stringer Davis (Rutherford's real life husband) who plays the local librarian and her closest friend Mr Stringer.

Director George Pollock worked steadily as an assistant director during the forties and fifties and during that time he learned at the feet of some of Britain's most acclaimed directors such as Thorold Dickinson on Gaslight (1940) and David Lean on Brief Encounter, Great Expectations (both 1945) and Oliver Twist (1948). After directing a few trivial comedies such as Village Of Daughters (1961), Pollock had an opportunity with the Marple films to show that he was a very good director investing the films with great British humour as well as intriguing mystery making them timeless entertainment. The films resembled the quota quickies of the 1950's, but they were done with a slightly higher budget, more professionalism and better production values. In addition, Ron Goodwin's music is splendid and the harpsichord laden theme tune would become familiar as it was used in all the other entries in this series. I don't think I would be going over the top to use a well-worn phrase "they don't make them like that anymore". "4:50 From Paddington" has been filmed twice subsequently. In 1987 the BBC gave us a faithful but rather stodgy version starring Joan Hickson and ITV filmed it in 2004 as part of their new series of Miss Marple whodunits starring Geraldine McEwan. But the less said about these the better.

Sequels: MURDER AT THE GALLOP (1963), MURDER MOST FOUL (1964) and MURDER AHOY (produced in 1964 but released in late 1965 to space out the series).

Funny and Entertaining

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 11 June 2013]

While traveling back home by train, the spinster Miss Jane Marple (Margaret Rutherford) witnesses a woman being strangled by a man in another train. She reports the murder to the police. However Inspector Craddock (Charles Tingwell) does not find any corpse or evidence of the reported murder and discredits the old lady believing that she is senile and has imagined the crime since she is fan of detective stories.

Miss Marple decides to investigate the crime and she concludes that the corpse was dumped at the Ackenthorpe Hall and she gets a job of housemaid, cleaning and cooking for the Ackenthorpe family. Soon she learns that they are a dysfunctional family and the heirs are like vulture around of the selfish patriarch Luther Ackenthorpe (James Robertson Justice, waiting for their inheritance. Therefore all of them may be the culprit for the murder… or not?

"Murder She Said" is a funny and entertaining comedy and mystery movie based on a novel by Agatha Christie. The simple storyline works due to the performance of Margaret Rutherford, who is delightful in the role of the old spinster and amateurish detective Miss Marple. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Quem Viu, Quem Matou…" ("Who Saw, Who Killed…")

How the Manor of a murder was kept off track...

[derek william hall · 9/10 · 22 November 2001]

As other critics have previously pointed out, Margaret Rutherford's portrayal of Jane Marple has little in common with the visions of the character's creator, Agatha Christie. However, just as Basil Rathbone's depiction of Sherlock Holmes (both in his character portrayal and in the film company's telling of most of the tales) had little to do with the original writer's intentions, so too did both he and Miss Rutherford seem to create pseudo-characters, from worthwhile plots, of equal value and entertainment levels.

As the first of a wonderful quartet of easy-to-view movies made in black and white in early 60's England (and the second best of them, overall, in my opinion), this appropriately atmospheric film takes us through a clever little screenplay centred around the family of a large estate 'in the sticks' (on the outskirts of London). The storyline is littered with a mixture of eccentric and fundamental cameo parts that serve up the right amount of suspense and partial comedy as Miss Marple (and her buddy, Mr.Stringer) take it upon themselves to solve a railway murder that Inspector Craddock, the local 'head plod', had put down to being the by-product of her rambling 'hallucinations'.

Not surprisingly, we are kept on our toes as to whom was the culprit as the intrepid Jane goes undercover as a geriatric maid who proves to be so competent in her matriarchal manoeuvres that the 'Lord of the Manor' (superbly played, as ever, by the magnificent James Robertson Justice) seeks her hand in marriage as a sort of reward for her spirited detective work. However, Dame Rutherford had Stringer to consider - not least because he was her partner in real life - and there were of course other stories to film in the future...

What a pity they didn't follow Rathbone and Bruce by making around a dozen of these marvellous movies!

Miss Marple's First Case.

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 17 November 2013]

George Pollock directed this adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel "4:50 From Paddington" that stars Margaret Rutherford as Jane Marple, an older but still lively woman who loves to read mysteries, and while on a train witnesses a woman being strangled. She tries to convince police, led by Inspector Craddock(played by Charles Tingwell) but no body can be found, so she then proceeds to investigate the matter herself, enlisting her librarian friend Mr. Stringer as she goes in search of a body, which leads to the home of a wealthy family that she then gets a job with as a maid. Then more murders occur... Fun film with Rutherford both smart and amusing, with nice atmosphere and cast.

Pepped up Miss Marple

[bygard · 10/10 · 27 April 2007]

This film was a real discovery for me. A real feel-good murder mystery if ever there was one. Margaret Rutherford as Agatha Christie's Miss Marple is quite something different I was expecting. Usually in other films and TV-series I've found the character a bit boring compared to Hercule Poirot and have much more preferred Christie stories involving the latter. Not this time, because this must be the best Agatha Christie movie I have seen yet. I haven't read the book the film is based on, '16.50 from Paddington', so I can't tell how faithful the film adaption is. But Rutherford's Marple sure sparkles. She is above all witty, energetic and enormously fun to watch.

What generally makes this movie so delightful is the humorous style which I strongly connected to the classic Ealing comedies. There is also some obvious influence of Hitchcock's early films from his English period, for example the trick of using a woman's scream and a train whistle together very effectively. Good looking sharp photography and fast-paced direction keep things moving . The dialog is very stylish, so "utterly British" for someone from a different language area and a treat for one's ear. I doubt if anyone really talks like that anymore, but hopefully I'm utterly wrong.

And for once I guessed the murderer right beforehand without spoiling any of my fun. On the contrary, the movie gave me such a good time it fully surprised me in that. Judging by this and the trailers of the other films in the series (Yes, hurray, there is more of it!) I'll have to catch up with the rest of them too. Do let your evening be crowned or saved by this wonderful film.

Black and White mystery for the lovers of police stories

[vanillasky6 · 7/10 · 22 September 2005]

A nice, old fashioned, mystery movie. Very noir and light. The plot is simple and entertaining. Miss Marple witnesses a murder during a train ride and tries to find out who the killer is. Very simple and direct. The main actress is sublime as the meddling Miss Marple. It's a pretty good adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel. Two thumbs up for the lovers of the genre. The atmosphere is deliciously dark and typical. Everybody is a suspect. The murder scene is memorable and well directed. Although a small film, it delivers everything to the audience. The cinematography is very classical, but fresh. I liked the ending and the closing sequence. Its very...happy!

Name of Marple, Nature of Marble In Her Own Right...

[marcin_kukuczka · 9/10 · 29 February 2012]

An unusual day and a totally unpredictable moment for a 'dotty old' Miss Jane Marple (Margaret Rutherford) on her supposedly 'too comfortable' journey by train. As a seemingly gray passenger on the 4.50 train from Paddington, she is not only stuck because of an impertinent little kid but something far more shocking happens in a train passing by her window. Death does not only appear to have windows in a detective story she has been reading...murder is, indeed, no longer a sheer bad dream that an 'unstable' or 'unbalanced' maid could have. It is the stimulus for the most intriguing senses being activated within the most unusual investigation. Soon, she will be the one who can provide light to the dark mystery of a murder. But, can she ever make herself too comfortable again at the weird Ackenthorpe Hall, a mansion where there is a constant vacancy for a maid... a perfect setting for an English mystery thriller with lots of relics from the past? Something that would recall the make-believe in William Gillette's SHERLOCK HOLMES; something that Hitchcock would have developed within the ultimate flair for style...

What this thriller develops is not so much the style but, above all, the absolutely stunning, sympathetic, witty, intelligent, vibrant character of Miss Marple. Based upon the novel by Agatha Christie "4.50 From Paddington" she is the character with certain knowledge of criminal mind. Now, she is placed in the situation which puts her to harsh test and imposes constant alertness. Quoting the New York Times review which appeared just after the American premiere of the movie, Miss Marple proves that "the aging but still vigorous female of the species can be a better sleuth than the Scotland Yard operatives." Name of Marple, nature of marble (referring to the screenplay)...that is what highlights best her character. That is also what makes it interesting also for modern audiences. And MURDER SHE SAID beautifully introduces her to viewers. However, the true entertainment does not lie in the literary source (Agatha Christie was not happy about the numerous liberties taken) but by the actress who interprets Miss Marple, adorable Dame Margaret Rutherford.

Although MURDER SHE SAID is just the first of four movies made within the adaptations, she appears as a truly creative and gifted performer from the very start. It is Miss Rutherford who dominates our attention and makes the thriller a rarity of its genre as a novel adaptation and as a cinematic production. When I saw her performance first with my friend, I was stunned throughout. In majority, thanks to her, thrill is combined with humor and cutting tongue with the most honest intentions. She executes her lines marvelously! Determined but calm and patient, witty but, as wisely advised, never 'too comfortable' - that is how she remains with viewers and allows us to grasp the idea of skillfully proceeding acting. As her male counterpart, in a way, comes Stringer Davis, her husband in real life, in the role of Mr Stringer. From the moment when the police inspector Craddock (Charles Tingwell) occurs to care little about the crime, they begin their own investigation. In their scenes, the two carry the essence of humor in the film. Just to note the unforgettable scene when, early in the morning after 'hearty breakfast,' Mr Stringer is giving Miss Marple 'a leg up' and they find both the dog and the man really 'frightful-looking.' Alone, she is absolutely captivating when encountering the Ackenthorpes, a really peculiar dynasty with just little exceptions (Emma). It seems that the only good thing the family have ever done were...delicious biscuits. It soon occurs that both things and crimes go in threes. All sorts of people from neurotic eccentrics to calm doctors gently tease our senses...

They are all worth broader consideration as supporting characters, those temporary 'tresspassers' who highlight the backdrop for the mystery because the performances are exceptionally well crafted. James Robertson Justice, an eminent British actor, beautifully portrays an old, pretentious, mean, neurotic 'Chairman' of the family who cannot stand the drawbacks of his own within other people, including impertinence. He strongly and strictly prefers beef steak to beef broth. Everything and everybody seem to move around his affairs and his premonitions of what he thinks other people mean. Some of the most spicy moments appear between him and Miss Marple with memorably cutting remarks in their lines. Apart from Charles Tingwell as skeptical inspector Craddock (who appears in all four films), the cast who need particular attention are Arthur Kennedy as family's ambiguous doctor and Ronnie Raymond as 'too clever' yet sympathetic youngster Alexander, who sees the family as 'vultures' with some exceptions and who appears and disappears in the most unpredictable moments. Consider his scenes with Miss Marple...They seem to share some interests...in golf for instance.

The atmosphere of the movie makes MURDER SHE SAID a pure classic thriller, old thriller with the magic of black and white and the slight features of horror in some of the scenes. It is considerably supported by lighting, sets and undertones of images. The magical effect is provided by Ron Goodwin's music score where a variety of tunes beautifully create a balance between tension and relief.

MURDER SHE SAID and, finally, 'riddle she figures out' and 'murderer she finds' yet...before you decide to see this movie, which I highly recommend, prepare for great tensions and a number of misleading predictions. Worn in lots of mysteries, lots of suspicions - yes. But isn't that what should emerge from a perfect detective story? Never ignore 'dotty old maid' and never skip a 'dotty old thriller' that may truly surprise us all. Indeed, a sleuth's work is never done and Miss Rutherford makes us look forward to more ...

Formidible Spinster Sleuth

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 30 November 2007]

I do so love Margaret Rutherford who makes Agatha Christie's Ms. Jane Marple a most formidable and determined sleuth. Unfortunately this was one of Christie's weaker and way too coincidental plots.

Rutherford is on the 4:50 from Paddington station and while she's observing the passing scenery, a train passes in the opposite direction. Looking at that train she sees a pair of hands strangling a woman. Of course there's no body to be found after Rutherford calls for the police.

But things like that don't faze Margaret Rutherford in the slightest. With the aid of her friend and real life husband Stringer Davis, she walks the length of the track and does find some clues as to where the body might have been flung out the window. Turns out to be on a large estate and then Rutherford goes to work at the estate in the guise of a maid so she can continue her sleuthing.

The household is headed by James Robertson Justice who is one booming hypochondriac, the despair of his ever present doctor, Arthur Kennedy. The scenes with JRJ and Rutherford are the best in the film.

Of course the murder does have something to do with the estate and for me that's way too much to swallow that the murderer could have so contrived the crime to occur when the train was passing at the proper time for the body to be thrown out precisely where it was.

Still Margaret Rutherford is always a delight and Christie fans will like what she did with Agatha's formidable spinster sleuth.

A charming adaptation

[jim32809-1 · 5/10 · 11 May 2005]

This is a charming movie, and a true adaptation. Not true to the story, but an adaptation in the truest sense of the term. The basic plot is the same (who done it, why, of course the solution), but the details are changed. In the original Agatha Christie novel ("4:50 From Paddington") a friend of Miss Marple witnesses the murder, she sends a professional housekeeper to the suspected location of the body, there is no menacing gardener, no mass poisoning attempt and numerous other changes to the details, which although not changing the basic plot do take us on a different route, albeit to the same solution.

If they had changed the name of the lead character, this would have been a perfectly good mystery story. However, leaving the Christie/Marple references in makes it susceptible to close examination by Christie buffs. Miss Marple certainly didn't read detective stories or have a friend "Mr. Stringer". She definitely was not the physically adventurous soul as portrayed here.

Margaret Rutherford does however turn in a splendid performance, matched by James Robert Justice as the Ackenthorpe patriarch. Although her part is minor, Joan Hickson shows the glimmer of her talent that would eventually make her the quintessential Miss Marple in the BBC productions, including just a moment of the 'thinking pose' where she looks off to the side but focuses on nothing but her thoughts which she would do so often.

It appears the voice of the young nephew Alexander has been dubbed throughout the movie. The voice seems a bit mature and has a forcefulness of tone that doesn't match the physical delivery.

One final comment is on the music. When the focus is on "mystery" the score appropriately heightens the tension. However, when the music is simply incidental it has a cheeky contemporary sound that is out of step with the character of an elderly spinster. Along with the annoying character of Alexander, this unfortunate score makes me unlikely to stop channel surfing if I happen across it some night.

By the way, did Dame Christie actually approve the implication that Jane (gasp) got married?!? Although it is possible the sign on the car was simply one of Alexander's pranks, the prior conversation leads one to believe it just might be true. (As a Christie buff, this is the one story change of which I disapproved.)

Classic Film!

[MFH · 12 August 1999]

Many people criticise this movie because Margaret Rutherford doesn't have the "look" to play Miss Marple. However, that doesn't change the fact that this is an excellent film that, while it doesn't stick to the book much, does a great job of entertaining the viewer. It's getting harder and harder to find all 4 videos from the series (this was the first). It took me around a year to get all of them , with Murder Ahoy being the easiest (easily found at Suncoast Video) and Murder Most Foul being the hardest to find. (I had to special order from Canada for around $20) These movies are well worth the price though, and provide not only great mysteries, but also wonderful entertainment!!

"Dame Margaret Rutherford' Shines As 'Miss Marple'

[carmenjulianna · 7/10 · 8 May 2023]

'Murder She Said' Is An Interesting and fulfilling depiction of Agatha Christies'4.50 from Paddington' starring 'Dame Margaret Rutherford'. The 1st of four 'Agatha Christie' 'Miss Marple' stories starring Miss Rutherford, and a delightful and quite unexpected watch I must say..!

I really enjoyed this earlier version ''Murder She Said' and, I am looking forward to seeing the remaining three episodes.. I recommend if you have the opportunity to see any of these versions starring Miss Rutherford, then please, take the time to watch them; you will not be disappointed:) Also, a thumbs Up For Miss Marples side-kick Mr Springer, a delightful character...

A delightful cozy Christie adaptation

[catman47 · 10/10 · 12 November 2002]

'Murder She Said' is not a great or classic film, yet it is one that I return to all the time. The setting is England, late fall, in the latter 1950's. It stars the delightful Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple...Mrs. Christie (Mallowan) never felt she resembled Jane Marple in the least...but she did dedicate one of her later books to her. Also appearing in the film is Stringer Davis, Ms. Rutherford's real life husband, who is totally endearing and appeared in three subsequent Marple films with his wife.

Coincidentally Joan Hickson appears in this film and she later went on to much acclaim portraying Jane Marple in the BBC series of Marple mysteries.

Although the film differs in many ways from the original book (you'll have to view the BBC video '4:50 from Paddington' with Joan Hickson for some integrity to the original Christie story ) it is a very entertaining light experience with a bevy of fascinating British characters.

"Dotty spinster" my arse!

[dfloro · 7/10 · 6 August 2021]

The indomitable character actress of the British stage (and TV screen), Margaret Rutherford, portrayed reluctant sleuth, Miss Jane Marple, in a series of movie mysteries released in 1961-64. This is the first, and many might agree, the best of the bunch, based on Agatha Christie's "4.50 from Paddington" (the Station, not the bear!), in which Miss Marple believes she witnessed a murder through the windows of a passing train. She then goes "under cover" as the new maid for a weird and suspicious family she thinks is involved, or knows who is. It's a delightful tale, told engagingly by director George Pollock and a fine U. K. supporting cast of actors acting serious, while seemingly on the verge of having a laugh at themselves/their nonsense. By the end of her career, Ms. Margaret Rutherford would be a proud recipient of practically every award and accolade, including O. B. E. And Dame Commander of the British Empire. This one's a good example of why she and her characters were so beloved. If half's were allowed, then this one would rate a solid 7.5/10.

Margaret the Magnificent

[krains · 10/10 · 21 March 2007]

I saw these films at the historic Lakewood Theater in Dallas as a very young tyke, so for me, Dame Margaret is Miss Marple. When they were shown on television my best friend (he still is) and I would watch simultaneously and we chatted the best lines on the phone.

Rutherford is simply a treasure to watch. Every facial expression is great - watch her as she serves coffee to the simpering siblings discussing the murder. And the Alexander kid character is not nearly so annoying as the young "Patrick" in "Auntie Mame" but for some reason is similar if not more worldly and cynical.

The golf game between the two is quite a delight. "Champion in 1921"! I love the score because it's eccentric just as our dear Miss Marple and Mr. Stringer.

Roll up your sleeves and do those dishes Dame Margaret, you have deducing to do later!

Well done if a bit tidy and nice, an entertainment through and through

[secondtake · 7/10 · 2 October 2017]

Murder She Said (1961)

Well paced, well made, but also thoroughly "delightful" in a kind of post-war polite British lighthearted way. This is an enjoyable ride, but never with any genuine drama—it is too happily happy all the time.

The actors are first rate, especially the lead playing Miss Marple, Margaret Rutherford. Arthur Kennedy is given big billing, and his role as an American is conspicuous (and strong).

The plot is clever and well constructed of course—this is adapted from an Agathe Christie novel. And to tell truth, the thing that makes this thing hang at all is the terrific writing. The nephew on first appearance says to Miss Marple, "You're not my idea of a maid." And Marple replies, "Quite honestly, you'd not be everybody's idea of a boy." So Marple asserts herself, which is the charming aspect to it all (along the lines of "Murder She Wrote," if that's not obvious already from the title).

There are naturally lots of people who are under suspicion, and you gradually have to try to guess who is likely or not. You play that internal game of thinking who is just too obvious and which unlikely character is actually guilty. There is some confusion about how they might confuse a recent victim with one who died 16 years ago, but we'll ignore that.

The problem for me is that we are not given time to really know or care about anyone. Everyone is a type—a rich family supplying most of the caricatures. The one complex character is Marple herself. And she's terrific. She makes the movie. The whole filming and feeling to the movie is good, too. It's an enjoyable affair—which brings me back to my first word: delightful. Thoroughly.

Murder Most Fun!

[Enrique-Sanchez-56 · 10/10 · 25 January 2006]

The great pity about these Marple Murder movies with Rutherford is that we only have FOUR of these to relish and pore over.

Miss Rutherford depicts here perhaps the most charming depiction of the classic Miss Marple character invented by Agatha Christie.

The utter busy-body biddy-ness and snappy-snippy wit which bubbles out of Rutherford will be quite enough for the setting of just about any comedy. We are fortunate that Rutherford took these on and fashioned her most famous roles. That we are lucky enough that MGM UK brought these out and that they are FINALLY on DVD as a set on Amazon.com is our great fortune! There should have been one more of the series but we should be grateful that we have these for posterity and much fun! Kudos to the great cast here and to Ron Goodwin's WONDERFUL score that pervades the series. Every time I hear this music, my spirits are lifted and I know that whatever I am about to see is going to be wonderful and murder most delicious! Recommended and Required Viewing!

If Miss Marple says it's murder, then... it's murder!

[Coventry · 7/10 · 9 October 2017]

Yours truly is a real Agatha Christie junkie! I think she was one of the most brilliantly intelligent persons who ever lived, and if she had been any sexier my room would probably be filled with pictures of her! I read many of her novels and short stories, and evidently I watched a lot of films (acclaimed classics as well as cheap rip- offs), TV- series and mini-series that were adapted from her works. Until now I've always been reluctant to check out the quartet of movies that are directed by George Pollock and star Margaret Rutherford as Miss Jane Marple, simply because they look too much like out-and-out comedies rather than suspenseful and atmospheric murder mysteries. I never really considered Miss Marple to be a "funny" kind of protagonist. She's peculiar, eccentric, conservative, old-fashioned and maybe even somewhat asocial, but she never makes jokes or witty remarks. I certainly am not a sourpuss, but the idea of this introvert but wise elderly lady being depicted as a cartoonesque and nosy old hag didn't appeal to me at all. Since I was able to purchase the 4-DVD box at a reasonably cheap price, and since I'm always running out of movies to watch anyway, I'll be giving them a chance after all.

Thus far I can't judge the other three (they look even more slapstick, in fact) but "Murder She Said" at least still tries to be a convoluted and sinister mystery-tale. Rutherford's Miss Marple is definitely more boisterous, cocky and intrusive than the sweet little lady I know from the book stories, but she undeniably becomes one with the character and gives away a stellar performance. When she takes a train back home to her cozy little village, she witnesses through the window of another train how a young woman is strangled by an unseen assailant. Miss Marple notifies the authorities, but they come back to her with the statement that a dead body hasn't been found and that no woman has been reported missing. Offended by the detective's remark that she probably imagined the whole thing, Miss Marple starts her own private investigation that brings her to the house of the obnoxious patriarch Ackenthorpe. If the woman's body was thrown from the train, than it must have been recovered and hidden on the estate. Miss Marple applies for a job as housekeeper and immediately discovers there's a tricky family feud going on.

"Murder, She Said" isn't very effective as a whodunit; as we're giving very few clues to guess along, but the screenplay is compelling and new and exciting twists (like additional murders or discoveries on the estate) occur at regular intervals. George Pollock's direction here is at least less mechanical here than in the "Ten Little Indians" adaptation that he made one year later and there's a good use of filming locations, decors and scenery. Mrs. Rutherford obviously carries the entire film on her own, but she also receives good support from several great actors, like Arthur Kennedy and James Robertson Justice.

light-hearted mystery with that British edge !

[bjobrei · 8/10 · 5 July 2005]

My recent discovery of the old Rutherford-Marple films has been sort of a revelation to me. Joan Hickson (who interestingly appears in this film) does a more accurate Marple if you read the novels, but I feel Rutherfords interpretation gives the part the edge needed for the screen. Light hearted and managing to combine some dry British humor with suspense. Sort of a forgotten art nowadays. So far I have seen three Rutherford Marple-films, this one, murder a the gallop and murder ahoy. I do rate Murder she said as the best, it seems slightly more inspired than the others, though they are all enjoyable. There are of course a few complaints. Mrs. Rutherfords husband is obviously included in the film for no other reason than being her husband. The character of young Alexander is simply annoying, and the ending is a bit of a disappointment. Still, do see this movie if you enjoy the typical British dry wit, and watch out for the stunning appearance of James Robertson Justice !

A good yarn

[grange85 · 7/10 · 9 July 2002]

I'll admit to never having been a fan of the writings of Agatha Christie and find that the films that have emerged from them are generally not worth watching. I am, however a fan of Margaret Rutherford and as Jane Marple her boisterous and energetic character keeps this yarn rattling along very nicely. James Robertson Justice provides his usual blustery performance and the family are a wonderfully "suspicious" lot. It has no pretensions to be anything but the cracking murder mystery it is.

This Murder Is Understated-Murder She Said **1/2

[edwagreen · 5/10 · 24 January 2010]

Benign affair with Margaret Rutherford in the role that she was born to play-the feisty murderer solver Jane Marple.

When Marple witnesses a strangulation on another passing train, this opens up quite an adventure for our problem solver. She pretends to be a maid and goes to work for quite a dysfunctional family.

Until the very end, Arthur Kennedy is terribly miscast as an affable benign doctor whose in love with the crusty old patriarch's daughter. What a nasty family we have there with everyone obviously waiting for the old man to close his eyes so that they can inherit a fortune.

Marple literally digs for clues and the end scene, after the murder is resolved, even gets a marriage proposal from our old gentleman.