Review of Murder at the Gallop (1963) by Jonathan B — 29 Jun 2011

I'm a huge fan of Agatha Christie and Miss Marple is by far and away my favourite of her creations. The finest portrayal of this character is without doubt that of Joan Hickson in the BBC TV series which nailed the character perfectly. Margaret Rutherford was about as far away from the character as written as it is possible to be and yet, she is fantastic in this movie and others in the series directed by George Pollock. These movies are basically good, old-fashioned British comedies, packed with comic touches and full of stalwarts of the post-war film industry.

Rutherford is the kind of dotty, busybody pantomime dame that we love. Never better than when tottering on top of a crate of Mackeson stout so she can peer through a window or faking heart attack after dancing the twist in a bid to snare the murderer. Her great big, jowly, St. Bernard's face wobbling away under a preposterous hat is a joy to behold and she delivers her lines with perfect comic timing.

Crisply shot, and with a magical 60's score, this film is a delightful piece of entertainment, every bit as good as I remember it from first seeing it as a child.