Review of Murder at the Gallop (1963) by Leena R — 25 Mar 2009

He second in a series of Miss Marple films produced by MGM during the 1960's, starring the inimitable Margaret Rutherford as Agatha Christie's super sleuth. This one is based upon Christie's After the Funeral (a Poirot book), it's a short film, as not as good as the other films, but it makes for an enjoyable hour or so.

Whilst collecting for charity, Miss Jane Marple (Rutherford) and her companion Mr. Stringer (Stringer Davis) witness the death of the wealthy old Mr. Enderby (Finlay Currie), who appears to have been "frightened to death by a cat.

" Marple suspects foul play, much to the chagrin of Inspector Craddock (Charles 'Bud' Tingwell). Marple goes undercover at boarding house and riding school The Gallop, where Enderby's relatives have gathered at to hear the reading of the will.

Miss Marple suspects that one of the family members may have murdered Old Enderby, and then more deaths occur. It's a low-key affair, but an enjoyable film, it doesn't outstay it's welcome, and it's blessed with Rutherford's show-stealing performance as Marple, brilliant dialogue and appearences from Robert Morley and Flora Robson.