"In Suspicious Circumstances" Murder of a Memsahib/A Place of Execution (TV Episode 1996) Poster

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6/10
Murder of a Memsahib
Prismark1015 March 2024
The death of Frances Garnett Orme in 1911 made global headlines. The 49 year old woman was found dead in her room at the swanky Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie, India.

She had been living in India for more than a decade. The post mortem report found that she had been poisoned with prussic acid.

Her friend Eva Mount Stephens, 36, a spiritualist was was accused of murdering her. She would inherit everything from Orme's will. She had written letters making out that Orme was seriously ill when she actually looked healthy.

However at the time of Orme's death. Stephens was several hundred miles away in Lucknow.

Presenter Edward Woodward speculates that either Orme committed suicide. Unlikely as prussic acid leads to an agonising death. Orme's body was found in a serene position like it was laid out, post death. Or an accomplice of Stephens might had poisoned Orme and then made a mistake of altering her body position.

The show indicates that Stephens was involved in some form of foul play. Even though a jury in an Indian court found her not guilty.

The judge did not ask many difficult questions to Stephens. Orme's death was certainly suspicious.

A good drama but very little convinced me that it was set anywhere near India.
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8/10
A compelling story, which inspired an Agatha Christie novel.
Sleepin_Dragon17 January 2024
India, 1911, Lady Frances Garnett Orme befriends spiritualist Miss Eva Mountsphens, who makes all manner of predictions, romance and death. Frances makes her will out to Eva, and soon after is found dead at the Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie.

I was really surprised to see that this episode was the lowest rated of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed it, it's a fascinating mystery, it looks really nice, and there are some fine performances.

What I find so fascinating, is that this real life story inspired Agatha Christie to write The Mysterious Affair at Styles, one of her best, there are so many wonderful references to this murder.

France Tomelty is great, I loved her direct responses to the camera, she adds real quality. Janey Henfrey, Rosalind Knight and Caroline John are all excellent. Some wonderful costumes on display throughout.

8/10.
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