...as have most of Margaret Rutherford's outings as Miss Marple. I have watched and rewatched her 4 Marple films more times than I care to remember and "Murder at the Gallop" is arguably the best of the bunch. Based on the Hercule Poirot novel "After the Funeral", I think - despite being an avid fan of Christie's books - I actually prefer this film to its relevant source material. That is the sign of an adaptation that has nailed it!
Heaven knows why James P. Cavanagh, the screenwriter, read After the Funeral and thought, "I know what this is missing. A third death, pantomime comedy, horse-riding - and Miss Marple!" Bravo to him, because it worked. The result is a hilarious, charming, comforting, and at times appropriately atmospheric film which features truly brilliant performances from Margaret Rutherford (arguably the best Marple ever, if very different), Stringer Davis, Bud Tingwell, Robert Morley, and Dame Flora Robson. Agatha Christie fans shall not be disappointed as long as they're not purists, and fans of charming, black-and-white, comedic films certainly won't!
Heaven knows why James P. Cavanagh, the screenwriter, read After the Funeral and thought, "I know what this is missing. A third death, pantomime comedy, horse-riding - and Miss Marple!" Bravo to him, because it worked. The result is a hilarious, charming, comforting, and at times appropriately atmospheric film which features truly brilliant performances from Margaret Rutherford (arguably the best Marple ever, if very different), Stringer Davis, Bud Tingwell, Robert Morley, and Dame Flora Robson. Agatha Christie fans shall not be disappointed as long as they're not purists, and fans of charming, black-and-white, comedic films certainly won't!