Miss Marple: A Caribbean Mystery

Miss Marple takes a well-earned break to the Caribbean, but her relaxation is cut short when an old Major dies in suspicious circumstances. Just before his death, the Major showed Miss Marple a photograph of a killer; could that snapshot hold the key?

I cannot believe the lack of positive comments on this glorious adaptation. Everything is on point: the acting, the locations, the music, the subtle changes to the book, etc. They made what is, in my humble opinion, a wonderful piece of drama. It is superior in every way to the inferior Helen Hayes version and later ITV adaptation.

Joan Hickson is, as always sublime in the role, she's terrific. Adrian Lukis and the gorgeous Sophie Ward are superb, and that closing scene between them is superbly acted and gripping.

Visually this one is a real treat, they picked the perfect location for filming its, plus the period detail is spot on. I just love that scene where Miss Marple goes to visit Victoria's Aunt.

I could watch this adaptation over and over, the book was beautifully brought to life here, I think seeing Miss Marple getting to work in such a 'different' setting is what makes this one stand out.

10/10.

Miss Marple is on holiday in the Caribbean. One of her fellow hotel guests, Major Palgrave, suddenly dies, seemingly from natural causes. When a maid with information related to the Major's death is murdered, it appears that the Major's death might have been less natural than it appeared.

A good Miss Marple mystery though not one of the best. The setting makes for a refreshing change and the plot is reasonably intriguing. However, what usually makes a Marple episode great for me is how engaging the secondary characters are and here they're mediocre, and in some cases, quite irritating. Jason Rafiel (played by Donald Pleasance) is particularly loathsome as is Mr Dyson. Interestingly, this is the same Jason Rafiel who died in Nemesis, meaning the two episodes are out of order, timeline-wise.

The local police detective, Inspector Weston, is interesting but doesn't get enough screentime.

Add in a very slow start to the episode - it takes forever for something significant to happen - and it's far from great.

Well shot and acted, and it transports you to a pleasant hotel in the Caribbean. Is Donald Pleasance making up his own dialogue? I'm sure Christie never called anyone a 'saucy mare'. Liberties are taken with the book, some good (Miss Marple's visit to the chambermaid's aunt) and some pointless (made up superstitions about the dead taking revenge). Directors should trust Christie!

Many of the 'improvements' blur and confuse the storyline. xxxxxx

Many years ago before Joan Hickson started in the role, Margaret Rutherford was my favourite Miss Marple and couldn't envisage changing my mind. However now, for me Hickson is the best, and this is the best episode, just! She is ably assisted by an excellent Donald Pleasance.

Caribbean Mystery is a good book by Agatha Christie, but I wouldn't go to say it was one of her best. It is worth the read, but I do prefer Murder is Announced and Sleeping Murder out of the Marple books. This adaptation while taking some liberties with the book, is the best adaptation, and yes I do prefer it over the Helen Hayes version. The adaptation is beautifully shot, with lovely camera work and the scenery is colourful and very pleasing to the eye. The music is well composed and fits nicely with what's going on on screen, if careful not to overshadow the action in those crucial scenes. The script and plot are solid, while taking liberties with the book. Speaking of the changes, I liked the idea of Miss Marple visiting the chambermaid's aunt, however some other changes like the dead coming back from the dead seemed far-fetched and didn't quite work. The adaptation also is rather lengthy, and there is some sluggish pacing in the middle half. On the plus side though, asides from how it was filmed and the good plot and script, we are also treated to a first-rate cast. Joan Hickson is as wonderful as ever as Miss Marple, and Donald Pleasance makes the most out of his role as Jason Rafiel. Sue Lloyd is suitably nasty as Lucy Dyson, and T.P.McKenna is good as Dr Grahame. Adrian Lukis and Sophie Ward are a little on the dull side as the Kendalls though. I will say the final solution was very effective. Overall, a worthwhile diversion, not so bad as an adaptation either. If you want a better Hickson- Marple adaptation though, try Murder Is Announced and Sleeping Murder. 8/10 Bethany Cox