Murder in Eden

After he denounces a valuable painting as a fraud, art critic Max Aaronson is killed in a bit and run accident, but who possibly could have done it?

Better than I was expecting, definitely better than some of the comments would suggest, it's a very pleasing mystery, one with a couple of decent twists and turns.

There's a good scuttle at the end, with some decent looking fisticuffs, not always a success at this point in time, but they work here.

If you're a fan of all things 1960's, like I am, then there'll be something here for you, even if the story isn't quite your thing, you'll enjoy the fashions, styles, music and of course Genevieve's fabulous bubble car.

Solid performances throughout, everyone plays their part well, Genevieve was a cracking character.

7/10.

The corpses pile up without anyone being too upset in this light-hearted quickie shot in Ireland concerning the theft of a painting worth £55,000 (a lot of money in those days). For probably the first and last time Ray McAnally plays the dashing two-fisted hero, while continental cutie Catherine Feller drives about in a bubble car to accordion music supplied on the soundtrack by Wilfred Burns to make sure we know she's French.

One of several British 'B's to be filmed at Ireland's Ardmore studios around the turn of the Sixties, featuring an early leading film role for outstanding character actor Ray McAnally, with estimable contemporary Norman Rodway among the supporting cast. I had the art forger and murderer figured out pretty early on, but was still thrown by one twist toward the end, and it was worth watching. Can only echo the comment that it would have been better had the lovely Yvonne Buckingham been leading lady.

British B film with a run time of 61 minutes - let's give it a try. Fortunately, Murder in Eden didn't disappoint, at least not too much. It's actually kind of fun. The cast is all around solid and each plays their parts well, with most giving just the right touch. The story involving the art world, old masters, and forgery is fine, and even provides a little plot twist towards the end. The peppy score, cute little bubble car, all work together to give this little mystery just enough to keep the viewer engaged from beginning to end. I definitely think Murder in Eden is worth checking out if you tend to appreciate British mysteries, even those filmed in Ireland.

Very good Brit B, with Ray McAnally (better known to me as a car connoisseur on BBC Entertainment, and here acting none at all anally) playing an effective Inspector Sharkey, and Feller trying to pass off as a French girl with bulging eyes in a cute bubble car, whilst the villainous vehicle is a magnificent Bentley with a weird "Spirit of the Wolf" metallic figurehead... ah, the saucy sixties!

Sexy Yvonne Buckingham is a palace playing the sadly short part of Vicky Woolf. Exquisite face, figure and legs - to die for!

Competent photography (despite the obvious painted background in the final sequence), excellent and very melodious French accordion soundtrack and capable direction by Max Varnel (whom I do not know from Adam but whose father was apparently a French director of some standing), all neatly packed into an economical 61 minutes. Definitely worth watching!