They Do It with Mirrors

I only remember Agatha Christie's novel vaguely. What I do remember about "They Do It With Mirrors", however, is that it was one of Dame Agatha's weakest novels. I was able, nonetheless, to spot a few changes to the plot, some minor, while others were major. However, this time around, changes only served to strengthen a somewhat flimsy plot for television, making it more cinematic, and overall, improving and endearing it.

The acting in this episode was absolutely first-rate. Julia McKenzie proves once more that she is a fantastic Miss Marple. Her charm, generally speaking, is just endearing. McKenzie needs to come across as extremely shrewd in this film, more than she has in other outings in the role. She not only handles this aspect well, but she still manages to conceal this with a seemingly harmless charm.

The entire supporting cast was extremely strong. Everyone fit their roles perfectly, and had fantastic chemistry with each other. Watch in particular for Emma Malin as Gina, in an extremely strong performance. I don't want to reveal too much, but her character always feels true. Another fantastic surprise is Brian Cox as Lewis Serrocold. In Christie's novel, something was missing from Lewis' character, which I can't quite put my finger on. Whatever the problem was, I don't detect a trace of it in Cox's magnificent performance.

Once more, this film felt little like a made-for-TV movie. The direction was stellar. Andy Wilson is the director, whose previous Agatha Christie credits include David Suchet's fabulous "Death on the Nile" and Geraldine McEwan's "4:50 From Paddington". Once more, he proves himself to be a capable director, and cleverly builds suspense, even during a (somewhat pointless) "car-bike-and-pedestrian" chase.

Paul Rutman adapted "They Do it With Mirrors", and his writing was generally strong. The liberties he took with the plot served mainly to strengthen the cinematic adaptation. There is, however, one chase sequence (that I already mentioned) that feels rather pointless. Its purpose is never explained (or, if it was, merely in passing; I didn't catch any explanation), but I'm sure it made the producers' eyes light up.

So, to sum up, "They Do It With Mirrors" may have very well been the best film of Series 4. There is a certain emotional connection I felt with the characters that was absent from the novel itself, and that's a good thing. The direction was once more fantastic, as was Dominik Scherrer's music. The cast this time around was particularly strong. All these elements work together to create an extremely fine adaptation, and an enjoyable film to boot.

Ruth Van Rydock ( Joan Collins) can't shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen to her sister at Stonygates house. She informs her old school friend Jane Marple (Julie Mackenzie) of this, and the sleuthing spinster to pay a visit to this grand Victorian mansion that isn't just a family home - it's also a correctional facility for wayward young men.

And when something terrible does indeed happen, Miss Marple must face her most eccentric cast of suspects yet.

Julie Mackenzie is a very good Marple, observing and intelligent. She certainly sense the air of evil in the mansion and soon there's murder- the characters are really good such as the young man who says his father's Winston Churchill. Ian Oglivy is quite good as an ex-husband of the sister. It's a well told mystery that is neatly wrapped up at the end.

It's fairly safe to state that the best entries in the "Agatha Christie's Marple" series are the ones that are also based on actual Miss Marple novels. The series exists of 23 feature films, whereas the amazing Mrs. Christie only ever wrote 12 novels with Miss Marple as protagonist. These 12 were all adapted into screenplays, evidently, as well as 2 short stories merged into one, but for the remaining ten others, the creators of the show based themselves on non-Marple murder whodunits, and then processed Miss Marple into them. Although always enjoyable, and sometimes even downright good movies, the actual Marple adaptations are slightly better, simply because they come across as more natural. "They do it with Mirrors" is such a Marple-original, and easily one of the best - say, top five - films of the series.

What else contributes to this being a great effort? Agatha Christie's marvelously twisted and imaginative plot, of course! The setting is terrific, with murder and attempted murder in an aristocratic family that also runs a reform-institution for delinquent young men, jealousy, adultery, former lovers and theatrical red herrings. The performances are also stellar, with as most astounding names Brian Cox and Joan Collins. The latter sadly only has a minor role, but - the diva she is - steals the show in every sequence she appears. After three installments, I also finally accepted Julia McKenzie as the replacement of the - in my humble opinion - far superior Geraldine McEwan.

It's not one of my favourite Christie novels, but this production manages to bring it to life, it's well paced, brilliantly acted and manages not to go over the top. It manages to be witty in parts. A few minor changes only, so it does feel very faithful to the book. I like how Wally was switched to being a prime suspect, it's very logical.

Some of the American accents are hit and miss, naturally Joan Collin's is fantastic, but Penelope Wilton's is dire.

I truly love Emma Griffiths, what a gorgeous girl, she makes the role of Geena so much fun. What can be said for Elliot Cowan though, he is something special, he's an enormous screen presence. Naturally Joan Collins adds something special, whilst I've never thought her a particularly brilliant actress she is definitely iconic.

I've spoken previously how much I liked Julia Mckenzie in the role, and she never disappoints, another top notch performance from her.

It's hard to find any fault with it in truth, it's very slick, and the ending is definitely satisfying. 8/10

This is one of the better Miss Marple adaptations starring JULIA McKENZIE as the clever sleuth who solves a few murders while helping detectives solve the case.

Without giving the plot away, it's safe to say that THEY DO IT WITH MIRRORS refers to the old theatrical expression used to explain theater magic. Here it becomes a vital part of the plot, the revelation of which should come as no great surprise to mystery fans.

BRIAN COX is fine in the central role of Louis Serrocold and all of the other British players are well cast. McKenzie seems to be settling into her role with ease and comfort, but her ability to see through a maze of relationships and clues remains a bit far fetched. Nevertheless, the story has enough ingredients to hold one's interest until the solution is revealed.

Well worth watching, especially for Marple fans. The only false note is JOAN COLLINS' flamboyant performance as Ruth. Her opening scene, especially, with Miss Marple is poorly written and directed.

Trivia note: ELLIOT COWAN who plays the American Wally, is (excuse the expression) a dead ringer for Heath Ledger--even has some of his mannerisms. Incredible likeness.