Who doesn’t like a good whodunit and which author do you tend to think of in this genre? Why Agatha Christie of course, the film I’m reviewing here is based upon one of her novels, The Mirror Crack’d, so without further ado here’s my The Mirror Crack’d (1980) Blu-ray Review.
- The Mirror Crack’d (1980)
- Genre: Crime, Mystery
- Running Time: 105 Mins
- UK Rating PG
- Released By Studiocanal
- Blu-ray Released: 23 October 2017
Plot
The Americans descend into a small English village with the intention of making a feature film. Director Jason Rudd (Rock Hudson) and his movie star wife Marina Gregg-Rudd (Elizabeth Taylor) move into the manor house, Gossington Hall. They decide to invite the locals to meet the celebrities with Marina Gregg-Rudd the star of the show.
However during this event a local woman is found dead, but worse is to come as it appears she has in fact been murdered. Fortunately one of the local residents just happens to be a certain Miss Jane Marple who is determined to put all the pieces together and reveal who the killer is.
The film is directed by Guy Hamilton with the cinematography side of things that’s taken care of by Christopher G. Challis. Overall the feel and look of the film seems right for the period and the location of the small English village. It all rather well shot and for the most part works very well.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is by John Cameron is in keeping of what you would expect in an Agatha Christie adaptation and works rather well.
Acting / Characters
The cast list is packed full of star names just like with the film version of Murder on the Orient Express. Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson are the focal point of the story and do a good enough job of keeping you interested in their story despite their obvious lack of interest in the poor local woman’s murder.
Kim Novak as Lola Brewster adds some energy to proceedings as does the colourful character of film producer Marty Fenn played by Tony Curtis.
The actual hands on detective work is carried out by Inspector Dermot Craddock who also happens to be Miss Marple’s nephew and is played by Edward Fox. Again he plays the role rather well as do most of the cast.
Now on to Miss Marple the main character and the one who will solve the case, Angela Lansbury takes on the role, she is probably best known for her similar role as Jessica Fletcher in the TV Series Murder, She Wrote. I’ve seen many different actresses play the role but I have to admit Lansbury’s version is possibly my least favourite version. She lacks a certain charm that the others had and I can’t quite put my finger on what it is I don’t like.
Cast
- Angela Lansbury as Miss Jane Marple
- Elizabeth Taylor as Marina Gregg-Rudd
- Rock Hudson as Jason Rudd
- Tony Curtis as Martin “Marty” N. Fenn
- Kim Novak as Lola Brewster
- Geraldine Chaplin as Ella Zelinsky (originally Ella Blunt)
- Edward Fox as Inspector Dermot Craddock (Jane’s nephew)
- Charles Gray as Bates, the butler
- Richard Pearson as Doctor Haydock
- Wendy Morgan as Cherry
- Margaret Courtenay as Mrs. Dolly Bantry
Conclusion: The Mirror Crack’d Film Review
I’ve enjoyed many of the big screen versions of Agatha Christies work and I did enjoy The Mirror Crack’d with my only slight complaint being I wasn’t overly keen on Angela Lansbury portrayal of Miss Marple. That aside if you love a good whodunit then this is clearly the film for you.
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Conclusion: The Mirror Crack’d Blu-ray Review
Picture wise I have no real complaints, it looks fabulous with no marks anywhere to be seen, the image is sharp and clean whilst the colours look perfect.
Moving on to the extras and I think overall it’s a rather good set of interviews from Angela Lansbury, writer Barry Sandler and producer Richard Goodwin. Lansbury goes into detail in how she approach playing such an iconic role whilst the writer discusses just how much he was allowed to change from the original Agatha Christie story.
Extras
- Writer Barry Sandler Interview
- Dame Angela Lansbury Interview
- Producer Richard Goodwin Interview
- Behind The Scenes Stills Gallery
- Costume Designs Stills Gallery
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
The Mirror Crack’d (1980)
MOVIE RATING: GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
The Mirror Crack’d (1980) Blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
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The Mirror Crack’d (1980) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
That concludes The Mirror Crack’d blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave a comment over on our Facebook page.
Summary: The Mirror Crack'd (1980) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Mirror Crack'd (1980)
Duration: 105 mins
Director(s): Guy Hamilton
Actor(s): Angela Lansbury, Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis, Kim Novak, Edward Fox
Genre: Crime, Mystery
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A must see for all fans of the whodunit genre, especially as it now looks better than ever with this new blu-ray release.
