This Agatha Christie novel has been adapted for the screen once before, in 1985, with Helen Hayes as Miss Marple: that film is called "Murder With Mirrors", and is, in my opinion, better than this later version: the mystery is better-constructed, with the huge red herring of the "poisoning" getting built up right from the start, and apart from a weaker Carrie Louise (Bette Davis was obviously in poor health at the time), the older version had more engaging performances in most roles. For example, while both Ginas were pretty delightful, in MWM her husband was also a likable fellow and you wanted them to "kiss and make up"; in TDWM Todd Boyce is so dismal in the same role, you hope the poor girl will divorce him! Despite being about 15 minutes shorter, MWM does a better job of explaining the plot, while TDWM's resolution feels rushed. It's really a 5/10 movie, but I gave it an extra point for the profoundly sad final shots - easily the best moments in the film.
Miss Marple: They Do It with Mirrors
(1991 TV Movie)
The Helen Hayes version is better
24 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers