Murder Most Foul

First released in 1964, Murder Most Foul is a quintessential British black comedy full of intrigue, suspense, and a healthy dose of eccentricity. Directed by George Pollock and penned by David Pursall and Jack Seddon, the film stars British screen icon, Margaret Rutherford, in one of her most celebrated roles as Miss Marple, the slightly eccentric yet brilliant amateur detective from Agatha Christie’s detective series. This film continues the series of four Miss Marple films made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer that began in 1961.

Murder Most Foul marks third of the four Miss Marple films starring Rutherford in the lead role, with each film offering an irreplaceable glimpse into her delightful, quirky interpretation of Christie’s most enduring detective. In this film, Miss Marple’s wise, worldly, yet somewhat outlandish demeanor is in full form as she makes her way into the dark underbelly of showbiz to crack an enigmatic murder case.

Joined by Ron Moody as H. Driffold Cosgood, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell as Inspector Craddock, and Stringer Davis, Rutherford's real-life husband, as Mr. Stringer, the film strikes a perfect balance between classic British humor and a gripping mystery. The camaraderie and on-screen chemistry between the ensemble cast are palpable, making the film equally engaging and enjoyable.

The plot thickens in Murder Most Foul when Miss Marple is selected to serve on a jury where a young actor is accused of murder. When the jury finds him guilty, Miss Marple, ever the contrarian, delivers her 'not guilty' verdict, much to the consternation of her fellow jurors and court officers. Convinced of the young actor's innocence, Marple undertakes an independent investigation into the murder, the trail of which leads her to an amateur theater troupe.

In a turn of events, Miss Marple auditions for and impressively secures a role in the troupe, much to the surprise of her faithful companions. Navigating the world of showbiz, dealing with theatre’s prima donnas, capricious directors and ambitious understudies, Miss Marple diligently proceeds with her inquiries. Rutherford’s portrayal of Miss Marple in these unfamiliar environments accentuates her character's charm and wit, making the film even more entertaining and delightful.

Ron Moody also shines as H. Driffold Cosgood, the theatre troupe director, bringing an air of charm and an edge of skittish desperation to the role. His interactions with Miss Marple add depth, humor and an extra layer of allure to the narrative. Similarly, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell's portrayal of Inspector Craddock and Stringer Davis as Mr. Stringer also aid in maintaining the film’s lighthearted tone and pace while propelling the plot forward.

Punctuated by British wit, a twisting plot, and memorable characters, Murder Most Foul provides a delightful blend of comedy and crime, offering unadulterated entertainment from start to finish. George Pollock masterfully directs the third enthralling detective case of the Miss Marple franchise, imparting an engaging combination of suspense and charm, creating an atmosphere of thrilling unpredictability and genial laughter.

The sets, costumes, and backdrop of a 1960s England, all work to create an immersive world that transports the viewer to a time and place of simplicity and charm, the period’s signature look and feel becoming as much a part of the solving of the crime as Miss Marple herself. Alan Hume’s cinematography gives the film a pleasant and pictorial quality, his camera effectively capturing the suspense and humour of the story, while Richard Rodney Bennett’s music score adds additional layers of suspense and intrigue.

In its entirety, Murder Most Foul is a testament to Margaret Rutherford's talent, charisma, and uncanny ability to turn a character into an experience. While it differs in many ways from Agatha Christie’s original conception of Miss Marple, Rutherford’s interpretation of the character is both engaging and entertaining. For all its twists and turns, Murder Most Foul, at its core, is about the unfaltering commitment to truth, and a demonstration that justice can often be found in the unlikeliest of places.