Copyright 31 December 1961 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. New York opening at the Baronet: 7 January 1962. U.S. release: 30 December 1961. U.K. release: 26 September 1961. Australian release: 31 May 1962. Sydney opening at the Liberty. 7,720 feet. 86 minutes.SYNOPSIS: While traveling on a train, Miss Marple, an elderly spinster with an avid taste for detective stories, witnesses a murder on another train that passes by. Naturally, the police don't believe her story, so she sets out to investigate the crime herself.NOTES: First of the four Miss Marple mystery movies. See Murder Most Foul. Except for 2009's "Glorious 39", this is the final film appearance of Muriel Pavlow, who has since acted exclusively on the stage or in television.COMMENT: This one shapes up as a Miss Marple meets Sir Lancelot Spratt movie, with delightful consequences for all. However, being a murder mystery, it doesn't quite work out that way. True, Margaret Rutherford is handed the lion's share of the action, but James Robertson Justice's role is actually disappointingly small. It's Arthur Kennedy who makes most of the running, with good support from a somewhat subdued Muriel Pavlow and a cast of interesting suspects including quota quickie stars Ronald Howard and Conrad Phillips. On the right side of the law, Charles Tingwell and Stringer Davis also manage a fair share of screen time. There's precious little left for James Robertson Justice, aside from a couple of scenes which allow him to shout and rant a treat, plus a completely out of character and rather disconcerting fade-out. The mystery itself holds the interest, despite Pollock's generally flat, steady-as-she-goes direction (he does deliver a few nice atmospheric effects), although the identity of the killer will be obvious to most viewers almost right from the start.

This is the first of five Miss Marple film starring Margaret Rutherford. So, obvious the movie was pretty popular! The story is very similar to Hitchcock's "The Lady Vanishes". The story begins aboard a train and Miss Marple is reading a juicy novel about murder. Just then, a train passes and she catches a glimpse of a woman being strangled!! She cannot see the killer but quickly tells the conductor...who inexplicably assumes she just has an overactive imagination! The police are equally unexcited about this...and that does seem odd (and a weakness in the film). So, Marple goes investigating on her own. The clues lead to a manor home but with no significant evidence, she decides to apply for a job as a housekeeper there so she can snoop around the place legally. What's next? See the film.This story is better than some murder mysteries in that the main character only investigates the crime because the police won't. In too many, the lead decides out of the blue to become an amateur sleuth and they ALWAYS outwit the police! Rutherford is delightful and the story has some nice character actors (such as Arthur Kennedy and James Robertson Justice). Worth seeing...especially so you can enjoy the zippy harpsichord music!

I love this movie...in fact, I love all the Margaret Rutherford Marple movies. They were on continuous play when I was young--when there was still a "Late, Late Show" and a "Sunday Morning Movie". The story does swerve mightily from the book, but it is no less entertaining for that. Rutherford's expressions are a delight as she marches through Ackenthorp Manor as a very nosy and bossy maid (she was in her seventies I believe). Her Miss Marple is the Auntie most of us would love to have had. Curmudgeon-like and yet kind and funny, and very, very wise.

Miss Marple is one of my favorite characters and go-to for fun film enjoyment. As soon as I hear that theme tune, I can't help but smile. I know Margaret Rutherford will delight for many a repeat performance. She is a gem my friends. Not your typical leading lady but definitely unique and unparalleled in composition. You would just love joining her for tea!The mystery elements are simple but intriguing, the plot beguiling, the actors commendable and the ending satisfying. Enjoy watching her and Mr. Stringer canoodle to solve crime, such a delightful team. I find it so hopeful for the mature women among us that they are married and he is really cute!! haha High recommend for suspense, hilarity, and good old fashioned cinematic entertainment.