©BBC
The first episode to star Joan Hickson as the title sleuth, The Body in the Library, was broadcast in three parts from 23rd - 26th December 1984.
Story
A body is found in the library of Gossington Hall, St Mary Mead, home of Colonel Bantry (Moray Watson) and his wife Dolly (Gwen Watford). Miss Jane Marple (Joan Hickson), an old friend of Dolly, is called upon to investigate. However, although the Chief Contable Colonel Melchett (Frederick Jaeger) doesn't appear to mind, Chief Inspector Slack (David Horovitch) is less keen. Miss Marple and Dolly travel to the Majestic Hotel, Danemouth to investigate, leading them on a trail involving nail clippings and Mozart.
T.R.Bowen's script remains faithful to the original novel but makes some minor changes. Firstly, he moves the 1942 setting to 1953. Also, Ruby Keene's inheritance increases and the plot to kill Conway Jefferson is changed. However, it's a faithful and thoroughly entertaining script.
T.R.Bowen's script remains faithful to the original novel but makes some minor changes. Firstly, he moves the 1942 setting to 1953. Also, Ruby Keene's inheritance increases and the plot to kill Conway Jefferson is changed. However, it's a faithful and thoroughly entertaining script.
Direction, locations and soundtrack
Silvio Narizzano's direction is very good, especially the village scenes; he captures the closure of an Elglish coiuntry village perfectly. Locations include the village of Nether Wallop, Hampshire as St Mary Mead (which features in all the episodes) and Bournemouth bills as Danemouth.
Cast and Characters
Joan Hickson gives a powerful and spectacular debut performance as Miss Jane Marple. It's also great to see the recurring character of Chief Inspector Slack for the first time. Over the next few years Hickson and Horovitch's on - screen relationship would develop, in the first episode they are rivals, although only from Slack's perspective. Also, Gwen Watford makes her first appearance as Miss Marple's friend Dolly Bantry, as does Ian Brimble, who plays Lake. Of the guest stars, Raymond Francis stands out as Sir Henry Clithering.
The Body In The Library Part 3 is available to watch on BBC Iplayer.
Thank you for identifying Bournemouth.
ReplyDeleteI notice two small typos "he captures the closure of an Elglish coiuntry village perfectly"
I am also not entirely sure what is meant by the closure of a country vilage - though it does seem staid even for how I imagine village live might have been in 1953 when I was very young but a suburban dweller.