Marple: Why Didn't They Ask Evans? Review (S4.E4)

This episode was first broadcast in the UK on Wednesday 15th June 2011, and was adapted by Patrick Barlow, produced by Karen Thrussell and directed by Nicholas Renton. The novel, which doesn't feature the character of Miss Marple, was previously adapted in 1980 starring Francesca Annis as Frankie Derwent. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT DON'T READ ANY FURTHER!



Story 

Well, where to start. This film is definitely the worst of this forth series by far, due solely to the plot. Unfortunately, unlike the other films, this one went rogue and was nothing like the original novel. Patrick Barlow started completely from scratch, only keeping the bare plot and adding so much more than necessary. If it was a stand alone drama, it could work, but this loose version stretches the boundaries too much. The first major fault is the introduction of Miss Marple into the proceedings. This is one of the biggest mistakes. The original novel featured two young amateur sleuths, Bobby Jones and Frankie Derwent, and although they are still present here, Marple just seems to invade their investigation and get it right in the end. Now, don't get me wrong, I love the character of Miss Marple, but she shouldn't be mixed with these young amateurs - why would they recruit a nosy old lady?
Other major plot changes include adding a major plot line involving China, which makes the murderer's motives change. Sylvia Bassington-ffrench becomes Sylvia Savage and was married to Jack Savage (John in the novel) and she has two children Tom and Dorothy. A man called Evans is added and then killed off, most of the characters are either completely rewritten of have their names changed, and many characters are omitted. Just about the only thing that remains the same is the murder on the clifftops - which has vital clues missing.
In my opinion, the plot is a complete disaster - it would work if it was't anything to do with Miss Marple or even Agatha Christie, just a drama written by Barlow - but as it is it doesn't work. It's the Appointment With Death of the Marple series! Incidentally - just a thought - how can the Christie Estate let these ridiculous scripts get made! Surely these rewritten "adaptions" are just too far?
Thank goodness the butler didn't do it as that would be the final nail in the coffin!

Direction, locations, soundtrack 

Nicholas Renton's direction in this particular episode is quite dark in tone and obscure in camera angles - to show that the audience don't have the complete picture. This dark tone is fitting for the episode in that it's largely set in a massive gloomy house with lot's of secrets and the direction helps the darker subplots seem more realistic. The main location, used for the Castle Savage, is Loseley Park near Guildford. Richard Hammerton's score for this episode is fantastic -  the incidental music fits the dark tone of the film. His tracks "China" and "The Will" are available to listen to on YouTube.

Cast and Characters 

Julia McKenzie is the star of the show in this, as always she brings her charm and intelligence to the role. Even though her appearance in the film is contrived, she still captivates us. Sean Biggerstaff and Georgia Moffat suit the roles well enough, but I prefer James Warwick and Francesca Annis' interpretations of Bobby and Frankie better. Samantha Bond is the strongest of the guest cast, giving us a powerful performance as the weakened Sylvia Savage. Richard Briers is also good as the loyal but shifty butler Wilson.