REVIEW Marple Endless Night (S6.E3)

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The latest episode of Marple to date was broadcast on 29th December 2013 and was adapted by Kevin Elyot, who is no stranger to Christie adaptions and produced and directed by David Moore.

Story

Whilst visiting her recently widowed friend Marjorie (Wendy Craig), Miss Marple meets charming young chauffeur Mike Rogers (Tom Hughes) who dreams to build a house on a local beauty spot Gypsy's Acre. After a run in with the local gypsy Mrs Lee (Janet Henfrey), Mike discovers the land is cursed, but when he meets and falls in love with the rich American heiress Ellie Goodman (Joanna Vanderham), he is more determined than ever to for fill his dreams. However, tragedy strikes when Ellie is killed, forcing Miss Marple to investigate, but in doing so she is putting her own life in danger.

Although the original novel doesn't feature the character of Miss Marple, Kevin Elyot cleverly slips her into the proceedings. As in the book, the film is narrated by Mike (cleverly played by Tom Hughes) and therefore includes the surprise ending. Miss Marple doesn't get as much to do as usual, but she still makes a good few appearances.

The whole plot works well, it's more suspenseful and impending than some, as the murder happens about two-thirds of the way through, but Elyot manages to give us enough entertainment up until that point.

The ending denouement is very well written, in fact we as the audience know who the killer is just before Marple reveals all, even if the characters don't. Miss Marple certainly shines in the last few moments, with her words making an impact on Mike. Despite complaints by fans about Miss Marple being inserted into the story, I think it's very cleverly written and one of  the best so far.

Direction, location, soundtrack

David Moore directed this film, his previous credits include The Blue Geranium and Poirot: Sad Cypress. I think he has been the best directer so far, Endless Night is skillfully directed. It feels very dark and ominous, very much like some of the later episodes of Poirot, not like previous Marple films at all. It's dark from start to finish, with the ending denouement really showing of the darkness.

Cast and characters 

Julia McKenzie as always plays Miss Marple with great dexterity. In this we see a new, more darker element to Miss Marple, especially in the ending scenes, where she takes it upon herself to confront the killer with no aid of the police, resulting in her having to run through the woods and being nearly throttled. I like the way that once she's discovered the murderer's identity, she will stop at nothing to bring them to justice, and in this film she very nearly is killed herself.

Apart from Julia, Tom Hughes is the star of the show, he really gives us a powerful three dimensional performance as Mike Rogers. it's a difficult part to play but he does so skillfully, managing to give a great depth to the character.

The rest of the cast are up to their usual standards: Aneurin Barnard is brilliant as the dying young architecht Robbie Heyman, his character really sends a chill down one's spine.  Janet Henfrey is suitably creepy as the foreboding gypsy Mrs Lee, Joanna Vanderham is great as the rather vulnerable young American Ellie Goodman and Glynis Barber is excellent as Cora Van Stuyvesant, with the right balance of manipulative and cold.