With the success of Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, it’s no surprise that the same group of producers would forge ahead with another tale by Agatha Christie, this one featuring Miss Marple. Based on the 1962 novel The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side, 1980’s The Mirror Crack’d stars Angela Lansbury in the titular role. A young looking fifty-four at the time, Lansbury is caked in old lady makeup to pass as the frail but brilliant amateur detective.
Following the same formulas the earlier films, the cast is staked with notable names. Elizabeth Taylor as Marina Gregg Rudd, a emotionally fragile movie star trying to make a comeback; Rock Hudson as her director husband Jason Rudd; Kim Novak, as Lola Brewster, her co-star and hated rival; Tony Curtis as Marty Fenn, the chatty producer; Geraldine Chaplin as Ella Zielinsky, Jason’s assistant; and Edward Fox as Scotland Yard’s inspector Craddock.
The story revolves around the small English village of St. Mary Mead, sent into a tizzy when a Hollywood production company arrives to make a film about Mary. A welcome dinner party for star Marina Gregg Rudd (Taylor) and her director husband Jason, is thrown into a catty affair when Marina’s co-star, Lola Brewster (Novak) arrives unexpectedly with her producer husband, Marty (Curtis). While all this is happening, a local woman drinks a poisoned daiquiri and dies. Soon, evidence mounts that someone may have an ax to grind with Marina, and it’s up to Miss Marple to find the murderer.
While uneven (perhaps due to the significant changes from the novel), director Guy Hamilton (of James Bond fame), does a good job with what he has. The characters trade barbs constantly, with the cattiest exchanges saved for Taylor and Novak. “I’m so glad to see you’ve not only kept your gorgeous figure,” Novak scoffs, “but you’ve added so much to it.” Hamilton leads into the campiness, not afraid to let his stars chew some scenery.
Sadly though, Lansbury’s Miss Marple is largely sidelined, having sprained her ankle early in the film, which means she’s doing her sleuthing from home. Why would you cast someone the caliber of Angela Lansbury and have her stuck at home?
While not in league with Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, The Mirror Crack’d is a lot of fun. The cast are clearly enjoying themselves, exchanging quips to bide time as the mystery reveals itself.
And if you like movies with all-star casts as I do, The Mirror Crack’d is a must see.
Scanned in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative and presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, Kino Lorber has delivered a strong 4K release. The image is excellent, sporting vivid colors and wonderful depth throughout. A light layer of grain gives things a filmic appearance. The inclusion of HDR/Dolby Vision gives the black and white opening sequence inky blacks and enhanced greys. The image is clean throughout, with no scratches or other anomalies.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix fits the film well. Mixed nicely, John Cameron’s score enhances the film without encroaching on vocals or other sounds of the environs. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise.
English SDH subtitles are included,
The following extras are available:
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
- Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
- Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson
- TV Spots
- Theatrical Trailer