The Mirror Crack’d - EMI Films 1980

Principal Cast: Angela Lansbury; Rock Hudson; Elizabeth Taylor; Geraldine Chaplin; Tony Curtis; Kim Novak; Edward Fox;

Director: Guy Hamilton

SYNOPSIS

Essentially a follow-up to “Death On the Nile”, this movie brings the whodunit genre to slightly more recent times, and employs Agatha Christie’s other great sleuth Miss Jane Marple, played with assuredness by Angela Lansbury in a turnabout from her role in the previous movie.

This movie involves bitching, politicking and murder during the making of a movie in England. Following the accidental death of a guest at a reception to welcome an American actress (Taylor) returning to the screen after a long absence, Miss Marple and her son, a Scotland Yard detective set about unravelling the web of intrigue surrounding the motives for the killing. Taylor and Novak in particular share the best lines as prima donnas involved in a long running catfight over the major role in the new film, though the Kim’s cleavage is literally overexposed throughout.

As with “Death On the Nile”, it is clear the original film has been remastered.

Running Time: 1hr 45mins

EXTRAS

? 20-chapter scene selection index

? Theatrical trailer

OVERALL

With less running time than “Death In the Nile” I found it more comfortable and easy to watch. And while some of the characters lacked the depth of those in “Death”, there was enough in the movie to retain my interest throughout.