Having recently re-read 'Moving Finger' I re-watched this adaptation and was a little disappointed. The humour so evident in the book is largely missing in this rather po-faced version. The central characters of Jerry and Joanna Burton are a little drab in comparison with their ITV McEwen counterparts as are many of the villagers. The character of Aimee Griffith is changed completely into a dowdy mouse and the vicar and his wife are rather too ordinary.
On the plus side, the Symmington household are well done. Michael Culver is spot on as the unassuming, well liked solicitor. Elizabeth Counsell whines suitably as his wife and Deborah Appleby is convincing as adult-child Megan who emerges quite unexpectedly as a beautiful (but not TOO unconvincingly beautiful) swan. I also liked Penelope Lee as the gloomy, put upon Partridge. Joan Hickson as ever is perfect as a Miss Marple who remains in the background.
Its really OK but in my opinion the newer versions knocks spots off it.
On the plus side, the Symmington household are well done. Michael Culver is spot on as the unassuming, well liked solicitor. Elizabeth Counsell whines suitably as his wife and Deborah Appleby is convincing as adult-child Megan who emerges quite unexpectedly as a beautiful (but not TOO unconvincingly beautiful) swan. I also liked Penelope Lee as the gloomy, put upon Partridge. Joan Hickson as ever is perfect as a Miss Marple who remains in the background.
Its really OK but in my opinion the newer versions knocks spots off it.