7 Miss Marple Actresses - who played her BEST?

[@McIntyreBible]

Personally, Joan Hickson is my choice for the best portrayal of Miss Marple!

[@maryhook9478]

Joan Hickson WAS Miss Marple

[@jmbrinck]

Hear, hear. A thousand times over.

[@erosleroi7638]

I agree. All the others are lame in comparison to Joan Hickson. Also she was approved of by Agatha Christie herself.

[@suzannehicks5856]

Absolutely!!

[@josefschiltz2192]

Definitely Joan Hickson. She was a close neighbour of some cousins of mine and people were always wondering if they'd actually get to see 'Miss Marple' whilst they were there.

[@saraspangler890]

Joan Hickson was the best, she portrayed the character, as written in the books, more closely than the others.

[@marina_via]

In loving memory of Angela Lansbury (16 October 1925 - 11 October 2022)....

[@seto749]

Oh, how sad. Ms Lansbury's smoking was the most out-of-character thing I can recall short of Ms Rutherford's physical antics, though I'm not sure how to rank Ms McEwan's recollection of aborting an affair with a married man. In Miss Marple's world ladies of her ilk didn't smoke. Recall how the smoking room in Bertram's Hotel was mysteriously reserved for the gentlemen. While I won't fault anyone for a preference for Ms McEwen, I place her so firmly as the perfect Miss Jean Brodie that it would be difficult to give her an English character as well as a Scots. More strongly in Ms Hickson's column were her being at the time the oldest actress in a leading series role and filming all the novels with relatively high fidelity to the original. I do wish they'd done her series in the style of Poirot and filmed the short stories as well, particularly The Herb of Death, The Blue Geranium, A Christmas Tragedy and Death by Drowning.

[@marina_via]

@@seto749 yeah, indeed. About smoking - yet she did it with such a taste, just adore this hilarious scene!

[@mzm4574]

Yes she was quite the beauty! Her performance in a portrait of Dorian Gray was incandescent!

[@kathleenclark5877]

Definitely Joan Hickson. Her outward appearance made everyone (especially the professional detectives and the murderers) underestimate the steel trap that was her mind. She had the ability to appear to be a frail and a bit dithery little old lady that people dismissed and, as a result, she was able to analyze their personas in relaxation while they weren’t putting on masks to deceive the outside world.

[@thekingsdaughter4233]

She looked the part, she played it right- and, what was probably not in her control, they stuck to the original, actual story reasonably well. With the newer ones, I hardly recognized the books. Watched one or two and never came back. I'm willing to give Angela Lansbury a try, though. Maybe. 😉😄

[@ilanamillion8942]

There is no doubt that Joan Hickson is my absolute favourite.

[@helenbramwell]

Definitely Joan Hixon for me. Plain old lady with a mind like a computer..... Perfect!

[@elinstar6034]

Ah, you put it perfectly.

[@HannibalFan52]

I think Jason Rafiel (Donald Pleasance) in 'A Caribbean Mystery' put it most succinctly when he described Miss Marple as having a 'mind like a bacon slicer'.

[@amherst88]

I personally wonder why Marples keep being made -- the series with Joan Hickson was about as perfect an adaptation as you can get -- the tone of the dialogue, the techniques of setting/construction, and certainly the characterization -- when I think of Miss Marple I think of Joan Hickson.

[@marina_via]

Well, times change... New takes are coming, eventually, that try to introduce the evergreen legacy to new generations in a new/updated way

[@TheBlueyedblond]

I agree 100%. The others were mediocre in comparison to Joan Hickson.

[@JoannaLamont333]

I agree, Joan Hicks was perfect & better than any of the others.

[@Mags1906]

Joan Hickson depicted Miss Marple exactly how I imagined her. She was absolutely perfect for the role. My all time favourite hands down. Number 2 Margaret Rutherford (I just love her) and 3 Julia McKenzie (Even though I adored Angela Lansbury she takes 4th place. I remember her as a pretty young lady in films. I love her 'murder she wrote' series too.) RIP Dame Angela Lansbury ❤

[@amyprecociouslake4806]

????sorry....she's rather ???? She appeals to a generation that does not know about the others! I can't get past two minutes and I'm changing the channel!!! Margaret Rutherford is my favorite! I've never seen Angela Lansbury in the role!

[@EGSimon-ds1vf]

Joan Hickson will always be Miss Marple in my eyes. Angela Landsbury, RIP, will always be Jessica Fletcher of "Murder She Wrote".

[@albertgrant1017]

Well Said !

[@davesheppard8797]

I totally agree E.G. Joan Hickson was Agatha Christie's choice. If they ever remake "Murder she wrote" people will then be debating who was the best Jessica!! But in my mind it's Joan for Marple and Lansbury for Jessica!! Dave.

[@digbycrankshaft7572]

Joan Hickson was the definitive Miss Marple. Perfectly cast and unparalleled.

[@sarahdee374]

Completely!!!

[@sealfan1000]

Joan Hickson is my favorite-hands down; followed by Geraldine McEwan. This was a great video-thanks!

[@marina_via]

it was pleasure to research as well, thank you!

[@maggiesmith856]

The problem with the McEwan Marples was that the writers were obsessed with putting lesbianism into every episode, even if they had to change the identity of the killer to do it.

[@gigikay1734]

I agree with Belle Jour

[@Artemis-goddess]

@@maggiesmith856Spotted the homophobe.

[@lucilleyoung9142]

Joan Hickson was the perfect Miss Marple. Agatha Christie saw Miss Hickson playing in the West End and she sent her a note saying, "I hope one day you will play my Miss Marple.."

[@sharonsmith1783]

Geraldine McEwan is my favorite. She seems like a real person, carrying the heartbreak and loss of her youth bravely. She is not bitter or self-pitying, she is determinedly sociable with a naughty smile and humble nature. Of course she portrays the other attributes of Miss. Marple too, as most of them do. I just wish she had done more of them.

[@marina_via]

I guess, this michievious spark is what makes me feel happier too :-)

[@marionbacon5821]

My choice too. She always had a twinkle in her eye.

[@candacenagle505]

I agree! She is definitely Miss Marple to me. The sparkle in her eye is so mischievous. If I were to be an old sleuth, I would want to be like her. Somehow she is ageless.

[@julierobinson6906]

I agree but I also loved Margaret Rutherford but perhaps that’s because I was a child and I watched them curled up with my dad

[@candacenagle505]

@@julierobinson6906 That would be a very special memory!

[@poppychase]

Geraldine McEwan is my favourite. Clever and warm with a real affection for people, even as she despaired of the evil in some of them. I've also seen Julia McKenzie, Margaret Rutherford, Angela Lansbury and Joan Hickson.

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

A friend of mine once described Geraldine as being "Twinkly", I think it describes her very well.

[@Artemis-goddess]

She was my introduction to Marple and I love her. I am rewatching her episodes now. May she rest in peace.

[@karenryder6317]

​@@zacmumblethunder7466 Yes, but that's the wrong way to play Jane. As we clearly see in Joan's portrait of her, she is a resigned cynic about human nature and it's the astuteness of her cynicism that gives her the ability to grasp the dark side of the criminal element. Anyone with that awareness wouldn't be so "twinkly" or happy.

[@Pelican53]

I adore everything about the Joan Hickson series, definitely the best in my opinion. Joan Hickson was the perfect Miss Marple.

[@amidthephantomsrose]

Margaret Rutherford is my favorite. Her portrayal introduced me to the character. And although not faithful to the books, I love her self confidence and her no nonsense attitude.

[@albertgrant1017]

She was great ! She was the first Miss Marple I saw.

[@davidallen508]

I totally agree ; Margaret Rutherford was great in anything, even when having to rise above poor material.

[@marysmith7792]

Me too. Margaret Rutherford. I saw her films at the Mcarthur movie theatre, Washington, DC with my parents as a young girl. Murder at the Gallop was my first. I have all of them on VHS tape.

[@nessiesearcher]

I agree with all the commenters here. I can watch her four films any number of times and am always admiring of her no nonsense and courageous attitude. I actually find Joan Hickson more of a stick figure than any of the others and find her portrayal just unwatchable, even if the plots are closer to the books.

[@3poodlez321]

I love Agatha Christie and was pleased to find your channel. I love Joan Hickson, but I think all the portrayals have a charm all their own. Thank you, this was great!

[@marina_via]

This, that's exactly the thought that I came to after completing the making of this video! They are all really charming, indeed! Plan to watch some Rutherford episode tonight, she looks particularly expressive!

[@amysands8925]

Joan Hickson with out a dought.

[@iainsan]

I've read all the Miss Marple books and short stories. Far from being a sweet old lady, she's actually quite a waspish, prudish and conservative Victorian gentlewoman who is very conscious of her superior social rank when it comes to servants and the working classes generally. The reason she is such a good detective is a lifetime of catty gossip with her peers. She relates every situation she comes across to a previous scandel from her village. Therefore, I agree that Joan Hickson's rather cold and serious portayal was the best, both in terms of character and looks.

[@frglee]

Jane Marple is clearly written as being very observant and very intelligent with a very good eye for human nature. The 'little old gossipy lady' is a front that distracts and allows her to put people at ease around her. It's a genius creation and Hickson played it seriously with some skill.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Agreed. If the Jane Austen who wrote 'Mansfield Park' had turned to detective fiction, she would have created a sleuth of Miss Marple's temper, a compassionate but insistent Christian moralist. Rutherford is an enjoyable, self-indulging burlesque, McEwan too fey (as she usually was), McKenzie trying to row back from McEwan's eldritch exaggerations but up against the trendy inanities of 21C adaptors. Hickson hit the bullseye: the triumph of less-is-more acting which renders later attempts redundant. They were prone to fall into absurdity when trying to cloud memories of the definitive interpretation (cf Branagh as Poirot, after Suchet).

[@EuSeiT]

And that is why I like Marple: a Victorian woman with Conservative, moral values!

[@Artemis-goddess]

Ah, sad to read that. Makes sense why I like Geraldine’s Marple.

[@elizzievb]

Joan Hickson IS Miss Marple. There can be no other for me. Just as David Suchet is Hercule. Oh, how I love them both. 🌹❤

[@janinecarson8380]

They are perfect. Those productions were so well done, so historically accurate as to architecture and dress. They stuck very closely to the book plots as well. The later Marple versions, while good and enjoyable, often strayed very far from the originals, inserting Miss Marple into stories where she didn't appear at all in the books.

[@elizabethroberts6215]

……met the wonderful David SUCHET whilst he doing a stage play. We had a wonderful time talking about the theatre, tv, film etc.

[@ElledieWildAndFree]

Joan Hickson is just as Agatha Christies wrote her, the perfect Miss Marple

[@lilianmcguigan9240]

I believe Joan Hickson and Margaret Rutherford were absolutely wonderful! They both appeared in 'Murder Most Foul", Margaret played Marple an Joan played a housekeeper.

[@marina_via]

exactly! included this footage in the vid

[@karmelicanke]

@@marina_via My vote is for Margaret Rutherford. In fact we watch her films several times a month.

[@eamonndeane587]

They actually appeared together in Murder She Said (Rutherford's First Miss Marple film, not Murder Most Foul (Rutherford's Third).

[@lilianmcguigan9240]

@@eamonndeane587 I stand corrected.

[@eamonndeane587]

@@lilianmcguigan9240 Sorry if that came off as pernickety.

[@tarapauls6812]

I LOVED Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple. I love Julia Mackenzie as an actress, but she wasn't as convincing to me. I will need to watch the other versions before I vote on the others. Thank you for this video. I truly enjoyed it.

[@cristrizrenaud8297]

Joan Hickson "es" la perfecta Miss Marple!! Es la que me imaginaba al leer las novelas de Agatha...Saludos desde Argentina!!

[@Hypnobunny1]

Hands down best (in my opinion) was the marvellous Joan Hickson 🌹

[@nadinesoussa1367]

I’m definitely on the Joan Hickson team. 1 wish the woman who comments. Would talk less and just stick to nthe point !

[@johnderham2829]

The best is Joan Hickson born 1906 to 1998

[@nadinesoussa1367]

Joan Hickson all the way.

[@eamonndeane587]

My Personal Ranking from Favourite to Least Favourite: 1. Dame Joan Hickson (RIP) 2. Julia McKenzie 3. Dame Margaret Rutherford (RIP) 4. Dame Angela Lansbury (RIP) 5. Geraldine McEwan (RIP) 6. Helen Hayes (RIP)

[@ПифитетяАгата]

Hallo! I love Agatha Christie very much, I love Miss Marple (and Poirot too))). Of course my favorite is Joan Hickson💐💐 , she is ideal Miss Marple for me. Number two is Geraldine McEwan, 🌹but I adapted to her a long time. And number three is Margaret Rutherford 🌻, the most cheerful, energetic and eccentric Miss. Thank you for the your review! 🌺

[@janetginger8571]

Joan Hickson drew every eye. Angela Lansbery as the elderly spy also is superb

[@kayanthes1935]

Having grown up watching Joan Hickson, I still think she was the best portrayal of Christie's character overall. I also really liked Julia McKenzie (maybe I just enjoy tweedy?). Geraldine McEwan was sometimes all right, and other times trying too hard to be cute. [And yes, ITV annoyed me when it changed the plots so heavily.] Margaret Rutherford's character was absolutely hilarious (occasionally ludicrous), but too far afield for me to consider it a true "Marple." Hmm, I haven't seen Angela Lansbury's yet, though I adored her on "Murder, She Wrote." Thanks for your informative research in this video!

[@grannyvapes4154]

I loved Geradine McEwan. She had that way of putting out that innocent old lady until she wasps up and nails them. Angela second, Joan Hickson would be my third, but the last two would be a tie for second.

[@howard1707]

For me 1st goes to Joan Hickson, even though my 2nd choice goes to my mother's old school friend Geraldine McEwan, 3rd goes to Helen Hayes, although Julia McKenzie was good I felt she was a little too young for the role. And an honourable mention should go to June Whitfield for her radio adaptions of Miss Marple.

[@frankiebowman2825]

Hands down Joan Hickson

[@michaeldevaney5728]

I definitely believe Joan hickson was the best Marple of all time definitely she was extremely suited to thst role

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

The strange thing for me is that Joan Hickson was one of my favourite actresses, David Suchet, one of my favourite actors, yet their Christie detectives used to irritate me. I think it's probably an indication that I wouldn't enjoy the books. The Marples that I've enjoyed best are the ones that true fans say are the least like the character, Margaret Rutherford and Geraldine McEwan.

[@michaeldevaney5728]

@@zacmumblethunder7466 hi thanks very much for your comment and reply I totally understand where you are coming from I'm not suggesting mckeowen wasn't a good Marple I'm just saying she definitely wouldn't be my favourite yur comment is very valid and relevant ie my absolute favourite ie was a murder is announced I thought it was absolutely excellent ie especially with the 2 ladies 1 of the ladies owned pigs I forget her name but she was an amazing actress I'm actually Irish but i love the English cultures and the old sleepy villages ie a murder is announced is sheer class have you a favourite Marple film ie mckeowen was probably my second favourite to hickson

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

@michaeldevaney5728 I known Joan Hickson was the best, in that she was for so many the embodiement of the character. I just prefer the battiness of Margaret Rutherford, who I know is very different to the books. "Murder She Said" (4:10 from Paddington) is probably my favourite. She was a wonderful comic actress. A friend of mine summed up Geraldine McEwan perfectly by saying she was "Twinkly". I didn't see all of her stories, but I really enjoyed the one in the hotel (Bertrams?). I'm in England, not in a sleepy village I'm afraid. It's a sad fact that a lot of those typucal English villages are in decline. Wealthy city types buy up the houses to have as weekend retreats or to retire to. They purchase everything they need in the city, so the shops close. They are there only at weekends, so the schools close. Locals can't afford to stay as the property prices rise. The incomers even complain about farm traffic and the church bells. Which part of Ireland are you in?

[@michaeldevaney5728]

@@zacmumblethunder7466 hi I'm from county sligo in the west of Ireland I'm very saddened to hear that those beautiful sleepy villages are in decline unfortunately greed has massively taken over in most countries ie I totally understand what you mean as regards the Marple actressess I to enjoyed Rutherford as Marple I totally agree with you she added huge mischief to the part yu are totally correct ie you should you tube ie a murder is announced with Joan hickson you will instantly see why it is my favourite I bet yu will agree when yu watch ie a murder is announced is a total masterpiece

[@elizabethroberts6215]

@@michaeldevaney5728……those two actresses’ were: Paola Dionisotti, & Joan Sims (shorter of the two). The former was in a Wexford episode ‘The Veiled One’………very scary! The latter was in many ‘Carry On’ films’………

[@tonileigh8660]

Nothing against any of the other wonderful actresses, especially Angela Lansbury, but Joan Hickson is and always will be the best Miss Marple. In fact, in the 1940s Agatha Christie wrote to Joan Hickson to suggest that she should play Miss Marple one day. When the author even picks Joan Hickson, you know she's the best. Sadly, Agatha Christie died 8 years before Joan Hickson began playing Miss Marple.

[@lucindawnuk3112]

I really liked Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple as 1, then Joan Hickson 2 then Angela Lansbury as no.3. With everything that was going on in Margaret 's life, she could still find a way to play Miss Marple.

[@rajchana7833]

Joan Hickson was absolutely the BEST Miss Marple. Apparently Agatha Christie told her that she thought Joan would be a great Miss Marple.

[@icon_uk624]

I always loved the description the Joan Hickson version of "Nemesis" “She looks so harmless, doesn’t she? But her camouflage is perfect because she is partly just what she seems - a gossipy old village lady, but her logic is ruthless and her powers of synthesis formidable. And above all she never lets go.”

[@singlecatt]

I always loved Margaret Rutherford as Jane Marple. Although i do cofess she was the first actress I exposed to as Miss Marple

[@gnolan4281]

Joan Hickson is the gold standard. In my view none of the others come anywhere close. She's the harmless old spinster chatting amiably away with those somehow involved in the murder case. No one except Sir Henry Clithering and Donald Pleasence as Jason Rafiel seem to grasp that when it comes to murder she has "a mind like a meat cleaver". David Horovitch's Inspector Slack recoils when he hears the sound of her voice entering a room behind him, but he does it more out of annoyance than out of admiration. Just his startled look into the camera is enough to make me laugh out loud. When she solves a case that has Scotland Yard and the entire community stumped her friends in the drawing room gather around her in admiration to ask if there is anything they can possibly do to thank her, she hesitatingly asks if she might have a cup of tea. Perfect. The role was the crowning achievement of Joan Hickson's career. She must have felt her life to be excellently fulfilled.

[@filibertoarteaga9571]

Geraldine McEwan is my. favorite that smile was so cute plus the back story of young Maple is very interesting

[@flowerpower3618]

Joan hickson. One reason was accurate portrayal of the story line.

[@kitsiewr]

Yes, find it very disrespectful to take an actual well-known story and completely re-make it!

[@alanjones3874]

For some reason , Geraldine McEwen was always my favorite When she showed up , no matter how far into the movie , you knew the sun had come out and all was well . She was a dear , sweet little old lady when she appeared and the same going out .

[@christinabronnestam8274]

I think I liked Geraldine the best because she was cute and funny and seemed so deceivingly innocent and naive until she pulled the lever. Then also Julia because she makes such a friendly and empathic Marple.

[@johnnybowe]

Joan Hickson in a Murder is Announced is brilliant 👏 also loved Margaret Rutherford.

[@mariovaccarella6854]

Of the ones that I've seen, it's Margaret Rutherford that I've found to be very enjoyable. I also liked Angela Lansbury as Miss Marple, but, Rutherford's Early 1960s was My Favorite

[@dianawhite943]

Hickson was Christie‘s choice, too

[@twinsonic]

Christie was long dead before Hickson played Miss Marple. But AC saw JH in a play in the 1940's and mentioned if anyone ever going to play MM it should be her

[@marthacanady9441]

Joan Hickson is the only Miss Marple. The best. Hands down.

[@briangrant8363]

I always loved Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple

[@tribbles2955]

Joan Hicks portrayed Miss Marple as I saw her. Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple never ceases to totally delight me.

[@LE-zy2od]

Hickory and rudeford are the worst

[@sannakarppinen4163]

To me it is so cool that Poirot is a city detective and Miss Marple is a countryside detective and both are in the same universe

[@andreaidesalvo9738]

Miss Marple could only be " Joan Hickson " I agree with the person who said that she had the character down pat!!!

[@TheAZZA0990]

SPOT ON, my dear - Hickson's portrayal was THE DEFINATIVE VERSION of the role !!!! :o

[@Baltic200]

Joan Hickson was outstanding as Miss Markle, just as Agatha Christie described her.

[@alicestanford8710]

Joan Hickson best Miss Marple.

[@heatherheardwhat1103]

Joan Hickson was absolutely the best! She could be the slightly scatter brained and gossipy old lady, and then turn on a dime and have the most magnificent intelligence shining from her eyes. Acute intelligence is very difficult for an actor to show the audience, without any lines (just using their facial expressions and eyes). Joan Hickson's Miss Marple was also a soft shoulder to cry on; people felt comfortable telling her their personal and community problems. But she never put on a fake face to do so, never pretended to be a perpetual happy fool; she actually liked to gossip and talk to people. But she didn't suffer fools gladly (if a character disrespected her, she showed her attitude right back). At the same time, she was also a ruthless pursuer of justice. One character actually referred to her as "Nemesis"; that is... 'The inescapable agent of someone's downfall'. Those two characteristics (soft touch and implacable) do not often go hand in hand. Joan Hickson very believably portrayed the full range of Miss Marple's character. I have NEVER seen that full performance from anyone else. I have never BELIEVED that extraordinary combination of characteristics from any other actor. Joan Hickson's performance was an amazing pleasure to watch.

[@elinstar6034]

Spot on.

[@michaeldevaney5728]

Rutherford added huge excitement and was extremely good but as an all round miss Marple hickson is definitely my choice

[@marina_via]

I'm excited to watch more of Rutherford after this research

[@michaeldevaney5728]

@@marina_via hi how are yu yes Rutherford extremely good my favourite Rutherford video was 1 were man got frightened to death by a cat

[@Garsons-oq4lh]

@@michaeldevaney5728 She made Marple very funny and very sweet too.

[@LE-zy2od]

GERALDINE MCEWAN IS MISS MARPLE

[@michaeldevaney5728]

@@LE-zy2od hi how are yu ie yu are totally entitled to yur opinion ie Geraldine definitely was very good as miss Marple but in my opinion there an only be and will only ever be 1 miss Marple and that is Joan hickson she was in my opinion the ideal Marple

[@debrtx]

Wow! This is the most interesting and informative comparison of a most beloved character. You certainly did some research to dig out some unique surprises, for example imagine my surprise to find out that David Suchet first played inspector Japp. A great tribute to author Agatha Christie and all the wonderful actresses who played Miss Marple. Thank you.

[@marina_via]

I'm happy that you enjoyed it! Make sure to see my dedicated Poirot video to see more of Suchet's incarnation as Japp!

[@isabs8616]

I love Géraldine, I like the atmosphere she gives, she is mysterious.

[@thomascassidy8347]

Wonderful Joan Hickson was my miss Marple!! Absolutely loved her portrayal,I have the whole collection!!

[@steveb1972]

I love them all, but Joan Hickson and Margaret Rutherford are my favourites! Rest in peace Angela Lansbury, a British great! 😊

[@sonoraamanda2667]

How can you even compare them? One is hilarious and full of mischievous fun, the other is Zzzz city!

[@НаталіяМихайлова-т8е]

I totally agree with your opinion, Joan Hickson is the actress who portrays Mrs Marple in the best way!

[@LE-zy2od]

Geraldine McEwan is Miss Marple

[@lisimoses3O348]

My choice - like yours - is Joan Hickson of course. I have seen all the others in the role and you are absolutely right in your description and criticism of the others, although they are of course good actresses. Hickson though is the right one all in all.

[@joannemcmillan9201]

Hicks on and McEwan are my two favorite Miss Marples. I have seen the others are they are okay. And considering I watch Landsbury as JB Fletcher every chance I get that’s saying something.

[@valhollylee8422]

Joan Hickson was without a doubt about as close as you could ever get to Christie's Jane Marple. 👍

[@martynnotman3467]

Joan Hickson ALL THE WAY

[@daleneparker3229]

Joan Hixson is of course #1. I enjoyed them all however very much and will watch or record any Marple movie on the TV. Thanks Mrs. Kristy for all your sleuths, none better.

[@atikva3804]

Joan Hickson was defnitely the best one - the one closest one to the character created by Agatha Christie !

[@albertgrant1017]

Correct !

[@Rdwrer]

Yes, and did you know that Agatha Christie recommended Joan Hickson for the part of Miss Marple? I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned :)

[@laurabaus1486]

I love miss Marple, I can't believe that actress Geraldine McEwan died 7 years ago, so sad to know about that, I loved her in that character. Love this channel and Agatha Christie, who wrote mistery books, specially with iconic characters, Hercule Poirot and jane Marple. Thank you so much and have a nice day.

[@marina_via]

You are so kind, Laura! Thank you for these comments, they truly make my day.

[@priscillayvonne3487]

She was my best miss Marple of all time 😍

[@michaeldevaney5728]

@@priscillayvonne3487 who was yur favourite Marple mine is definitely Joan hickson i admiten mcewan wasnt bwd she had great facial expressions

[@janismacolley2395]

Margaret Rutherford will always be my fav Ms. Marple. I love her no-nonsense style and formidable sleuthing skills. She's the only one I thought of as a true detective as opposed to a nosy busybody. Hickson just annoyed me as did most of the others. Lansbury just wasn't old enough for the part even though she was a great actress.

[@karengustafson7666]

I loved Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple.

[@marieravening927]

I didn't like her at all in the role. She always seemed rather spiteful.

[@michaeldevaney5728]

Yes she definitely was very good

[@dariusketchup4781]

To me, Joan Hickson played Miss. Marple to perfection!

[@ephemerabluetit335]

Joan Hickson is my most respected Miss Marple. I never saw her in anything else. Geraldine McEwen is fabulous in everything she did. We love Mapping and Lucia and Mulberry. I desperately want to know why the Miss Maple series is unavailable, where as the Marple series is.

[@denniswalker5349]

Joan Hickson is my absolute favorite Jane Marple! I wish all of her videos were available on KZbin. Somewhere in my house I have all of them on DVD.❤️❤️❤️

[@shelbynamels7948]

I know the balance of comments tips toward Hickson, but Geraldine McEwan is the personification of how I imagine Miss Marple should not just look and act, but be. Having those WW I flashbacks leads to a better understanding of how she came to be the present-day woman we encounter on film.

[@Damaaskrose]

I really enjoyed the idea that Miss Marple had a "past".

[@susanfisher4344]

Joan Hickson cannot be topped. She is the best, hands down. I think it’s so fascinating that Agatha Christie recognized that even when she was quite young.

[@sheilanixon913]

My favourite Miss Marple was Joan Hickson.

[@christianscharlau8421]

Comparing Miss Marple as portrayed in the books with the various Miss Marples on screen, I think Joan Hickson was just perfect in the role. She's as close as you can get to giving you the impression that she's come straight out of the pages of the Agatha Christie original. Most Germans will associate Miss Marple with Margaret Rutherford - well, mainly because the films in which she played the role are repeated on German public TV at least once a year. I dearly love Mrs Rutherford as Miss Marple, and the films are really great fun to watch. This said, the Rutherford Miss Marple doesn't even loosely resemble the original, being really the opposite to Christie's Miss Marple in quite a number of respects, whether it's looks or character...

[@patblack3882]

Joan Hickson was by far the very best

[@margaretbrown2568]

Certainly Joan Hickson is Miss Marilee by a mile. I think Julia McKenzie comes second as she also fits the image we gather from the books. Geraldine McEwan, while a good actress, like you, that smile, and interesting you should say conspiratorial which describes it exactly, was not a Miss Marple trait. Helen Hayes also did a good job of getting her character. Enjoyed you presentation, thank you.

[@thomasbjurstrom6480]

Joan Hickson definitely the best!

[@ronaldhubble6606]

i understand that Cristie thought of Joan Hickson when writing the novels. she is truly the best!

[@carmenjohns005]

Julia McKensie plays Miss Marple beautifully! Adding her own touch of warmth. She is just marvelous

[@elizabethroberts6215]

……she was in a wonderful Brit series’ called ‘Fame is the Spur’. It was one of the first times’ Tim Piggott-Smith was on television.………

[@Seansaighdeoir]

I grew up on the Rutherford films as the first introduction to Marple and so loved her portrayal. Once one becomes familiar with the stories you appreciate what is behind those films. That is captured best in the Hickson series which is near perfection and is considered a definitive of Christie's stories and character. I don't think any of the later series comes close to those and although enjoyable are a bit 'theatrical'. This was probably necessary to keep the stories 'fresh'. For Marple fans or 'purists' any production can be enjoyable and interesting. I agree with your points on the other Marples. The stories are always enjoyable but lack the characters lack the depth of the Hickson's portrayal. McEwan, McKenzie and Helen Hayes were pretty 'weak' characters. There is a steel with Joan Hickson's Marple which is very believable and would be necessary in some of the stories.

[@jamesoneill5070]

In 1902 when Agatha was 12 her sister Margaret married James Watts and they lived in Abney Hall, Cheadle Cheshire. When visiting them by train she would have to pass through Marple railway station and that is how Miss Marple got her name. A more intriguing story is that of Margaret Rutherford. Her father William Rutherford Benn married her mother Florence Nicholson. A month into the marriage he had a nervous breakdown and was committed to a Lunatic Asylum. He was released under supervision and travelled to Matlock, Derbyshire with his father the Rev Julius Benn. In a fit of insanity William murdered his father and was committed to Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum. He was released after several years and dropped the surname Benn. She emigrated to Madras in India but returned to the UK after her pregnant mother hanged herself. Margaret was told her father had died of a broken heart but in fact had been readmitted to Broadmoor and died there. Very tragic Margaret is the 1st cousin once removed of the labour politician Anthony Wedgewood Benn Angela Lansbury also has connections to British politicians. Her father was Edgar Lansbury a member of the British Communist Party and her paternal grandfather was George Lansbury, leader of the Labour Party.

[@Damaaskrose]

WOW

[@rosalindhershkovitz4390]

I loved Joan Hickson in all her episodes - an inspired choice for Miss Marple and an excellent actress. I would like to say something in defence of Geraldine McEwan. She was really a lovely Miss Marple - but the film writers really ruined her chances by changing the plots, modernising and throwing in topical stuff - really unnecessary when the original Agatha plots are so perfect and actually much more intriguing. Had Geraldine been given scripts as good as those of Joan, I think she would have been a truly worthy successor.

[@CaruthersHodge]

Joan Hickson is nuance and perfection itself and brings Jane Marple to life. This is a performance that will live forever.

[@cazm8019]

Geraldine McEwan for me …. Just loved her 💕

[@origamipig]

Joan Hickson will always be my favourite Miss Marple . She was absolutely brilliant in the role and made her Miss Marple exactly like she was written in the books .

[@BeautyDiva100]

Geraldine MacEwyn will always be Miss Marple. Just as David Suchet will always be Mr. Hercule Poirot for me

[@eleannapsylla9103]

Suchet was excellent, altho' for me Peter Ustinov was first among equals

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

I agree with your 3 choices! Joan Hickson is widely considered as the definitive 'Marple' (even receiving Agatha Christie's blessing!). Although Geraldine McEwan was a little too 'present' for Marple than the way Christie wrote her, I have always loved the actresses take on the role, and love to watch her wit and sass. Angela Lansbury would be prophetic as Marple in what would become the definitive 'American' version of Marple in 'Murder She Wrote'. And the indomitable Margaret Rutherford is a roller-coaster ride as a slightly ill-fitted but delightful Marple. I can truly say that I have enjoyed ALL of the actresses that have played 'Miss Jane Marple' (which is more than I can say for all the actors who have played 'Poirot').

[@tangerineblossom7478]

Julia McKensie is my favorite and I wish she had done more episodes.

[@marieravening927]

My favourite was Joan Hickson but I agree that Julia Mc Kenzie comes a very close second. On second thoughts, maybe it's the other way round.

[@aldod3937]

I agreeeeeeeeeeeee Imlove this one so much!!!!!! The new one is very naughty

[@karenryder6317]

She seemed altogether as one dimensional as the mischievous twinkle of the one before her. McKensie showed too much sweet earnestness and not any of Hickson's shrewdness.

[@foodyappu]

Not so popular opinion but Geraldine McEwan is delightful as Ms Marple.

[@patrickuotinen]

Beside Joan Hickson, I liked Julia McKenzie the best. She added a certain gossipy trait to the character, it was so much fun to see her brighten up when she heard a juicy rumour. I must say, that I didn't enjoy Geraldine McEvan's performance quite as much. I haven't seen the others as Jane Marple (beside some shorter snippets of Margaret Rutherford, who seemed to be entertaining in her own way), so I can't really judge them, though I really liked Angela Lansbury in her other roles.

[@rozachcz3080]

I am just waiting for a bus on this cold February day only to accidentally stumble onto this channel and I know I will be binging it today! 🎉 Can’t wait

[@marina_via]

Oh my god, this is so charming of you to take a moment to write this comment! Safe ride and have a great day!

[@donnaberube5480]

The first Miss Marple I watched was Geraldine McEwan and I liked her as Marple very much - (even exhibiting a smiling apostolate). I watch in America and have not seen but maybe two other actress' presentations. Agatha Christie surely was swayed by the closest resemblance to her granny if considering her own best actress portrayal. David Suchet...Poirot and Miss Marple (any) have become a need for me.

[@marshaprice8226]

I saw Helen Hayes in “A Caribbean Mystery”. I have always remembered her convincing portrayal of Miss Marple as both the dithering old lady and the acutely perceptive detective.

[@macraghnaill3553]

Joan HIckson played Miss Marple to a "T" Agatha Christie also said Joan Hickson would be good for the part. Julia McKenzie was also good followed my Margaret Rutherford as a comedy Miss Marple

[@jillangelo6039]

Hands down, Margaret Rutherford!

[@kathe992ilo6]

Joan Hickson IS Miss Marple as David Suchet IS Hercule Poirot.

[@nadyarossi5102]

I agree about David Suchet, but Peter Ustinov was pretty good.

[@kathe992ilo6]

@@nadyarossi5102 ANYTHING Peter Ustinov did was wonderful. My favorite is Appointment With Death.

[@susanneknipping2523]

Definitely

[@vickilindberg6336]

I love Geraldine McEwan's acting but I couldn't separate her from the magnificent witch she played in the Robin Hood by Kevin Costner. Joan Hickson is my favorite. My second is the lady afterMcEwan.

[@michaelgillespie502]

Joan Hickson!! By far will always be the greatest one!

[@doberhill]

In the 1940s Joan Hickson appeared on-stage in an Agatha Christie play, Appointment with Death, which was seen by Christie who wrote in a note to her, "I hope one day you will play my dear Miss Marple". Agatha's choice. End of discussion.

[@PStem-pp6li]

1 Geraldine mcEvan 2 Margaret Rutherford 3. Joan hickson 4 Angela Lansbury 5 Julia McKenzie

[@jayoneill1533]

Miss Hickson was excellent and seemed truest to Christie’s Miss Marple but I did thoroughly enjoy Margaret Rutherford.