Agatha Christie: Adaptation Cage Match - Mrs. McGinty's Dead

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

Thank you for mentioning how wonderful the Margaret Rutherford movies are, she is so adorable and funny in them it is impossible not to love her. Did you know Mr. Sticher was Margaret's real life husband, and she had it put in her contract that he be in all the films? He was even in one of her big movies, The VIP's as a waiter at the hotel by the airport. I am so glad you mentioned her in a positive way.

[@johngreen3543]

I think the idea of comparing these two presentations is like comparing apples to oranges. Whereas, they are both fruit that is where the comparison ends. One has a serious dramatic undertaking and the other has a humorous undertaking. But, because the approaches are different and they are both very successful, I think it's unfair to ask which one is the best. I frankly, liked both and found both of them entertaining.

[@sciagurrato1831]

Totally agree - the analytics of differences from the book are, therefore, a red herring.

[@teddymoynihan3687]

Please do more of these!! you share my passion and fascination with Agatha christie adaptations!

[@serinadalmer800]

Margaret Rutherford and her husband Stringer Davis as Miss Marple and Mr. Stringer, are the best crime solving movie duo there ever was.

[@helenedussaussois4879]

I actually love the Poirot adaptation. I really enjoy the atmosphere, the music, the setting, the cinematography, it give me all the autumn feels! I rewatch it at least twice every fall. :)

[@PC-vg8vn]

Margaret Rutherford will always be my Miss Marple. It's a shame Christie didnt like the films. I enjoyed all 4, especially Murder at the Gallop. Murder by Death btw is hilarious, especially Maggie Smith (realising the butler was blind "Dont let him park the car, Dickie"). But I hate when I rewatch such films and realise just about everyone in the cast is now dead - I think only 2 or 3 of the cast of Murder by Death are still alive. Reminds me of my own mortality!

[@livingthelava]

The Margaret R adaptions are awesome.

[@christianemden7637]

I think your verdict on the Rutherford movies, is spot on. Rutherford is nothing like ms Marple, the books are extremely loosely adapted. But they are the only Miss Marple stories I voluntarily and happily watch. They are fun, plain and simple.

[@Myr25636]

I liked them both equally. The forgotten name is Dorothy. And I totally agree that Margaret Rutherford films are delightful.

[@charlenasutherland]

I love Margaret Rutherford. I think I’ve seen all of her Miss Marple roles but my favorite role of her is the medium in the movie “Blythe Spirit”. She is wonderful!

[@danielfontaine6977]

Hello from Montreal! Very good review, thank you .... When I was a child in the sixties, I was first aware of Agatha Christie writings, by those 4 black and white movies, Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple, I own them in DVD's and still watch them once in a while! Have a good day!

[@looloo4029]

Gosh! Me too. That’s how my affection for all things Agatha Christie began. I also own the boxed set of the Margaret Rutherford adaptations and watch them now and then. Replying to your comment from Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.

[@danielfontaine6977]

@@looloo4029 Thank you for your comment.... I have pruchased them also recently on iTunes movies .... Have a great day !

[@jackirobinson7365]

I love Margaret Rutherford

[@nemo-no-name]

Heh, I actually like Mrs McGinty's dead with Suchet. It was quite dark, but it was deliberately set that way and I don't know, in that one it worked for me. I did hate the Suchet version of Murder on the Orient Express. Felt they diverged in themes and just... Didn't do it as good as Suchet is usually good.

[@brianseay8242]

I feel that much of the humor expressed in the book, specifically with the scenes of Poirot at the Summerhayes guestroom was greatly minimized in the David Suchet version to maintain the dark, serious tone that featured in the latter end of the Poirot series. What a shame too because I imagine if this story was done in the earlier run of the TV series, the humor would've remained intact, much to the fan's delight, but alas, it wasn't, marking a strike for the adaptation. Also when I picture Ariadne Oliver from the books, I don't picture Zoe Wanamaker, and though she's good at times with the role, the image I have in my head . . .well, I don't see Zoe Wanamaker! Ironic that Mrs. Oliver, in the book, is against the unnecessary changes that Robin wants to make to her character and to her stories and then the Margaret Rutherford adaptation does the exact same thing! I know Agatha Christie must have despised that film. The Rutherford adaptation might be amusing but it's not like the book, on the other hand, the David Suchet version of Mrs. McGinty's Dead is a prime example that an adaptation from a book needs more than adhered loyalty to the plot. It also requires pep, liveliness, some kind of drive and I wish this version did that. They had the opportunity and they squandered it for the purpose of matching a "certain" tone for the remaining half of a series that I felt needed more energy and humor, not to mention the Poirot theme song never made its full reprise in Season 9 to the end.

[@gregfam6250]

You nailed it. It's really sad how anytime new owners take over, they often mess up what made a property so well-loved by diehard fans.

[@alanaronald244]

Agreed about the humor, but don't mind Wannamaker in the role.

[@fliksc9786]

why have i only just found this

[@Ms.Laterholmes5253]

This is one of the more serious tones to Hercule Poirot…. The rest of the movies are a little more flexible with the atmosphere. But my favorite part is when she throws the Apple at him while she drives by one of my favorites in any of a Poirot book or movie

[@deniseharris2562]

Honestly, out of all of the earlier adaption of Christie's work that I enjoyed Witness for the Prosecution and And Then There Were None. I am not a fan of Ms Rutherford as Ms. Marple. Definitely not how I envisioned her from the books. I never thought of Christie's books as humorous. I'll have to go back and read several of them. David Suchet is exactly how I imagined Poirot. The two actresses who played Ms. Marple from the BBC series is more how I picture Ms Marple. The stories that took place in St. Mary Mead, that actress fit the role . Loved this video. Not one version of Murder on the Orient Express lived up to the book.

[@shelbynamels7948]

As much fun as the old battleax Rutherford is, and as appealing British B/W movies of the fifties and sixties are, the Poirot version, which not only does have to advantage of hewing closer to the book, is chockablock with acting talent, starting with Joe Absalom as the condemned Bentley. While he is putting on a brave front, you can practically feel the mortal dread he exudes about being hanged even tho he is innocent. Every actor brings their character as a fully rounded and believable existence to the screen. They don't play it for laughs, which is the earlier adaptation's biggest fault. Poirot's arrival in Broadhinny stirs up the good people of the village, and since everybody has baggage of their own, the mystery is well and truly hidden.

[@mrilovetheants]

This was one of my favorites. As a novel, it is perfectly paced with its buildup. With the adaptation I wish they portrayed the killer a little differently or have them break down differently. Something about the ending didn't ring true.

[@superspy6]

Been watching your stiff today and I love it, gotta say though I can't agree with you on the Suchet version. I absolutely loved it and it's one of my favourites, though I am biased as I usually rank Poirot films from "ok" to "brilliant." Only two films have genuinely sucked for me, "Murder of Roger Accroyd" and "Taken at The Flood"

[@GreenBitterfly]

After watching some of the videos on this Channel, I've started a re-reading of some Agatha Christie novels, and it's definitely confirmed that Mrs McGinty's Dead is my favourite Agatha Christie novel. I think it really subverts the idea of Christie being this cosy crime writer, Mrs McGinty's Dead really shows how reflective she was about herself as a writer and it also indicates Christie's own feelings about Poirot through Adriane Oliver's feelings on her Finnish detective.

[@leahjagt3183]

I don’t understand the logic that being scared someone will reject you because your related to a murderer so to fix it you become a murderer?

[@katyvdb5993]

In the novel, Robin's adoptive mother is obsessive about heredity and therefore might well reject him if his mother was the notorious Eva Kane and not, as he had pretended to her, a ballet dancer who died young. She provides the financial support that allows his to work as a playwright, so his motive for killing her and Mrs McGinty is financial.

[@lauramaguire5152]

Love Margaret Rutherford. It was great at the end of the Agatha Christie adaptations that she nearly always got a marriage proposal. Although not my true idea of Miss Marple, the films are such fun and had a wonderful cast. Watch them with an open mind and a smile 😃

[@lgv4065]

Thank you for this channel. Agatha Christie is a genius. I dearly enjoy your channel since all the episodes have been removed from KZbin in Canada 😢

[@missmaggie2620]

Glad you mentioned Dame Rutherford. AG & Queen Elizabeth both loved Joan Hickson & what is funnier still Joan Hickson played the day maid, Joan Kidder with Rutherford as Miss Marple in Murder She Said. When Rutherford first shows up at the house & states I'm the new maid, Kidder (Hickson ) states "Well, you look old enough to know better. Come in". Later Kidder hands Miss Marple her wages, "Much work for little wages" Miss Marple shakes her head as the 55-year-old Kidder leaves, "The younger generation...well, I don't know"! I find this like Kismet, that years later a much older Joan Hickson plays Miss Marple on the BBC series.

[@Unownshipper]

Wow... got to say you threw me for a loop with this one. It seemed clear where you were going, but then like an unexpected mystery, you swerved. And I actually fully get and respect your reasoning. "Mrs. McGinty's Dead" is actually one of my least favorite of the Poirot episodes: Broadhinny seems drab, the residents aren't fun to be around. Thank God for Mrs. Oliver for livening up this podunk backwater with her star presence. I like the mystery but that's it, and I don't often return to this episode. While I've never seen the other adaptation, I get what you mean about its levity. Rutherford seems like a fun, engaging take on Marple; definitely more different than what I've seen. I usually prefer mysteries to be more serious and the act of murder being given the gravitas it deserves. It's one reason why I don't enjoy the original film adaptation of "And Then There Were None" very much, too much of it seems like it's played for laughs. But its clear that an atypical adaptation like "Murder Most Foul" not only has its place, but is deserving of merit and recognition too. I'd really like to see you look at "Appointment With Death."

[@MysteryMiles]

I'm considering it.

[@lukacunningham342]

*PLEASE* do a video comparing Agatha and Ariadne!

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

I enjoyed the Suchet version very much.

[@Ms.Laterholmes5253]

My favorite part is when she throws the apples and he says what was that she goes I don’t worry it’s not gonna kill you

[@MadameChristie]

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the adaptation of Taken at the Flood. For me, it's one of the few times I was genuinely scared of a Christie murderer, the amped him up from the book to an utter sociopath in the movie XD

[@MysteryMiles]

Thank you--this is the first request I've seen!

[@beethockmtee8565]

@@MysteryMiles I second this request! Please oh please!

[@MysteryMiles]

@@beethockmtee8565 I've started working on a couple other videos but then I'll do this one. :)

[@looloo4029]

Yes, I agree with your feelings about the murderer David Hunter, played by Elliot Cowan. In fact, I saw him recently playing a character in Death In Paradise (season 9, episode 1) and was repelled instantly. Of course, he was the murderer and he exuded that same aura as when he appeared in Taken At The Flood. He must be an excellent actor!

[@suzie_lovescats]

The Suchet version wins hands down 🏆

[@marygersetich8709]

My favorite actress to play Miss Maple was Helen Hayes.

[@PC-vg8vn]

Oliver's character was just as watchable as Poirot, but formed a good contrast to his. I didnt know she was based on Christie herself.

[@triconcert]

I haven't read the book nor seen the older version. But I agree with you with the dullness of the Poirot episode. Stacking up that episode with the other Poirot episodes, it is one of my least favourite.

[@philipmonihan8222]

I'd like to see a video about Ariadne.

[@jesusdelcanto9715]

I've just discovered your channel and really enjoy its content. I am curious: what are your other 2 favourite AC books?

[@MysteryMiles]

Thank you! Towards Zero and Hercule Poirot's Christmas.

[@FriendOfChrist]

Have you ever seen "Murder by the Book?" It's one of my favorite "Agatha Christie" stories. Would love your opinion on it. Ian Homes is the closest thing to Christie's "Poirot" that I've ever see. I think Agatha Christie would have approved. kzbin.info/www/bejne/onXZYZibgJioapY

[@Ms.Laterholmes5253]

The other Miss Marples just indicate that they are intelligent features or the inspectors. However I love how she just speak certain tells you the exact date and what she specializes in more power to you miss Marple we need more women like you

[@noelleparris9451]

I love the Margaret Rutherford Marple movies. Rutherford is funny, clever and intrepid. Not necessarily believable but still fantastic. Suchet as Poirot is amazing. I like both versions of the McGinty story.

[@tsilsby888]

Nope! Poirot with Zoe wins hands down! :)

[@Rhianalanthula]

Not read the book (unless it was decades ago and I've forgotten), but I've listened to the BBC radio drama (when it's on Sounds). It's closer to the book (i.e., keeps missing characters).

[@alicemcgregor]

Please can you compare Witness for the Prosecution films, including the most recent that is in some ways closer to the original short story in its ending?

[@la_scrittice_vita]

I love that you consistently acknowledge how bad the later, dark and cynical Suchets are. Too many people are blinded by their preference for the actor.

[@peterhall8532]

I have to say I'm really hoping for a look at the 2022 version of Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

[@MysteryMiles]

:) Stay tuned.

[@carolkovacik3007]

I loved the Rutherford movies, but if I want to see a Poirot story, give me David Suchet any time.

[@alanaronald244]

As much as I love Margaret Rutherford as an actress, she tramples on the precise, genteel image of Miss Marple so exquisitely rendered by the late Joan Hickson.

[@nadyarossi5102]

I respectfully disagree. Margaret Rutherford, an amazing person in real life, was a wonderful Miss Marple. She was lovable, humorous...yes, but she had those wise old eyes. I love the comment one of her dear friends made: "She's so British, that if she was cut, she'd bleed tea!"

[@DaleRibbons]

I'd like to see you cover the 1997 version of 'The Pale Horse'. I saw years ago, some time after reading the book, and thought it was pretty good. I wonder if others liked it as well.

[@MysteryMiles]

I'm hoping to cover it by the end of this year.

[@savroi]

Although I love Suchet's interpretation of Poirot, being for me an understated version of this character that allows the plot to shine, the adaptations that this actor interpreted are a mixed bag, some good, some bad. Rutherford took my heart the minute I saw her. As many people, including the author has pointed out, she is nothing like Miss Marple and yet it works perhaps because the screenplays are loosely based on the original and therefore more suitable for this actor. As Marple I like very much Geraldine McEwan followed by Julia McKenzie. I would be put at odds to choose between this two versions for the reasons you've already pointed out (strictly vs. loosely), but in the end I would agree. It is not the best Poirot from Suchet and Rutherford is unbeatable in all of the films she has interpreted.

[@karlkarlos3545]

Thank you for pointing out that just because you stay as close as possible to the book, doesn't make it a good adaptation. That's why I always enjoyed the Ustinov adaptations over the Suchet ones.

[@ramthian]

Classic xxx

[@byteme11]

Hi, I really enjoyed the Margaret Rutherford adaptations, all four of them. I also recently enjoyed the John Malkovich version of "The ABC Murders". Could you do a comparison of this one to the David Suchet one? I thought John Malkovich was very credible as Poirot although very dark and serious.

[@MysteryMiles]

It's on my list! :)

[@siegfried923]

One of your pictures was from Cat among the Pigeons nor Mr McGintys dead and no one is driven off in a car in the latter You got your plots crossed im afraid!

[@MysteryMiles]

I used footage from Cat Among the Pigeons as a stand-in for events that happened in the book but not the film. You'll see more Doctor Who very soon, for the same purpose. :)

[@MrYorickJenkins]

"is likely to be in the village" not "is likely in the village" please please likely is an adjective NOT an adverb

[@owenferry981]

why is the picture reversed, the title is back to front

[@MysteryMiles]

Yeah, KZbin kept blocking it until I reversed it.

[@VJ-bu7sp]

Please do Five Little Pigs 🥹 My fav. tv episode of all the time. Everything is just so melodramatic, camera work is perfect. Such a doffrent feeling then everything. Sad, summer country side, artistic oh ❤️❤️🙏🏻

[@rebeccag8589]

This is my favorite too! It's so moving.

[@donnarogers7732]

Why are the titles reversed in your video? And I don't like the "Cage match " interruption.

[@mckavitt13]

"Oh, crap"? Oh, dear.

[@mckavitt13]

I love M Rutherford, who is a marvel of humour. But did Agatha Christie intend her book to be fun or funny? It isn't because it's serious that it's bad. Also, in many of the Suchet adaptations there IS humour. Like many, I consider Suchet's Poirot films ALL fabulous. Never flat, always clever. Thus, I couldn't disagree w you more. Hahaha. PS. The killer is REALLY SCARY. You're completely off base. PPS. Watch the four Rutherford films because they exist. They have NADA to do w Christie's novels.

[@sandragrundy1516]

If I read an enjoyable book I never watch the movie as Hollywood crucifies books.

[@imisstoronto3121]

I cant believe Margaret Rutherford's movies would have met with AC's approval?? They look so silly and tiresome.

[@melenatorr]

I'm going to commit a bit of sacrilege: I gave the Suchet Poirot a try in "Hercule Poirot's Christmas", which was my very first Christie novel, bought for me in Spain by my parents during a family visit when I was about 10 years old. It's remained a favorite for me. The adaptation was so off-kilter, so lack-luster, and so off-balance for me that I never finished watching it, and have not watched a Suchet episode since. I probably should, but just can't bring myself to do it.

[@jucadvgv3449]

NO, NO, NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! every single one of the david suchets are fantastic, including this one. margaret rutherford, as agatha christie herself said, is absolutely NOT at all the type of person christie wrote for miss marple. if you want to see a decent miss marple, the absolute best you can watch is joan hickson. rutherford absolutely stinks. the only possible reason to watch her is if you wanted to watch a parody.

[@johngreen3543]

But the 4 movie adaptations were in line with the comedic nature of Rutherford as an actor. The people who wrote the screen play knew what they were doing by writing the film in the comedic, extroverted, pushy, and downright belligerent style of Rutherford as compared with almost the direct opposite of the "real" Miss Marple. Hickson's Miss Marple Christie would have really liked. Suchet's rendition is more in line with the real story but is not very comedic. My opinion you cannot compare these two. They diverge in style considerably. Never the less, I like both of them

[@nadyarossi5102]

What an unkind, unfair comment, juca! Margaret Rutherford can't help it if she's lovable, has wit & charisma. She also had those wise, all seeing/knowing eyes. She was an amazing person in real life: generous, kindhearted, brave, and sooo British!