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Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple
Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple

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A marvellous Marple

Ian Wylie
26/11/2004

GERALDINE McEwan was happy to solve the mystery of who would play one of fiction's greatest detectives in four new TV films.

"I feel that I have been entrusted with a national treasure," smiles the veteran actress, who stars as spinster sleuth Miss Marple.

"I was thrilled when I was asked to take the role. I felt it was my destiny. It just came at a marvellous moment for me and I've enjoyed every minute."

Marple - as the missing "Miss" suggests - adds a modern slant to Agatha Christie's 1930s creation. Although faithful to the spirit of the character, it's an adaptation fit for a 21st century audience.

"I hope that Agatha Christie devotees will see a different Miss Marple, but one that they think is appropriate," explains Geraldine, 72.

"Obviously, my interpretation will be different to Joan Hickson or Margaret Rutherford's. As an actress, you can't be haunted by previous performances."

The Christie family has given its permission for one ending to be changed and agreed other updates, including one scene of a lesbian kiss.

Devotees

"It might well be controversial for the real devotees. But I hope they will keep an open mind to this being done in 2004," says Geraldine.

Fans have no need to worry about Granada's fresh and vibrant co-production, which arrives on ITV1 next month. No expense has been spared to give viewers a real treat.

The cream of British acting talent is on show, including Joanna Lumley, Simon Callow, Tara Fitzgerald, Stephen Tompkinson, Derek Jacobi, Jenny Agutter, John Hannah, Niamh Cusack, Pam Ferris and Zoe Wanamaker.

Inspired casting choices have also been made, with Little Britain's David Walliams joining the likes of The League of Gentleman star, Mark Gatiss, The Pink Panther's Herbert Lom, Marion and Geoff's Rob Brydon and stage musical actress Elaine Paige.

Viewers will discover Miss Marple's past, including a lost love. In one film, we see the young Jane Marple, with Marc Warren playing her lover - later killed in the war.

"She did have a lover when she was younger, but he was married. She's probably had a number of relationships in the past, but has chosen not to marry," adds Geraldine.

The older Miss Marple retains a twinkle in her eye. "She's quite flirtatious and she loves young men. So it's been nice for me. I like that element of it."

Jean Brodie

Best known to TV audiences for her performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, Geraldine has grown fond of her new character.

"She has an incredible intelligence and diamond-sharp mind. Of course, it all happens by chance that she's no sooner solved one murder, that another one falls in her lap.

"I think she's a very modern woman, lives life to the full, and is totally unshockable. I've also come to admire Agatha Christie and feel very responsible to her because she's created a wonderful character.

"Miss Marple spends her whole life solving what are very often horrific and really Gothic murders, with no training - and yet she's always one step ahead of the police. Only somebody with a certain amount of humour could have created that."

Geraldine enjoyed unravelling the whodunnits. "The whole business of working out the plots intrigues me and I get a certain satisfaction doing them. I was very good at maths at school and doing problems and equations, so I get a kick out of that.

"I've got to be right on the ball as Miss Marple. I make notes for myself all through the script as to what I'm meant to know at each stage in order to keep myself on track.

"But you can get Agatha Christie blindness, when you suddenly think, 'Where am I in this plot?'"

With eight more novels to film if viewers like what they see, Geraldine hopes to play Agatha Christie's English eccentric for some time to come.

"I've met her grandson and he's invited me to visit the family in Wales, including her daughter. They've been very warm and welcoming and I feel as if I've joined the family."

Marple begins ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday, December 12.


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   I have never been so dissapointed with a television programme. Diabolical from beginning to overacting end. I will not be further outraged by the next offerings. A very very poor effort. A pity because it obviously cost a lot of money. What a waste.
Frank Carlin, Belfast
14/12/2004 at 19:50

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