Truly Dreadful Film

Brilliant and touching

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I was driven to write this by Charlie Peterson's baffling review, claiming that it is nothing like the book. I had watched and enjoyed the film, but then saw that review and so went back and read the book again.It's a book with an awful lot of people talking and saying what they're thinking, which you simply can't drop straight into a film adaptation. However, the fundamental story line is maintained, along with almost all the characters. (A couple of very minor ones have been dropped, and one other minor one is introduced.)You can't turn a book like this verbatim into a film, but this is a really good effort and very well done indeed. It captures the atmosphere and the story telling of the book excellently. To fuss that you can spot tiny differences is simply splitting hairs.There are really bad adaptations out there - The Secret of Chimneys with Julia McKenzie for instance is quite dreadful - but where that film scores less than 1% for faithfulness to the book, Nemesis scores well over 90%.Worth seeing - whether or not you have read the book.

I have been an avid fan of Agatha Christie's writing since childhood and in particular of Miss Marple. Only one actor has ever been able to capture the character that was written, as it was written, and that is Joan Hickson OBE. Her portrayal brings to life the character that Christie wrote - a gossipy, older village lady who happens to have a brilliant deductive mind. In Nemesis, we see how Christie pays homage to her creation in creating an unsolved murder for her to resolve after many years have past. It is a masterpiece of writing, portrayed by a master actor. It is time for the BBC to re-master this masterpiece!!!!! Any actor considering playing the part should review Joan Hickson first.

Herein is the situation: Jason Rafiel-an old man in a wheel chair is perhaps near death-makes some arrangements for a number of people in his will and they will get a financial award if they carry out his wishes. Objective? To achieve justice in a murder case that has since gone cold. A young girl was murdered 7 or 8 years ago and Rafiel wants justice. Lets meet some of these people now:All of these people, (well almost all) go on a houses and garden tour-they do have something to do with each other, though they don't know it.**Miss Marple-elderly spinster from St. Mary Mead-is called to solve a crime-what crime? She gets a letter from Rafiel lawyers asking her to see them. She eventually figures out what crime she is to investigate.**Norma Brent & Verity Hunt-disappear at the same time. Verity was found in a ditch 6 months later-as for Norma Brent-she was never found-or is she?**Miss Temple-school teacher. One of her pupils was Verity. Her death was painful to her. She tells miss Marple that she died because she was loved. She also says that Verity was engaged to Rafiel's son, Michael. She knows something, and she becomes a victim of murder. On her death bead-she tells her to ask them about Verity because "The truth was buried with her."**Michael Rafiel-Mr. Rafiel's son. Was arrested and questioned about the death of Verity-was prime suspect in the murder, but was never brought to trial. He was engaged to Verity. He is also the Sole Heir to his father's fortune-but is required to live in "Rafiel House" to get it. My advice: Don't depend on appearances when it comes to Michael.**Professor Wanstead-is with the home office-specializing in criminal psychology. He is to stay in the shadows and observe what is happening.**Miss Cooke & Miss Barrow are miss Marple's body guards. Rafiel knew that he was putting her in danger. Their job is complicated when she agrees to stay with "The Three sisters" At the Manor house-where Verity lived and the Bradfurd Scotts where her guardians.**Finally we have Archdeacon Brabazon-minister who once Advised Michael and Verity on getting married-plans are canceled by murder. His role is even more clear in the book. He knows something about Michael.This is by far the best of the Miss Marple TV Productions. Enjoy!

Joan Hickson is at her peak in her portrayal of Agatha Christie's amateur detective character Miss Jane Marple. The title "Nemesis" is the key to the way in which the character is presented: Miss Marple, despite her appearance as a rather confused spinster, is in fact, a relentless avenger of a long-forgotten murder. She seeks justice, despite where the results may lead, on behalf of an old friendship. Hickson depicts Miss Marple as an unyielding force; far from the doddering old lady she might seem on the surface. The best version of Miss Marple, bar none.