Watch Truly Miss Marple - The Curious Case of Margaret Rutherford

Truly Miss Marple - The Curious Case of Margaret Rutherford is a documentary film that explores the life and career of the beloved British actress who portrayed Miss Marple in four films produced in the 1960s. The movie is directed by Nicola Litchfield and features interviews with various individuals who knew Rutherford or worked with her, as well as archival footage from her films and personal life.

The film begins by introducing Margaret Rutherford and her early life, including her upbringing in London and her education at a drama school. The documentary then goes on to discuss her career in the theater, which began in the 1920s and continued for several decades. It is during this portion of the film that viewers are given a glimpse of Rutherford's wide-ranging talent – she acted in everything from Shakespeare to pantomime, and was praised for her versatility and comedic timing.

However, the bulk of the documentary is centered on Rutherford's work as Miss Marple. The film delves into how Rutherford landed the role of the iconic amateur detective, and also explores her interpretation of the character. This is where the documentary shines; it features clips of Rutherford in the four Marple films, and provides commentary from various individuals on Rutherford's performance. It's clear that Rutherford brought a unique energy to the character that was different from how she was portrayed in the original Agatha Christie novels. As one interviewee notes, Rutherford's Marple is "a little bit mad... clearly dangerous, but absolutely delightful."

The documentary also touches on Rutherford's personal life, including her marriage to fellow actor Stringer Davis. The two met while performing in a play, and would go on to act together in several productions. Their relationship is portrayed as loving and devoted, and this comes through in the archival footage included in the film.

Another aspect of the documentary that is worth noting is its exploration of the 1960s film industry in Britain. The film provides insight into how movies were made during this time period, including the process of casting, the use of soundstages, and the various people involved in a production. It's fascinating to see how different the film industry was then compared to now, and it provides useful context for understanding how Rutherford's Marple films were created.

Overall, Truly Miss Marple - The Curious Case of Margaret Rutherford is an engaging and informative documentary that sheds light on a beloved British actress. Whether you're a fan of Rutherford, Miss Marple, or just British cinema in general, it's definitely worth a watch. The film is well-researched, well-produced, and features insightful commentary from a variety of people. It's a fitting tribute to a talented and unique actress who left an indelible mark on British film and theater.

Truly Miss Marple - The Curious Case of Margaret Rutherford is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 59 hours.