Agatha Christie Lovers discussion

I read a bit in a newsletter - apparently Disney is remaking the Miss Marple movies but with a 30-40 yr. old sleuth. Apparently Jennifer Garner has been chosen to play Miss Marple.
Personally I'm horrified. What do you think?

Horrified is the perfect word....whose idea was that? Next they will be coming up with a musical about Poirot starring Justin Bieber with Madonna as Miss Lemon.

That's a horrible idea - Jennifer Garner?! When are they going to be set - when she left her true love at the bus station? Then Miss Marple was young.

Ugghh... 35 years too young and not even British. All Christie fans should be offended by this idiotic idea.

At least Helen Mirren!!!!

OMG... the horror... this can't be true... :(
What a stupid idea... And then what? Poirot will be a comercial trash like the Holmes most recent cinematographic version?

Jennifer, I think all her fans are offended. Do they think that Miss Marple's life isn't interesting and they feel it's their right to write about her past, or rather making something up, just to make her more interesting???

Horrible, horrible idea!!

I think it's a plan put together by people who had HEARD of A.C. and Miss Marple rather than READ the books. And of course, American studios can't imagine a woman who is old or unattractive being worthy of a lead. Personally, I adore Margaret Rutherford's face. She had some remarkable expressions.

I really hope they don't do it!!

I was surprised when I read this item, but I'm not sure I'd mind watching Jennifer Garner all that much in any film she wants to be in. Let's just say I'm keeping an open mind at least until the final product is unveiled. Then, if the product is carp, I'll happily jump on your bandwagon.

I can only see her as the young Miss Marple at the train station. Maybe expanding that story of her affair as a young woman, then maybe. But still, Jennifer is American, I don't know how she'll do with the accent.

lol Mike! Jennifer Garner is a respectable actor, and it is amazing how well some actors can assume foreign accents.

I haven't read that much Marple. Can someone point me to the book with a younger Miss Marple, or allusions to this affair? That interests me more than any modern film interpretation.

As far as I know, the new "Marple" series with Geraldine McKeown included scenes (not in any book) of a young Jane and a dashing soldier circa WW1.

Now, from what I hear, the Garner project will be a re-imagining of the character as a 35-40 year old in America. It doesn't sound at all interesting to me. However, I absolutely loved the updated "Sherlock" - found it fresh and inventive and altogether delightful; so who knows?

Thanks, Ivan! I didn't remember hearing anything about a young Miss Marple in any of the stories or books. I think Joan Hickson is the best Miss Marple. Rutherford was an excellent actress, but too robust for Marple! And, as much as I love McKeown, the newest production takes a lot of liberties with the stories. That is probably why I haven't watched the most recent Poroit series (the lastest with Suchet; I have seen his earlier series as Poirot).

I too really enjoyed the new Sherlock movie, so maybe the Garner film will be good, too. If they step completely away from the stories, and develop something fresh, it might be enjoyable.

Oops; I didn't mean the new film with Downey, but rather the updated (modernized) SHERLOCK on BBC/PBS.

I did quite enjoy the Suchet Poirot Hallowe'en Party - thoght it terrific. I'm new to Christie and I find that if I watch the films first and then read the books I can enjoy both. However, if I read the book first I tend to pick the films apart - "why'd they do that" "why'd they change this" - that sort of thing.

Well, I guess I'm back in the minority with Downey's movie. I haven't read much Holmes, so I didn't have much to be offended about. ;) I am pretty open to film interpretations, as long as I don't find them too off-base, or offensive.

Well, I didn't "hate" the Downey film; I was off put by them trying to make him an action hero.

I enjoyed it as an action/buddy-comedy, where the character coincidentally was named Sherlock Holmes. I saw it as an homage to Holmes, in a way. And, it was a fun action flick, with a solid cast. Downey has certainly made a comeback, and I love watching Jude Law. I liked the dog, too!

Ivan wrote: "As far as I know, the new "Marple" series with Geraldine McKeown included scenes (not in any book) of a young Jane and a dashing soldier circa WW1.

Now, from what I hear, the Garner project wi..."

Didn't she have some sort of flashback about it, some remembering? I can't remember which book it was in since it's been years since I read it. I just thought it made her not so perfect, which I liked.

Jeannette wrote: "Well, I guess I'm back in the minority with Downey's movie. I haven't read much Holmes, so I didn't have much to be offended about. ;) I am pretty open to film interpretations, as long as I don't..."

How about the BBC series about a young Sherlock in modern day? I've heard it's good, but haven't watched any of the shows yet.

It's wonderful.

Miss Marple being projected as a younger person is terrible! Agatha Christie brought her to life and enjoyed her the most! Its sick to change it up.

Disney has some real problems going on there...

i heard the same thing recently. :(