Watch Murder at the Gallop

In the 1963 British comedy-mystery film Murder at the Gallop, Margaret Rutherford plays the beloved character of Miss Marple, an amateur detective who uses her wit and intuition to solve crimes. The film is based on Agatha Christie's novel After the Funeral and was directed by George Pollock. When eccentric millionaire Enderby is found dead in his country estate, it seems to be an open and shut case. The doctor rules his death as natural, but his suspicious niece, Rosamund Shane (played by Flora Robson), suspects foul play. She hires Miss Marple to investigate and soon enough the renowned detective is on the case.

Miss Marple attends the reading of Enderby's will, where she meets the other potential heirs. There is Rosamund's brother George (Robert Morley), Charlie (Stringer Davis), Enderby's secretary, and Benedict (Duncan Lamont), his former butler. As Miss Marple delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of lies and secrets among the suspects, and the plot thickens.

As the deaths begin to mount, Miss Marple becomes increasingly convinced that someone is trying to eliminate the heirs and claim Enderby's fortune for themselves. With the help of her friend Stringer Davis, who plays her loyal companion and confidante in the film, and her sharp observation skills, Miss Marple sets out to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

One of the highlights of the film is undoubtedly Margaret Rutherford's performance as Miss Marple. Her portrayal of the character exudes charm, wit, and determination. She is the perfect embodiment of Christie's quirky detective, and her interactions with the suspects and her confidante provide some of the film's most delightful moments.

The supporting cast is equally delightful, with Morley's performance as the pompous George Shane being particularly noteworthy. His character provides some much-needed comic relief in the film, as does Davis, who plays the bumbling but lovable Charlie.

Director George Pollock superbly handles the pacing of the film, balancing the comedic and dramatic elements with ease. The film's 81-minute runtime flies by, with each scene building on the suspense and intrigue of the previous one. The production design and costumes are also top-notch, capturing the ambiance of a quintessential English countryside estate perfectly.

One of the most impressive elements of Murder at the Gallop is how it manages to keep the audience guessing till the very end. The twists and turns in the plot keep the viewer engaged and intrigued, and the mystery is compelling enough to keep them guessing till the final reveal. While the solution may not be quite as complex as some of Christie's other works, it is satisfying nonetheless.

Overall, Murder at the Gallop is a delightful film that should be a must-watch for fans of Agatha Christie, Miss Marple or the mystery-comedy genre in general. The witty dialogues, captivating performances, and the charming English countryside setting make it a cinematic treat that is guaranteed to put a smile on the viewers' faces.

Murder at the Gallop is a 1963 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.