Murder at the Gallop

Ron Goodwin's equestrian variation of his opening theme at the top of this film gives you a clear indication of the treat you're about to receive. Margaret Rutherford is magnificent as the scatty, eccentric old lady with a penchant for lateral thinking and good old fashioned sleuthing. This is my favourite of the four films she made with husband Stringer Davis and Charles Tingwell as the never quite up to speed "Inspector Craddock". This one centres around the murder (or was it!?) of a wealthy old recluse and the gathering of the avaricious relatives after his death. Needless to say, murder ensues as "Miss Marple" tries to track down the culprit. Dame Flora Robson and Robert Morley are great in support and this short, but sweet, detective yarn is just a joy to watch.