Having seen versions of this with Helen Hayes, the perfect Marple Joan Hickson and now the latest version with Julia McKenzie I conclude that its main failing is the story itself. Tweaked at by various screenwriters in all versions it still pales beside other Marples. Julia McKenzie is a welcome Marple after the previous incarnation, who I felt was woefully miscast in the role (though others do disagree). Ms McKenzie brings a sense of reality to the role without all the grimacing of her predecessor. Another reviewer stated that the problem is not the lead actors and this is true - they have all shone in other roles. This one moves along at a regular pace but has none of the suspense of - say - Sleeping Murder. Not as bad as some other reviewers make out but a long way from the best.