Movies
The Mirror Crack’d (1980, Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor)
Based on Agatha Christie’s 1962 novel ELIZABETH TAYLOR heads up an all-star cast in this twisting tale of deception, blackmail and, of course, murder. It all happens when an American film production descends on the genteel setting of a small English village – a village, coincidentally, where Miss Jane Marple (ANGELA LANSBURY) has a cottage.
All the cast appear to be having a fine time as they spoof not only the making of movies, but also the public perception of their screen personas. Taylor in particular enjoys the verbal sparring, with Variety noting that she ‘has an uproarious good time as she trades bitchy insults with KIM NOVAK. Adroit support performances are given by TONY CURTIS, ROCK HUDSON as Taylor’s husband and director, and GERALDINE CHAPLIN.’
production details
UK | 105 minutes | 1980
Director: Guy Hamilton
Writers: Jonathan Hales, Barry Sandler (based on the novel The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side by Agatha Christie)
cast
Angela Lansbury as Miss Jane Marple
Geraldine Chaplin as Ella Zielinsky
Tony Curtis as Martin N. Fenn
Edward Fox as Inspector Craddock
Rock Hudson as Jason Rudd
Kim Novak as Lola Brewster
Elizabeth Taylor as Marina Rudd
Wendy Morgan as Cherry Baker
Margaret Courtenay as Dolly Bantry
Carolyn Pickles as Miss Giles
Charles Gray as Bates, The Butler
Maureen Bennett as Heather Babcock
Charles Lloyd Pack as Vicar
Richard Pearson as Doctor Haydock
Thick Wilson as The Mayor
Pat Nye as Mayoress
Peter Woodthorpe as Scout Master
Derek Lyons as Queen’s Guard
Frank Ellis as Policeman (uncredited)
Pierce Brosnan as Actor playing ‘Jamie’ (uncredited)
Bill Dean as Man in Village Hall (uncredited)