An appalling version


This story was televised on the BBC in the late 70s with a magnificent
cast, headed by Hywel Bennett and Cheryl Campbell. It remained faithful
to the book, maintaining the twists and tangles right to the end. As a
magnificent reproduction of the atmosphere of 1920's Devon, it was a
superb example. A fine example of the successful televising of a very
classy British thriller, so popular in the first half of the 20th
century.

This version is a travesty and an abomination. It makes material
alterations to the original plot, introduces unnecessary characters and
plays down the significance of others. All this version does is try to
introduce its own angles to a story that patently does not need it. If
it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Avoid it like botulism.

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I agree with this post. The 2005 remake of the classic series, Malice Aforethought, from 1979, is a pathetic rendition that is offensive to viewers and an injustice to the novel.

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Having not seen the 1979 version I don't know -- but I loved the 2005 film. It was hilarious when Dr. Bickleigh opened his office door toward the end of the movie and saw a whole roomful of female patients waiting for him!! They actually were attracted to him because he'd murdered his wife (everyone knew but no one could prove it)! Human nature is just like that -- wonder how many marriage proposals Scott Peterson has received on Death Row?

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I wish the 1970s version was available; I haven't seen it. This adaptation follows the book fairly well, but it doesn't capture its wit or insight into human nature. It makes a lot of small changes, all of which degraded the material.


... Justin

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The 1979 version is available at this time on YouTube.

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Thanks for the tip to avoid this. I remember watching the 1979 version when it was on t.v. I was only 12 years old at the time but it has stayed in my memory every since as being a superb t.v drama. H Bennett was a brilliant actor. Is love to see that production again. I can't believe it still has not been issued on dvd.

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