Been watching some of these old Joan Hickson versions, which I assume are more faithful to Agatha Christie's original stories. We know and love the later version of this well, so it's interesting to see how much invention was added to it and how much more stripped back is this one, despite having a slightly longer running time. (It's symptomatic of the difference that the later version has more murders!) Which also has the delight of a late appearance from Joan Greenwood.
Caroline Blakistone is the adventuress whose neglected daughter Helena Michell (Keith's daughter) is also staying there under the watch of guardian James Cossins (very recognisable face). George Baker is an amiable detective (assisted by As Time Goes By's Philip Bretherton - who doesn't get much of a look in over Marple).
The lighting's good - John Walker. The director is refreshingly a woman, Mary McMurray, who had come to attention through The Assam Garden (1985). The hotel (the exterior, anyway) is Brown's in Mayfair.
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