A Talent For Murder

[maisonvivante]

Does anyone remember this feature length television film? It starred Laurence Olivier and Angela Lansbury. I remember watching it on American television in the 1980's, and in my memory, it was a filmed stage play. Apparently, I remember it wrong! But it was probably a videotaped production and my young American eyes didn't know what to make of a tv movie that wasn't on film. Anyway, I hope it gets released commercially at some point. With Olivier and Lansbury in it, it seems like it would have some commercial appeal.

[Joenoir]

I think you are right about it being videotaped. I only vaguely remember it, and had forgotten Olivier was in it! It was a stage play that had starred Claudette Colbert.

[batman]

I found this on the web ...

"In 1983 Lansbury starred opposite Sir Laurence Olivier in a BBC adaptation of the Broadway play A Talent For Murder. According to "The Complete Films of Laurence Olivier" (Author Jerry Vermilye, Publisher Citadel), Lansbury later stated that the production was 'a rushed job', and her only reason for participating, was the opportunity to work/team up with Sir Laurence Olivier."

[batman]

This is Claudette Colbert in the stage version ...

[maisonvivante]

Originally Posted by batman I found this on the web ... "In 1983 Lansbury starred opposite Sir Laurence Olivier in a BBC adaptation of the Broadway play A Talent For Murder. According to "The Complete Films of Laurence Olivier" (Author Jerry Vermilye, Publisher Citadel), Lansbury later stated that the production was 'a rushed job', and her only reason for participating, was the opportunity to work/team up with Sir Laurence Olivier."

I wonder if the somewhat Americanized Lansbury was simply referring to the production values of the program, which might have seemed different to her (videotape, obvious sets) after American tv movies of the time, which tended to have production values more similar to theatrical releases. Videotape, in particular, was only used on the corniest of sitcoms in America in the 80's, with film as an indicator of something being more "worthwhile." It's very odd for Americans to see something like a feature length movie on video, or even a drama like "The House of Elliot."

As I said, I do remember the program having such a theatrical quality to it (sets, acting, costumes) that, at the time, I thought I was watching a filmed play. I also remember it being an ingenious little story with eccentric and interesting characters. As one of Olivier's final performances, it's definitely worth putting out on dvd.