Mitchell, Gladys - Pageant of Murder (1965)

Review by Nick Fuller

2/5

The pageant on display here offers rather a sorry spectacle, akin to mangy toothless lions and geriatric tightrope-walkers. Although the three murders seem to have something theatrically extravagant in their appearance, behind the gaudy costumes and elaborate stage-setting is nothing more than a rather dull series of murders, committed by a criminal we hardly know for reasons that seem insufficient in a manner that is unconvincing. The star performer, Dame Beatrice Bradley, hardly appears, and, however good company Laura Gavin and Kitty Trevelyan-Twigg may be, they are only minor parts. Not surprisingly, the audience is not amused.