Agatha Christie’s intricate mysteries have captivated readers and viewers for generations. As a long-time enthusiast of her work, revisiting adaptations of her novels, particularly those featuring the astute Miss Marple, is always a pleasure. Julia McKenzie’s portrayal of Miss Marple remains a highlight, closely embodying the character as depicted in Christie’s books. However, one particular adaptation raises a question: “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?”.
Interestingly, “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” is not originally a Miss Marple story. Yet, in the spirit of creative adaptation seen in various series, Miss Marple finds herself interwoven into this narrative. The title itself has a curious origin, stemming from a snippet of conversation Christie overheard outside a cinema, sparking the idea for a completely different story, albeit one that shares this intriguing phrase.
In this adaptation, Jane Marple is visiting her friend Marjorie when Marjorie’s son, Bobby, becomes entangled in a perplexing situation. Bobby discovers a dying man whose cryptic last words are, indeed, the title of our story. The deceased is later identified as a Mr. Pritchard. Bobby is summoned to an inquest, only to find it is a fabricated event, a clear attempt to deter him from the true proceedings.
Intrigued, Bobby and his spirited friend Frankie embark on their own investigation. Their inquiries lead them to the enigmatic Savage family, and Frankie orchestrates a meeting by staging a car accident near their estate, allowing her to infiltrate their unconventional household under the guise of recovery. The Savage family is revealed to be a collection of complex personalities, still reeling from the recent death of their unpopular patriarch. As Frankie delves deeper, seeking the elusive “Evans,” both Miss Marple and Bobby, disguised as a chauffeur, arrive on the scene, adding layers to the unfolding mystery.
The production of these adaptations consistently impresses with lavish visuals, showcasing picturesque settings, evocative music, and authentic 1950s (though arguably should be 1930s) fashion. Despite deviations from the original source material, the core intrigue of Christie’s storytelling persists. However, the conclusion of this particular adaptation unfortunately falters, culminating in a somewhat unsatisfying and frankly, ridiculous resolution. Viewers should be prepared for a noticeable letdown in the final moments of “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?”.
