Multi-award winner Diana Rigg (Rebecca, The Avengers) stars as stylish sleuth Mrs. Adela Bradley in this sophisticated 1920s whodunit filled with blackmail, a shooting, and plenty of devious twists and turns. Mrs. Bradley... more », with her trusty chauffeur George (Neil Dudgeon), arrives at Chayning Court for the engagement party of her god-daughter, Eleanor Bing. Later that evening, Eleanor?s fiancé is found dead in the bath. The police are called in and conclude that his death was nothing more than a tragic accident. Mrs. Bradley is not so easily satisfied?why was there water on both sides of the bath, why was the window open, and why was the door unlocked? While the rest of the household attends the funeral, Mrs. Bradley launches her own investigation, using her prodigious charm and wit to help the local police catch a killer.« less
"Very entertaining if you like a good mystery. Diane Riggs smartly plays a Mrs. Adela Bradley who travels with her dependable chauffeur George to Chayning Court to attend an engagement party for her god-daughter, Eleanor. Only this party brings murder instead of merry. Eleanor's fiance is the unfortunate corpse and we have a sorted cast of characters who are all suspects. Mrs. Bradley, with the help of George, work to solve the puzzle. There are a couple very interesting revelations. And learning the identity of the killer in the end may prove surprising. But the mystery is not exactly over when one thinks it is. The setting is in the 1920's, and the costumes and music of the era present nicely to the viewer's escape. Also, the show was shot on film and not on video as is sometimes done in these series. Therefore the cinematagraphy in this mystery is rich and has depth. The location is pretty, full of countryside greens. A pleasure to watch."
Solid British Mystery Fare
Sires | It's a Toss Up Right Now | 09/24/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Mrs. Bradley series appears to be loosely based on the series written by Gladys Mitchell. Gladys Mitchell began writing the series in 1929 with Speedy Death and continued until shortly before her death in 1983. They are not easy to find in the US, but well worth the search.However, back to the DVD. Diana Rigg, who thrilled me in the Avengers in the 60's, continues to appeal in the first decade of a new millenium. While the black leather is now relegated to shoes and gloves, her smooth and sophisticated style adapts well to a 1929 setting. Neil Dudgeon, her chauffeur and crime solving sidekick, manages to inject just a frisson of possible romance (held back by class difference maybe?). Fun to watch and it's worth adding to your DVD library for future reruns."
What fun!
Kimberley Wilson | VA USA | 08/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dame Diana Rigg stars as the wise, witty and brutally honest Mrs. Bradley in this clever mystery. Her god daughter Eleanor, after a tragic accident that left her paralyzed has finally found happiness but the night before the wedding the groom drowns in the tub. Is it an accident or murder? Follow Mrs. Bradley and her chauffer George (who it is hinted is a wee bit more than just her driver) find the truth at all costs."
Diana Rigg at her BEST!
Norman H. Wolfe | Mount Vernon, WA USA | 02/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Love a good mystery? Enjoy Drama's by the BBC? How about the Mobil Masterpiece Theatre? Roll all of these together and add the fabulous Diana Rigg as a roaring twenties society sleuth in Mrs. Bradley Mysteries "Speedy Death".All characters well acted, lovely scenery and mystery at it's best! Can you figure out who done it? (I did)"
The Mrs Bradley Mysteries - Speedy Death
Kimberley Wilson | 10/20/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pure enjoyment. Diana Rigg leads the audience into intrigue with style and wit from the very beginning right up to the end. The story will keep you guessing till all is revealed and when you think you guessed it - there's another twist. No sex, no violence, the dialogue and fine acting is enough to keep the viewer glued. Refreshing. A must for Agatha Christie fans (and Emma Peel fans)."