The Blackheath Poisonings

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 12:41 am

A Masterpiece Theatre 3 hour series featuring 1890's London might be just your cup of tea. I missed it when it was on television but discovered the series on Netflicks. The costumes, interiors, Victorian mourning customs and general details were right on the money. If you love a good plot with an unforseen twist and all the seven deadly sins and murder by- poisoning-you will love this series. I had to watch all three episodes in one sitting. Based on the novel by Julian Symons, the film version was made for TV in 1992. Here is a good synopsis. Novel and DVD also available on Amazon. http://www.filmbug.com/asin/B0000A5A3A

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:59 am

Thanks for the tip, Shelley. It looks goooood!

stargazer · Post by **stargazer** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:38 pm

I only watch tv to see shows like that. (and the Alfred Hitchcockian Twilight Zonish...you get the picture.)

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:59 pm

I just ordered the DVD for 10 dollars from Amazon because this is one I know I will watch again. Over the years I have gone through Agatha Christie's novels and plays three times- some things you just want to read again- and others you can't get through even once.
Anne Perry also writes superb Victorian murder mysteries and her hero detective Pitt and his wife can give Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot a run for their money. Callender Square is my favorite by Anne Perry. I wish these would be brought to television.

Nadzieja · Post by **Nadzieja** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 5:54 am

I just ordered the DVD. This is something I know I'm going to like. I never used to miss an episode of Masterpiece Theater.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:16 am

I think you will find that young Christien Anholt who plays the nephew Paul will put you in mind of our own Mr. Winward, Andrew C.! :-) The mourning costumes by the way, are magnificent and exactly correct for the period. The costume designer should have gotten an Emmy.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:45 pm

Shelley @ Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:59 pm wrote:Anne Perry also writes superb Victorian murder mysteries and her hero detective Pitt and his wife can give Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot a run for their money. Callender Square is my favorite by Anne Perry. I wish these would be brought to television.

Shelley- do you know Anne Perry's real life history? It is just as bizarre as any written story.

Tina-Kate · Post by **Tina-Kate** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:56 pm

I was just thinking the same thing Ellen: "Ah yes, Juliet Hulme..."

http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/anne-perry/

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:59 pm

No- do tell!

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 2:12 pm

Check out the Pauline Parker-Juliet Hulme murders on Wikopedia or Crime Library. Also look at the "Heavenly Creatures" site. A movie was even made about it with that name. It's unbelievable. The movie stars Kate Winslett and Melanie Linsky in one of their first films.

It's also unbelievable that this same person is now writing books with such sensitivity and moral tones. I would love to meet her.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 2:17 pm

Lots of samples over on YouTube. It looks like an entire Blackheath episode divided in 17 parts:

http://tinyurl.com/m4fvvx

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 2:27 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_oYT9mvChw

JoAnne · Post by **JoAnne** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:25 pm

Wow ...I never knew this. I have read many of her books and like them very much. This just goes to show "you can't judge a book by its cover". As with Lizzie, all those who have said she could not have planned and carried out such cold- blooded , savage murders......think again!