The Moonstone

Starring:David Manners, Phyllis Barry, Gustav von Seyffertitz, Jameson Thomas, Herbert Bunston, Charles Irwin, Elspeth Dudgeon, John Davidson, Claude King, Olaf Hytten, Evalyn Bostock, Fred Walton, John Power, Harold Entwistle, A.C. Henderson
Director: Reginald Barker
Studio: Alpha Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

A Who-Dunnit Detective Film.
Brit lite
Excellent transaction
Wonderful Adaptation of a Wilkie Collins novel!
A lot of trouble for nothing.

The Moonstone
Starring: Greg Wise , Keeley Hawes , Terrence Hardiman , Mellan Mitchell , and Peter Vaughan
Director: Robert Bierman
Manufacturer: Wgbh Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000AYELC4
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Amazon.com

One of the best mystery tales of all time, The Moonstone, based on Wilkie Collins' 1868 novel, is the story of a stolen Hindu diamond that makes its way into the care of Franklin Blake (Greg Wise of Sense and Sensibility). Acting as executor of the estate of the late Colonel John Herncastle (Terrence Hardiman), Franklin is obliged to deliver the diamond, called the Moonstone, to Herncastle's niece, Rachel Verinder (Keeley Hawes of Tipping the Velvet). The two fall in love, but after the disappearance of the Moonstone, Rachel refuses to speak to Franklin or anyone else, and rebuffs an investigation by a renowned detective (Antony Sher), who suspects Rachel herself is involved with the apparent theft. The long trail to the truth is endlessly surprising, requiring the participation of a number of fascinating characters who each contribute something to the solution. A handsome production directed by Robert Bierman (Vampire's Kiss), The Moonstone is most entertaining whenever Sher is on screen, humming incessantly, prattling on about roses, and sharing scenes with such estimable supporting players as Patricia Hodge (Betrayal) and Peter Vaughan (The Remains of the Day). --Tom Keogh

Description

Greg Wise (Sense and Sensibility) and Keeley Hawes (Karaoke) star in this sumptuous adaptation of Wilkie Collins' classic mystery, the first detective novel ever written.

The Moonstone, a sacred Hindu diamond was stolen from the head of the Moon God, in its shrine by John Herncastle in 1799. The stone is said to be cursed if it is removed from the shrine.

In 1846, Herncastle visits his ister to wish his niece, Rachel, a happy birthday. His sister refuses to see him, and he vows that he will always remember his niece's birthday- a vow which later takes on sinister undertones.

Two years later, just before Rachel's birthday, a man named Franklin Blake announces to Rachel that the Moonstone has been bequeathed to her by Herncastle. Blake gives her the jewel on her birthday and offers to mount the jewel for her, in order that she might wear it. Inevitably, the jewel is found missing the next morning and Rachel believes Blake stole it. Determined to prove his innocence, Blake leaves in order to pursue the real truth behind the theft.

Customer Reviews:

A Who-Dunnit Detective Film........2007-04-06

Attractive lead actors perform an average script of a period murder-mystery.

Technically good in costumes, lighting, and attractive sets. If you like a light Whodunnit; you may like this. As good as anything on TV today. The detective is interesting, and his sleuthing has some interest. The story holds your attention; therefore, maybe 3-stars for some people (I rate 2-stars, if I do not keep it to watch again years later).

5-star Mystery DVD's are: "Road to Avonlea-Season 3", episode: "A Dark and Stormy Night", starring Christopher Reeve; or the modern, clever, murder-mystery series "Columbo", Seasons 1-7 (have not seen the other seasons).

This did not have what I was looking for, some adventure, more believability, more charm, and more cleverness.

The sets are attractively "staged"; rather than sets that take you there. Has pleasant characters; but not deep. Some good humor personality with the servants.

Brit lite.......2007-01-11

The "twist" was common enough at the time, but we tend to forget that our generation didn't discover all of the "vices." A nice period piece. I would have liked to have had some of the relationships better explained.

Excellent transaction.......2007-01-10

I have been looking for this book for years and here it is. Brilliant. Thank you so very much for a smooth, easy, straightforward transaction.

Wonderful Adaptation of a Wilkie Collins novel!.......2007-01-08

I am a big fan of Wilkie Collins this movie was just wonderful! I became totally engrossed and couldn't stop watching, even though I had already read the book. Wonderful acting and beautiful backgrounds. I highly recommend this movie.

A lot of trouble for nothing........2006-11-07

The characters in this book and production are its downfall. The young lady owner sees someone take her diamond. She has access to this person; it is someone she knows. Why not just ask this person to give the diamond back? Why not ask "Why did you take it?" Why condemn this person without giving him or her a chance to speak? This stupid girl (Rachel is her name) soured me on the whole book! This is not the way that people would really act in this situation. Collins asks readers to suspend disbelief too much. If Rachel had spoken up, she could have saved others, like Sargent Cuff a lot of trouble.

Masterpiece Theatre: The Wilkie Collins Set - The Woman in White/The Moonstone

Average customer rating:

Wilkie Collins fan
The Woman in White

Masterpiece Theatre: The Wilkie Collins Set - The Woman in White/The Moonstone
Starring: Greg Wise , Keeley Hawes , Terrence Hardiman , Mellan Mitchell , and Peter Vaughan
Director: Robert Bierman , and Tim Fywell
Manufacturer: Wgbh Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000HEWH1Y
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Customer Reviews:

Wilkie Collins fan.......2007-05-25

Both of these films are intriguing British pieces. The Woman In White is perhaps slightly over-dramatized in this version, but the heart of the story is well captivated by the actors.

The Moonstone has long been a favorite mystery of mine, and this portrayal is rather brilliant.

It was a good purchase for those anglophiles that enjoy nothing better than a good British period movie.

The Woman in White.......2007-02-01

The producer has taken artistic licence a little too far. Miss Halcombe was called Miss Fairlie. Why? The earlier BBC version was much better and accurate.

Average customer rating:

Yorkshire landscape is absolutely chilling!
worth the wait
Still luminous after all these years

The Moonstone
Starring: Colin Baker , Basil Dignam , Marguerite Young , Kathleen Byron , and Azad Ali
Director: Paddy Russell
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GAKFI6
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Amazon.com

Based on the 1868 classic British detective novel The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, this 1972 BBC drama is a 221-minute, five-part period piece that seems almost theatrical thanks to its thespian delivery, scarcity of background music, and intent focus on character development. While the pace is leisurely and the dialogue sometimes difficult to discern, the story is most intriguing: A stolen Indian jewel makes its way to England and its curse threatens to destroy Rachel Verinder and her entire family even after it is stolen from the Verinder home. The best detectives fail to resolve the case and the repercussions ripple for many years as the plot twists and turns, love ebbs and flows, anger and deceit roil, and mysticism and science vie for supremacy. Featured talents are Robin Ellis, John Welsh, Basil Dignam, Vivien Heilbron and Peter Sallis and DVD extras include a Wilkie Collins biography and cast filmographies. --Tami Horiuchi

Description

A priceless exotic jewel disappears, sending the beautiful young woman who inherited it into turmoil as misfortune follows misfortune. Stolen from a Hindu shrine by a plundering ancestor, the jewel dazzles Rachel Verinder when she receives it on her 18th birthday. But its disappearance robs her of something she values even more.

In a twisting plot that unfolds with dramatic surprises, the solution to this Victorian mystery requires the services of London detective Sergeant Cuff, whose incisive investigative work is matched only by his love of roses. Based on the 1868 novel by Wilkie Collins and starring Robin Ellis (Poldark), John Welsh (The Duchess of Duke Street), and Basil Dignam (The Pallisers). As seen on Masterpiece Theatre.

Customer Reviews:

Yorkshire landscape is absolutely chilling!.......2007-01-13

At long last! I first viewed the multi-episode "Moonstone" on PBS after being captivated by "Upstairs, Downstairs" and the "Mystery" series. I recognized various actors who seemed to move in and out of other series "The Pallisers," etc. John Welsh -- Sgt. Cuff here, was the dotty old retainer in "Duchess of Duke Street," and Peter Sallis, Mr. Bluff in the Moonstone, shone as Mr. Bonteen in the aforementioned Pallisers, and continues to shine in "Last of the Summer Wine." The production values of the Moonstone is high; the costumes are downright rich and elegant. Clothes do tell a story -- at a glance you discerned different stations in life, occupations, values. However, the sound wavered from soft to softer, and I had to remember to turn the volume down on my TV after using the DVD player before switching back to regular TV. Hint: buy this series for yourself and after viewing, if you don't want to keep it, donate the DVD to your public library so others can enjoy it.

worth the wait.......2007-01-03

I have been waiting for the BBC to reissue this excellent Masterpiece Theatre production -- much superior to the shorter version released several years ago. It was worth the wait!

Still luminous after all these years.......2006-11-10

What a pleasure to see the original production of Collins' The Moonstone at last! The recent version was good, but this one seemed far more satisfying. I've always been a sucker for John Welsh, who was splendid as the detective. I've always been a Robin Ellis fan, so his presence was a bonus. The production held up well for its 30-odd years. I would recommend this production to those who love great British drama.

Average customer rating:

I LIKE IT A LITTLE BETTER....
Beware ... Bad Manners

The Moonstone
Starring: David Manners , Phyllis Barry , Gustav von Seyffertitz , Jameson Thomas , and Herbert Bunston
Director: Reginald Barker
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009P1P3
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Customer Reviews:

I LIKE IT A LITTLE BETTER...........2005-01-10

Than the other reviewer. First I will concure that the version that Amazon shows on their site is NOT the version that you will receive if you order it. The version you get is the Alpha Video version with completely different box art. Also as noted, this version is trimmed down to a mere 47 minutes versus the original runtime of 62 minutes so 25% of the movie IS missing. To compensate, the Alpha version somes with a second feature "Murder at Midnight"

The Moonstone is an early Poverty Row thriller from Monogram and based on a story by Wilkie Collins. David Manners plays Franklyn Blake who is returning from India with the rare gem called the Moonstone which is the inheritance of his Fiancee Anne VErinder (Phyllis Barry). Blake arrives at the Verinder mansion with a house full of guests including Godfrey, Anne's cousin, Von Lucker, a man who Anne's father owes 5,000 pounds, various servants, and Yandoo, a Hindu accompanying Blake. Anne goes to sleep and in the morning finds the moonstone has been stolen from under her pillow. Inspector Cuff from Scotland Yard is called in to solve the crime.

Because of the short runtime the movie is badly chopped up and switchs harshly from scene to scene. The quality of the print is very rough with poor contrast and quite grainy. Still it's an effective little who-done-it with solid performances. Manners is decent and I realy liked Gustav von Seyffertitz as Von Lucker.

Murder at Midnight is another poverty row picture from the little known Amity Studio. A large group of guests are gathered at the Kennedy estate for a party. During a game of charades a man is shot and killed by a gun that was supposed to have blanks in it. Now, everyone in attendance is a suspect as Inspector Taylor begins interviewing the guests to solve the case. But then the body count starts to go up as Maid, Butler, and others are killed off in rapid fire order.

The performances are ok. Pretty stereotypical of these types of movies with smug socialites, tough guy cop, creepy butler, shyster lawyer, etc. Nothing special. Look for Vernon Dent in a bit role as the peanut-eating cop. Dent of course would go onto greater fame playing in dozens of three stooges shorts in the 1930's and 40's.

As with Moonstone it's a bad print with terrible contrast and very grainy. Still, the fact is that why would you restore two movies like these that are basically forgotten films? What's really the market for them? Rather than slam Alpha for not restoring them, I will praise them for putting them out in the first place. I doubt they were ever released on VHS so if not for Alpha these littke-known films would have remained basically lost and never seen the light of day. Despite their quality they are still watchable

Beware ... Bad Manners.......2004-01-09

I ordered this movie because I'm a dedicated fan of actor David Manners. Instead of receiving the Gotham Distribution version pictured here, I received the Alpha Video DVD release of "The Moonstone". This version of the film is *not* worth adding to your collection, at least as presented on this DVD. The original running time of "The Moonstone" was 62 minutes; here it runs only 47 minutes, meaning that one-fourth of the movie is missing! And the footage that remains is scratchy and jumpy, with grade Z contrast ... not even remotely worth watching for a glimpse of cult actor Manners.

amazon.com

Typical Monogram whodunit from the 30's, with dialogue and sound effects based on the well known mystery book with same title. A valuable gem from India is stolen in an old dark mansion and it is up to Scotland Yard inspector Charles Irwin to find out who did it among all the suspects who were in the house.

Mystery Classics Volume 12: Midnight Manhunt, Murder by Television, The Moonstone, Great Guy

Average customer rating:

Mystery Classics Volume 12: Midnight Manhunt, Murder by Television, The Moonstone, Great Guy
Starring: Mystery Classics
Manufacturer: Mill Creek Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009W308S
Release Date: 2004-01-01

Mystery Movie Marathon Volume 5: 8 Movie Pack

Average customer rating:

Mystery Movie Marathon Volume 5: 8 Movie Pack

Manufacturer: RightNow Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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s BONUS: Each movie comes with a portable-media friendly version that can be downloaded to your Apple iPod!
Eight feature films on four DVDs
Bulldog Drummond in Africa;Mr. Wong, Detective;Sherlock Holmes: Murder at the Baskervilles;Nancy Drew, Reporter;He Walked By Night;The Stranger;Too Late for Tears;The Moonstone

ASIN: B000GW55NY

Product Description

The legends of Mystery are gathered here for you in this definitive DVD collection of some of the greatest Mystery classics to ever come out of Hollywood. This 8 DVD collection is sure to provide you with countless hours of entertainment. Mystery Movie Marathon Volume 5: 8 Movie Pack includes: Bulldog Drummond in Africa directed by Louis King and starring John Howard; Mr. Wong, Detective directed by Willaim Nigh and starring Boris Karloff; Sherlock Holmes: Murder at the Baskervilles directed by Thomas Bentley and starring Arthur Wonter; Nancy Drew, Reporter directed by William Clemens and starring Bonita Granville; He Walked By Night directed by Alfred Werker and starring Richard Basehart; The Stranger directed by Orson Welles and starring Orson Welles; Too Late for Tears directed by Byron Haskin and starring Lizabeth Scott; The Moonstone directed by Reginald Barker and starring David Manners

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