Customer Reviews

Inspector Morse - Ghost in the Machine [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This entry in the series is highly entertaining, in that the viewer is kept guessing about the perpetrators and the exact nature of their crimes until late in the episode. At the beginning, the viewer is exposed to a competition between two candidates for the position of college master. One of the candidates, a wealthy man who neglects his wife but displays a predilection for erotic art, is found dead on the family estate. However, the cause of death (suicide versus murder) does not become entirely clear until evidence emerges later in the mystery. Just to confuse the issue, at one point in the story we learn that the dead man was the subject of attempted blackmail and we are confronted with its relevance (or lack of same) to his death. Later, the blackmailer dies in a car wreck under very suspicious circumstances. The role of the neglected wife is exceptionally well acted. As played by Patricia Hodge, the wife presents a somewhat aristocratic demeanor, correctly polite to those of "inferior position" in life--- yet, a politeness which thinly veils a certain sense of disdain and underlying superciliousness.
The viewer is tantalized with details (the program of a Covent Garden opera, a train ticket, an apparent suicide note, and muddy boots) which ultimately prove to be crucial in identifying the guilty parties and determining the extent of their misdeeds. All things considered, this entry in the Morse series is excellent.

Very early in the story Morse is riding on a train, half nodded off, dreaming of "Tosca" the opera he has just attended at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Much later in the plot this same performance furnishes a vital clue toward the solution of the case along with a train ticket. We meet Amanda Hillwood as Dr. Grayling Russell, a pathologist, filling in for Max - who has suffered a minor stroke. We are also exposed to a possible suicide, a definite murder, blackmail, adultery as well as the theft of valuable paintings including nudes. Most of the action takes place in and about the grounds of the sumptuous home of Dr. and Mrs. Julius Hanbury. Along with Dr. Charles Hudson, Hanbury is seeking the post of Master of Courtney College at Oxford - which adds another wrinkle to our mystery. Patricia Hodge as Lady Hanbury contributes an excellent performance. I rated this episode three stars, but after another viewing I must move it to four.

All of these movies are well written and good movie watching
lovely scenery in England. John thaw and Kevin Wheatly were excellent actors
would recommend all of Morse's movies to be bought and watched
chfancier

I love John Thaw's performance as DCI Morse, the intellectual, classically-educated, opera-loving Chief Inspector who drives a classic red Jaguar, and uses his intellect and superior deductive skills to solve the most baffling of crimes. Paired with Morse is his long-suffering DS Lewis (played credibly by Kevin Whately), a humble copper who provides a nice contrast to Morse and who is fiercely loyal.

Well, this episode really had me riveted. Some valuable erotic paintings belonging to the Hanbury family has gone missing from their stately home, presumably stolen. Then the discovery is made that Sir Julius Hanbury himself is missing, turning up dead in the family crypt. Morse and Lewis find themselves stumped by the case, as it appears Sir Julius may have killed himself, or is this really the case? Morse digs deeper, finding out some startling revelations about the lady of the manor who may be hiding some secrets.

The storyline was very intriguing and kept me engaged from beginning till end. There are many suspects, including a well-educated gardener/ chauffeur, a cute French au pair, and several others. The story also has an interesting development in terms of a new character in the form of Dr. Grayling Russell, the attractive new pathologist. All in all, a superior Morse episode.

Its a great movie if you like suspense and action. I love it when the guys head catches on fire!