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The Masterpiece Theatre: The Moonstone | 
| Director: Robert Bierman
Actors: Patricia Hodge, Peter Jeffrey, Lesley Sharp, Antony Sher, Peter Vaughan
Studio: WGBH Boston
Category: DVD
List Price: CDN$ 26.99
Buy New: CDN$ 15.41
You Save: CDN$ 11.58 (43%)
New (15) Used (1) from CDN$ 15.41
Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 7950
Format: Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 33919
ISBN: 1593755252
UPC: 783421339194
EAN: 9781593755256
ASIN: B000AYELC4
Theatrical Release Date: November 2, 1997
Release Date: February 6, 2006
Availability: Usually ships within 1 - 2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Ships from U.S.A, takes 6-11 days for Delivery! BRAND NEW PRODUCT Factory Sealed.
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| Editorial Reviews:
From Amazon.com
One of the best mystery tales of all time, IThe Moonstone/I, 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 ISense and Sensibility/I). 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 ITipping the Velvet/I). 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 (IVampire's Kiss/I), IThe Moonstone/I 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 (IBetrayal/I) and Peter Vaughan (IThe Remains of the Day/I). I--Tom Keogh/I
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| Customer Reviews:
Precious jewels February 24, 2007
E. A Solinas (MD USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Wilkie Collins's "Moonstone" was the earliest known detective novel, so it's inevitable that someone would have made a good adaptation of it: Suspense, superstitition, and suspicion are kept intact in the 1996 adaptation (soon to be on DVD). There are one or two casting flaws, but overall it is magnificently done. br / br /During a battle in India, Colonel Sir John Herncastle stole the fabled Moonstone from a statue, and apparently brought down a curse on himself. Many years later, a young relative named Franklin Blake (Greg Wise) brings the Moonstone to the country manor of young Lady Julia (Patricia Hodge). But immediately things start to go wrong. br / br /The Moonstone is stolen in the middle of the night, and everyone has an alibi. A mysterious band of Indian brahmins is hanging around. A house-maid, who is smitten with Franklin, commits suicide. And Lady Julia, who is suspected of stealing it herself, refuses to investigate further -- or to speak to Franklin. Desperate to know the truth, Franklin and the eccentric Sergeant Cuff (Antony Sher) try to unravel the mystery of the Moonstone.... br / br /Wilkie Collins wrote dozens of books and plays, but "Moonstone" is undoubtedly his best one. And for a Victorian-era novel, it's rather unprettified: drugs, mystical gems, conquerers, murder, and true love. It sounds like a bomb, but instead it's an entracing look at the dark side of that era of English history. The opening scene, where Franklin dreams of a murderous Sir John, is one of the most riveting (if a bit theatrical) scenes of the movie. br / br /The darkness of the plot is in contrast to the beautiful surroundings -- lots of stately houses, ornate furniture and manicured gardens. Robert Bierman does an excellent job with the direction, slowly building up tension and suspicion. He does not skimp on personal details either, such as how the mysteries and crimes hang over everyone involved in the Moonstone. br / br /Greg Wise is best known for his role as cad Willoughby in "Sense in Sensibility," but he shows here that he can carry a movie very well. His Franklin is a bewildered innocent of sorts, and Hodge makes a strong female counterpart, who loves Franklin but doesn't believe him. The only weak link is Sher, whose character is too self-consciously quirky. br / br /The inspector is too weird to be likable, but otherwise "The Moonstone" is a mystery that is still fresh after more than a century. Entrancing, bizarre and beautiful.
3 Thumbs up! July 7, 1999
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
A great film! Highly recommended
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