Miss Marple: 4.50 from Paddington

The super‑sleuth investigates after a friend witnesses a murder on a passing train while travelling from London, setting off a new case in this programme. The resulting mystery is carried by Joan Hickson, who leads the drama and unfolds the investigation.

It's a generic television programme presented as a single episode, firmly placed in the mystery genre. The production stars Joan Hickson, whose familiar presence adds a recognisable touch to the story. As an isolated episode rather than a continuing series, it offers a self‑contained narrative that leans on a classic detective set‑up, inviting viewers into a concise yet engaging plot. The storyline kicks off when a friend of the main detective happens to witness a murder on a passing train while travelling from London. That startling sight drags the companion into a dangerous predicament, and the detective – described as a super‑sleuth – steps in to investigate. The case centres on identifying the killer and untangling the circumstances of the crime that unfolded on the moving carriage. It's the super‑sleuth’s methodical probing that drives the episode forward, with clues gathered and motives examined within the confined setting of the train journey. By concentrating on the witness’s testimony and the brief window in which the incident occurred, the narrative keeps a tight, suspenseful rhythm. Throughout, Joan Hickson’s performance anchors the investigation, providing a steady focal point for the unfolding mystery.