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The Mirror Crack'd

The Mirror Crack'd

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the murderer among them all?

1980105 minPGMidcredits score: 46th percentile of all films
Director
Guy Hamilton
Starring
Angela Lansbury, Geraldine Chaplin, Tony Curtis, Edward Fox

Jane Marple solves the mystery when a local woman is poisoned and a visiting movie star seems to have been the intended victim.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Mirror Crack'd?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Mirror Crack'd streaming on BritBox and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Mirror Crack'd?

The Mirror Crack'd earns 3 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Cathartic.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Mirror Crack'd worth watching?

The Mirror Crack'd's Midcredits score is the 46th percentile of all films, from 23K ratings across 5 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

46th percentile

Better received than 46% of films

46th percentile among Crime48th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)44th

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

48th percentile among Crime50th percentile among 1980s

Critics 47 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Crime46th percentile among 1980s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

Critics 68% · Audience 45%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

23K ratings across platforms

83rd percentile among Crime85th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 5% in 30 days

Box office

Domestic gross$11M
Worldwide gross$11M

78th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A campy, star-studded whodunit where Hollywood divas clash in a pretty English village.

Fans praised

  • Lansbury's warm, sharp Miss Marple
  • Taylor and Novak's delightfully catty insults
  • Lush period production design and locations

Detractors panned

  • Lackluster direction and sluggish pacing
  • Lansbury miscast and underused, unconvincing old-age makeup
  • Silly, overdone performances from Taylor and Novak

What stands out

DialogueDivisive75

Taylor-Novak bitchy insults are witty and quotable

HumorDivisive70

Catty one-liners between Taylor and Novak are the main draw

Cinematography70

Lovely English countryside and period costumes

Atmosphere65

Cozy village charm clashes with Hollywood glitz

ActingDivisive55

Lansbury charming but limited; Taylor and Novak hammy; Curtis bright spot

Plot and storyDivisive50

Clever Christie premise undone by clumsy exposition and rushed finale

Characters50

Marple sidelined, Hollywood stereotypes amuse but lack depth

Pacing35

Slow, meandering first half; rushed, unsatisfying conclusion

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Mirror Crack'd like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something light and easy.

It takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you satisfied. Skip it when you can only half-watch or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulSatirical · 5% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its murder mystery straight while indulging in campy, witty dialogue between the rival actresses, creating a tonal blend of sincere detection and playful Hollywood satire.
The rideThe mood is light and witty during the Hollywood antics, turns tense as the murders occur, and becomes somber in the final revelation and deaths.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from arrival of film crew to denouement.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Satisfied.

Cathartic · 6% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe satisfying unraveling of the mystery gives way to a melancholic conclusion as the culprit escapes earthly justice.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MysteryPuzzle
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% (this title) · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Puzzle: A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA classic whodunit in which Miss Marple uncovers the murderer behind a poisoning at a Hollywood film reception in a quiet English village.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsGrief · 6% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores whether justice can be served when the murderer is both sympathetic and already dead, while also examining how grief over a child's disability can drive a mother to kill.
StanceThe film questions whether formal justice matters when the murderer is already dead and her motive was rooted in tragedy, leaving the viewer to judge.

The world

Mid 20th centuryRuralDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · John Cameron
Settingthe fictional English village of St. Mary Mead in 1953, hosting a Hollywood film production
MusicJohn Cameron's score adds a playful yet suspenseful period flavour that complements the English village setting and Hollywood glamour.

Content guide

Is The Mirror Crack'd okay for kids?

PG

The Mirror Crack'd is rated PG. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (23/100), sexual content at mild (24/100), language at mild (30/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at minimal (13/100). Overall it is heavier than 30% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Germany12
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanPG12
  • Brazil12
  • GreeceK
  • Russia12+
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 8% of all filmsHeavier than 30% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 22%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 54%
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 58%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 81%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 11%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is drug and alcohol content, heavier than 81% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Mirror Crack'd have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Mirror Crack'd?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Angela Lansbury
as Miss Marple
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Geraldine Chaplin
as Ella Zielinsky
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tony Curtis
as Martin N. Fenn
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Edward Fox
as Inspector Craddock
Rock Hudson
as Jason Rudd
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Kim Novak
as Lola Brewster
Elizabeth Taylor
as Marina Rudd
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Wendy Morgan
as Cherry
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Margaret Courtenay
as Mrs. Bantry
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Charles Gray
as Bates, The Butler

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Mirror Crack'd?

Movies like The Mirror Crack'd include Evil Under the Sun (1982), Murder on the Orient Express (1974) and Murder She Said (1961). Of the 12 closest matches, most are puzzle films, and most are stories about detectives.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Agatha Christie wrote 4 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Mirror Crack'd?

2.4K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: rivals. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.