Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries was a huge success when it hit the small screen in 2012, garnering an incredibly loyal following across 220 territories worldwide. Logic dictated that a movie would follow, and so it did. Miss Fisher and The Crypt of Tears marks our heroines first venture onto the big screen and a lot of this is thanks to the fans.
The movie begins in true Phryne Fisher style and when I say style I mean real style. After a quick foot-chase that sees Phryne (Essie Davis) swathed head to toe in blue cloth (with added sequins naturally), we find her “sneaking” around near a Jerusalem prison. The audience smiles knowingly. It’s preposterous to think that the glamorous female detective isn’t seen given her stunning, but vibrant red, outfit bouncing off the bland sandstone background. But this is Miss Fisher and the audience is reminded to suspend reality for the next one hour, 41 minutes.
Miss Fisher is on a quest, to free a young woman from a Moroccan prison. News of her latest exploits hit the usual suspects back in Australia, allowing brief appearances by Constable Hugho Collins (Hugo Johnstone-Burt), and a pregnant Dot Williams (Ashleigh Cummings), as well as love-struck Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page). The news also reaches Aunt Prudence (Miriam Margolyes) and butler Crippins (John Stanton) in London. As is his usual way, Detective Inspector Robinson hightails it to London.
What follows is a fun ride that sees Phryne’s and Robinson searching for a priceless emerald and unravelling an ancient curse. Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears introduces a 1920’s female Indian Jones but on a much smaller budget. Talking about budget, when news of a potential movie got out a Kickstarter campaign was established.
“Our fans are as passionate about seeing this film made as we are and it would be fitting – and wonderful – if their support helps us get there.” said Deb Cox, Creative Director of Every Cloud.
The original campaign target of $250,00 was reached in less than 48 hours. Some 6,000 fans across 32 countries then pushed the total over $600,000.
There’s enough in the movie to keep loyal fans happy, the dazzling outfit changes for one. Costume designer Margot Wilson must have had fun. The presence of Rupert Penry-Jones was a surprise, particularly given the small role he plays. So too John Walters. Some of the quirky, cheesy elements felt out of place on the big screen.
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