Sally Lockhart Mysteries - Ruby In the Smoke (2007)

Fearless young Sally Lockhart (Billie Piper Doctor Who) has a mind for numbers and for sleuthing and in Philip Pullman s trilogy of novels set in Victorian London she is put through the paces of melodrama and mystery. In this vivid adaptation of the first book in the series recently orphaned Sally Lockhart armed with a pearl-handled pistol and her keen mind uncovers the secrets of her father s death aboard the sunken schooner Lavinia discovers hidden cursed jewels and faces England s deadliest villains with bold courage. Sally s friends the street-smart Jim and besotted photographer Frederick (JJ Feild To the Ends of the Earth) help her expose the truth--no matter how dangerous. Sally navigates through the constantly twisting plots with the savvy dexterity of a sharp-eyed detective. System Requirements:Running Time: 90 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: MYSTERY/SUSPENSE Age: 7+ UPC: 783421417397 Manufacturer No: WG41739 Product Description

Mysteries in the Smoke...

2007's "Ruby in the Smoke" is a Masterpiece Theater presentation, featuring Billie Piper (Mansfield Park) as a most unusual Victorian-era female detective, in a complex but thrilling period mystery.

As the story opens in London in 1874, young Sally Lockheart is newly orphaned and living with a rather stern aunt. A strange note summons her to the former shipping offices of her father, where one of the surviving partners literally drops dead of fear at a reading of the note. The story is off at a gallop, and manages to pack several interlocking puzzles into a breathless 86 minutes. At the heart of the mystery is a long-lost and fabulous ruby, a prize sought not only by Sallie but by a enigmatic but deadly old woman named Mrs. Holland. Along the way, Sallie will get help from a smitten young photographer (JJ Feild from Northanger Abbey), a street-wise shipping clerk, an actress, a black cleric, and the madame of an opium den. Sallie turns out to have a surprising talent for sleuthing, but the path of her clues winds through several plot twists and some briefly intense action scenes to a fateful confrontation with Mrs. Holland.

"Ruby in the Smoke" was meant to be the set-up episode for a series of stories; in consequence, introducing recurring characters and setting up their collective premise consumes much screentime. Nevertheless, "Ruby" is a well-staged period drama with surprises around every turn, and an ending that will leave the viewer anxious for the next episode. It is very highly recommended as good entertainment for fans of Masterpiece Mystery. August 6, 2008

Excellent!

Most enjoyable. Piper was much better than expected. And the creepy villiam, the best I've seen in a long time. Like someone else said, it did seem to short. Hopefully the other 2 stories make it to Region 1 DVD.

James July 9, 2008

Entertaining but rushed

A suspensful adaptation of Philip Pullman's book--though too short. It moves rather too quickly at times, making it difficult to understand why certain events happened. JJ Feilds from the new "Northanger Abbey" was charming as Frederick and Julie Christie is fantastically creepy as Mrs. Holland. June 15, 2008

Enjoy mysteries? Check this out!

This was a great start to begin this particular mystery series. There is already a second one made but has not made it to DVD just yet. I enjoy watching Billie Piper onscreen as well as the other actors. She was great in Doctor Who and can pull this off as well. It was well-done and intriguing. April 18, 2008

'Ruby' is a Real Gem

Based on Philip Pullman's novel (which I have not read), this television adaptation is highly entertaining and engaging. `The Ruby in the Smoke' is set in England in 1874. Sally Lockhart (Billie Piper), a feisty young woman whose father has been killed in mysterious circumstances, now resides with her fusty Aunt Caroline. "What accomplishments do you have?" asks the spiteful elderly lady. Sally tells her that she has none save the ability to fire a pistol, speak Hindustani and to read an accounts ledger as easily as a newspaper. By the time she has removed herself from this stifling atmosphere, Sally is immersed in her first mystery. The catalyst for this upheaval is a cryptic note that she has received from Singapore concerning her father's untimely death. Much murderous mayhem and derring-do ensues when the eponymous ruby's existence becomes known.

Sally's business acumen comes to her rescue when she takes on the books at the lovelorn Frederick's (JJ Field) photography business in return for bed and board. He and capable cockney lad, Jim (Matt Smith), take on sidekick status as they are confronted by the vile and devious Mrs. Holland (Julie Walters) who will stop at nothing in order to secure the ruby for herself.

The acting is excellent, notably from Julie Walters. I don't think I've seen her playing a baddie before, but she appears to be thoroughly enjoying playing this sadistic character. Billie Piper gives an understated performance here, in keeping with her character's age and status. Visually, this is a real treat with some stunning photography that captures the colourful opulence of the haves as well as the dingy squalor of the have-nots. The story does demand some attention from the viewer: it's not something you can watch and switch your brain off. However, for those who enjoy quality costume drama coupled with mystery, this is a fine example.
January 22, 2008

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