Search - Inspector Morse - The Secret of Bay 5B on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 3/1/2023...

High Amazon ratings but dragged like a snail. Watch at your own peril.

Indiscretions of a British wife

Michael Williams | Saginaw, Texas | 01/10/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This entry in the Morse series is entertaining, as well as unusual in some respects. The plot basically revolves around the murder of an architect (Michael Gifford) whose body is found in a car left in a parking garage. The investigation yields information which indicates that while Gifford was a talented and successful architect, he was also an unscrupulous rogue who responded vindictively toward women who attempted to terminate sexual relationships with him. A number of possible suspects emerge early in the murder inquiry, including the alcoholic husband of a woman (Rosemary) who had an affair with Gifford, a fellow architect (Brian Pearce) who had been denied a business partnership, and the thief who broke into Gifford's parked car.

As the case progresses, however, Pearce commits suicide and Rosemary's husband dies under suspicious circumstances. The actual perpetrator of Gifford's murder is determined at the latter stages of the mystery. Morse displays his penchant for shrewd analysis, as he evaluates the possible relevance of items such as post cards, expensive paintings, and time stamped parking tickets to the Gifford murder. Ultimately, solving the case hinged upon the presence of a Jaguar automobile at the edge of the forest and a clever bit of trickery involving car keys. For the most part, the character portrayals are excellent. Mel Martin, in particular, played the role of the vain, selfish, and manipulative Rosemary to perfection.
This mystery was also characterized by some unusual and humorous elements. The viewer is confronted with Morse embarking on a potentially romantic relationship with a female pathologist; moreover, Morse is actually invited by an attractive call girl (Camilla) to sample her charms on a gratis basis. Morse's uncomfortable reactions to the overtures of the call girl are both predictable and humorous."

Parsifal and Red Herrings

William J. Thor | Vero Beach | 04/10/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Early on we find Morse relaxing at home listening to Wagner's "Parsifal." Shortly thereafter he misplaces his tickets for that same opera and another opera "Der Rosenkavalier" is casually mentioned. However, that's the end of the opera trail as it has no effect on the actual mystery - although the tickets are eventually found and this diversion becomes part of a nice sidebar between Dr. Grayling Russell, the pathologist, and Morse which continues to run throughout the entry. The mystery involves two murders and a suicide with many suspects - too many? The tale is sprinkled with red herrings and various tangents to lead us a merry chase toward a resolution keyed by a ploy Morse conceives to ensnare the culprits. I initially gave this three stars, but subsequent viewing leads to a better informed four stars."