Thyrza Grey

In 1933 Agatha Christie famously wrote, “The supernatural is only the natural of which the laws are not yet understood.” Interestingly, this observation appeared in a collection of stories, The Hound of Death (1933), of which many have a supernatural element.

Being at odds with rational deduction—a rule breaker—the paranormal simply has no place in Christie’s detective novels, save to inject a spooky frisson now and then—Murder is Easy (1939) is one well-known example. Only The Pale Horse (1961) actively presents black magic as the possible cause of death. It would be a pity to give away too much about this great book. Suffice to say, the writer set herself a transcendent challenge with the premise, one that she proceeded to work out brilliantly.

There is much atmosphere to savor along the way, thanks to the presence of three modern witches led by Thyrza Grey—denizens of the titular Pale Horse, a former coaching inn located in the curiously named village of Much Deeping. It’s hardly surprising that television would eventually essay this juicy material, as it did in 1997 and again in 2010. Christie purists despise both versions of the novel. True, the shows depart from the original in significant ways, switching up heroes and villains and, most drastic of all, writing in Jane Marple in the newer version. Don’t believe what you read on Internet Movie Database, though. A couple of too-convenient developments notwithstanding, both productions succeed on their own terms while honoring the book’s core premise.

“DEATH!” Thyrza Grey (Pauline Collins, left; Jean Marsh, right) prepares to do her worst.

 

Excellent casting in both cases doesn’t hurt, especially in the choice of Thyrza. In 1997 we have sharp-featured Jean Marsh (Upstairs, Downstairs), looking every inch the knowing village witch. Pauline Collins (Shirley Valentine) presents a quite different, sweater-and-pearls visual in 2010—decidedly fluffy looking, in unnerving contrast to her cunning manner. I can’t say which witch is my favorite.

The casting of the Thyrzas’ co-crones, Sybil and Bella, is equally good, too, though I would say the ceremony in which the three send out the “death order” is creepier in the older version. Be warned: there is a sacrifice. I will say no more.

If you’re wondering about the name “Thyrza,” by the way, it’s a variant, sometimes spelled “Thirza,” of the Old Testament name “Tirzah,” which roughly translates “sweet.”