‘THE RUBY IN THE SMOKE’ (2006)

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Masterpiece is better known as a stage for proper costume dramas like Downton Abbey or Jane Austen miniseries. Way back when, novels by Phillip Pullman were adapted in what producers probably hope could become more of a mainstay on our television screens. Instead all that ever come from it, is one follow-up sequel. For a mystery, Ruby in the Smoke is more smoke and mirrors than clever.

The Ruby in the Smoke (2006) ITV Film Review

Armed with only a mysterious note referencing the “seven blessings” and a head for numbers, young Sally Lockhart (Billie Piper) sets out with determination – and a small pistol – to expose the questions surrounding her father’s death. Haunted by dreams that she cannot interpret, the note leads Sally to one of her father’s long ago fellow shipmate who hands her a book that has all the answers but after it is stolen from her, Sally learns she has a deadly enemy by the name of Mrs. Holland (Julie Walters) leading her to take shelter in the home of the artistic Fredrick Garland (JJ Feild). Along with the support of the street-wise Jim (Matt Smith) and Rosa (Hayley Atwell), Fred’s sister, Sally’s childhood reality unmasks one of the greatest thefts – an exquisite jewel that has caught the eye of more than one potential enemy. 

‘THE RUBY IN THE SMOKE’ (2006). A review of the Masterpiece TV production with Billie Piper and JJ Feild. All text is © Rissi JC and RissiWrites.com
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Victorian mysteries are something of a rarity. My idea of a jolly good mystery is usually in the 1940’s era to say nothing of contemporary spy thrillers. On the surface, this film is quite good. It does everything right with contrasting shadows and light vs. dark filming to set the mood of a scene but it misses its marking, never fully morphing into a “great” mystery. Ducking and weaving in and out of clues that do lead somewhere, the script isn’t that original. Clocking in at eighty-six minutes, the pacing is actually quite good boiling down a novel of more epic proportions and using the cast to keep the viewer curious if not totally confused – an attribute that if done properly, a thriller should embrace. Helping to off-set darker subjects is the lovely costume design. Stunning patterned bustled dresses and white shirt, waist coated, and brocade vested gentleman. Some of the pieces that costume designers put together are not always pleasing but within the staging of the scene,
everything does look pretty – whether it’s a parlor or walking down a busy street.

Then there are the characters that are actually a fun bunch. Jim has a surprisingly good heart, full of compassion and a protective nature. Sally takes more warming too. I liked her but felt as if her character was more of a contradiction than a study in good character. Admiring her spunk and fearlessness is one thing that is easy to like in such a heroine and then there are the prideful decisions she makes that make us want to shake sense into her – it’s an igneous error that too many leading ladies suffer the omen of.  

Lest it suggest otherwise, I would like to clarify that this is a good movie. The style of its filming lends credence to the fact that it is
meant to be a mystery first and foremost, and for a more “lighthearted” title in the genre, it is entertaining. It mixes two delightful types of stories and features a young, fresh-faced cast; one who goes on to be an Austen hero, a girl who once is a favorite “companion,” and another who’s about to break out as a loveable sci-fi icon. Fans of the cast or costume dramas should check
into this one; those who may have reservations of opium induced dreams or some unresolved plots, you should be aware that some of the subjects could be “troubling” but as a fictional piece of ambiguity, this is a decent production – the villain is surprisingly more chilling than you anticipate and the unanswered questions leave us gasping for more. Its greatest flaw is losing itself in the smoke rather than focus its lens on the better points building whatever mysterious potential it could have had.

Content; flashbacks show a murder in quick, successive shots – blood does splatter a by-stander. Two or three scenes take place inside an opium establishment; one person is an addict and a character smokes in order to enter a dream. There’s four or more murders; one is cut across the throat, and another is stabbed. More still catch a bullet or are on the receiving end of a threat; a young girl disappears after being ill-treated by her mistress – she finds bones of the girl whom she replaced. The film rates TVPG.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

17 comments

  1. I loved Billie while she was on Doctor Who, especially because our names are similar. I haven't seen her in anything outside of DW so this would certainly be different to watch. Hehehe… Good review! :)

    1. Very cool, Rosie! Amy is the only 'Who' companion I've met. She's a doll. If you like mysteries, you should rent these sometime then. It's always nice to find other productions starring favorite actors, and I'd enjoy hearing what you think of it. Recently I re-watched this, and the sequel and wound up liking it more the second time through. It's really quite entertaining if nothing else – plus the costuming is pretty. :)

      Appreciate you reading and each of your comments, Rosie! :)

  2. ooh–I can't believe I haven't heard of this one! Billie? J.J? Matt?! I'm such a sucker for period dramas–and have to admit, I'm (obviously, lol) often drawn by the actors. I'll give this one a try!

    1. Know what you mean, Jess-Rose. Familiar faces do catch my eye also – in some cases (like the new Cinderella), I do want to see a "fresh-faced" cast just because it's fun to discover new talent.

      Hope you enjoy this (and it's sequel!) if you see it. :)

    1. Seeing the third and final (?) book made into a film would have been fabulous, Ruth! In writing/editing these reviews, I had that same thought. As unlikely as that is, we can dream, right!? ;)

      BTW: Lovin' your new profile pic!

    1. This film – and its sequel, is fun, Juju. Especially for those of us who like mystery combined with costume dramas!

      Enjoy if/when you see it – and let me know what you thought! :)

  3. All you have to say is JJ Fields and I'm already looking it up online to find the nearest copy. ;) Thanks, Rissi! This sounds like it has potential! :D

    1. For those of us who are costume drama fans and enjoy mysteries, this one is good, Kellie. I hope you can find it – I'd love to know what you think of this one, and if you wind up liking it, be sure to watch the sequel, The Shadow in the North also. :)

    1. Do they re-play re-runs of "old" Masterpiece productions on PBS, Net? Since I don't get PBS, I have to buy the DVD's (nor do I use Netflix, etc.). Sometimes a friend will loan me a copy but usually after doing my "research" I make an educated choice and haven't been disappointed too many times. With these, I will enjoy watching them now and again. :)

      Hope you can see this soon – and enjoy!

    1. Funny how seeing a familiar face doesn't always "click," isn't it KatySue!? It almost becomes a game for my family to try and recall where we've seen some of the actors. :)

      Thanks for stopping by – and it's nice to know that the books are good also. As with this, I usually don't read the books first. Don't know why but there never seems to be any time. ;)

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