'Classic' Mysteries British vs North American

[Khorn]

I guess when it comes down to it my favourite type of Movie or TV program/mini-series/series would be a good Mystery. There is quite a contrast in the stuff produced in Britain and America. I tend to like the Classic material by British people like Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, P.D. James, John Le Carré and Americans like Dashiell Hammett, Mickey Spillane and Raymond Chandler.

I find that for some reason as a general rule the quality of Mysteries is higher in British ones for the TV stuff and American for the Movies. Of course there are bad examples of both.

For any of you who watch both British and American mysteries which do you prefer and what are your favourites?

[Andrew]

I can watch Sherlock Holmes stuff just about anytime. Also the 1960s Miss Marple flicks with Margaret Rutherford are a personal fav here too.

[Dave]

I actually like both but I think I'd have to weigh in a bit more heavily on the N. American side as I really enjoy the "on the edge of your seat" type of mysteries and the ones that you have absolutely no idea what exactly the mystery is until the last 30 sec. of the movie.