Created for Helen Mirren, who won the Oscar last year for her performance as THE Queen, "Painted Lady" is a Masterpiece Theater production for anyone interested in murder mysteries done with that special English touch. Of course, with Mirren, there's an added element of a brilliant quirkiness that sometimes makes you feel like she's winking at you.

We've become huge Helen Mirren fans and have seen everyone of her brilliant British TV "Prime Suspect" episodes, one or two of which we will be offering on BuzzFlash in the future.

"Painted Lady" was custom written to star Helen Mirren, and the role fits her like a glove.

Broadcast ten years ago but just released on DVD in 2004, it is as contemporary as if it was filmed yesterday. Great scripting, superb acting, great suspense.

One online reviewer noted:

This is one INTENSE murder/mystery. This film involves and is about something, I feel, little is known about--the under ground "art world". Helen Mirren proves once again that she is a hell of an actress. In fact everyone involved in this film is GREAT! The script, direction, plot, etc are fantastic!
I had to view the film twice to fully decipher the mystery and the "goings on"! It kept me on the edge of my seat with its unexpected plot twists and tensions!
If you are into intense contemporary murder/mysteries (it ain't Agatha Christi--not that there is anything wrong with that!) buy this DVD."

Another online reviewer:

If this were a book, you would not be able to put it down. The story captures your attention and imagination from the first frame until the final credits roll. Helen Mirren, in the gift of a role written especially for her, is the ever changing chameleon. She moves deftly from 60's folk-singer has been and her world of self indulgence to selfless savior and countess,with a tragic turn of events. It is her turn to rescue those who have literally saved her from her own downward spiral.