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Reviews
Poirot: Dumb Witness (1996)
A series highlight and a delight from start to finish.
Hercule Poirot advises an elderly, wealthy lady called Emily Arundel (played by Ann Morrish) to change her will and disinherit her family after she tells him about her fear that one of them is trying to kill her for her money. She acts upon his advice, leaving everything to her closest friend and companion Wilhemina Lawson (played by Norma West) but it does not prevent her death which is put down to natural causes. However, Poirot is convinced she was murdered. Prior to her changing her will, Emily had suffered an accident where she had fallen down the stairs late at night and everyone blamed her beloved fox terrier, Bob, for leaving his ball on the landing causing her to trip and lose her balance. Yet Poirot had observed a nail in the skirting board that someone could have used to thread a tripwire across the stairway, which was subsequently removed reinforcing his view that it was a murder attempt and not an accident. Could Emily's sponging nephew and niece, Charles and Theresa Arundel (played by Patrick Ryecart and Kate Buffery) be responsible for her death? Meanwhile, Emily's other niece, Bella (played by Julia St John), seems terrified of her quick-tempered husband, the Greek doctor Jacob Tanios (played by Paul Herzberg), who had given Emily a bottle of patent medicine that she took just minutes before her death. Was it poisoned and, if so, by whom? Or are the eccentric Tripp sisters, Julia and Isabel (played by Muriel Pavlow and Pauline Jameson), as harmless as they seem? Poirot solves the mystery in his usual inimitable way with the help of Bob, the fox terrier, but not before Emily's home is broken into in the middle of the night by two unknown would be thieves and another murder is committed.
Without doubt Dumb Witness is a highlight of this marvellous series produced by London Weekend Television. David Suchet offers another of his excellent performances as Poirot and the friendship he develops with the murdered woman's pet dog, Bob (the fox terrier's real name was Snubby), despite his natural dislike of dogs, is a joy to watch. The animal is the only witness to his mistress's murder and since he cannot speak he has to find his own way of telling Poirot how the crime was committed and by whom. At the end Poirot, unable to adopt him himself, finds a new home for Bob with the Tripp sisters in a scene that is both touching and humorous in equal measure. The acting by a well-chosen cast is excellent all round with Kate Buffery, Patrick Ryecart, Paul Herzberg and Julia St John being particularly noteworthy. Pauline Jameson and the veteran British screen actress Muriel Pavlow also deserve praise as the eccentric and self-professed mediums the Tripp sisters. In addition, series regular, Hugh Fraser, provides his usual dependable support as Poirot's closest friend and colleague Captain Hastings. The film is splendidly set in the Lake District, although the original novel was set in the Home Counties town of Market Basing, adding atmosphere to the proceedings. It is also a commendably eerie story and the special effects work is very impressive, especially in the death scene in which green vapour is seen to emerge from the victim's mouth. The Tripps, due to their spiritualist beliefs, thought that they were witnessing the person's spirit leaving the body at the moment of death. But, Poirot isn't convinced and the believes the cause of death to be a cleverly planned murder and that what they saw was something of the making from this world and not the supernatural. The creepy atmosphere and the feeling for place and period is heightened by Simon Kossoff's lighting, Christopher Gunning's mood music and first rate direction by series veteran Edward Bennett. As ever the sets and props, including some delightful vintage motorcars are splendid. All in all, a delight to watch from start to finish.
Poirot: Hercule Poirot's Christmas (1994)
Another top notch dramatization of a classic mystery novel.
Hercule Poirot is invited to spend Christmas at Gorston Hall in Shropshire by the elderly and tyrannical diamond mine owner Simeon Lee (played by Vernon Dobtcheff). He asks Poirot to protect him as he believes his life is in danger. It quickly becomes apparent to the detective that Lee is antagonistic towards his family and uses his wealth to control them. That night the household is disturbed by a blood curdling scream followed by an almighty crash coming from Lee's bedroom. His sons, Harry (played by Brian Gwaspari) and Alfred (played by Simon Roberts), break down the door and find him dead with his throat cut and the room trashed. Lee's priceless uncut diamonds have also been stolen from his safe. Poirot calls in his friend Chief Inspector Japp of the Yard who begins a murder inquiry alongside Superintendent Sugdan (played by Mike Tandy). Everyone in the household had a motive for murder: his sons, the wayward Harry, the mild-mannered and loyal Alfred and the Member of Parliament George Lee (played by Eric Carte) who was heavily dependent on his father for money. Did the wives of George and Alfred, Magdalene (played by Andree Bernard) and Lydia (played by Catherine Rabett), murder their father-in-law so their husbands would inherit his money and then they could have been free of him? Could his long lost niece, Pilar Estravados (played by Sasha Behar), have done it for his diamonds? Or, could the motive be revenge for something that Simeon had done decades before?
Another high quality adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel from London Weekend Television. There are fine performances by a well -chosen cast, including Brian Gwaspari, Simon Roberts and Eric Carte as the murdered man's three contrasting sons. Andree Bernard and Catherine Rabett are also good in their roles as the wives of George and Alfred, Magdalene and Lydia. Sasha Behar is excellent as the plain speaking Pilar as is Vernon Dobtcheff as the murdered man. Mike Tandy is noteworthy as Superintendent Sugdan as is Olga Lowe as a mysterious South African lady called Stella who is present in the neighbourhood at the time of the murder. Is she a face from Simeon Lee's past and, if so, is she implicated in his murder? There is also a charming performance from the veteran British character actor John Horsley as the butler Tressilian. David Suchet is his usual impressive self as Poirot and he is ably supported by his regular co-star Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp. The film is atmospherically shot by Simon Kossoff complementing the excellent settings and location work, which combine to create an atmosphere of menace and the mysteriousness helped by Christopher Gunning's mood music. The dramatization by Clive Exton is excellent and the assured direction is by series regular Edward Bennett.
Poirot: The Mystery of the Spanish Chest (1991)
Another excellent adaptation, well acted and directed with drive.
Hercule Poirot meets Lady Chatterton (played by Antonia Pemberton) whilst at the opera. She tells him that she believes her friend, the glamorous Marguerite Clayton (played by Caroline Langrishe) will be murdered by her husband Edward (played by Malcolm Sinclair). Clayton buys a knife and confides in his friend, Colonel Curtiss (played by John McEnery), that he believes his wife is having an affair with Major Rich (played by Pip Torrens). Poirot is invited to a party at the home of the latter through Lady Chatterton. Clayton had appeared there earlier to see Major Rich, but disappeared soon after. On the morning after the party, the butler Burgoyne (played by Peter Copley) discovers Clayton's body concealed in a huge Spanish chest, which sits in the very room that the party occurred hidden behind a screen after blood had seeped through onto the carpet. Chief Inspector Japp visits Poirot and tells him that Clayton had been stabbed through the eye with a sword and, chillingly, his body must have sat in that chest whilst the party was in full swing with the revellers being none the wiser. He also reveals that he has Major Rich in custody for the murder. Poirot believes him to be innocent, however, and discovers that there was nothing between Major Rich and Marguerite other than friendship. On examining the Spanish chest, Poirot discovers a tiny hole that appears to have been made with a hand drill. Meanwhile, Poirot and Captain Hastings only just prevent Marguerite from committing suicide. With the co-operation of Japp, Poirot stages a plan to force the killer to show his or her hand.
All in all, The Mystery Of The Spanish Chest is another excellent dramatization of one of Agatha Christie's short stories. Performances are first rate all round with John McEnery particularly good as the arrogant Colonel Curtis. Caroline Langrishe and Pip Torrens also score in their roles as Marguerite Clayton and Major Rich while veteran character actor Peter Copley is also good in a minor role as the accused man's butler Burgoyne. David Suchet is as good as ever as Poirot and, by now, he had firmly established himself as the best actor to have played the role. Hugh Fraser and Philip Jackson offer their usual excellent support as Captain Hastings and the Yard man, Chief Inspector Japp. Directed with drive by series stalwart Andrew Grieve, the final confrontation between Poirot and the murderer is a good one and there is a spirited swordfight between the latter and the framed man who comes to the detective's aid.
Poirot: The Third Floor Flat (1989)
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Hercule Poirot investigates a murder in his own apartment block, Whitehaven Mansions, that of one Mrs Grant (played by Josie Lawrence). Her body was discovered by two young men, Jimmy (played by Robert Hines) and Donovan Bailey (played by Neil Pritchard) after returning from a night out. Their companion, Patricia Matthews (played by Suzanne Burden), has mislaid her key so they attempted to gain entry via the service lift. In doing so, they accidentally found themselves in Mrs Grant's flat. Chief Inspector Japp believes it is a straightforward case since a handkerchief with the initials 'JF' and a letter signed 'Frazer' were found on the body. His assumption is that once he has traced this person he will have his killer. Poirot, however, is curious as to why the body had been moved in a bid to conceal it behind some packing cases. Japp allows him to examine the flat and after he had done so tells Jimmy that the case is solved and he knows who Mrs Grant's murderer is. Poirot deliberately scares the perpetrator into doing a runner, but Captain Hastings' beloved Lagonda sports car is wrecked in the process.
Another thoroughly enjoyable episode featuring some great humour like when Hastings takes Poirot to the theatre to watch 'The Deadly Shroud', a whodunit and bets him £10.00 that he won't be able to solve it. At the interval Poirot hands him a folded slip of paper with the murderer's name on it telling him not to open it until the show has finished. When the killer turns out not to be who Poirot deduced it was, his reaction is priceless. Nevertheless, he still insists on honouring the bet and goes to write Hastings a cheque. But, this is interrupted by the discovery of Mrs Grant's murder. Performances are good all round with Nicholas Pritchard and Suzanne Burden being of particular note. David Suchet is as good as ever as Poirot. In this story he is nursing a heavy cold that he puts down to fatigue since he hasn't had a case to solve for several weeks. Then when he begins investigating Mrs Grant's murder, he springs back into vigour. He was called in by the young people who had discovered the crime and the way he inspires them gives him pride and it is a joy to watch. There is also a moving scene at the climax where he brings a young man and woman together. The able direction is by Edward Bennett who did several episodes in this series.
Poirot: The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly (1989)
Another high quality adaptation.
Hercule Poirot is hired by a country squire called Marcus Waverley (played by Geoffrey Bateman) to help him prevent his young son, Johnnie (played by Dominic Rougier), from being kidnapped. The kidnappers had sent the Waverleys letters demanding large sums of money, but since they repeatedly refused to pay up, another was sent giving the exact date and time that the kidnapping will take place. Poirot takes Waverley to visit Chief Inspector Japp of the Yard, but fails to convince him that it is a threat to be taken seriously. So Poirot and Hastings accompany Waverley to his country estate, Waverley Court. That night his wife, Ada (played by Julia Chambers), is taken ill as a result of being poisoned. On the following morning an enraged Waverley fires all of his staff with the exception of his long standing butler, Treadwell (played by Patric Jordan), believing one of them to be responsible for the whole thing. Meanwhile, Japp has decided to take it seriously and has arrived with back up to protect the child and apprehend whoever is behind it. Poirot and Hastings go out in the latter's Lagonda sports car to enjoy a pub breakfast. But, on their way back the car breaks down and Poirot is forced to walk back to the house on foot. Sure enough, Johnnie is kidnapped and the perpetrators managed to evade the police by putting the clocks inside the house forward by ten minutes. Has Johnnie been kidnapped by a ruthless gang, or does the culprit(s) and the motive lie closer to home?
All in all, The Adventure Of Johnnie Waverley is another high quality adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's short stories. David Suchet was by now establishing himself as the quintessential Poirot, accurately capturing the character's eccentricities and mannerisms in his detailed performances. Here, we see that he is disappointed not to be getting the traditional full English breakfast whilst staying at Waverley Court. Then at the cozy English inn that he and Hastings visit, he orders everything from scrambled eggs and kidneys to sausages. He even allows Hastings to order him a pint of beer at breakfast, although he is surprised that one would drink it at that time of day! In later episodes though he would express a big dislike for the English cuisine - a full English, in particular. The acting is very good all round with Geoffrey Bateman as Marcus Waverley and Patric Jordan as the loyal family manservant Treadwell being particularly noteworthy. Hugh Fraser and Philip Jackson offer their usual dependable support, which complements Suchet's performance as they provide the vital chemistry as his loyal friends and associates. The dramatization is excellent, Renny Rye once again does a fine job as director and all other aspects of the production: lighting, sets and costumes are spot on.
Poirot: Hallowe'en Party (2010)
Reasonably faithful to the original and competently done with a good cast.
Hercule Poirot journeys to Woodleigh Common in Sussex to investigate the murder of a thirteen-year-old girl called Joyce Reynolds (played by Macy Nyman). It occurred at a Halloween party held at the house of Rowena Drake (played by Deborah Findlay). Joyce had boasted that she had once witnessed a murder. No one believed her, but she was later discovered drowned in the apple bobbing tub. Poirot's friend, the mystery writer Ariadne Oliver (played by Zoe Wanamaker), was present and asked him to look into it. Poirot discovers that there have been three recent deaths that could possibly have been the murder that Joyce had boasted about seeing. They include the drowning of a local teacher, Beatrice White, which was believed to have been suicide. Leslie Ferrier, who was the clerk to the local solicitor Mr Fullerton (played by Eric Sykes), was stabbed to death by an unknown assailant in the local woods. On questioning the elderly lawyer, Poirot discovers that Ferrier had been suspected of tampering with clients' confidential papers. Then there is the death of Rowena Drake's wealthy aunt, Mrs Llewellyn-Smythe. Her estate, including the house and gardens that Rowena currently owns, passed to her and her husband (who died as a result of a hit and run, believed to have been perpetrated by some youths). However, Mrs Llewellyn-Smythe had been close to an au-pair girl called Olga Seminoff and a codicil to her will had appeared leaving everything to her whilst disinheriting her family. Yet, this was promptly proven to be a forgery and Olga subsequently vanished without a trace. When Joyce's brother, Leopold Reynolds (played by Richard Breislin), is also murdered, Poirot must find out the truth and bring the killer(s) to justice and prevent another death as well...
All in all, Halloween Party is a reasonably faithful adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's later novels featuring Hercule Poirot. It was first published in 1969. David Suchet remains the definitive Poirot and there are good performances from the rest of the cast. Deborah Findlay is quite good as Rowena Drake as is Julian Rhind-Tutt as the arty gardener Michael Garfield. Fenella Woolgar is outstanding as Elizabeth Whittaker, the local church organist who was very close to the schoolteacher, Beatrice White, when she was alive and her performance conveys a real depth of feeling. The veteran actor-comedian Eric Sykes is a joy to watch in the part of the elderly solicitor, Mr Fullerton, as is Timothy West as the vicar. Paola Dionisetti is also praiseworthy as the local eccentric and gossip Mrs Goodbody. Zoe Wanamaker is good as Poirot's friend and associate, Mrs Oliver, as is David Yelland as his manservant Georges. The dramatisation by Mark Gatiss is quite good and neatly ties together the complicated plot and the denouement where Poirot explains all and reveals the identity of the guilt party is satisfying. The film is also competently directed by Charles Palmer.
Poirot: Wasps' Nest (1991)
Worthwhile episode with good performances, direction and overall production.
Hercule Poirot is hired by John Harrison (played by Martin Turner) who tells him that his girlfriend, the glamorous model Molly Deane (played by Melanie Jessop), has had the brakes on her car tampered with. There is a bitter rivalry between Harrison and a sculptor called Claude Langton (played by Peter Capaldi) since the latter was once engaged to Molly who then left him for the former. At a fashion show, Poirot and Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser) see Molly hastily board a taxi with a sinister looking man, but thankfully Hastings has a camera on hand and manages to take a picture of him. Poirot shows it to Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson), who is in hospital recovering from appendicitis, but he doesn't recognise this mysterious man. Poirot solves the mystery and two lipstick stains of different shades in a tea cup, petrol mysteriously poured into a water butt and potassium cyanide bought supposedly to destroy a wasps' nest in Harrison's garden provide the astute detective with the important clues. In the process he prevents a suicide and attempted murder...
All in all, Wasps' Nest is another worthwhile entry in this series. Acting wise, Martin Turner, Peter Capaldi and Melanie Jessop shine as three people caught up in a triangle of love and deceit. Their performances are strong enough to give it the emotional tug necessary to move the audience. David Suchet remains the definitive Poirot and there is a funny scene where his secretary, Miss Lemon (once again played by Pauline Moran), tries to encourage him to take up keep fit classes. She hands him a leaflet reading "Use your vigour to keep your figure." "Absurd!" Poirot exclaims, "There is nothing wrong with the body of Poirot; it is in the peak of condition." Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Moran all provide their usual dependable support to complement Suchet's fine performance. Brian Farnham's direction is spot on using clever visual touches to highlight the clues and various red herrings. All the other technical aspects of the production are fine and there is a great scene set at a 1930's fashion show. The attention to detail that has gone into the design of the retro costumes is amazing.
Poirot: The Plymouth Express (1991)
Outstanding adaptation, well acted and directed throughout.
Hercule Poirot is hired by the Australian mining tycoon Halliday (played by John Stone) to investigate a French aristocrat called Comte de la Rochefour (played by Alfredo Michelson) who he doesn't like pursuing his daughter and only heir Florence (played by Shelagh McLeod) believing him to be after her money. Florence is separated from her husband, Rupert Carrington (played by Julian Wadham), a gambler who still tries to get money from her. Later she and her maid, Jane Mason (played by Marion Bailey), take the Plymouth Express from London Paddington railway station. When they are supposed to change trains at Bristol, Jane finds that her mistress has vanished. Florence is soon found murdered, her body concealed under the seats in her compartment when the train reaches its final destination. In addition, her case containing her entire collection of expensive jewellery has been stolen. Poirot and Captain Hastings reconstruct Florence's train journey and, going by the information in the pathologist's report, the detective deduces that she must have been killed as the train arrived at Bristol. A newspaper boy tells Poirot that he saw Florence at Weston Super Mare station, the train's next stop after Bristol, and how she had made a big fuss over getting a late edition of a newspaper. Poirot solves the case, which involves murder, fraud and jewel theft perpetrated by ruthless criminals.
The Plymouth Express is an outstanding TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's short story. There is fine acting from a good cast with John Stone shining as Halliday, the devoted father torn apart by the death of his daughter, evoking a real depth of feeling. Kenneth Haigh, who starred in the early 70's TV drama Man At The Top, is also noteworthy as a villain as are Julian Wadham and Alfredo Michelson in their respective roles as two men who took advantage of the murdered woman, Florence, who is well played by Sheila McLeod. The film is directed with flair by Andrew Piddington, especially in the flashback sequences at the denouement, and all the other technical aspects and production values are of a very high standard.
Poirot: The Yellow Iris (1993)
Superb adaptation of a Christie short story with a strong emotional centre to it.
Hercule Poirot is alarmed when he receives a yellow iris from an anonymous person. He tells a puzzled Captain Hastings and Miss Lemon about how it reminds him of a case that he could not solve. It happened in Buenos Aires, Argentina, against the backdrop of a military coup against the government. Barton Russell (played by David Troughton) and his business partner Stephen Carter (played by Hugh Ross) had struck a deal to excavate oil in the country. Poirot had observed tension between Iris Russell (played by Robin McCaffrey), the wealthy daughter of a British Labour Party peer and Barton's wife; her sister Pauline Wetherby (played by Geraldine Sommerville) and her boyfriend, a journalist called Anthony Chapell (played by Dorian Healy) and Carter. That night the five had dined at a restaurant where a vase of yellow irises had sat on their table. After drinking a toast, Iris collapsed and died as a result of her champagne being laced with cyanide. It was deemed to be suicide since a phial of the poison was discovered in her handbag. But, before Poirot could investigate, he was arrested by General Pereira's (played by Stefan Gryff) men and deported from the country. Poirot is further alarmed when he finds out that Barton is to hold another dinner party at the same restaurant, which has reopened in London under the same proprietor with the people who were present on that fatal night back in Argentina. Convinced that another death will occur, Poirot attends the dinner party and, sure enough, Pauline dies as a result of drinking champagne laced with cyanide. Poirot is convinced that both deaths were murder and sets out to trap the culprit...
A superb adaptation of Agatha Christie's short story, which is graced by fine performances by the entire cast. It is set against the backdrop of military coups, political intrigue, fraud and dodgy dealings in the world of oil excavation. There is a strong emotional element to this story since Poirot is revisiting an old case that he had been unable to solve due to circumstances beyond his control. It is ably directed by Peter Barber Fleming who also made the entertaining The Adventure Of The Egyptian Tomb. His visual flair is often in evidence, especially at the denouement where Poirot presents the solution of the case to the assembled suspects and uses a clever ruse to demonstrate how a daring crime was committed with utter simplicity. There is some amusing comedy between David Suchet's Poirot and Hugh Fraser's Captain Hastings. Poirot tells him that England has no cuisine - only food - and when the country starts making its own wines it will be the day he returns to Belgium. Then, at the climax, he asks Hastings to take him to a place where he will be able to eat late at night. He takes him to a fish and chip van and while he pretends not to like it in front of his friend we can see that he actually loves it.
Poirot: The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor (1991)
Admirably eerie mystery, well acted throughout.
Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings are invited to a country inn by landlord Samuel Naughton (played by Desmond Barrit) who also writes murder mysteries under a pseudonym. Poirot is furious to discover that he had invited him along to provide the solution for his latest novel as opposed to solving a real crime. However, before long the detective has a suspicious death to look into, that of businessman Jonathan Maltravers (played by Ian McCulloch) who lived at Marsdon Manor with his young wife Susan (played by Geraldine Alexander). She says she has been haunted by a malevolent spirit, supposedly that of a young woman who had climbed to the top of the large oak tree in the garden and committed suicide by throwing herself off centuries before. She believes that her husband died from the shock of encountering it since his body was found at the foot of the tree. Poirot soon discovers that Maltravers was murdered and Chief Inspector Japp's enquiries reveal that he was on the verge of bankruptcy, but carried a large life insurance policy for £50,000. Susan narrowly escapes death after someone fills her gas mask with chloroform at the local Civil Defence meeting. Captain Black (played by Neil Duncan), a friend of the Maltravers family, and who is in love with Susan, had recently returned from Kenya when he gave her an occult woodcarving as a gift is initially the chief suspect since he cannot fully account for his movements at the time of the murder and tried to flee when Susan collapsed at the Civil Defence meeting. A page from an old newspaper, a painting of the garden that Susan was working on at the time of the murder and some broken birds' eggs provide the detective with crucial clues as to how the murder was committed and by whom.
An admirably eerie mystery due to a combination of attractive set work, locations chosen for their gothic effect, atmospheric photography and mood music. Acting is of a very high standard throughout with Geraldine Alexander and Neil Duncan being of particular note. Desmond Barrit is also good as the innkeeper-part-time mystery writer who initially annoys Poirot for calling him down to help him get over his writer's block by providing the denouement to his latest book. Yet, in the end, Poirot does and asks him to perform a trick in return to frighten the murderer into confessing his or her crimes. He is overjoyed saying that it will be something to tell his grandchildren about how he helped the celebrated sleuth solve a genuine murder mystery. There is also some great comedy relief between Suchet's Poirot and Hugh Fraser and Philip Jackson as Hastings and Japp who all offer their usual fine performances. They visit a wax museum where Poirot tries to draw Hastings and Japp's attention to a figurine of himself, but they deliberately pretend not to have noticed it by looking at the one of Charlie Chaplin instead. The assured direction is by Renny Rye who made several films for this series.
Poirot: The Million Dollar Bond Robbery (1991)
A joy to watch.
Hercule Poirot is hired by the London and Scottish Bank after one of their senior staff, Mr Shaw (played by David Quilter), was nearly killed in an attempted hit and run incident, which was clearly a murder attempt upon the banker. Shaw is due to transport $1,000,000 worth of Liberty bonds to New York on the Queen Mary ocean liner on its maiden voyage. Poirot is told that three people are to be entrusted with a key to the security case: Mr Vavasour (played by Ewan Hooper), the General Manager, Mr McNeil (played by Paul Young), the bank's head of security and Shaw. However, another attempt is made upon Shaw's life after someone laced his morning coffee with strychnine. Thankfully, he survives but is confined to his bed at home under the care of Nurse Long (played by Lizzy McInnery). Therefore, the Assistant Manager, Philip Ridgeway (played by Oliver Parker), is chosen to transport the bonds. Poirot and Captain Hastings accompany him on the voyage and his fiancée, who also happens to be Vavasour's secretary, Esmee Dalgleish (played by Natalie Ogle), implores them to make sure that he comes to no harm. Ridgeway happens to be the prime suspect for the murder attempts since it transpires that he had owned a car matching the description of that involved in the attempted hit and run on Mr Shaw. He is also revealed to be a gambler with substantial debts and has loan sharks pursuing him for money. On board the Queen Mary, Poirot meets a glamorous American lady called Miranda Brooks with whom Hastings has become fond of. However, due to his suffering from seasickness, he cannot keep a date with her. Later Ridgeway returns to his cabin following a card playing session to find the security case empty and the bonds gone. Hastings had seen Miranda on the deck and thought he had heard a splash as if something were being dumped overboard, which she denied. The Queen Mary docks in New York and the crew are surprised when Poirot tells them that a search of the ship will be useless. Back in England, all of the keys to the security case have been accounted for apart from Vavasour's and he is duly arrested. But, Poirot is unconvinced of his guilt and presents the solution to this puzzling mystery.
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery is a joy to watch. There is a strong feeling for place and the 1930's period thanks to the superb sets and the lifelike photography of Chris O' Dell. Black and white newsreel footage documenting the Queen Mary's maiden voyage is used to enhance an air of authenticity. Acting is first rate throughout with Ewan Hooper, Oliver Parker, Paul Young, David Quilter and Lizzy McInnery all being of note. The latter is particularly good in a double role. The chemistry between Suchet and Fraser is splendid adding light touches to the plot. Andrew Grieve's direction is excellent, employing the use of clever visual touches including a close up of a poisoned coffee cup being propelled on a tea trolley to highlight its significance.
Poirot: The Kidnapped Prime Minister (1990)
A joy from start to finish.
Hercule Poirot is called upon by the British government after the Prime Minister is kidnapped in France whilst travelling to an important League of Nations disarmament conference. An attempt had already been made on the PMs life following a meeting with the King when he was shot at. Poirot races against time to find the PM before the conference starts. In addition, the Prime Minister's secretary, Commander Daniels (played by David Horovitch), and the chauffer, Egan (played by Jack Elliot), have also disappeared. Sir Bernard Dodge (played by Ronald Hines) is exasperated with Poirot because he focuses his enquiries in England as opposed to France where the kidnapping took place and will not use the destroyer provided by the state to take him there. Egan's address book interests Poirot, although Captain Hastings, Chief Inspector Japp and the government officials cannot for the life of them understand why. Commander Daniels is found bound and gagged in France and is brought back to Britain. To everyone's amazement, Poirot opts to question him when he apparently cannot tell him anything useful since he is suffering from amnesia as a result of a head injury. Yet, the detective, pleased with himself reveals that he has told him everything that he needed to know. On visiting Commander Daniels' estranged wife, Imogen (played by Lisa Harrow), with whom he had gone through a very messy and well-publicised divorce, Poirot instructs Hastings to follow her cautioning his friend that she is dangerous. The case concludes at a country mansion where Poirot uncovers a conspiracy involving people in very high places.
The Kidnapped Prime Minister is a highlight in this splendid series and a joy to watch from start to finish. Poirot's unusual methods of detection both baffle and exasperate officialdom since he appears to be visiting places and questioning people who cannot possibly tell him anything useful, or nothing that they hadn't already done so to the police. This allows for some good laughs like when Sir Bernard (well played by Ronald Hines) says "I haven't so much as seen him take out a magnifying glass" indicating that in his view that is how detectives operate. It also provides a lot of suspense in that we are kept wondering if the patience of the government officials will finally wear thin and have Poirot dismissed from the case. And, all the while, will the head of state come out of it alive? Japp also starts to fear for his job: "Bang goes my pension", he says, as he starts to wonder if his old friend isn't wasting time as well. The climax is good edge-of-seat stuff too involving a car chase between Captain Hastings and Commander Daniels' wife, Imogen, in two divine vintage sports cars through the English countryside. He loses her but Poirot's secretary, Miss Lemon, provides the vital clue with her small talk about the English aristocracy: "You English, you are all experts in the aristocracy", sighs Poirot. Here, we get to see the detective's dislike of the country's class system. Suchet had by now firmly established himself as the definitive Poirot while his regular co-stars: Hugh Fraser as Hastings, Philip Jackson as Japp and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon are on hand to provide the vital chemistry that complements his performance. The acting from the rest of the cast is also excellent with Lisa Harrow, David Horovitch and the aforementioned Ronald Hines being of particular note. The top notch direction is by Andrew Grieve.
Poirot: Four and Twenty Blackbirds (1989)
Up to the series' usual high standards; well acted and with a strong feeling for place and period.
Hercule Poirot is dining at a restaurant with his dentist. His curiosity is aroused when a waitress tells them that one of their regular customers, an elderly, reclusive painter called Henry Gasgoigne, suddenly ordered a meal that he never had before. Soon after Gasgoigne is found dead at his home as a result of his having fallen down the stairs and breaking his neck. Poirot remains intrigued by the man's sudden change in his diet after so many years so he makes enquiries. They lead him to discover that he had an estranged twin brother called Anthony to whom he hadn't spoken in twenty years. Poirot becomes convinced that he was murdered and Chief Inspector Japp orders a post-mortem. It reveals that Gasgoigne had not eaten such a meal that Poirot had seen him eating at the restaurant just prior to his death. An invitation to an art exhibition was found on his body so Poirot and Captain Hastings go as part of his enquiries. Here, they meet Gasgoigne's agent Markinson (played by Clifford Rose) who informs them that he could not sell any of the dead man's paintings, but since his death their value has increased substantially and anyone who possesses them could make a lot of money. Poirot goes to question the dead man's nephew, George Lorrimer (played by Richard Howard), a music hall manager, but he is told that he is in Brighton making funeral arrangements for the twin brother's funeral. Poirot is now convinced that the man he had seen at the restaurant was the elderly man's killer impersonating his victim. The wills of the twin brothers and which of them dies first provides Poirot with a vital clue to solving the mystery.
All in all, Four and Twenty Blackbirds is up to the high standards one associates with this series. The feeling for place and period is particularly strong here due to a combination of Mike Oxley's production design (we get to see the interior of a splendid old fashioned music hall), Peter Jessop's subdued, lifelike lighting and the costumes of Linda Mattock. The story features a plot device that is very Agatha Christie; in this case how a man's sudden change in eating habits at a restaurant he has frequented for many years arouses the curiosity of the astute Hercule Poirot. And how it leads him to solve a clever murder plot that would otherwise have never have been solved because no one else would have thought anything of it. As ever, the acting is good with Suchet on fine form as Poirot with fine support from Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings, Philip Jackson as the Yard man Chief Inspector Japp and Pauline Moran as his loyal secretary Miss Lemon. Also noteworthy are Richard Howard as the murdered man's nephew and John Bardon, who would become a mainstay in the BBC's popular soap opera EastEnders, has an amusing cameo as a lavatory attendant.
Poirot: Murder in Mesopotamia (2001)
Quite good entertainment but not the best Poirot by a long way.
Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings visit an archaeological site in Iraq where the latter's nephew, Bill Coleman (played by Jeremy Turner-Welch), is working. They arrive to the news of an Arab small-time crook and drug dealer having been murdered. In addition, Louise Leidner (played by Barbara Barnes), the wife of the head of the expedition team, Dr Eric Leidner (played by Ron Berglas), has been frightened by a sinister face that appears at her window at night. She reveals that she has also been the recipient of threatening letters, which are signed by Frank Bosner, a young man she had married during the war in a whirlwind romance. Bosner was due to be executed as a spy, but had evaded capture and then was believed killed in a train crash. She suspects that Bosner's younger brother, William, could be behind it. The letters arrived whenever she showed an interest in other men. However, upon her marriage to Dr Leidner, they stopped but began again when she showed affection towards Richard Carey (played by Christopher Bowen), one of her husband's key colleagues. When Louise is found dead in her room as a result of a head injury, Poirot questions how her murderer could have committed the crime unseen since her room adjoins a busy courtyard. In addition, the windows were locked and barred and there was nowhere in the room where the killer could have hidden. Poirot believes that William Bosner could be masquerading as a member of the expedition staff and killed Louise in a crime of passion. But which one of them could he be? Meanwhile, Joe Mercado is attacked by the brother of the murdered drug dealer and he subsequently commits suicide leaving a note in which he says that drug addiction had led him to murder. That solves one mystery, but Anne Johnson (played by Dinah Stabb), one of Dr Leidner's closest friends and colleagues, is murdered in a horrific way before Poirot is able to present the solution to the case...
All in all, Murder In Mesopotamia emerges as quite good entertainment even though it is by no means one of the best in the series. Everyone in the cast seem well chosen for their parts, but nobody really sets the screen alight here. David Suchet is still the definitive Poirot and there is an amusing subplot explaining how he happened to be in Iraq when this case came along. He had received a telegram from his old flame, Countess Vera Rossakoff, asking him to meet her in Baghdad because she urgently needed his assistance. Only, he arrived to find that she had left for Shanghai leaving only a message at the hotel asking him to pay her bill! Fans of the series will recall that the character had appeared in The Double Clue nearly a decade before, an episode in which we saw a romantic side to Poirot. The solution to the case when it comes is satisfactory, if perhaps a little implausible and as ever the crime is reconstructed by use of flashbacks from the perspective of Poirot as he explains to the assembled suspects how he arrived at the truth and whom is responsible for the crimes. The production values are of the usual high standard we expect from this series. There is lavish location photography in Tunisia by Kevin Rowley and the direction by Tom Clegg is competent.
Poirot: The Adventure of the Clapham Cook (1989)
David Suchet makes his debut as Poirot.
Hercule Poirot is approached by Mrs Todd (played by Brigit Forsyth) who asks him to find her cook, Eliza Dunn (played by Freda Dowie). Initially, Poirot refuses saying that it isn't what he specialises in. However, he reluctantly agrees to take on her case after she tells him straight that "a good cook's a good cook" and just as important as "stolen secrets and countesses' jewels". Poirot and Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser) go to Mrs Todd's home in Clapham, London, where the detective questions the maid, Annie (played by Katy Murphy), who tells him that Eliza Dunn had sent for her belongings even though she had stated no intention of leaving. Mr Todd doesn't think that any crime has been committed whilst the lodger, a young bank clerk called Arthur Simpson (played by Dermot Crowley), appears to be unaware of her disappearance. When Mr and Mrs Todd dismiss him from the case with a cheque for a paltry one guinea, Poirot is offended and vows to continue with the investigation. It soon becomes apparent that Eliza Dunn's disappearance is connected to Chief Inspector Japp's (played by Philip Jackson) case involving an absconding bank clerk called Davies and the theft of £90,000 in negotiable securities from the bank where he had worked. Poirot finally succeeds in tracing Miss Dunn through an advertisement in the newspapers to Keswick, near Carlisle in the North Country. He and Captain Hastings learn that she had been deliberately gotten out of the way by a deception. She had been approached by a mysterious Australian man called Mr Crotchet who, claiming to be a lawyer, told her that she had come into a legacy of £150 and a house. But, in order for her to be able to claim it, she had to leave her job and London immediately. Returning to London, Poirot once again calls upon Annie, the maid, for help and discovers the reason for the deception enabling Japp to apprehend a murderer and recover the stolen £90,000 worth of negotiable securities...
David Suchet made his debut as Agatha Christie's eccentric but extremely intelligent Belgian detective in this marvellous TV adaptation from a short story of the same name. Here, he establishes himself as the definitive Poirot accurately capturing all of the character's traits, nuances and eccentricities and he is a joy to watch. At the start Captain Hastings is unsuccessfully trying to get him interested in some of the cases being covered in the press. This is because he is too pre-occupied with attending to his wardrobe and trimming his moustache. His embarrassment at accepting Mrs Todd's case is also hilarious, especially when she tells him to his face what she thinks of it all and he has no option but to take it on. Yet, behind his brave face he is still embarrassed and begs Hastings not to tell Japp that he has taken on what he believes to be a trivial matter. However, when the case is concluded and it turned out to be more involved than he first thought, he frames the one guinea cheque from Mr and Mrs Todd and hangs it on the wall above his desk as a reminder "Never to despise the trivial, the undignified. A disappearing domestic at one end. A cold blooded murder at the other". Performances are excellent throughout: Brigit Forsyth excels as Mrs Todd as does Dermot Crowley as the seemingly mild-mannered bank clerk. Katy Murphy has a great part as Annie, the parlour maid, who provides Poirot with a vital clue in solving the mystery. Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Pauline Moran are good in the roles in which they would regularly support Suchet in the series that followed this pilot episode. They provided the vital chemistry between Poirot and his friends and associates that was one of the joys of watching the show. Another strength of the series was the excellent production values - costumes, settings, attention to period detail - and the first rate dramatization, which are much in evidence here. The skilled direction is by Edward Bennett.
Poirot: The Veiled Lady (1990)
A highlight in the series, acted and directed with a splendidly light touch.
Hercule Poirot is frustrated at not having had a case for a long time conceding that the criminal underworld are behaving themselves. However, Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) tells him about a raid on a jewellery shop in the Burlington Arcade where the thief was apprehended by members of public. But, it became clear that the thief had passed on the jewels to a confederate who could have only been one of the 'good citizens' who detained him since the gems found on the man's possession at the police station were fake. Poirot is then approached by Lady Millicent (played by Frances Barber) who asks him to retrieve a compromising letter from a man called Lavington (played by Terence Harvey) who is blackmailing her. Poirot, accompanied by Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser), breaks into Lavington's home in Wimbledon and retrieves a trinket box with a complicated opening mechanism, which was cleverly concealed in a log in the fireplace. However, the box contains something far more valuable in one of its secret compartments and Poirot goes on to uncover the truth behind the Burlington Arcade robbery in which a criminal gang is exposed along with a case of blackmail that lead to murder. But is Lady Millicent as lovely and vulnerable as she appears to be? And who is Lavington?
The Veiled Lady is a highlight in this well-loved series acted and directed with a splendidly light touch by the cast and Edward Bennett. The chemistry between David Suchet as Poirot and his regular co-stars Philip Jackson and Hugh Fraser as the Yard man and Captain Hastings is still there and is a joy to watch. In this case, Poirot dons a disguise as a Swiss locksmith to 'case the joint' as he prepares to break into the blackmailer's house. However, the resident housekeeper (charmingly played by Carole Hayman) isn't deceived by him and calls the police as he and Hastings embark on their subterfuge. Hastings escapes by jumping through a window whilst Poirot is arrested and spends the night in the cells. Hastings alerts Japp who goes along to the station to get Poirot out and he jokes with the custody sergeant that his friend is a notorious criminal known as 'Mad Dog'. There is an amusing showdown between Poirot, the Yard and the crooks in a museum at the finale. Pauline Moran is also here as Poirot's secretary, Miss Lemon, but she doesn't have much to do here, although with what she has to do she does magnificently. The rest of the cast including Frances Barber and Terence Harvey all act their parts with distinction. As ever, the feeling for the 1930's period is strong and all the technical aspects are up to the series' usual high standards.
Murder with Mirrors (1985)
Efficient, pacy and workmanlike adaptation.
Miss Marple (played by Helen Hayes) is asked to renew her acquaintance with her old friend Carrie Louise Serrocold (played by Bette Davis) by Christian Gulbrandsen (played by John Woodvine), Carrie Louise's stepson, who suspects that something seriously wrong is happening at Stonygates, her country estate. She arrives to discover that Carrie Louise has married a man called Lewis Serrocold (played by John Mills), who in partnership with psychologist Dr Max Wargrove (played by Anton Rodgers), has turned the estate into a reform institute for young offenders. Lewis confides in Miss Marple his suspicions that someone is trying to murder Carrie Louise by slow poisoning her. Gulbrandsen arrives and, while Lewis quarrels with Edgar, one of the juvenile delinquents in his study, he is shot dead in his room upstairs. Inspector Curry (played by Leo McKern) from the Yard is called in to investigate and, with Miss Marple's assistance, traps the killer. An attempt is made upon Miss Marple's life; Carrie Louise receives an anonymous box of poisoned chocolates and Stephen Restarick (played by James Coombes), one of the principal suspects, tries to leave since he isn't happy that Carrie Louise's granddaughter, Gina (played by Liane Langland), has reconciled her marriage with the American medical school dropout Walter Markham (played by John Loughlin); an issue that was causing much tension at Stonygates. Dr. Wargrove is alarmed by Miss Marple's request that he analyses Carrie Louise's fingernail clippings to determine whether or not she is being poisoned. He pulls a gun and tries to escape, but he is killed when his car explodes. In addition, Edgar drowns when he also attempts to flee before Miss Marple can reveal the identity of the murderer...
Efficient, pacy and workmanlike adaptation of Agatha Christie's 1952 novel, which would again be filmed as part of the BBC's TV series featuring Joan Hickson as Miss Marple in 1992. Here, the story has been updated to the present day and this does it no real harm at all. Helen Hayes, who had previously played the spinster amateur detective in another made-for-TV film version of A Caribbean Mystery in 1983, is competent in the role but her portrayal certainly isn't the best of them. There is some amusing chemistry between her and Leo McKern's Scotland Yard man who is aware of Miss Marple's talents from a colleague who had referred to her as "obstinate, infuriating but bloody useful." There is a little scene in a theatre where Miss Marple recites some lines from a play, which recalls the classic scene from Murder Most Foul (1964) in which Margaret Rutherford's portrayal of the character did an hilarious rendition of 'The Shooting of Dan McGrew' when auditioning for a job in a hapless amateur theatrical group to solve a murder. The best acting here comes from John Mills as Lewis Serrocold; Anton Rodgers as Dr Wargrove; John Woodvine as Christian Gulbrandsen, Dorothy Tutin as Carrie Louise's daughter, Mildred Crest and McKern. Bette Davis's part is more like a cameo where she is simply being Bette Davis while Liane Langland and John Laughlin are only adequate as Gina and Walter Markham. The reconciliation of their marriage is supposed to provide an emotional centre to the plot, but they lack the dramatic range to give it the emotional tug. George Eckstein's script, on the whole, plays fair with the audience and the solution when it comes is plausible. Dick Lowry's direction is more than serviceable and all other technical aspects are good.
Poirot: The King of Clubs (1989)
Efficient and fun addition to the series - well acted.
Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings visit a film set at the Parade Studios where an old friend of the latter's, Bunny Saunders (played by Jonathan Coy), is making his debut as a film director. They arrive to find that the shoot is an unhappy one. The studio boss, the obnoxious and universally despised Henry Reedburn (played by David Swift) is raging on the set and finding fault with everything that the cast and crew are doing. As a result, the leads, Valerie Saintclair and Ralph Walton (played by Niamh Cusack and Gawn Grainger), are not offering their best performances and this results in Reedburn having Walton fired who then vows to get even with him. Meanwhile, it is clear that Reedburn has some sort of hold over Valerie since he has forced her to sign a new exclusive three-year contract with his studio and he makes improper advances towards her. That night Valerie finds Reedburn dead at his home and she flees to his neighbours, the Oglanders, for help who promptly call the police and Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) launches a murder inquiry. Hercule Poirot is asked by the film's main financial backer, Prince Paul of Maurania (played by Jack Klaff), Valerie's fiancé, to investigate and prevent their names from being drawn into a scandal that would stop them from getting married. Poirot visits 'The Willows', the Oglanders' home, who tell him that on the night of the murder they had all been playing bridge when Valerie raised the alarm. The astute detective observes that there are only fifty-one playing cards on the table with The King Of Clubs missing. He finds it inside the box, meaning that it hadn't been taken out. "To play bridge for over an hour with only fifty-one cards is not believable", he says. He clearly knows who was responsible for Reedburn's death, but due to the severity of his character he informs Hastings that the murderer(s) will never be caught...
All in all, this is another efficient and fun addition to London Weekend Television's classic series. It provides an insight into the darker side of movie making where powerful studio bosses control and manipulate artists by resorting to tactics like blackmail. The acting is of a high standard with Niamh Cusack especially good as the popular leading lady, Valerie Saintclair, who behind the façade of glitz and glamour, has a skeleton in the closet that would ruin her if it ever got out. David Swift and Gawn Grainger are also noteworthy in their respective roles as the odious studio boss, Henry Reedburn, and the has-been leading man, Ralph Walton, struggling to maintain a career following the advent of talkies, taking to drink and muffing his dialogue on set. We see how Reedburn takes delight in his downfall when he has him fired from his picture and escorted off the premises like a common criminal. David Suchet cleverly portrays all the nuances, eccentricities and exceptional intelligence of Poirot while Hugh Fraser and Philip Jackson complement him with their fine performances as Captain Hastings and Chief Inspector Japp, his closest friends and colleagues. The film has a strong feeling for place and the 1930's period; the art-deco interior of the murdered man's home resembles that of the lavish movie palaces of the era. There are also plenty of vintage sports cars to look at and much of the mystery unfolds against a pleasant autumnal backdrop in the English Home Counties which is well photographed.
Poirot: The Dream (1989)
Enormously enjoyable with good acting, characterizations and for place and period.
Hercule Poirot is consulted by the arrogant, multi-millionaire pie manufacturer Benedict Farley (played by Alan Howard) who tells him that he suffers from a recurring nightmare in which he goes to his office window and shoots himself. Soon after Farley is found dead in his office by his secretary Hugo Cornworthy (also played by Alan Howard) in exactly the way his nightmare described. Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) believes that it was suicide, but Poirot is convinced that Farley was murdered. Certainly there are plenty of people who would have liked to see him dead. They include his daughter, Joanna (played by Joely Richardson), the main beneficiary of his will, who wants to marry the penniless Herbert Chodley (played by Martin Wenner) whom her father had disapproved of and got fired from his job. Meanwhile, his young widow Mrs Farley (played by Mary Tamm) has inherited £250,000 tax free. However, Poirot struggles to work out how the hated tycoon could have been murdered in a seemingly impregnable room - the killer could not have entered the office unseen and there is only a thick wall for a view out of the window. It is when his secretary, Miss Lemon (played by Pauline Moran), leans dangerously out of the window in order to see the clock tower for the time that he finally works out how it was done. Poirot assembles the entire Farley household in Farley's office where he reveals the solution to the affair.
Enormously enjoyable installment into ITV's acclaimed series based on the stories and characters of Agatha Christie. Alan Howard is excellent in the dual role of the despised Benedict Farley and his secretary Hugo Cornworthy. The characterizations in Clive Exton's script are well drawn too. At the start of the film we see Farley, accompanied by the local mayor, politicians and press, opening a new wing of his production plant with his staff down below on the production line. "My friends! "I hope I may call you my friends; after all I pay your wages", he addresses them much to the amusement of his distinguished, well-heeled guests whereas the staff aren't impressed at all. This shows the divide and disconnect between the wealthy, the powers that be and the hard pressed working classes who no doubt toil away in his factory for a pittance. Later, we see Farley's hostility towards those seeking trade union recognition describing them as "politically motivated" and anti-success whilst keeping them waiting outside of his office for ages for a meeting he clearly has no intention of holding. Howard's portrayal of this unpleasant individual contrasts nicely with that of the mild mannered Cornworthy. Yet, he may not be as meek and loyal as he seems. It has to be said that the acting is of a high standard by all concerned. Suchet is his usual impressive self as Poirot who gets excellent support from his regular co-stars Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Pauline Moran. There is an amusing scene at the end where Poirot presents Miss Lemon with a clock as a gift for providing him with the clue that was vital to his solving the case. But, really, all she wanted was a new typewriter since her old one has worn out and he didn't listen to her when she requested a replacement. Poirot proudly says he will never be a millionaire because he is "too considerate towards his employees". As we have come to expect from these films, there is a strong feeling for place and the 1930's period. Costumes, settings, lighting and music are all impressive as is the direction by Edward Bennett.
Poirot: Dead Man's Mirror (1993)
It lives up to the high standards we expect from this series.
An arrogant art dealer called Gervase Chevenix (played by Iain Cuthbertson) outbids Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) for a pretty antique mirror at an auction. The detective is flabbergasted when Chevenix asks him to investigate a fraud case on his behalf in a manner that suggests he thinks he can order people around as though they are mere servants. His initial instincts are to refuse, but Poirot is intrigued and, accompanied by Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser), he goes to Chevenix's country house. That night Chevenix is found dead in his study, apparently having committed suicide since he was found with a gun in his hand, the said mirror smashed and the doors and windows locked from the inside. However, it isn't long before Poirot convinces Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) that Chevenix was murdered because he was right handed and the gun was found clenched in his left hand. In addition, the mirror was out of the line of fire and the bullet is nowhere to be found. Poirot discovers that just about everybody had a motive for murder. They include Chevenix's adopted daughter, Ruth (played by Emma Fielding), who has secretly married John Lake (played by Richard Lintern), an architect who Chevenix had suspected of defrauding him over a non-existent development project. In addition, Chevenix wanted Ruth to marry his nephew Hugo Trent (played by Jeremy Northam), and threatened to cut them both out of his will if they did not do as he wished. Poirot, in his usual way, sets a trap for the killer...
Dead Man's Mirror, adapted from an Agatha Christie short story, measures up to the high standards of the other episodes in this marvellous series. As ever, production values are high and the screenplay by Anthony Horowitz plays fair with the audience piling on the red herrings and clues before neatly tying them all together for a satisfying denouement. The cast are impressive with Zena Walker shining as the murdered man's superstitious wife, Vanda, who is into ancient Egyptian mythology. She has a "spiritual guide" in the form of Safra who was a servant to an ancient god called Amenhotep. She tells Poirot that Safra had predicted death within the Chevenix household. Walker's dreamy performance, complemented by Christopher Gunning's incidental music and Norman Langley's photography give the proceedings a genuinely creepy atmosphere. Iain Cuthbertson is excellent as Chevenix while Fiona Walker also deserves praise as the latter's research assistant, Miss Lingard, who is more involved in the case than her job role would imply evoking a real depth of feeling. The very assured direction is by Brian Farnham who made several outstanding contributions to this series.
Poirot: The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb (1993)
Excellent, creepy adaptation of Christie's short story.
Eminent archaeologist Sir John Willard (played by Peter Reeves) dies of heart failure soon after opening the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Men-her-Ra. The world press whip up a story about a curse on the tomb that will bring death to those who disturbed the pharaoh's resting place. Two more members of the expedition team meet their deaths: Felix Bleibner (played by Bill Bailey) from blood poisoning and his nephew, Rupert (played by Paul Birchard), commits suicide in the belief that he had leprosy. Lady Willard (played by Anna Cropper) calls in Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) to solve the mystery since her son Sir Guy Willard (played by Grant Thatcher) is determined to fly to Egypt and continue his late father's work. As a result she believes that he too will die. Poirot and Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser) join the expedition team and arrive to be told that Henry Schneider (played by Oliver Pierre) has died as a result of tetanus poisoning; a fact confirmed by Dr Ames (played by Rolf Saxon). An Egyptian servant, Hassan, warns of evil being in the air and, that night, a sinister figure with the head of a dog: Anubis, the god of departing souls is spotted prowling around the camp site. After narrowly avoiding an attempt upon his own life, Poirot finally reveals the identity of a multiple murderer...
An excellent adaptation of Agatha Christie's short story from London Weekend Television who, without doubt, were among the best interpreters of her material. It has an authentic air of creepiness and the suggestion that a superstitious curse upon the troubled expedition team might be anything but superstition is well conveyed. This is achieved by Christopher Gunning's mood music, Norman Langley's photography and the use of close ups to highlight the sinister looking ancient Egyptian artefacts removed from the tomb - statues of ancient gods and animals - after each death. Captain Hastings is surprised to find that his old friend Poirot appears to be buying into the curse theory after Lady Willard apologises to him for being "very silly and superstitious". "I also believe in the force of superstition", he replies solemnly, "It is the greatest force the world has ever known". At the conclusion of the case, he presents his secretary Miss Lemon (played by Pauline Moran) with a statuette of a cat which he claims is from the tomb. She is mourning the death of he beloved pet cat, 'Catherine the Great', and he tells her to hold it in her hand when she is in bed at night and the spirit of her old friend will visit her. Hastings cannot believe he has convinced her to believe in all this "guff" and he replies "No, it is not guff my friend. It is the power of superstition which is very great indeed." In other words, it shows how a particularly devious murderer manipulated superstition around a mythical ancient Egyptian curse for his own ends and almost succeeded. The film is well directed by Peter Barber-Fleming and the acting is of a high standard throughout. Anna Cropper and Rolf Saxon are of exceptional note while Suchet remains the definitive Poirot. His regular co-stars Hugh Fraser and Pauline Moran are as impressive as ever.
Poirot: The Cornish Mystery (1990)
Excellent, well-acted and with a strong feeling for place and period.
Hercule Poirot is approached by a frightened middle-aged lady called Alice Pengelley (played by Amanda Walker) who lives in the Cornish village of Polgarwith. She suspects her husband, the local dentist Edward Pengelley (played by Jerome Willis), is trying to kill her by slow poisoning her with weed killer. She is taken ill after meals, although she is fine whenever he is away, and has spotted a half empty tin of the poison, which the gardener swears he hasn't used. Poirot and Captain Hastings agree to come down to Polgarwith on the following day, but when they arrive she is dead. Alice's maid is convinced that Edward is guilty since she claims to have caught him with the weed killer and how he was startled when she spotted him with it. Meanwhile, Alice's arrogant GP, Dr Adams (played by Derek Benfield), swears she was suffering from gastritis and will not be swayed from his original diagnosis. It transpires that Alice's niece, Freda (played by Chloe Salaman), is engaged to be married to the local gentleman's outfitter Jacob Radnor (played by John Bowler) and that she had quarrelled with her aunt because she had been infatuated with him herself. In addition, Alice's will leaves her £2000 to be held in trust until she is forty while her husband gets the residue of her estate estimated to be worth £20,000. Poirot and Hastings return to London. Hastings is convinced that Edward is guilty and will surely be arrested and charged with his wife's murder before long. Whilst Poirot concurs that Edward will soon be in the dock, he believes him to be innocent and that he and his friend will have to clear his name and find the real killer. Sure enough, Edward is promptly arrested and charged and Poirot and Hastings return to Cornwall but are none the wiser as to which dogged Yard man it is who thinks that he has an open and shut case this time. It is? Yes! Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson), of course...
All in all, The Cornish Mystery is another excellent addition to this acclaimed series. David Suchet, by now, had firmly established himself as the definitive Poirot effortlessly portraying his eccentricities and mannerisms. As ever he is complemented by the fine supporting performances of his co-stars, Hugh Fraser, Pauline Moran and Philip Jackson as his closest friends and associates Captain Hastings, Miss Lemon and the Scotland Yard man Chief Inspector Japp. In this instance, Hastings and Miss Lemon gently poke fun at Poirot's vanity whilst he insists that he is a man who is modest about his abilities as a detective. This is charming to watch as is Japp's belief that he is going to have a simple clear cut case this time until he is surprised to find that Poirot has been on to it the whole time. It certainly looks as though Edward Pengelley will be found guilty and sentenced to death as the trial is going firmly against him. Only, Poirot succeeds in trapping the real culprit by forcing him to sign a written confession in return for giving him a twenty-four hour head start to escape before he hands it over to the police. Hastings is flabbergasted, believing that his old friend has allowed sentiment to get the better of his judgement this time. Poirot replies that it is simply a case of realism since he has no hard evidence against this person. Naturally, Poirot has no intention of honouring such a bargain with a ruthless killer. And, in a hilarious finale, he hands the confession to the clerk at the court who then gets the trial adjourned whilst Japp, none the wiser, is rubbing his hands in glee in belief that he has got the right man this time. Then, as Poirot and Hastings are driven away to the train station, an astonished Police Constable runs over to hurriedly tell Japp what has happened. Naturally, he is left fuming that he has been proved wrong by his old friend yet again and must now launch a manhunt to bring the perpetrator to justice. The acting from the rest of the cast is truly superb too with John Bowler standing out as the young and somewhat untrustworthy Jacob Radnor whilst Chloe Salaman is noteworthy as Freda as are Jerome Willis as the framed man and Amanda Walker as his ill-fated wife. It is well directed by Edward Bennett, who made several excellent episodes for this series, and the costumes, lighting and settings all have precisely the right touch creating a strong sense of place and period.
Poirot: How Does Your Garden Grow? (1991)
Another winner.
1935: Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) attends the Chelsea Flower Show where he is excited to discover that a new rose is to be named after him. Here, he meets an elderly wheelchair bound lady called Amelia Barrowby (played by Margery Mason) who gives him an empty packet of garden seeds, which arouses the attention of the master sleuth. On returning to his apartment, Poirot opens his letters and finds that Amelia has written to him asking for his help because she believes her life to be in danger. Accompanied by his secretary Miss Lemon (played by Pauline Moran), Poirot goes to Amelia's Surrey cottage and discovers that she has been murdered, poisoned by strychnine. It transpires that she had left everything in her will to her loyal Russian maid Katrina Reiger (played by Catherine Russell) and, in consequence, she becomes Chief Inspector Japp's (played by Philip Jackson) prime murder suspect. Poirot, however, has his doubts. Amelia's untrustworthy only living relatives Mary and Henry Delafontaine (played by Anna Stallybrass and Tim Wylton) moved into her home as her carers in return for a roof over their heads. It turns out they had lost a lot of money on the stock exchange when the financial crash hit. Both make it clear that they dislike Katrina intensely. Could they be responsible for their aunt's death?
All in all, How Does Your Garden Grow? Is another first rate addition to this marvellous series. There is some charm and wit to be found where Poirot buys an expensive new aftershave to wear to the flower show and, at the same time, Captain Hastings (played as ever by Hugh Fraser) appears to be suffering from hay fever, which is unusual for him. Later on it turns out that he has been suffering from an allergic reaction to Poirot's aftershave! In addition, Hastings is left in charge of the office while Poirot and Miss Lemon go to Surrey to solve the case. A tradesman calls demanding payment of his outstanding account. Hastings, in searching for the invoice, pulls apart Miss Lemon's filing system which, of course, only she understands. On her return, she is furious. Not only for making a mess of her files, but because he paid off the tradesman in cash: "Never pay tradesmen in cash, otherwise they'll think your cheques are unreliable", she tells him sternly. It is here where, unwittingly, Miss Lemon and Hastings have provided Poirot with the final clue to unmasking Amelia's killer. As always the acting is of a very high standard: Catherine Russell evokes a real depth of feeling as the murdered woman's loyal Russian maid, Katrina, whom everyone assumes is a spy for the communist regime as well as believing her to be responsible for her mistress's death. But, in actual fact, it later transpires that she is from an aristocratic family who fled the country when Stalin came to power. Anne Stallybrass and Tim Wylton are also fine as Amelia's shifty sole surviving relatives who accuse Katrina of every crime going, but are less keen to admit that they were totally dependent on Amelia's money to survive. David Suchet, Hugh Fraser Philip Jackson and Pauline Moran all offer their usual excellent performances as Poirot, Hastings, Chief Inspector Japp and Miss Lemon providing the chemistry and wit for the show. Andrew Marshall's script is witty and artful in the way it lays on the clues and red herrings (a key to the mystery lies in the story's title which is taken from an old nursery rhyme), but playing fair with the audience before reaching a satisfactory denouement. The solid direction is by Brian Farnham who made several episodes for this series.
Poirot: The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1990)
Front rank British TV drama and a lasting tribute to one of the twentieth century's greatest crime writers.
World War One: Lieutenant Arthur Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser) is injured in action and goes to recuperate at the country estate Styles Court at the invitation of his old friend John Cavendish (played by David Rintoul). It immediately becomes clear that there is tension in the household. John's mother, Emily (played by Gillian Barge), has married a man twenty years her junior, Alfred Inglethorpe (played by Michael Cronin), whom he dislikes intensely since he believes that he is only after her money. That view is shared by many, not least by Mrs Inglethorpe's companion Evie Howard (played by Joanna McCallam) who leaves following a row in which she told her in no uncertain terms that Inglethorpe is a fortune hunter who would murder her as soon as look at her. Later that day an argument is overheard by the family members and the staff between Mrs Inglethorpe and, supposedly, Alfred over money and his seeing another woman. She is also clearly heard to say that she plans to disinherit him. However, Mrs Inglethorpe is taken seriously ill during the night and dies. The doctor says that the cause of her death was Strychnine poisoning and therefore she has been murdered. Hastings calls in his old friend, the eccentric but highly intelligent Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) who happens to be staying in the village as a result of his being in England as a wartime refugee. Initially, Inglethorpe is the chief suspect but Poirot succeeds in persuading Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) of the Yard not to arrest him since he has an unshakable alibi after he refuses to account for his whereabouts himself. When John Cavendish is arrested and put on trial for his mother's murder at the Old Bailey following the discovery of poison in his room, Poirot, aided by Hastings, sets out to exonerate him and in so doing unmasks a particularly clever murderer.
This feature length special from the second season of ITV's acclaimed series was transmitted to mark the centenary of Agatha Christie's birth in 1990. This is front rank British TV drama that remains a fitting tribute to one of the twentieth century's most celebrated crime writers even after more than thirty years since it was first broadcast. David Suchet is quite simply the definitive Poirot who neatly captures all the mannerisms and eccentricities of the character such as his sense of order and method. Here, he admits that he cannot take to British pubs due to the bottles and glasses all being of different sizes. There is also a memorable scene at the village stores where he suggests to a somewhat puzzled and amused shopkeeper that she arrange all of the goods in her shop in order of their country of origin so she could find them more easily. She replies that she can find everything easily enough already and that as far as she is concerned everything comes from the local wholesaler. The acting, as a whole, is superb with Michael Cronin shining as the smooth talking but somewhat shifty Alfred Inglethorpe. Joanna McCallam is excellent as the loyal (or is she?) companion as is David Rintoul as the son framed for his mother's murder. Hugh Fraser and Philip Jackson offer their usual excellent support as Poirot's closest friends and associates, Lieutenant Hastings and Chief Inspector Japp, who complement Suchet's superb portrayal in that they have a tremendous affection for him and admire his tremendous talents even though they don't always understand his ways. The film has a strong feeling for place and period, which heightens the mystery aspects of the plot. The attention to detail is incredible, including the vintage cars and the hand cranked silent movie projector used to show a newsreel to injured troops at an army nursing home. The excellent direction is by Ross Devenish and all other technical aspects are of a high standard too.
Poirot: The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge (1991)
First rate addition to ITV's celebrated series.
Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) accompanies his close friend Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser) to a grouse shoot on a Yorkshire moor owned by tycoon Harrington Pace (played by Bernard Horsfall). When Pace is murdered at his hunting lodge by a mysterious bearded stranger, Poirot gets Hastings to the leg work on the case for him since he has gone down with a bad case of the flu and is confined to his bed. Hastings discovers that Pace was a ruthless and unpleasant man who had cheated his business partner in County Mayo, Ireland, several years before and ruined him. He now uses his wealth to control his family, including employing his unacknowledged half-brother Jack Stoddard (played by Roy Boyd) as his gamekeeper, but would not give him the money he required to purchase his house and get married. His nephews, Roger Havering (played by Jim Norton), who has heavy gambling debts, was kept dangling on a string by assurances of wealth to come whilst Archie Havering (played by Shaughan Seymour) was employed as his estate manager without pay but with promises of a legacy. Meanwhile, the housekeeper, a rather mysterious Irish lady called Mrs Middleton has disappeared. Along with Roger's wife, Zoe (played by Diana Kent), she is the only person to have seen Pace's killer. This prompts Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) to put finding her as a top priority. However, Poirot, who by now has recovered enough to relieve Hastings of his duties, believes that it would be far more beneficial to find the bicycle of local railway Stationmaster Mr. Anstruther (played by Arthur Whybrow), which was stolen on the night of the murder by a man answering the description of the killer after alighting from a train. On the night in question, Roger had caught that same train from the previous station to London where he had spent the night and, seemingly, has a watertight alibi. But, when he refuses to reveal his whereabouts there on that night, Poirot and Japp are forced to suspect that he could have alighted from the train in disguise, stole the bike and rode to the lodge where he then killed his uncle. Is this indeed what happened? And just who and where is the elusive Mrs Middleton? Is there a connection between her and Pace's former business partner in Ireland? Did they plan to exact revenge on the man who ruined him before disappearing from the face of the Earth?
Another first-rate addition to ITV's celebrated series with David Suchet once again demonstrating that he is the screen's definitive Poirot. Although he is confined to his bed as a result of having flu, he still manages to keep one step ahead of Hastings even though he is the one who has had the opportunity to interview all the suspects this time around whereas he has not. There is some charming wit in TR Bowen's screenplay too. Poirot agreed to accompany his friend to the shoot because he wanted him to acquire the necessary gamebirds for a gourmet dish he was looking forward to trying out. But, after he went down with the flu, he was left disappointed since he lost his appetite and it had to be fed to the hotel's cat. Bowen did a good job in expanding Agatha Christie's short story from Poirot Investigates, which was necessary because it was too slight to stand on its own. There are numerous characters and situations added, but never does it give the impression of feeling padded and everything is in the spirit of a period Christie whodunit. As ever the acting is truly superb. Aside from Suchet, Fraser and Jackson who all offer their usual excellent performances, the entire supporting cast does fine work. Jim Norton is excellent as the murdered man's nephew and chief suspect in the case, Roger Havering, and Diana Kent scores as his loyal wife Zoe. Arthur Whybrow is also noteworthy in a comedy relief role as the Stationmaster, Mr. Anstruther, who shows little gratitude after Poirot recovers his treasured bicycle for him. The film benefits from a rich period atmosphere and the snow-covered Yorkshire moorland locations add a sense of mystery and menace to the proceedings complemented by Christopher Gunning's mood music. The very able direction is by Renny Rye who directed several episodes for this series.